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NYC Style: East Village Fashion Phenom Gala Darling

by Kimberly Rae Miller

Gala Darling

Borough/Neighborhood: East Village, Manhattan
Profession: Writer

Gala Darling, now a fashion blogger with International influence, grew up in New Zealand before moving to New York City in pursuit of all things wonderful. Her home is filled with sequins, bones, feathers and ornate wallpaper. She loves riding on her boyfriend's vintage motorcycle, dancing & really high heels. Her Web site is a seamless & fabulous mix of fashion, lifestyle advice & tips on how to live magically.

How would you define your personal style?

The best word I know to sum up my personal aesthetic is orchidaceous!  I love bright color, a-line skirts, high heels & unusual accessories.

Favorite item in you closet?

I just bought some leather harnesses studded with plastic crystals from Indecorous Taste and I am completely obsessed with them!  I also just designed a pair of pink leopard-print platform Mary Janes which I can't get enough of!

Are there any trends that you wish would just go away already?  Styles you wish would come back?

I'd be so happy if more people wore hats (and I don't just mean fedoras!).  They really complete a look if you ask me!

Are there any differences in style between your blog persona and your everyday life?

Of course!  My Web site is what I choose to share with people.  The days I spend lolling around in track pants are noticeably absent from any kind of online record!

Do you notice any inherent differences in women's style in the US, than in New Zealand

New Zealanders love to layer, wear a lot of black & are relatively conservative in the amount of skin they show.  My style evolved a lot when I moved to the U.S.A., even in tiny little ways.  I remember being kind of anxious the first time I wore a strapless dress!

Favorite Five: What are your favorite stores in any of the five boroughs (to buy make-up, or fashion)?

Betsey Johnson in Soho: I am a total Betseyphile.  Plus, my favorite Betsey lady, Amanda, works at the Soho store!

Patricia Field: They have the most fun accessories here.  I tell everyone who visits the city that they must go to Pat Field!

Tokio 7: I had an incredible day there a couple of weeks ago.  A skirt by See By Chloe, a blazer by Theory, & a dress each from Helmut Lang & Rodarte!

Tarina Tarantino: I love that place.  Sparkly trinkets for everyone!

Solange Azagury-Partridge: The best motivation to become a self-made millionaire that I can think of!

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