Who doesn’t like to chill out at a small, cute café. In fact, for all the mushrooming of Starbucks and True coffee all over the city in recent years, we’ve also been seeing a lot of smaller coffee places opening up, many distinguishing themselves by selling fashion items to go with your coffee and snacks.

Nusara Chankaew, co-owner of 9cafe-closet, says, “At first we just wanted to have a place where we could gather, chat and chill out. But then the ideas got bigger. I love bakeries while my friends love fashion so we decided to combine the two.”

An online retailer of brand name bags, Sirima Kijpermpool, also known as Sophia, came up with a similar idea, which culminated in her four-month-old coffee shop which displays and sells brand name accessories. “I have always been passionate about brand name bags and I’d always thought of opening this type of cafe. When I actually saw one in Singapore, it confirmed that I should build one of my own here,” explains Sophia. “It’s a place where my customers can sit back and relax while also enjoying a conversation about brand name products over cups of coffee and tasty desserts.”
But FABB Fashion café, once a buzzing place, finally closed down after few years. Could this be a repeat of the internet café trend? “I don’t know how long it will last, but I just do my best to carry it on,” says Sophia.

9cafe-closet

1749/1, Town in Town 3/1, Ladprao Soi 94, 02-530-8233.
Open daily 10am-10pm. www.9cafecloset.com
A cute, hodge-podge concept combining Thai dishes, creamy desserts, coffee, and of course, fashion. You can either choose to chill with your friends inside, or have a seat outdoors for a romantic dinner with your date. But don’t miss checking out their collection of fashion items ranging from the princess blouses and skirts, to sharp cut pants and dresses imported from abroad, as well as exclusive and trendy designs by one of the co-owners. Prices start from B300-400.

Sophia Sweet Café

29-100, RCA, Rama 9 Rd., 084-421-6776. Open Mon-Fri 7.30am-8pm, Sat-Sun 10.30 am-7.30pm. www.sophia-brandname.com
If you happen to have an eye for glossy handbags, yearnings for both chic and cozy and a taste for coffee with low-fat ice cream, and homemade desserts, consider stopping by here after work. Apart from the free Wi-Fi, bag-obsessed ladies can also share their fondness for high-end handbags with like-minded fashionistas.

Montra Café

56 Yada Bldg. 1/F, Silom Rd., Suriyawongse, Bangrak,
089-483-0859, 087-681-9051, 02-662-6196.
Open daily 7am-11pm. www.montrajewelry.com
Two sisters, a baker and a jewelry designer are behind this cozy café bathed in mysterious purple, offering office workers around Silom good coffee, baked goods and a spot of lunchtime accessories shopping.

It’s Happened to be a Closet

2/F, Emporium, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-664-7211. Open Daily 10am-10pm. http://itshappenedtobeacloset.wordpress.com
The shop started small, ages ago, in Siam Square Soi 4, and has expanded its branches over the past few years, both here and abroad. The Emporium one has an charming café setting at the front and a dining area that gives an open kitchen atmosphere. The inside packs a variety of colorful clothes cluttered around the shop. All the garments are unique designs, and mostly inspired by a sense of vintage without any overtly trendy influences. The place also offers also lots of other, services like nail manicure, hairdressing, and foot massage. For more privacy, book their private room and you’ll be able to dine away from the Emporium foot traffic.