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Recession Strategy #1: Redefine Yourself at Dalaga

Economy got you down? That’s no reason to let your style suffer. In fact, in times of economic downturn, the best thing you can do is to refine your personal style. Fast Company’s fashion advice  (I know, not exactly the first source you’d consider for fashion tidbits):

“Perhaps a more appropriate philosophy for these soon-to-be-hardscrabble times is the uplifting mantra of personal style, which is based in confidence about who you are and what you find beautiful, as opposed to adopting an external prescription for fitting in.” 

Top fashion icons know precisely how to use accessories and inimitable pieces to turn an otherwise plain outfit into something that looks like a million bucks. (Hint: The Sartorialist is a great way to get ideas of the one piece that makes an outfit.) So how can you take this piece of coal of an economy and turn it into a golden egg? Start by giving your shopping process more thought. Consider what pieces of your wardrobe could be reimagined. Then, head to Dalaga.

In it’s original incarnation, Dalaga was a sales venue for owner Michelle Mangiliman’s own line that she designed and manufactured herself. She got her start selling at a boutique called 52 Mason in San Francisco. But over three years ago, after moving to NYC, she settled on a space in Greenpoint to open her dream boutique. Along with the geographical transition, she’s also transitioned from the time-consuming task of creating her own line, to now scouting out and hand-picking men’s and women’s merchandise from fresh new designers such as Mary Meyer, By Boe, Round Designs, Revl, and Cloth Logic

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Michelle’s concept for the store is ‘boudoir meets mysterious interior garden,’ which reflects Michelle’s sophisticated and sensual approach to fashion. The space makes you feel as if you’ve walked into someone’s closet, enticing you to experiment with your wardrobe. And with all there is on hand in the store, there are plenty of options with which to reinvent your personal style. The best part is that 75% of the items in the store are at sweet, wallet-friendly price point of $100 or less.

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Photo Credits: Ashley Reardon

So, take your cue from the rest of the fashion world. Get your head out of the sand, and use the current economic environment to focus on your personal style and re-emerge as that beautiful, vibrant being you were always meant to be.

Dalaga
150 Franklin Street
Brooklyn, NY 11222
718-389-4049
http://www.dalaganyc.com 

 

Posted in Accessories, Brooklyn, Greenpoint, Jewelry, Men's Clothing, Women's Clothing. Tagged with , , , .

And the WORD of the day is…

If you were one of those kids back in the day who eagerly anticipated the word of the day on Peewee’s Playhouse, then you’ll love this. Today, the word of the day is WORD…WORD Bookstore that is. And here you’re likely find a plethora of diabolical, stupendous, scintillating, ethereal, and arresting words. 

Walking into this bookstore feels like you’ve stepped inside someone’s personal library. It’s warm, comforting, and entices you to browse the shelves. But in fact, you’ve stepped inside owner Christine Onorati’s playspace. Christine opened her independent bookshop in Long Island and in 2007 she moved it to Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Having majored in publishing, Christine has a knack for knowing what books will capture the hearts and eyes of the reader.

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She has carefully crafted a selection of literary fiction, non-fiction, cooking books, gift books, children’s books and more, all catering to the hipster clientele that frequents the shop. You’ll find selections like McSweeney’s The Beliver and James Mollison’s book The Disciples, featuring panoramic photos of fans who have styled themselves after their favorite rock star.

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And feast your eyes on the words in the tantalizing collection of beautiful photographed cook books and fine food books, including Milk: The Surprising Story of Milk Through the Ages by Anne Mendelson and Jacques Torres’ A Year in Chocolate. Mmm, chocolate. Now there’s an addiction worth having. Here’s hoping there’s a follow-up to this book called, Why Just a Year? Have Chocolate Everyday.

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If food and cooking isn’t what you’re looking for, then go to the kiddie nook in the back of the store. The bright colors and animated shapes that pop out of these books will surely capture your attention as much as any word will. You’ll be wanting to pick up all those books you had as a kid, like Lewis Carrol’s The Complete Alice Collection. But don’t get so distracted by the oldies and goodies that you neglect new titles like Wonder Bear by Tao Nyeu, a graphic designer/illustrator and recent graduate from NYC’s School of Visual Arts. 

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Photo Credits: Ashley Reardon

And if you’re not sure what to buy and need inspiration, join one of their many weekly events happening at the store, including readings and signings by authors and a book club, or enroll in their book-a-month club.

The WORD is out on this great little shop, so head on over and get your fill.

WORD Bookstore
126 Franklin Street
Brooklyn, NY 11222
http://wordbrooklyn.wordpress.com/

 

Posted in Books, Brooklyn, Gifts, Greenpoint. Tagged with , .

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CityGirl Shops: NYC by Ashley Reardon is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.