As a Style & Image Strategist, every time I visit my hometown, I love exploring what the local stores have to offer: the styles, the silhouettes, the colors.

I also enjoy discovering new brands and doing some shopping, of course! After all, when I bring interesting pieces back from Brazil, people always ask where I found them. Sometimes they get disappointed when I say "at a store in Rio de Janeiro."

Here are some brands I discovered recently in Rio that are worth knowing about:

PH Praia

This is a swimwear brand with everything made right here in the state of Rio de Janeiro. They have so many options - bikinis, one-pieces, and cover-ups - all very comfortable and well-priced. I own a couple of pieces from them, and I have to say that this year alone, I was stopped twice during my travels by women asking where I bought my swimwear. That says something!

Zâmbia Jewelry

Brazilians love their jewelry, and Zâmbia creates the most beautiful statement pieces. Many of their designs mix silver and gold with natural stones, which creates such unique looks. The owner, Vivian, is absolutely lovely and makes the shopping experience even better.

Ana Barcala

A friend told me about this store, and I'm so glad she did! It's somewhat hidden in Ipanema - I probably would have never found it on my own. The moment I walked in, I fell in love with their style: modern, minimalist, clean lines, well-made pieces, and reasonable prices for the quality you get. No fuss, just beautiful clothes.

Palha Nordestina

Beautiful straw bags crafted by a community in Northeastern Brazil. These are skilled artisans who have the opportunity to work with a brand that guides and values their work. I bought a bag there last year, and this time I bought one for a client who loves mine. It's wonderful to support such meaningful craftsmanship.

Peça Rara

This is a secondhand shop with different locations around the city. This particular one was new for me - I was lucky to have one just across the street from my Airbnb! Very organized, with pieces in excellent to pristine condition. I found some items there that I absolutely loved, and I'll create a post about them in the Fall since one is a cardigan, another is a duster coat, and there's also a belt.

What about you? Do you enjoy exploring local stores when you travel? I'd love to hear about your discoveries!

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Hi, I’m Marcia Crivorot, a Personal Stylist based in NY. Once a month, I send newsletters featuring style tips, recommended brands, and a shopping guide. Unlock previous editions of my newsletters and receive my emails firsthand by subscribing.

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Disclosure: Remember that I link products and companies based on their quality, my personal opinion, my experience, and my professional expertise. Some of the links in my posts are affiliate links, and if you go through them to make a purchase, I will earn a small commission. The decision is yours, and whether or not you buy something is entirely up to you.