Bag ladies

MANILA, Philippines - Style is in constant evolution. In order to be trendy, hip and fashionable (not to mention find a look that best showcases a distinct personality and lifestyle), people constantly look for inspiration from movies, art, nature, architecture, and many other things besides. Aside from the new and modern, every stylist and designer knows first and foremost the value of influences from the past. Fashion, while constantly evolving, is at the same time always looking back. Modern looks can almost always be traced back to the Flower Power style of the ‘60s, or the understated elegance of the ‘40s, or the throwback grunge revolution of the ‘90s, and everything between.

The reinterpretation of trends is a mainstay of modern fashion and now, more than ever, the market is catering to this influence. Vintage stores are popping up left and right, making it possible to find that perfect leather jacket (reminiscent of Sandy in Grease), a beret à la Bonnie and Clyde, a mod ‘60s trapeze dress like Edie Sedgwick wore, or, if you’re really lucky, a dress with a full-lace bodice dress that could’ve been worn by Grace Kelly herself.

Almost famous: Keep your body warm and the rest of you effortlessly cool with a faux fur vest

Looking For Lola

With a keen eye for mixing and matching vintage pieces with the modern in their own personal styles, the owners of Looking for Lola are constantly on the lookout for the best prints and fabrics when thrift shopping. Their store features a selection of the best tailored-to-fit vintage finds including ‘80s printed blazers, high-waisted poodle skirts and redesigned granny dresses, mixed with trinkets found at international markets like the Portobello in London.

Facebook.com/lookingforlola

3rd floor Rodil bldg. 326 capt. Henry Javier st. Pasig

Anouck Clothing

Silk oversized blouses, long skirts and slim silhouettes, Anouck clothing finds vintage pieces that already have that casual cool California vibe. Focusing on figure flattering vintage basics with an understated sex appeal, Anouck is ukay without the hassle of digging. These pre-selected vintage finds in only the best fabric, cut and color are in perfect condition and can easily slip into any closet.

Beatnik: Wearing a breezy trapeze top with a floral head scarf means summer all year long

anouckclothing.multiply.com

Hive

Hidden on the second floor of the hipster mecca more commonly known as Cubao X, Hive is a small, eclectic vintage store that caters to both men and women. With wall-to-wall treasures from every era, real vintage gramophones and vinyl record players fight for space with old suitcases, paisley jersey button-downs and spectacles that may have belonged to your grandfather.

2nd level above Sputnik Comic shop, Cubao Expo

Anonas

Stillwater: A loose dress in a vintage print can be easily updated by cinching the waist with an old leather belt.

A multiple-level thrift shopper’s dream, the Anonas complex consists of side-by-side ukay-ukays with a mix of used bags, shoes and everything from vintage swimsuits to old stuffed toys. While the stuffy atmosphere may deter you from really digging in, the more hardworking enthusiast can scour the racks in the hopes of finding some true gems like vintage Balenciaga belts, silk handkerchiefs and BCBG trapeze tops.

Location: Adjacent to Anonas train stop on the LRT

Baguio Ukay Awesomeness

Yes, it’s better known for raisin bread and strawberry jam, but all that takes a backseat in the eyes of the fashion obsessed. Famed for its numerous ukay-ukays scattered all over the city, Baguio has the best selection of leather jackets, racks upon racks of winter coats and denim jeans, and (the best thing ever) P10 bins which, with a bit of digging, can unearth vintage Led Zeppelin concert shirts and Alexander McQueen tops.

Everywhere in Baguio

Penny Lane

Rolling stone: Use a silk scarf in a rock-and-roll way by creating a one-of-a-kind backless halter top.

Considered perhaps one of the more influential eras of fashion, the ‘70s left a lasting impression with its carefree outlook and a spirit that constantly channeled an endless summer of peace, love and rock ‘n’ roll. Bell-bottom jeans, floral prints, tie-dye and some fur never fails to add an Almost Famous vibe to any outfit. Using purely vintage and ukay pieces, you can recreate the iconic look of Penny Lane by incorporating key items and a little rock ‘n’ roll personality to your everyday look.