Dress up like your idol: How & where I shop for my idol's OOTD!

From stage outfits to airport/everyday outfits, one of the things that stans look forward to is what their idols are wearing.  Should bank account and credit limit permit, stans also go out of their way to cop the exact same item.  Most though would ask, "how do I cop one?" --- since most Korean shopping sites only accept Korean credit cards as a mode of payment. 

I have been there before, don't you worry because I will be listing down several Korean Streetwear brands and ways (which I have personally tried) to get your hands on them. 

1. NERDY

Who doesn't know NERDY? If you've been a stan long enough, you will know that the brand has been a staple uniform sponsor in almost all Idol Star Athletic Championship (ISAC) events. It's also been a stable brand for idol's everyday wear.   While the website has a global version (US/EN in USD currency) I still opt to shop in the Korean website because it's more complete and they offer a lot of discounts and deals almost daily!  When I see one that I like, I get the Korean link and send it to Korean "pasabuy" shops.  

2. TEMPUS

My gateway to KPOP is Super Junior and my bias is Donghae. Imagine how I reacted when I found out he owned his own streetwear brand in Korea --- Yes, I panicked buy.  During that time, I think my whole paycheck for that month just went to TEMPUS.  The brand is commonly seen worn by his co-members and other idols close to him such as JENO from NCT and MINHYUK from CNBLUE.  Again, they have a US website in USD currency, but still it's more practical to do it with pasabuys from local shops.

3. STOCKHOLM SYNDROME

This brand has been seen work by Super Junior's Eunhyuk, B.I and iKON's Donghyuk.  With their shirts being always oversized and comfortable, it's been a go to brand for idols for their everyday wear.  They also have a US USD Currency website, but again -- I would suggest to opt for the Korean website and a Korean pasabuy shop because shirts usually range from $35 - $75, but shipping fee starts at $40! And that could be another shirt already!

4. PRIVE ALLIANCE

The EXO-L in me also panicked when I found out that Baekhyun will be releasing a line under this brand with him as an art director.  Since Prive Alliance is a New York based brand, I also worried about the shipping fees - but lo and behold - I was only charged Php90 for my first order and Php120 for my second order! That's because the Asia warehouse of the brand is located here in the Philippines! So for Prive, it is best to order directly from their website. 

5. VERUTUM

Verutum is a Korean based brand known for its caps.  A lot of which are seen on Korean idols.  One design might seem familiar to Armys, as it was a design sold out a lot of times when it was seen worn by, Jimin. I've only purchased from Verutum once and it was via Annyeong Kpop Online Shop.  Their caps are quite ~pricey~ and I needed good payment terms to get it. 

6. WKNDRS

Honestly, WKNDRS does not really feel like a Korean Streetwear brand to me.  From their lookbooks to their designs, it gives off that LA laid back style.  Nevertheless, this brand is commonly seen worn by idols from everyday wear to show/photoshoot attires. It's also commonly seen in some Kdramas (Cha Eun Woo in Gangnam Beauty & Park Seo Joon in Itaewon Class) as part of their wardrobe.

Now, on to how I get my hands on these clothes...

TIPS IN K-STREETWEAR SHOPPING:

1. My GO TO PASABUY SHOPS would be Shop Beyond Border and Annyeong Kpop Online Shop.  If you use the bird app more, you can check The Happy Store. Pasabuy shops usually charge a percentage of the cost as their transaction/service fee -- and believe me it's still more reasonable than the international shipping fees.  They usually have flexible terms too. Most shops would require a downpayment of 50% and the other 50% will be paid when the items arrive in the PH.
2. WAIT FOR A SALE. While we love it if we can wear matchy matchy with our idols, it would be best not to buy it impulsively. Believe me, I've been there. Korean Streetwear brands usually release in SS and AW collections, like that of in Milan, Paris or London. Before releasing another collection, they go all out with clearance sales! This usually happens during February and August. 
3. CHECK THE SIZING.  Korean Streetwear is almost always on the OVERSIZED side.  If you're not into that, you might want to check the dimensions in their size chart.  Brands like NERDY and TEMPUS usually indicate if its an oversized or regular fit.  For the other brands mentioned in the list, it's usually oversized and uses 2 sizes only (Size 1 and 2) so make sure to check if it's a fit you will like.  I highly recommend getting an existing shirt you have and measuring them laid flat in centimeters. You can use this as a basis when you go shopping. 
4. Be careful when shopping for HOODIES/SWEATS.  Korea and the Philippines are total opposites when it comes to weather.  Korean made hoodies are relatively thicker and heavier because they have a cold climate.  Especially for NERDY -- take note if the hoodie you're eyeing on is specifically made for winter, because trust me it will be tiis-ganda when you wear it here with our weather. 
5. When ordering directly from the website, OTHER FEES may apply.  I once paid for an additional Php120 for a Prive Alliance package.  
6. PATIENCE IS KEY.  Just like pre-orders of our idol's albums and merch, there is a waiting time.  Be patient. Websites usually have an "orders" page under your profile where you can check the status of your order.  Pasabuy shops on the other hand, often update via the social media pages on the status of the batch order where your order is a part of. 

HAPPY SHOPPING!