^ and consider that your introduction to ukay ukay!
i didn't even know the practice was illegal, until i saw this video pop up... which is a shame, because ukay ukayβor the practice of "digging through clothes", as it came from the filipino word "hukay"βis actually a huge part of filipino culture. especially for those in the lower classes, ukay ukay was a way to get unique clothes for a very cheap price. in some stores, lots of high quality pieces can go for low as less than a us dollar!! it's an accessible way for people to get a necessity, to clothe themselves in comfort without sacrificing too much.
it's illegal, yes, but there are actually a lot of ukay ukay stores in opperation. since it is so ingrained in filipino life, i don't think i've heard anyone get arrested for it.
but i suppose the downside of its status against the law, those whose livelihoods get destroyed in disasters, fire, or even have their goods stolen... there's no way for them to get the help they deserve. and do know that ukay ukay vendors are usually just ordinary filipinos too, trying to make a living in an already shitty economy.
this topic came to mind when i had that dream a few days ago... turns out, journaling my dreams gives me inspiration!! today i cleared out lots of old clothes that no longer fit. i plan to donate them. and i also plan on going thrifting really soon! i just have more to clear out, as i've been,, hoarding clothes since junior high,, but in my defense, we didn't have much either. i had to rely on hand me downs, and now is the first time i'll be able to buy clothes that are.. me!! that reflect me!! of course, i also kept a good chunk of my older wardrobe. i plan not to get sucked into so much consumption. really appreciate what i have.
if you're curious, i'm now on the hunt for more shirts! graphic tops, since i've always been stuck with plain ones that fit me a little too awkwardly. oh, i want to have more maxi/midi skirts too!! i only really have one, but they're really comfy in the case that i'm too lazy to wear pants on the day. i don't have my own "style"... kids these days (ok i am 23 years young i am not TOO different) do like to gravitate towards certain aesthetics. but i barely keep up with what's hip anyway... i'm just excited to pick out clothes that make me happy!! if they look a little odd to most, then who cares, you know :) haha
i've found an old mall near where i live, that is known for being the oldest mall in the city AND their ukay ukay stores. i'm so excited to go!!
OH!! if you saw the dream entry on clothes and thrifting, you might catch me talk about a colorful jacket that i've "lost" some months ago... turns out, it was buried and wedged under two clothes i barely use!! gosh, i feel like an idiot now... but hooray!!
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oh, you might also enjoy this other video on personal style! it's super interesting, talking about how fashion and its meaning/sentimentality has been warped by the tiktok fast fashion scene, trends changing in the blink of an eye, the younger generation struggling to form an identity.
"the death of personal style." Mina Le (YT).
fashion, ukay ukay (or "thrifting" in the ph)
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βοΈ: angelais@protonmail.com