Black Pagoda's night dedicated to the best of house music debuts at its new home, Studio Lam, with tracks from DJ Commondore.

It’s high noon on Silom and the shirts tucked into tight pants are walking alongside the skirts with frilly tops. While the herd has a quick khao gaeng before heading back to their computers in the surrounding towers, some may prefer to wander off the beaten track and into the market on Soi Saladaeng. Here’s what you can find there—not just great food, but all kinds of things.

Talad Saladaeng (Saladaeng Soi 1 [Soi Yommarat]. Open Mon-Fri, 9am-2pm) sits in the middle of the soi that shares its name, in stark contrast with the expensive European restaurants that surround it (Indigo, Aubergine, Zanotti, etc.). Don’t let its petite size fool you; this market may only be a tiny fraction of the size of Bangkok’s mega JJ, but it packS some real hot goods.

One great thing about Talad Saladaeng is that it’s shaded by big tarps. Coming in from the street where the midday sun blasts its evil rays, you’ll be temporarily blinded. Gradually, stalls and tables of near-identical female office worker outfits will emerge from the shadows. Skip them, and get some flowers for your office crush at Krua Dok Mai (02-266-5840. Open Sun-Fri 7am-7pm). Encased in an air-conditioned room, the florist prepares anything you’d like, from funeral wreaths to birthday bouquets (B500 and up).

Aside from the cubicle clone attire, shoes are big favorites here. First-hand pairs at the shoe stall (08-6633-8336) next to the florist are priced B180-350—much cheaper than at the big malls or even some markets. If no-name items aren’t your thing, go have a look at Lek (02-636-3954, 087-919-9499). Here, second-hand brand-name purses and clutches range from B1,500 to a staggering B40,000. The owner promises they are all genuine, as the prices suggest, but have a little age and dirt on them that justify the huge discounts.

For fashion, it’s all very girly, though office appropriate. We like the female pants stall (02-9166-9042) where B199 gets you a killer executive women look. Your office is a little chilly these days? Bring back one of these wool sweaters (B200-280, 08-6377-6155). Apart from that, we dig the cheap-o Top shop (08-6370-9584). Under a gigantic “B50” sign, t-shirts and tank tops are available in many colors, sizes and styles. You might want to buy in bulk though, as after few washes the only thing they’ll fit might be your Chihuahua.

Speaking of Chihuahuas, who would have thought these markets cater to your critters also. In the middle of the talad is a giant table full of snacks (B5-150) for your pooches (let’s hope they’re not from China) and canned fish for the kitties. Dog Corner (081-371-9987. Open Tue-Thu 9am-2pm) is a strange sight but it’s got it all: leashes, pet fashion, anti-flea shampoos and grooming accessories. If you are afraid that your dog might out-bling you, get a pair of glam earrings (B20, B50 for 3) or a necklace (B150) from the accessory table neighboring the pet shop (08-1345-1331).

After all this shopping, make everyone forget you’re back from lunch one hour later than usual by dumping some freshly made B7-20 buns, tarts, and Thai sweets from PPP Bakery (02-650-7829, 02-255-598) onto everyone’s desk. There, you’re the most popular guy/girl in the office!