THRIFT SHOP: AWAKENING CREATIVE FASHION STYLE
We introduce ourselves through fashion. We express ourselves through a piece of cloth and accessory. The role of these fashionable outfits is to represent what we truly are. The most influential fashion icon I know is Rihanna. She does not only convey her emotions through music but also in fashion. Rihanna knows how to create fashion trends—color schemes, fabric texture, attire designs and details and whatnot are the fashion elements she considered to stand out from the crowd.
Pinterest provides fashion trends and ideas. This visual platform gives pinners engaging and fun contents that are effective in finding their styles. People often wonder “That is dashing, however, it seems pricey. I have no clothes similar in this style. How on earth I can afford another looking expensive clothes?” Well, there is a place where you can choose affordable secondhand clothes called Thrift shop. In Philippines, Thrift shop is Ukay-ukay. The shop is renowned as it offers numerous eye-catching t-shirts, sweaters, jackets, coats, jeans, socks, shorts, tracksuits, vests, pajamas, shoes, boots, raincoats, tanktops, swimsuits, skirts, dresses, heels, blouses, bras, panties, stockings, suits, shirts, ties, bow-ties, briefs, sun hats, wool hats, scarfs, glasses, sunglasses, bagpacks, bags, earrings, bracelets, belts, handkerchiefs, necklaces, purses, wallets, hats, caps, rings, watches, and shawls.
People see Thrift shop as their own walk-in closets. Shoppers often visit the shop to find attires according to events, they select matching outfits to compliment the events they are attending—may it be conferences, birthday parties, job interviews, seminars and such.
These shoppers as fashion icons post astounding collection of their fashion style in the famous social network platform called Instagram. Posts have filters to tone with the choice of their clothing style. Thrift shops items being appreciated as these boost one’s confidence through styling. Furthermore, people get to create their own arts that are exhibited through different online platforms to inspire eyewitnesses to dress without any doubt and to enhance self-esteem.
Thrift shop or Ukay-ukay is like a Dress Portal that bring out magic to people—it awakens creative fashion style in them.
The shop does not only sell fashionable clothes but also provide good service. Here are the reasons on why I think Ukay-ukay retains customers:
· The products are affordable. Shoppers enjoy shopping experience as they don’t only get to save money but also able to shop as many as they want.
· Secondhand clothes have good qualities. Some of these look new. Items have no scratches, stains, and branded.
· Clothes are stored, arranged, and organized according to its category. This helps shoppers to save their time from choosing items.
· Staff members are nice, accommodating, and respectful. They are like your friends helping you to choose the best attire you could wear.
An individual stands in the spotlight presenting the character s/he is. An individual walks in the runaway stage expressing his/her emotion. And that very night, the individual killed the fashion show. The individual is you, stepping out from Thrift shop’s fitting room—seizing, feeling, and enjoying the moment.