All sorts of budol are found in every corner of the world these days, but these pieces from small local brands are totally worth the buy.
Related: 3 Local Sustainable Fashion Brands Founded by Young Women
Balancing being a responsible spender and someone who just wants a little treat every now and then can be a difficult task. The world today really does just whisper “buy, buy, buy” in our ears 24/7. You don’t have to buy everything you see that’s trendy or cute, but if you have the urge to shop, we’ll give you the deets on a few pieces from small local brands that are not only stylish, but versatile and unique. You’ll be looking great while also supporting local, a win-win in our book. From bags to shoes to tops, check out a few locally-made style pieces that deserve a home in your closet. Trust us, these items will become fast favorites in your wardrobe.
MIU THE LABEL’S SOL TOP
The most popular top from Miu the Label had its moment last year, and with good reason. The Sol top is a versatile high-neck, sleeveless tie top that snatches you right in and gets you ready for brunch, an event, a party, or date night! Available in a variety of colors, this top is trendy for a reason—and you won’t care that you’re going to be matchy-matchy with the it-girls of the Metro, like Julia Barretto, Bella Racelis, and Nadine Lustre.
NIN AND YANG’S CONVERTIBLE DENIM SET
Stylish and sustainable! Nin and Yang’s pieces are all multi-wear, and are made of deadstock fabric or “retaso”, and their Double Trouble Jacket, Pants, and Skirt are no different. Made of discarded denim scraps, the Double Trouble pieces, which can be converted from long to short (long sleeves to short sleeves for the jacket, pants to shorts for the pants, and midi/maxi to mini for the skirt) will be the coolest set in your closet.
COLLINS LATONIO’S BOW BAG
Plain bags OUT, cutesy, unique bags IN. Student designer Reese Collins Latonio‘s bow bags are a beloved weekend market favorite. The bow-shaped bag that comes in a variety of colors and sizes is a step up from your usual hobo and shoulder bags, and instantly adds so much personality to an outfit.
AZTRID PH’S DENIM HOBO BAGS
Speaking of personality! AZTRID PH’s denim Jojo hobo bag is something you didn’t know you needed, but you did. The all-denim surface makes it the perfect backdrop to a variety of enamel pins, badges, keychains, and all other anik-anik. It comes in three sizes, a multitude of colors, and a few styles (plain, butterfly print, and striped faded) and you can customize it however you want. Paint it, embroider it, attach pins to it—the sky’s the limit.
RIOTASO NECKTIES
Corpo-inspired style—but make it bold. RIOTASO crafts clothing items out of retaso as well, stitching colorful pieces that stand out. Their neckties are unlike any other—unique combos of colors, patterns, and fabrics that are instant eye-catchers. Whether you’re dressing preppy, formal, or casual-cool, these ties will tie your outfit together.
OAK THE LABEL’S REMI AMARETTO HEELS
Ditch the black, red, and white Mary Janes—Oak the Label’s Remi Amaretto heels are a rich brown Mary Jane-style shoe that you’ll find yourself reaching for possibly more often than you think. Locally made with full grain leather, this shoe is comfortable and stylish, able to take you from day to night in just a few steps.
GVN THE LABEL’S DIY MINI MICRO
Color your life your way with this DIY micro bag by GVN The Label! If their hobo bags in faux leather or suede aren’t your thing, these colorful shoulder or crossbody bags might be. You can choose your own combination of the color of the bag body itself, the short strap, and the long strap—and you can buy more to mix-and-match and wear it with a variety of outfits.
Continue Reading: These 6 Sustainable Filipino Brands Are Turning Old Clothes And Retaso Into Statement Pieces