100% GOOD Pledge

You know we here at Maria Luisa Boutique and ML by Maria Luisa are committed to more than just what’s “in fashion” today. Sure, we want to look great – but we also think a big part of feeling good in what you’re wearing comes from the “story” behind what you wear.

That’s why much of what we carry in both our shops reflects our commitment to community, to Fair Trade, to cultivating good. Long supporters of TOMS – that favorite shoe brand you’ve come to love for its comfort, look and commitment to giving a pair of shoes to someone in need for each purchased – we have just brought a new brand into our inventory. And we think they will become another Maria Luisa go-to. We’re now showing a canvas tie shoe from Dimmi Shoes, which is selling for $39.99.

The versatile, casual tie-up simply charmed us, from its delicate floral details to the way it seems to elevate the everyday lightweight sneaker into something extra. We’re already picturing it with boyfriend jeans, a sundress or even slipping into them on the way home from the beach or pool. And this brand does more than just look good, as its “100% Good” slogan promotes. The brand, said to be inspired by “the true good in people,” is designed to promote wellness, comfort and style while doing that good work.

You see, all – yes, 100% - of the wholesale profits will go to “advancing cures across the medical community.” This commitment to medical research will touch so many – and we’re proud to join the effort, as we think you will be, as well. It’s also good to know the company is devoted to developing best practices and to sustainable manufacturing. We can all get behind that, right? So, stop by ML by Maria Luisa to check out our first offering from Dimmi – and let us know what you think. Why not even send us a picture of you wearing your new Dimmi shoes, which we’ll happily post on our social-media outlets and help spread the word about this brand’s important work. And to show how we at Maria Luisa are taking the Dimmi model to heart, we pledge to donate 100% of all this year's profits from the sale of these shoes to the Nyack Rotary Club's fund to end polio. Watch the Dimmi 100% Pledge VIDEO

At Maria Luisa we have another Pledge that we ask you to consider your support, it's the 'Say NO to the Bag' Pledge. We are committed to reducing the consumption of single use bags and other packaging.

Meet Featured Artist Ed Kirkland: JOIN US FOR 'FIRST FRIDAY' FUN

MAY UNDER WAY AT MARIA LUISA JOIN US FOR 'FIRST FRIDAY' FUN on May 2, 2014 5:00-8:00pm Spring is well and truly here. We're happy to invite you to this week's "First Friday" evening, which will again be part of a Nyack-wide celebration of the arts. Here at ML by Maria Luisa, we'll be hosting an evening with local artist Ed Kirkland.

He'll be exhibiting in our lower-level gallery space throughout the month, so stop by from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday to meet the artist, see his paintings and as always, share a few refreshments and conversation. our artists: May is filled with special events, so be sure to keep both Maria Luisa Boutique and ML by Maria Luisa in mind when shopping for Mother's Day, graduations and birthdays. And be sure to stop by when you attend the May 18 Famous Nyack Street Fair. We'll be open throughout the day and also be set up outside both shops during fair hours of 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Happy May! Maria Luisa Boutique, 77 S. Broadway, Nyack. (845) 353-4122 ML by Maria Luisa, 75 S. Broadway, Nyack. (845) 358-1293. marialuisaboutique.com

We Reward Your Commitment

We've taken the lead in Nyack, NY with the "Say NO to the Bag" petition initiative. If you have not taken the pledge, I ask you to take a minute now to do so. Just go to the Say NO link above to register your pledge support and then share the pledge within your circles- This Saturday, April 26, Keep Rockland Beautiful will be having its Nyack clean up day-sign up and pick up supplies and FREE market tote,

compliments of Maria Luisa, in the morning at the Nyack Center- Then celebrate the Village of Nyack sponsored Earth Day celebration at Memorial Park. It's going to be a great day for the entire family. At Maria Luisa and ML by Maria Luisa we are making the idea of carrying a reusable bag attractive by offering you a FREE bag when you volunteer for the KRB clean up day and by offering a promotionally priced bag at our shops that you can then bring with you every time you shop with us, eliminating the need for a single use bag.

Pick up the bag beginning this month and we'll give you 10 cents off your bill every time that you bring it with you, foregoing single use bags. Bring any other bag for your purchases and we'll take 5 cents of your bill every time. Of course, it's part of a broader initiative, encouraging everyone to use their own bags and cut down on waste. Get into the routine- you'll be so glad you did. Maria Luisa Boutique and ML by Maria Luisa, Nyack NY 10960

Indoors, soon to be outdoors...

Have you been attending the Nyack Farmer’s Market all winter? It continues year-round, with an indoor edition each Thursday at The Nyack Center. The popular weekly destination for fresh fruits and vegetables — and so much more — thrives each week on the corner of South Broadway and Depew.

There are vendors selling artisan breads and sweet pies, fruits and vegetables, teas and candles. And there are a few businesses on hand offering demonstrations of their products and services (knife-sharpening anyone?) and on occasion, performances. It’s a great way to support the shop local movement, the farm movement and artisans and artists from throughout the region. Most of all, it’s fun, free to enter and you’ll usually run into someone you know. Great chance to catch up and talk about spring’s impending arrival The indoor edition continues from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursdays until the grand return to its outdoor home April 3. See you indoors, see you outdoors – both editions are worth the trip. For more, check out the Nyack Farmers’ Market Facebook page, which is frequently updated.

MARCH MADNESS... THE MARIA LUISA WAY (WE'RE NOT TALKING BASKETBALL)

So March is here, the month when spring (finally) makes its debut. We know we are ready. How about you? This month finds both our shops, Maria Luisa Boutique and ML by Maria Luisa filled to bursting with new merchandise. Sure, some of the winter-sale merchandise is still here, but you're going to want to stop by and see what's new. And it's quite a lot.

As always, expect our trademark blend of texture, silhouette and color from favorite (and some new) brands in clothing and accessories, including footwear, jewelry bags and scarves. And don't forget gift items, baby items, furniture and home accessories. On the event front, we'll kick the month off with another installment of the successful "First Friday" series; see sidebar for full details.

This month is also Women's History Month, with events planned throughout the county, including the March 8 "Women of Leadership & Vision Brunch" at the Nyack Center. And finally, we want to also make sure you mark March 29 on your calendars. If you attended - or heard about- last summer's memorable poetry and literary evening, its spirit continues with "In Celebration of Renewal." This evening dedicated to welcoming spring with poetry and music will get under way at 6:30 p.m. at ML by Maria Luisa. Stay tuned to Facebook for updates. So as we say goodbye to this rough winter and get ready to welcome spring, we are pleased to be offering a few special events and look forward to seeing you in the shops soon. Time to emerge from that winter hibernation! As always, continue to follow us in between these monthly newsletters through our blog posts, Facebook pages and on Twitter. ML

GETTING EVER CLOSER

Before you know it, we're going to be welcoming spring - and that means street fair season is about to kick off. One of Nyack's favorite traditions, its street fairs, will kick off in April, so mark your calendars now. Following tradition, the Nyack Chamber of Commerce sponsors a pair of the events, with SpringFest kicking the year's slate off April 13 and SeptemberFest set for Sept. 7.

The schedule is rounded out with fairs May 18, July 13 and Oct. 12. These three events are sponsored by the Art, Craft & Antiques Dealers Association and run by P.J.'s Promotions. Click through the links for full details, though the routine is pretty set. Fairs run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., rain or shine, with participation from vendors set up along the downtown streets (Main and Broadway) with most merchants also taking part. See you there!

Did you hear the one about the two Facebook pages that fell in love...

...and lived together happily ever after? Well, that's our coy way of reminding you that timed to coincide with Valentine's Day, we merged our two Facebook pages. You'll find everything you need to know about Maria Luisa Boutique and ML by Maria Luisa conveniently located on one page

(Maria Luisa Boutique). LIKE us, SHARE and check it out often for updates on new merchandise, special events and the like. It's our way of staying in touch with you - and we hope you consider it your way of staying in touch with us between visits. We welcome and look forward to your comments, updates and likes.