Wednesday, November 29, 2017

GOOD GIFTS … THAT DO GOOD

If you’re looking for a holiday gift with an extra layer of meaning, we have a couple of options.
These are gifts that are not only good in and of themselves – but they also help do good.

The first is a musical option, a CD called “Season of Love: A Musical Tribute to the Nyack Center.” 
All proceeds of the $15 release – an effort organized by a 10-year-old named Josie, recorded at the Center’s new recording studio and featuring performances by children throughout the Nyacks – go to the Nyack Center, an organization whose works we have long supported.
And as you well know, we also not only support but often also team up with Keep Rockland Beautiful.
This year, KRB is selling a 2018 “Beautiful Rockland” wall calendar in honor of its 20th anniversary. Billed as an ideal gift for friends, family, employees and customers, the calendar is a tax-deductible purchase ($19.95) that showcases the work of local photographers. The quality product, created thanks to a grant from Rockland County Tourism and Harrington Press, is a great way to celebrate the works of Keep Rockland Beautiful throughout the new year.

Both the CD and the calendar, all proceeds go to each organization, are on sale at Maria Luisa Boutique, so we hope you’ll consider them as part of your holiday shopping.

Sunday, November 12, 2017

SCENTS OF THE SEASON

Spring has its flowers. Summer has its salty sea air.
There are scents that just seem to be associated with certain seasons.
And if you stop by Maria Luisa Boutique these days, you’ll be transported directly into the holiday season with a few product lines that are just captivating.
First up is Frasier Fir from Thymes, which takes you either to the heady heart of the forest or in front of the Christmas tree. It’s a scent that seems forever associated with the holidays, and you can savor it through candles, triple-milled soap, reed diffusers and hand cream.
And then there’s Patch NYC Stag, a collection featuring a scent drawn from Siberian fir, cilantro, citrus and a touch of raspberry. A collaboration with local favorites The Soap & Paper Factory, the line includes 100% soy candles, artisan handcrafted soap and eau du cologne.
More? Well, we also have scented products from Illume. We’re loving its Balsam & Cedar candle, which is poured into a “Radiant” metal holder. The company’s proprietary sox wax blend offers “higher fragrance throw” and a clean burn, all housed in a precious-metal finish with just a touch of shine. Then, there’s its Winter White, an aromatic evergreen and frosted cypress scent the company tells us is “dusted with white peppercorn, spicy-cool cardamom and a sparkling citrus nuance, perfectly wrapped in glowing amber.”
It all adds up to some seasonally lush scents.
As Maria herself says, when you’re near the display area for these ideal home or gift products, just, “Close your eyes, and you think you’re in a cabin.”

   



Learn More
 

Friday, November 10, 2017

TAKE A DEEP BREATH…

Thanksgiving’s not even here yet, but you’re already feeling that ol’ holiday stress building?
We can certainly relate… as much as we love this time of year, it’s hard to keep feeling laid-back when there’s so (so!) much to do.
But, fear not – our shops are chock-full of relaxation products designed to take the edge off.
And they’re not only ideal to help you de-stress but also make oh-so-thoughtful gifts that allow you to share the serenity.
A new product we’re very excited about is called Pinch Me – and it’s therapy dough. You’ve never heard of it? Well, one quick test run, and we bet you’ll be hooked. It’s a holistic, drug-free portable stress-reduction “tool.” You simply squeeze, knead or mold it – it feels like clay – while you’re doing something else (reading, watching TV, etc.). Not only will you feel your blood pressure dropping, but using Pinch Me also releases a heavenly scent (ocean, sun or citrus) that adds to the experience. You can also chill it for a real “cooling off.” And when you’re done, you just put it back in its tub, and it’s ready for next time. Best part – as good as you’ll already feel, you’ll get an extra boost knowing that every Pinch Me purchase helps pay for a soldier’s stress management training. Believe us, you’ll love this – and it will make a really unique stocking stuffer or gift for anyone in need of really kicking back.
If stress is giving you a headache, you might want to check out the products we’re now carrying from Clear My Head, a natural sinus and headache relief collection. Options include room spray, linen mist, herbal inhalation and more.
We’ve also got a wide selection of options for the bath – or just a bit of pampering. Among them are Handmade Luxury Bath Blasters (think sage & citrus, sea breeze or Cleopatra’s Desire, for example); Sonoma Lavender products, ranging from soaps to diffusers; Spinster Sisters Co. Bath Butta Bomb Trios; and SallyeAnder Soaps, 100% handmade and hypoallergenic since 1982.
And that’s just for starters – stop by to see (and smell) more – or shop 24/7 at  marialuisaboutique.com.
Don’t you feel more relaxed already?


Friday, October 13, 2017

OUR ANNIVERSARY PARTY APPROACHES…


As you well know, Maria Luisa is marking its 30th anniversary this year – and the “official” Maria Luisa Boutique 30th Anniversary Celebration is almost here.
We hope you will join us THURSDAY, OCTOBER 19 – when we have a full slate of activities planned to mark the milestone.
First and foremost, we thank you for your loyalty, support and friendship that have made these 30 years possible – and so memorable. 
It’s hard to believe Maria Luisa Whittingham opened her doors back in 1987. So many memories – we’ll be sharing some of our own and hope you will share your favorite “Maria Luisa memories” when you visit on our special day.
And to make this anniversary party really memorable we have a lot planned – starting with quite a sale.
During all hours Oct. 19, in both Maria Luisa Boutique and ML by Maria Luisa, we will be offering 30% off all purchases of $30 or more. In addition, we will be offering a special in-store gift with purchases on final sales of $30 or more.
And that’s not all.
We’ll uncork some bubbly (alcoholic and not) around midday to kick things off, along with light bites. As the afternoon continues, we’ll serve up some fruit and juices to coincide with our “just for the little ones” hour, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., when we offer complimentary face painting by Maria Rocco.
We’ll keep the food and drink coming, leading into our OneHope wine tasting around 6. Sample the varieties, shop for the holidays – and remember a portion of the proceeds benefit nonprofit causes.
In addition, have a henna design created by Jamie Baldwin Gaviola between 6 and 7:30 p.m.
And don’t forget to take a photo or two in our own “photo booth,” watch our “30 Years of Maria Luisa” video, take part in our giveaways and meet our “#30Looksof30Years models.
Remember, join us Oct. 19 as we raise a glass to our first 30 years – looking fondly back and toasting what’s yet to come.

Hope to see you then!!
www.marialuisaboutique.com

Monday, October 9, 2017

AUTUMN AT MARIA LUISA


New arrivals
                    New activities
and OUR 30th ANNIVERSARY!!!!!!
 Welcome to our latest seasonal newsletter.
Yes, autumn is here.
Summer flew by, as did Labor Day, back-to-school
- and just about everything else of late.
But...
We are all about embracing this new season.
We have two shops filled with a stunning array of new fashions and accessories, gift ideas and ways to spruce up your surroundings.
We have some new brands, many tried-and-true favorites - and yes, BOOTS - one of our favorite things and yours!
***
AND OF COURSE....
This is the season when we officially mark - and CELEBRATE - our 30th anniversary in business.
Yes, the original Maria Luisa Boutique opened its doors in Nyack back in 1987 - and your loyalty and support have helped us reach this milestone, so it's only fitting you join in the celebrating, as well.
***
 
Stay tuned for full details on the event but hopefully you've noticed - and are participating in our anniversary events already under way:
*
Looking good
We hope you've been enjoying our "30 Looks for 30 Years" fashion show featuring some of our most loyal customers modeling their favorite finds from Maria Luisa.
It's our way to celebrate the individual styles of the women who have made our offerings their own - and celebrate their unique styles. 
Check out our Facebook page for the stylish ladies.
*

Trivia time
Think you know Maria? Prove it- ha! Through Oct. 18, we are posting a daily trivia question on Facebook about Maria, the store or the Nyack community. Let us know how much you know.



Lend a hand
We are conducting a clothing drive for the Center For Safety & Change through our MLfavesForGood initiative.
We are collecting much-needed essentials, which include:
New underwear (bras and panties), in all sizes;
Sweatshirts and pants; 
And pajamas. FB Event Link
We thank you for joining us in this effort that will have a very real impact.

Don't forget we also have BIG plans for this year's edition of Nyack's famed Halloween Parade, which is also marking its 30th anniversary.
Join us during the day on Oct. 28 when we offer our annual Halloween Doorbuster sale (details to come) - but also plan to join us that evening as we join in the march, set for 5 to 8 p.m.

As part of the fun, we'd love to have you join our #MLfaves group, as we're planning a creative way to send a message about the ongoing importance of "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle."
We are gathering all kinds of recyclable and non-recyclables to create some one-of-a-kind costumes. Think plastic, cardboard, foam, coffee-cup lids, plastic bottles and all kinds of packaging materials.
Here's how you, as an MLfave, can help:
* Join the MLfaves parade group. 
FB Event Page Link
* Help us collect materials - what others might call "garbage" - for our costumes.
* Create - or let us help you to create - your themed costume.
Keep in mind, we welcome children, who are encouraged to participate.
We are really excited about this event - and hope you are, too. Stay tuned for more details, but get in touch now if you'd like to know more.
   
***
As always, thank for reading this, our seasonal update.
In each edition, we'll continue to share details with you on new fashions, accessories, furniture, home goods and gift ideas that seem to arrive all the time in both Maria Luisa Boutique and ML by Maria Luisa
(and always available 24-7 online).
 And of course there are the seasonal SALES that you'll definitely want to know about.
***
As always, we continue to keep in more frequent touch through social media, with steady postings to our InstagramFacebook and Pinterest accounts, 
as well as our blog and community calendar.

Wednesday, September 20, 2017

VISION QUEST

For many of us, our eyes just ain’t what they used to be… it’s a fact of aging.
A fact of life.
But there’s no need to feel a pair of reading glasses will crimp your style.
No… they can actually add a fashionable touch.
Our readers, in a wide range of strengths, come in a variety of shapes – from retro cat’s eye to classic “Ray-Ban” to aviator –  and color themes. 
And yes, we even have sun readers with 100% UV protection, bi-focals and polarized features.
Come on in, try some on – and get ready to be reading with ease… and flair.







Sunday, August 20, 2017

Animal Instinct…

Odette
Have you noticed the menagerie filling our shops?
Well, we won’t blame you if you didn’t.
There are no actual live animals… simply animal motifs dotting a number of items on hand.
These range from carved elephant-themed wall hangings to a baby bird landing on a soap wrapper. There’s an intense-looking cat decorating a wallet and a frog-prince holding court in our lower level home department at ML by Maria Luisa.
Take a slow walk around and you’ll see plenty more, including giraffes, zebras… we’ll let you be surprised.
Lots of gift ideas for those animal lovers on your shopping lists.

MARIA LUISA

Thursday, August 10, 2017

LET’S TAKE IT OUTSIDE



The outdoor entertaining season is well and truly here.
And at Maria Luisa Boutique and ML by Maria Luisa, we have plenty
of goods to help you make the transition to the great outdoors.
We have bowls and plates, trays and tables, cups and cookbooks – and some pretty funky roasting forks (marshmallows, anyone?).
Beach Stones
Buddha
Our selections are perfect additions to your own home – or make for some unique and memorable gifts, especially for those hosts and hostesses who invite us to share their own outdoor spaces.
Enjoy!
Maria Luisa

Wednesday, August 9, 2017

FLOWER POWER

Maxi
The warm weather has certainly put things in full bloom.
On SALE
Our surroundings are filled with all kinds of seasonal flowers – and we’re loving
it.
And this seasonal theme is also reflected in our shops – and on our website – where you’ll find us having quite a bit of fun with flowers.
There are floral prints on dresses and tunics and on scarves, bags and earrings.
And of course, floral scents are featured in our beauty products ranging from soaps to lotions and more.
We even have a gorgeous chair upholstered in a vibrant floral pattern.
Come in and see our “garden” full of options.
Maria Luisa

Thursday, July 13, 2017

The road to success

It wouldn’t be a proper celebration without the thank-you note afterwards.
So we just wanted to take a moment to offer our SINCERE THANKS to all of you who supported the #mlfaves team at the 30th Women’s Distance Festival, held July 8 at Rockland Lake State Park in Congers.
It was a special day for the Maria Luisa family – not only was it another way for all of us to offer our continued support for The Center for Safety and Change (accomplished through entry fees plus our own team donation, matched by Maria Luisa) – but it was also a great way to celebrate Maria Luisa Whittingham’s 60th birthday.
That occasion was marked by the Center with a beautiful balloon bouquet, a birthday cake – and of course, a birthday serenade.
The #mlfaves team was some 80-strong – a showing that placed us second-largest in the event’s groups – and our members ran, jogged and strolled their way to completing the 5K-course in a morning filled with camaraderie and good will.
And it proved a memorable turnout – some 1,100 participants overall!! – for a most important cause.
Again, we thank you for your continued support of the causes we believe in!


  • Maria Luisa Whittingham and the #mlfaves team. For more MLfaves at the 30th WDF CLICK HERE




Thursday, May 11, 2017

SOFT AND EASY


When you have a rough day, all you want to do is come home and relax.
It’s even better when you have a cozy space to just sink into.
If you haven’t seen lately, our lower level at ML by Maria Luisa is filled with an expanded selection of home furnishings and accessories – including some wonderfully welcoming oversize pillows that you’ll want to dive right into.

Stock up… and we promise your next bad day suddenly won’t seem so bad.





Wednesday, May 10, 2017

Our Mother’s Day Shopping Wish List registry is under way.

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY FROM MARIA LUISA

Browse our shop
Here at Maria Luisa Boutique and ML by Maria Luisa, we are all about celebrating women – and with Mother’s Day coming this Sunday, May 14, there’s no better time to recognize the special women in your life.
It could be your mom, your grandmother, an aunt, a sister, a dear friend, a mentor – any woman who’s been important in your life that you would like to honor.
Our shops are filled with gift ideas from clothing to bags, jewelry to scarves, shoes to lotions, candles, artwork and more. Of course, we also have journals and books, kitchen gear, furniture… lots of options to be sure.
***
Here’s what we have going on to help you find that perfect gift

Our Mother’s Day Shopping Wish List registry is under way.
Now through May 10, you can come in and create your own registry – a “wish list” of sorts – to put some gift ideas out there.
Then, you or anyone who shops from your list by May 12 will receive a 20% percent discount. And for the younger set, we've got a special offer - shoppers ages 12 and under who shop for mom now through May 12 - and BEFORE NOON May 13 - will receive a special Junior-Shopper 30% discount on cash purchases for mom.
***
And if time gets away from you, fear not. In addition to being able to shop 24/7 at marialuisaboutique.com, you can also take advantage of 15% off select gift packages in store.
Purchase GC
We have created a number of “grab-and-go” gifts featuring some of our most appealing selections. These artfully wrapped gifts feature products ranging from lip balms to earrings to jewelry boxes, reflecting both a variety of interests and budgets.
***
And don’t forget, a Maria Luisa gift card allows you to give Mom her very own shopping spree, something she can enjoy when she has the time – and perhaps you’ll even join her and see how delighted she is with what she finds.
***
So once again, to all those moms – and mother figures – enjoy the day!
***
Both Maria Luisa Boutique and ML by Maria Luisa are open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays.
We look forward to seeing you this week.
Maria Luisa and the ML Team