What do Carolina K, House of Spy, David Delfin, Butter by Nadia and Vanessa Barrantes, along with many others, all have in common? For one, they are all Spanish or Latin American designers and for two you can find all of these lovely treasures at a boutique in the Lower East Side in New York called Lola y Maria.

Why do I love this store so much? Well, upon first meeting the owner, Gina Pagano I was struck by her striking appearance as well her friendliness. She is an eye-catching petite woman with black hair and amazing light blue eyes. Along with this striking appearance is her amazing little boutique. The whole purpose of this magazine is to enlighten people to those individuals who are doing something of their own. Gina has proven this one of her qualities as her store carries US "indie" designers and a majority of designers from Spain and Latin American countries. She also is very active in promoting artists within her community.

The designs she carries in her store represent a very distinct look. One which is sexy, unique, and pretty. When I studied the designer clothing and accessories in Lola y Maria I noticed how well made everything was and how much attention to detail was apparent within the clothes. There are a lot of great fabrics as well - satins, jersey, and silks run the gamut here. I also noticed how very inexpensive these "designer" clothes were. I'm used to seeing fantastical prices at many designer boutiques without the quality, but I was pleasantly surprised at how uncostly her wares were.

It is very rare that I enter a boutique and want to buy everything in the store. In New York, designer clothing are a dime a dozen, but if you are looking for something unique and individualistic, then Lola y Maria is your store.

How long have you been in business?
2 years

What spawned the idea of your own boutique?
Love fashion, love people...love putting the two together

What types of clothing do you sell? Brands?
Geren Ford, Vanessa Barrantes, Rojas, Maria Bonita Extra, in addition to US indie designers we carry lots of indie designers from Spain to Argentina...

What sells the most?
Everything from Kimono Dresses from Geren Ford to fun T-shirts by Latin Laundry

What makes your store unique?
indie Spanish designers...there really isn't any other shop promoting these labels!

Anyone famous come in there and buy something and if not who would you most likely like to see in your store?
Elizabeth Jagger and Theodora Richards checking out our Jagger blazer from Vestite y Andate. People I would especially love stopping by the store: KELIS, Bianca or Jade Jagger, Penelope Cruz...

What type of music plays in the store if any?
IPOD mix, anything from DJ Diplo to Morrissey

How do you decide what's going in the store and where do you encounter your wares?
Traveling, traveling, traveling. That and looking for designers on the web

Any plans on expanding to other areas?
Next Stop: Echo Park (LA) and Madrid (Spain)...maybe Mexico City?

Favorite piece in the store currently?
Electric Blue Polo Dress by Maria Bonita Extra - Brazil

If you could go anywhere right now where would you be and what would you be doing there?
I'd be at the Benicasim Music Festival, in Benicasim Spain

If you would like to see what Lola y Maria has to offer please visit them in NYC or on the web:

LOLA Y MARIA
175 Rivington Street (b/t Clinton and Attorney Street)
New York, NY 10002
(646) 602-9556

www.lolaymaria.com

You can also say hello to Gina on My Space at:

www.myspace.com/lolaymaria

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