Looking good isn't always about impressing those around you, sometimes it's about feeling confident in yourself.
I remember showing up to work looking my best, not because I felt great, but because I was heartbroken. I chose to face my duties looking good—and determined to feel good.
Growing up, I only wore hand-me-down clothes from my more fortunate cousins. In our household, buying new clothes was reserved for special occasions like Christmas and birthdays. Because of this, I learned early on how to present myself well despite having a limited wardrobe. I even kept a “School Attire Diary” during college, carefully planning outfits by mixing and matching tops, bottoms, and shoes to make the most of what I had and create different looks.
After graduating and landing a job, I was finally able to afford my own clothes, shoes, and bags. Yet, my habits didn’t change much. I still preferred affordable, unbranded items over expensive, designer labels. I’ve never been one to chase trends or fancy brands. Instead, I choose to spend my hard-earned money wisely, focusing on my needs and supporting my family.
One of my favorite discoveries has been ukay-ukay or thrift stores. There, I find unique, one-of-a-kind pieces that reflect my personality and style. These hidden gems often hold more character than anything I could buy off a showroom floor, and they allow me to express myself creatively without spending much.
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| Blazer and Shorts form Ukay-Ukay (thrift store) |
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| Wearing UNIQLO BraTop and Skirt |
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| Wearing on of my favorite dresses from SM Fashion shoes and bag. |
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| As Beauty Blogger/Influencer |
In my line of work as a personality development coach, event host, and influencer, the way I present myself has remained true to my roots. I still don’t spend much on my OOTDs, yet I consistently receive compliments for my unique sense of style, my own version of being a fashionista. I proudly use my personal hashtags, #OOTDadae and #Fashion4LessAdae, to showcase how fashion doesn't have to be expensive to be expressive. As an influencer, I do enjoy the occasional perk of being styled by the brands I promote and support, but my everyday look still reflects my practical, creative, and authentic approach to fashion.
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| Me as an event host, wearing an old H&M black long dress I got from our neighbor store. |
My journey with fashion has taught me that style isn’t about how much you spend, it’s about how confidently you wear what you have. More than anything, it’s a reflection of your values, your resourcefulness, and your story.
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