Dalaga’s Nolita Outpost: New Store, Same Feel

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Dalaga is the type of store you walk into and feel a bit nervous flipping over the price tags. But stocked with items from brands like BB Dakota and Seychelles with a mix of local accessories from brands such as Friend and Nemesis, the sticker shock you experience at Dalaga is one of excitement mixed with a bit of unbelief.

In a sea of high-end and high-priced boutiques, Dalaga stands out as a favorite for its quality pieces at affordable prices. For almost six years, stylish Brooklyn ladies have turned to Dalaga for unique and feminine items. Exclusive, screen-printed leather clutches by Toronto-based designers Falconwright are a favorite, and Dalaga is the second store in the U.S. to carry the line. They also offer a carefully curated mix of sunglasses, MCMC fragrances, even pillows and stationary.

Located on Franklin Street in Greenpoint, with a brand-new outpost on Kenmare Street in Manhattan, Dalaga was founded by sisters Michelle and Mary Mangiliman in 2006.

So what differentiates the two boutiques?

“The look of the stores are slightly different,” said Michelle. “They both have the same warm, welcoming feeling, vintage decor, family photos, personal touches, the same great affordable price point, eclectic selection and personal service that we pride ourselves on. The Manhattan location is about half the size and the look is slightly elevated and chic in the spirit of the city. There are some refined touches like ornate sconces and the custom Capiz chandeliers that were made just for us in the Philippines.”

The Filipino chandeliers are not the only homage to the girls’ cultural roots. The name “Dalaga” was an affectionate Filipino nickname given to the sisters by their father.

And though the sisters have always dreamed of having a store in Manhattan, they fell in love with Greenpoint early on and found it to be the best place to start the brand and grow their business.

“Greenpoint has always been a very tight knit community which is one of the major reasons we fell in love with it right away,” said Mary. “I think it’s also why the neighborhood has flourished in the past 10 years. There are so many creative people here and we’ve always felt that it’s important to encourage and support our friends and neighbors who are pursuing their own aspirations just like us.”

On a recent visit to the Nolita location, which opened in May, assistant merchandiser Karen Kuhn and merchandising intern Lindsay Kosasa filled us in on the trends they’re seeing this season like tribal jewelry and print dresses. Karen pointed out a pretty, perfect-for-date-night red kaleidoscope dress by Jack by BB Dakota. Price? A very reasonable $70.

Dalaga is located at 150 Franklin Street in Greenpoint (718-389-4049), and 85 Kenmare Street in Manhattan (646-449-8716).

 

One Response

  1. Renata -

    Great story! Can’t wait to swing by the store next time I’m in town. 

    Reply

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