One of my favourite shopping destinations is Malaysia. Not only do they sponsor incredible sales twice a year in Kuala Lumpur and Penang, even the normal prices outside of the sales are reasonable. In Kuala Lumpur I always stay at the Royale Bintang, a stylish, yet reasonable 4 star hotel on the main strip, Bukit Bintang. It is right in the heart of the shopping and dining area and I love that I am able to walk everywhere. I always enjoy spending time in the many shopping malls that proliferate; most major worldwide brand name stores are represented. But it is the local designers and markets that fuel my search for inspiration.

Kuala Lumpur's most renowned local designer is Zang Toi. He is based in NYC and is a fixture on the world wide fashion radar, but it is his boutique in Lot 10 that makes my pulse race. Be prepared for drop dead glamour when you enter; beautiful chandeliers illuminate his lavish and feminine couture designs with rich, vibrant colours and opulent fabrics. His custom designs may break the bank, but the boutique also offers off the rack pieces, jackets, dresses and basic shirts, ranging from about $50-$300 US.

For rock bottom bargains, no place is better than Chinatown. I love to visit the jumbled, chaotic area at night, when it really comes alive with food stalls and visitors from every part of the globe. When scouring the treasure trove of items on offer, I steer clear of obviously ill-made fake designer bags and concentrate on small purses with Chinese flavour in brilliant reds and golds (smaller is usually better when buying cheaply-crafted bags).

Also avoid the inexpensive cheongsams that are ubiquitous. It is much better to have these feminine Chinese column dresses made by a local dressmaker to fit your every curve perfectly. And make sure to stock up on super cool fitted tees with Chinese characters on the front - find out what the character means from one of the local people, so that you don't end up embarrassing yourself.

Little India is the place to go when looking for brightly-coloured, richly-textured saris and intricate costume jewellery such as earrings and bangles. If you are not of Indian descent, I would not recommend going for a head to toe ensemble as you may end up a fashion victim instead of fashionista. The better choice is a beautiful sari that can be used as a beach sarong or evening wrap; make certain to check that all edges are finished well otherwise they can unravel in a most unattractive fashion. Another must-have is a cotton or linen tunic with beading or embroidery about the neckline and/or cuffs; ensure that any beading or embroidery is sewn securely. Stay away from polyester fabrics as they have a tendency to look shiny and cheap.

The Chatuchak Weekend Market in Bangkok is one of the largest outdoor markets in the world. There are approximately 15,000 stalls on 35 acres of land. Trolling for fashion finds in this labyrinth is not for the faint of heart; only bonafide bargain-hunters need apply. When I plan a trip to this shopper's paradise, I book the elegant Landmark Hotel in the Sukhumvit area. It offers 5 star comforts and luxury at 4 star hotel prices, and best of all, it is located minutes from a BTS Sky Train station; the only way to move around traffic-clogged Bangkok.

Mo Chit is the Sky Train station to get off at for the Chatuchak Weekend Market; exit the station and follow the hundreds of supplicants heading for this mammoth temple of materialism. There are maps that are rumoured to exist for the market, but your best bet is to wander down the alleyways and browse-if you see something you can't live without, buy it immediately as you will never find your way back through the maze.

This is your chance to acquire great swathes of lovely Thai silk in all the jewelled colours of the rainbow. Depending on the weight and thickness of the fabric, it can be used in many different ways: as a gorgeous tablecloth, a scarf/wrap, or wonderful sarong/skirt. As a sarong or skirt, pairing it with a simple shirt or blouse will ensure that it is chic and modern. Instead of using a boring headband in your hair, use one of the colourful Thai silk scarves to pull your hair back. Accessories are also a fantastic bargain-purchase inexpensive versions of the latest trends such as jewelled brooches, large silk flowers that can be pinned on a jacket and beaded hair ornaments.

You will find denim in great abundance at Chatuchak Weekend Market. From smart jackets to super low rider jeans, there are numerous options inspired by the latest designer fashions. However, beware that larger sizes for Western figures are not readily available. If you usually buy jeans in a size larger than a 38 or 40, you will be hard-pressed to find much in the way of pants as they typically cater for the young Thai audience. But you may be able to add a nice fitted denim jacket to your wardrobe.

The Far East-inspired fashion trend shows no sign of stopping; but if you don't have designer duds money, use key elements that you can find in the markets of Asia and use them to complement and update your wardrobe. Happy Shopping!