How to score in an ukay-ukay: Recessionistas' insider tips
Stylist Leona Lavina-Panutat shows off her ukay finds. Top: Skirts at 3 for P100 at Pennywise Trading ukay choices at ECEP Dry Goods Store.
Center: Fabulous finds at Pennywise Trading and a Moschino cheap and chic jacket at P65.
Lower bottom: Reworked vintage dress leather jacket at P 90, Green military cropped cardigan for P60.
Now that fashionistas are finding it hard to satiate their fashion urges, Manila has the best remedy: the ukay-ukay. Around for at least a decade, the ukay-ukay is not exactly a secret. Tucked inside Manila's alleys and holes-in-the-wall, one needs to scour the streets and find the perfect ukay—“every store houses different brands (sometimes original, most of the time, not) and styles. The most addicting thing about them? You rarely get the same thing twice!
Gone are the days when second-hand shopping was a no-no. Today, not only is it acceptable but anyone who has fashion cred has done it at least once. Fashionistas now get a bigger thrill in unearthing something fabulous for next to nothing than by buying the latest "it" thing. Finding something to-die-for amidst racks and racks of clothes is not an easy feat. Here's SPOT's 12-Step Battle Plan:
1. Research. Master the trends before embarking on your battle, so you can keep an eye out for certain colors, prints, cuts and fabrics and ignore what's blah. But also keep in mind that classics never go out of style.
2. Dress down and dress tight. No dressing room? No problem. Wear something you can slip on and off without exposing yourself. Layer an oversized tank over a tight one, and wear leggings and sneakers so you can try on the clothes on the spot.
3. Look poor. Seeing that the customer is well-dressed, salespeople can hike up the price pronto. Look casual and discreet—“most ukays are in dodgy locations so it's best to blend with the crowd.
4. Bring barya. You can't exactly haggle if you're carrying money in P500 and P1000 denominations.
5. Haggle-frock. Haggle for half the price and meet halfway with the seller. Accumulate purchases and ask for additional items for free.
6. Ditch the handbag. Go hands-free—“an oversized sling bag is perfect. Not only can you put your other purchases inside but it also lets you scour the racks with ease.
7. Be greedy. Never put an item down unless you're sure you aren't going to get it. Remember that these pieces are one of a kind and that another customer may be eyeing your choices and is just waiting for you to put it back. And finally, learn how to edit.
8. Caveat emptor: It's understood that once you purchase something, you take everything that comes with it: stains, smells and snags. So, check the underarm areas. If it's overly-stained, dump it. Underarms are very sensitive parts and stains only mean that the previous owner did sweat on it profusely and the bacteria from it will never go away.
9. Discriminate: Stay away from bathing suits, always wear socks for shoes and always check for holes and stains.
10. Before you buy: Ask: Am I just caught up in the thrill of the low price? Do really I love it? Will I actually wear it? If the answer is no, then it's just a waste of money.
11. Before you say bye: Tell the store you'll be back soon and that particular branch is your favorite bargain depot. Befriend that staff and get the number so they'll alert you for the next batch of new arrivals or even better, you get first dibs on the biggest sales.
12. After you buy: Rinse clothing in vinegar (known to eliminate germs) and wash it off. Another option is to slightly boil it to kill bacteria. Research on fabric care and handling so you don't ruin your most-coveted bargain discovery!
Folks, just make sure you follow this tips so you will be contended and happy for what you got!!!!!!!!wooohh!!!! my Ukay Ukay is one of my unforgettable adventure! And also it's more favorable for someone like me that so poor. Being a "Isang kahig, Isang tuka was very difficult to find branded clothes that cost only for 500php or less. Just a piece of advice for some like me, just try Uk and you will never regret it!!
