(Not Your) Basic Black

Maxi

Mesh Jacket

For so many of us, black is a wardrobe staple. 

But even the most dedicated among us realize that head-to-toe back, with nothing “of interest,” can simply look dire.

That’s why the options at Maria Luisa Boutique and ML by Maria Luisa are ideal.

Our styles, from sweaters to pants, jackets to bags, always have that little something extra.

Two Tone Bag

It might be an embroidered accent, a unique cut or wrap to a top, a collar that grabs attention…

Kathy Top

It’s all about fit, about quality – and plenty of flair. 

In Nyack we are open every day through Dec. 24. and 24/7 at MariaLuisaBoutique.com. 

Home for the Holidays

Chairs

VisitNyack

 November and December are naturally filled with holiday spirit.

It’s just in the air.

And this time of year, we often find ourselves hosting family and friends more than ever.

ML Home

We’ve got plenty of options for adding a little seasonal spirit to your surroundings, from wall hangings to pillows to plenty of great entertaining accents.

Our choices are quiet and thoughtful, subtle accents that make a guest feel welcome.

MariaLuisaBoutique.com

Oh, and they might make you just want to cozy up for a warm evening in, as well.

Come see what we have in store, at both Maria Luisa Boutique and ML by Maria Luisa, for your home this season.   ML

  

Fall’s splendor

Bryn Sweater          

Turquoise Splendor

We’ve been telling you about autumn fashions and accessories, how we’re embracing the styles and shades of the season.
Well, we’ve taken a few moments to really
take a look at our offerings – and think you’ll agree with us that we’ve got quite a treasure trove of textures and colors filling our shops.
We’re loving the peacock blues in cozy sweaters and the lacy beige of a funky tunic.
There are cutouts and faux fur, bold designs and prints that resonate with life.
We’re loving them – and hope you are, too.  #MLfaves

Just for kids

Dress Up

Educational Fun

Cuddle up

Don’t think that autumn wardrobes and accessories are just for Well… usually it’s the moms and aunts, dads and grandmothers buying things for the little ones (though they’re certainly welcome, too).
And we’ve got plenty of choices, from warm sweaters and cute skirts to little bags, plenty of books and toys (ideal for those holiday trips) and of course, a fairy princess costume, cause as we know, there’s always time for a game of dress-up. adults.Here at Maria Luisa Boutique and ML by Maria Luisa, we care about customers of all ages.
#MLfaves

COAT SEASON — YES, IT’S HERE

Autumn arrived – at least the calendar said it did, though those 80-degree days

earlier this month had us fooled.

Now, though, the season is really here.

You can feel it in the crisper air. You can see it in the temperatures.
And while it’s not – yet – time for the heaviest of coats, it’s not walk-out-the-door-in-a-T-shirt weather anymore. That’s for sure.

Here at Maria Luisa Boutique and ML by Maria Luisa, we’re embracing that nip in the air.

With new styles arriving all the time, we’re anticipating every step of the transition from light jacket to a little heavier jacket to oh boy, the full-on winter coat.

And we’re doing it all in our signature style.

If you like soft, we’ve got it. Bold colors, check. And same for textures and patterns of every kind.

Stop in and see what we’re showing – or, shop us online at MariaLuisaBoutique, to wear now and throughout the coming months.

Bundle up!!  ML

SAY ‘YES’ TO THESE BAGS

Autumn days have an earnest feel to them.

SHOP NOW

SHOP NOW

That nip in the air has us determined to get errands done, projects finished and yes, add plenty of fun activities to our calendars. And it seems like we’re always carrying so much on our travels.

While you know how we advocate re-usable bags here at Maria Luisa – thanks for your ongoing support of our “Say NO to the Bag” efforts – we have a batch of great new autumn-ready bags in our shops that we hope you will embrace.

SHOP NOW

We’re talking leather bags and woven totes, celebrations of embroidered hues and canvas versions far from routine.

The choices are many; come in and see which ones suit your needs – and taste. ML

HOME, SWEET HOME

Kitchen Towel

Cookbooks

Fall gatherings are about to kick into high gear.

The Best Hostess Gifts

Sometimes you’re the host, sometimes you’re the guest.

Our furniture, home décor and home-themed gifts are at the ready if you need to feather your nest a bit – or pick up some ideal gifts.

We’ve got kitchen tools and tabletop items, cookbooks and linens – and plenty of furniture from chairs to lamps to pillows to round it all out.

Stop by. Take a look.

You may settle into one of our couches or chairs – and that’s fine.

But you know you’ll eventually have to get up! ML

ON A SWEET NOTE

Music is one of life’s great pleasures.

You might like to sit back and listen – or you might like to play.

For those who like to play (and those who’ve always wanted to), we’re integrating a collection of musical instruments from Senegal and Kenya into our mix.

Stop by and join in the song.

Kenyan Hand Drum

ON YOUR FEET

We love shoes and boots.

You love shoes and boots.

It’s nice how that works out…

We’re so excited to show off our latest styles, a mix representing our longtime favorite brands with a few new collections mixed in for good measure.

Heel heights vary. Materials are mixed.

You might find a workaday tie shoe that’s anything but standard – or your new favorite bootie.

Stop by and check it out.

Try on one, try on many.

We like to do the exact same thing!

New Arrivals

Fun socks

AUTUMN’S ARRIVAL

So, the summer is now – officially – over.

And the weather will soon be cooperating.

We’ve been embracing fall fashions for weeks already here at Maria Luisa Boutique and ML by Maria Luisa.

Many of you have popped in to check out the new inventory – we invite all of you to come (and come again, as new fashions and accessories continue to arrive).

We’re already charmed by the annual return of autumn hues, textures and cozy shapes.

We have jeans and skinny pants, sweaters and scarves, outerwear and footwear.

Here are just a few examples; we have oh-so-many more…

SHOP NOW

CONTRIBUTE TO THE ML BY MARIA LUISA SCHOLARSHIP FUND

SHOP FOR A MOST WORTHY CAUSE Sept. 23-25

 As you know, we here at Maria Luisa Boutique and ML by Maria Luisa are all about fashion – but we’re also about community.

And for nearly 30 years – since our launch in 1987 – we have supported our neighboring nonprofit organizations and their efforts, programs and outreach.

This coming weekend, we again join forces with our fellow merchants in a special shopping event designed to benefit THE NYACK CENTER, an important community resource that has been doing good for some 25 years. (As you likely know, the Center is a recipient of our ongoing support through the ML/GL initiative).

And this coming weekend, Sept. 23-25, we invite you to join us for the “Shops of South Nyack Fundraiser” for The Nyack Center.

Along with many of our fellow shops along South Broadway, we will remain open late Friday, Sept. 23, from 6 to 9 p.m. (enjoy specialty cocktails by Kris Burns of Festoon on Hudson) to kick off the event, which will continue during our regular business hours Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 24 and 25.

Present your voucher at participating stores including ours and 20% of the amount of your in-store purchases over $50 will be donated to The Nyack Center.  Vouchers are available at NyackCenter.org or through Facebook.com/NyackCenter.

We hope to see you – and thank you for your loyalty – and your participation in this fun event that we know will raise much-appreciated (and needed) funds for The Nyack Center.

We’re showcasing our new fall fashions and accessories, furniture and home accessories, gifts and more, so hope you’ll find plenty to catch your eye.

Listing of participants to date are:

ML, Maria Luisa, Archive Home, Festoon on Hudson at Archive Home, Gene Reed, Christine Cordey, Sanctuary and Brooklyn Bread.  

A thought-provoking evening

A group of nearly 20 – primarily women but a few intrepid gentlemen – gathered at Maria Luisa
Boutique on a recent evening to attend the Susan Travis author appearance.
Travis, a veteran licensed mental health worker, therapist in private practice and local resident,

was our guest, with the focus being her book, “I’m My Own Worst Enemy… NO MORE.”

As hoped, the evening proved to draw a thoughtful group together in a laid-back environment –

the home-furnishing section at the rear of the boutique.
As Travis observed of the surroundings at the start of her talk, she said, “It’s comfortable without

even speaking.”
But she did speak, in a most inviting and conversational manner, about the book and how it is

part of her goal “to help as many people as possible see the beauty inside themselves.”

She took the group on a virtual exploration of her book, explaining her approach (developing a

prison analogy) and showing, often through examples, that “you have the keys to get out of any

prisons you have created.”

For those who have long struggled with issues including being too nice, of constantly feeling guilt

and worry, of searching for perfection at all costs… and so many other “prisons,” the program

offered plenty of food for thought.

Travis, who noted that “courage is not always on the battlefield,” connected with the group – and

offered a refreshing perspective while effortlessly creating a sense of camaraderie.

Toward the end of her presentation, Travis summed things up in a most inspiring manner.

“I believe we are works in progress til your last breath, til your very last breath,” she said. “We

can change.”

And who wouldn’t be inspired by that?

We thank Travis for sharing her perspective; her book remains on sale at Maria Luisa.

– Mary Shustack for Maria Luisa Boutique

And we remind you that we’re open to hosting special events in both Maria Luisa Boutique and ML
by Maria Luisa. In addition to book and poetry readings, our special events have included art

exhibitions, musical performances, creativity workshops, beauty seminars, movement/exercise

events and more. Contact Maria Luisa Whittingham to discuss planning an event here.

Let there be light…

So you don’t think of us when it comes to lighting?

We’d like to convince you to think otherwise.

Throughout ML by Maria Luisa – and even spotted here and there in the original Maria Luisa Boutique – you’ll find plenty of options for lighting, from funky accents for the bedroom to more formal floor lamps, including a stylish choice with a stand fashioned out of reclaimed wood.

Have a party planned? You might want to pick up a few of our more playful options to help set the festive mood – or maybe you’re thinking about a gift for someone who in coming months may be settling into their first dorm room or apartment.

Here’s a glimpse at what’s in store.

Stop by soon and see what we’ve got.

Maybe you’ll be inspired to lighten things up.

IN THE BAG

These warmer days give us the perfect excuse – as if we need one – to pick up a new bag.

After all, who doesn’t want to greet summer with something fun?

And at both Maria Luisa Boutique and ML by Maria Luisa, we have options and … well, more

options.

If you are on the hunt for a colorful backpack, we’ve got them. Same goes for straw or fabric totes

ideal for waterside destinations. We’ve got tiny bags for evenings out and plenty of clutches to

slip into bigger bags or your weekender (and yep, we have those, too.). And of course, when

you’re juggling all those fun summer activities, we’ve got you covered with a variety of crossbody

bags, too.

So stop by or visit us online to see the latest – and we promise, we’ve got something to suit your

style, from bold to classic, colorful to calm, playful to the most practical.
And as we all know, we definitely can have more than one bag – no matter the season!

Graphic impact

Sure, we love our florals, stripes and abstract prints when it comes to accents.

Sure, we love our florals, stripes and abstract prints when it comes to accents.
We also love splashes of colors, from light pastels to bolder hues.But sometimes, you can take it down to the basics – and create amazing impact.

What are we talking about? Think decorative goods that carry starkly simple imagery – letters and numbers.

Who wouldn’t love a mug with their initial?

And how about a handful of the tiniest charms to spell out their name – or any other message?

Perhaps you’d like to hang up the number of your kids, your apartment …  maybe even your area code?   

It’s all about experimenting.

Take a spin through the alphabet. Count from one to 10 – or beyond.

You may be surprised at how these straightforward accents add an unexpected layer of meaning to your surroundings.

FOR THE (REAL) MAN IN YOUR LIFE

Have you heard about Duke Cannon Supply Co.?

For a clue as to its approach, just know that it bills itself as “America’s Most American Brand” and “The Choice of Champion Barbers.”

As its attitude-heavy homepage states, “Duke Cannon isn’t for everyone. And quite frankly, he prefers it that way.”

If you have — or know — a man of singular style, of old-fashioned values, one with a hint of rugged and an old-school swagger, then you will want to check out our new line of products seemingly designed just for him.

Among the Duke Cannon grooming products we are offering are the Superior Grade ShaveCream, which features aloe vera and shea butter; and the Tactical LipProtectant, created using premium, natural and organic ingredients and featuring SPF 15.

And one guaranteed to elicit a chuckle — the Big Ass Brick of Soap. Available in four scents, this is a full military-grade product modeled after the rough cut “brick” style soap used by GIs during the Korean War.

Wondering how well these no-fuss, no-frills products work? All Duke Cannon products are field tested by active duty U.S. soldiers, so you know they’ve made the grade.

And in appreciation for the men — and women — who have and continue to serve our country, Duke Cannon Supply Co. donates a portion of its proceeds to veterans’ causes.

Come in — or visit marialuisaboutique.com — to shop for “America’s Most American Brand".

Sock it to us!

You know when you need a gift that has to make a splash but can’t be serious?

Maybe it’s a pick-me-up for a friend who just got dumped.

Maybe it’s a little birthday extra for someone you simply want to make laugh.

Or perhaps you want to pop something in the mail to someone simply to show you’re thinking about them.

We have the answer: A pair of socks.

Yes, we know. You’re probably thinking, “Did they just say ‘a pair of socks’?”

Yes, we did – and if you have seen the selections from Blue Q, featured in ML by Maria Luisa, then you know we are right.

These fun – FUN! – socks are not only made well – but they will make you smile.

Stop in and take a peek at the options – we carry styles for both women and men – and we bet you’ll pick up a batch, for gifts now and later, maybe even one for yourself.

It’s fun to shake things up a bit!

BUT don’t think our socks are only about fun.

We have several new socks — have you seen just how many socks we carry in both our shops?  — that are also really connecting with our customers. 

Some of our new selections have a decidedly therapeutic angle, but it’s one that doesn’t forego fashion.

For example, check out the Sedona Ultra Light Micro Sock from Goodhew.

This sassy little number features spandex throughout sock, arch support, mesh breather panels, Y-heels and seamless toe closure.

And the Plantar Ease Sock from Sockwell works by firmly supporting to the Plantar Fascia and the Achilles Tendon and applying pressure that encourages blood flow upward to reduce swelling which ultimately minimizes pain and discomfort.

And finally  – in a classic example of ‘last but not least’ – we are featuring a selection of Conscious Step socks. These stylish creations, fashioned out of GOTS organic cotton and manufactured in a Fair Trade manner, not only feature comfort and durability — but really do good. Opt for the style (and cause) you feel strongest about, from hunger to education to water. The company behind these fun socks has teamed up with global nonprofits to make donations (food, books and clean water) for each pair purchased. Take a look – and you’ll likely be considering more than one pair.

So whichever sock catches your eye, there are some real winners here. Who knew socks could be such an easy way to look good, feel good — and do good.

Visit marialuisaboutique.com — or stop by our shops — to check it all out.

NOW SERVING…

This time of year, when we are so ready for spring to

arrive, we’re looking for things that feel fresh and new.

And you can add something quite fresh and new to your

kitchen with our newest arrival, a collection of white

porcelain dinnerware from Japan. The Miya Company’s Omakase collection — its name

(pronounced O-ma-ka-say) is translated as “It’s up to you”

— is the perfect phrase to sum up these versatile pieces.

Take one look, and you’ll agree that they serve as the ideal

blank canvas for your culinary creations either simple or

more elaborate.

Maria Luisa Whittingham was captivated by the line’s

strong, sleek design — and the undeniable fact that they

are, quite simply, “very nice looking.”

We think you’ll agree — and want to stock up on the

collection, which features pieces ranging from sauce

dishes to plates to mugs (and all priced from $4 to $14).

Whether you have a dinner party in the works — or

simply want to give your latest recipe a fitting

presentation, look to the Miya Company’s Omakase collection for that finishing touch.