I was one. I was stupid.

All this freaking time, I always thought of Naraya as a brand only Japanese grandmothers could love–Fabric bags with floral prints, maroon colored cloths, nappy-bag shaped totes and motherly wears and gears. My grandma’s collection also didn’t make a good impression on me with all the old people colors and prints that she picked.

After being stuck in a Sukhumvit traffic jam near the shop, I had time to peek inside the store. And instead of the usual housewifey designs, I saw navy stripes, polka dots, Chanel-esque quilted black and white totes and more. All this time I had been going to the Emporium, I never once set foot into the small Naraya shop at the corner of Soi 24 until today.

This has to be one of the most “duh” moments in my entire life as everyone around me seems to have already been aware of its greatness. Everything is super cheap. I bought a quilted tote about A3 size, a makeup bag with mirror, a tissue paper case and a card holder–all under B500. That makeup pouch alone is only B50. FIFTY! Anything similar to this sold in the malls or even Jatujak would send you back at least B200.

The website really doesn’t do its products justice; it’s only further emphasizing on its housewife image with all those pink roses and butterfly prints and all.

I’m so going back to bag all of its houndstooth and polka dot collection.