Reasons To Love The Appraisery Lifestyle Hub: Fashion x Coffee

Are you like me who has an extra-large box full of clothes you no longer wear/are in love with but don’t know what to do with it? GEWD NEWZ 4 U HORNDOGZ because The Appraisery is here!

I am super excited to tell you guys about this new concept store/lifestyle hub located along Annapolis Street. After dropping by Saturday afternoon for coffee, sandwiches, and a little bit of shopping, I already knew it’s going to be one of my favorite places in this city.

Reason #1: It’s the first of its kind in the country.

Ukay-ukays and secondhand shops are aplenty in Metro Manila but one of the things I’ve always wanted here is a consignment-type of store where I can drop off clothes I no longer wear and maybe make a little bit of money, too. However, The Appraisery is better than a consignment shop because you get your money on the spot— no need to wait for someone to buy it first!

Hannah Kim appraising Sarah‘s skirt

Here’s how it works: you bring your pre-loved items in (limit of two bags per visit) and they will appraise its value for you. They don’t take just anything, mind you (which is one of the things that sets them apart from ukay-ukays). For example, Kira brought in two pieces of clothing to have appraised and being the super skinny lady that she is, Hannah had to turn both down because it would be hard to sell such a small size. I also overheard Hannah say that they don’t accept pieces that are too fashion-forward. You can read about the process in detail here.

The appraisal process can take anywhere from 5 minutes to an hour so you’re free to hang out, have coffee, and chat with the owners. The store carries board games which I love, reminding me of my 2010 trip to Sagada where friends and I would play a game of Scrabble while waiting for our food.

Reason #2: “Payment” options.

After having your items appraised, you can choose to take 30% of their selling price in cash or 50% of that price in store credit. I brought in a dress intending to donate it but Hannah said she wanted to sell it in the store instead, so I opted to get store credit in exchange. The vouchers never expire and they’re currently finding a way so it can be used on the Appraisery online store.

Reason #3: It’s a revolving door of fashion and art.

Because of its buy-sell-trade nature, The Appraisery’s stocks are constantly changing. If you see something you like, BUY IT because chances are, it won’t be there when you come back. Besides the shop and the cafe, they are also a micro-art gallery, showcasing the work of local independent artists (which you can buy, if the spirit moves ya!). The featured artist changes monthly; they currently have Martin Lazaro’s photography on display.

On select weekends, the store holds open mic poetry, acoustic acts, and movie nights. The Appraisery aims to be a local watering hole where wordsmiths, visual artists, and indie music acts can showcase their work and immerse in the community through various events.

Reason #4: The fewd is gewd.

Calling themselves a not-so-typical Pacific North Western café, The Ap offers gourmet sandwiches, purrfectly pressed paninis, and nomnommy desserts.

I had a half and half. That panini is MARVELOUS, I think it’s the Oregon Tuna Melt lol.

Delicious macarons nestled on one of the items I bought that day.

Reason #5: Starbucks, who?

Here’s a tip: they have a secret menu. Drop by and ask for the Kumbaya (PHP120):

Co-owner, resident barista, and NoCal native Victor Prieto concocted this coffee drink himself. I’m not one for sugary girly drinks but this is worth the calories!

The Ap supports Philippine famers, making sure they only use the best locally grown beans from all over the country in their signature coffee-based drinks.

Reason 6: They give back.

The Ap’s charity of choice is Caritas Manila and they send all your donations to them. Admittedly, I’m a little squeamish about Caritas being a Catholic agency, but help is help and that’s what matters.

Reason 7: THIS SOMBRERO.

I was a little gutted to find out it wasn’t for sale! Victor said he got it during a crazy trip to Tijuana and you can’t really put a price on that lol.

The Appraisery is located at #8 Annapolis Street (on the left, coming from EDSA). Don’t be fooled by Google Maps— it’s near EDSA, beside Alpha Records and some school.