THE HEAT IS ON! And to welcome summer is a post I am bringing up again on this blog for you, guys: Ukay-ukay Summer OOTD. Do you kind of wonder why? It’s simply because the activity that we did for this was so much fun. Actually, It's an activity that you can do all year round, but because the theme for this particular blog post is so “summery”, I just thought this one should come back to life.

Ukay-ukay Summer OOTD

UKAY-UKAY! Sounds familiar, ey? If you are Pinoy, there is no way this word does not ring a bell to you, and if it does not, poor you (no matter how much wealth  you do have in this world).

Ukay-ukay or thrift shops are found anywhere in the Philippines- from stylish outfit to branded clothing, sometimes, bags; shoes; hats and really, there’s more to mention, there are just different emotions you get to discover when thrift shopping. In my case, I, most of the time find bliss for the reason that I get to save a lot of $$ in every thrift shopping and styling. On the other hand, I, sometimes get frustrated because, I end-up finding nothing at all for me, even a single piece of garment which is a total waste of my time, but see, I can never let go of thrift shopping, because it’s a happy thing to do especially when you’re with friends.

Ukay-ukay Summer OOTD

I love how ukay-ukay evolve over the years. Now, there are a lot of thrift shops that give a new definition to ukay-ukay. Instead of literally digging a bed of mixed clothing, there are now shops that offer convenience- air conditioned shop, hanged clothes, text service, etc. And people (including me) would go gaga for it because, convenience…

I know the fun we get out of thrift shop haul and I know most of you love it, too, but sometimes,  it can get us overwhelmed and we tend to forget things we should consider while shopping at our favourite ukay store.

Ukay-ukay Summer OOTD

On this post, I am collaborating with my buddy to almost anything and everything, Rianne who also loves to style, take photos (ahh, I won’t mention further the things we have in common) and we are showing you how we fair with our ukay-ukay haul, but before that, take a look and read below some friendly reminders to keep when going to an ukay trip. You can call it basic Ukay-ukay etiquette or whatever, but please find this use post useful and entertaining:

Ukay-ukay Summer OOTD

• BUDGET. Allow a certain budget for your ukay-ukay shopping + a little extra. Ukay-ukay stores are full of surprises- you will never know what’s in store for you. But don’t go way beyond your budget, always stick  to your plan. Don’t go there under budget neither, you might go out from the thrift store frustrated.
• SHOP with CONVENIENCE. If you don’t like finding yourself digging into ukay-ukay and smell all the chemical they put on the garments, look for UK (ukay-ukay) stores that hang their displays- it’s easier and more comfortable.
• GET INFORMED. There are UK stores that schedule a SALE for their garments and inform their patrons and customers through SMS. Take great advantage of up to 20php per garment, on sale. How? When you shop, do not forget to write down your mobile number on their contact list right before leaving so, whenever they have sale or promo, they will SMS you.
• BE WISE. When you shop in a UK store on a “New Arrival” schedule, choose the finest garments, or maybe go for the branded ones.
• RESPECT and FOLLOW. When you shop, especially when fitting garments, always wait for your turn. Follow house rules- that’s basic etiquette.
• I know, sometimes, shopping can be too overwhelming, but always, do not leave your valuables unattended.
• HEALTH and SANITATION. Most of the UK stores are accompanied with millions of tiny dusts. If you are allergic to it, bring with you your surgical mask. If you are allergic to dusts, take antihistamine if needed or as prescribed. Bring some wet wipes and alcohol to dust off after shopping. Take a shower once you get home and once well-rested.
• Of course, last but not least, ask for discount especially in big ukay-ukay stores, especially if you shop a lot. If they don't give out, good, if they do, better!

The Result:

Since I and Rianne are both learning photography, we agreed for a date of our OOTD photoshoot. We are happily taking our turn as model-photographer-photographer-model-repeat, sporting our outfit form the ukay-ukay stores of Cebu.

Meet my model, Rianne of www.purplelide.com on her boho-inspired summer look.

Meet Kiat Cebu on his “Mix n’ Match Summer”. Plaid polo, Nike tank top, and striped casual pirate capri shorts are all from ukay-ukay. Note: Accessories, shoes, sandals courtesy of the models.

xxx