HOT New Finds at Maria Luisa

Unless you enjoy the winter chill, we hope your winter hasn’t been too chilly.
No matter the outdoor temperature, it’s been getting pretty HOT here at Maria Luisa Boutique and ML by Maria Luisa.
We’ve recently been to market, and the new merchandise we’ve selected for you is now arriving in both shops. It’s a lovely mix, we think, of new designs from our tried-and-true favorites along with exciting new options.

Just In

That means more of the boldly colorful and incredibly stylish selections from Desigual, along with new footwear options from an all-time fave brand, Pikolinos.

Spring Arrivals from Hobo

We also have new styles from some of the other brands we know you love – Comfy USA and Cut Loose, quality pieces that never go out of style – along with plenty of exciting new finds that you just have to come in and try on.

Breathe in... Breath out.

In addition, we have replenished and expanded some of our most popular candles and home fragrances, ideal selections to bring a bit of wintertime serenity.
And don’t forget our Winter Sale continues, with offerings now priced at the best deals.
We like to think this all adds up to something definitely worth the trip, especially as we’d love nothing more than seeing you and hearing how your winter has been going. If you’ve not been in recently, we promise you’ll find a “new and improved” Maria Luisa is now fully in place.
Always moving forward, we ask you to also keep in mind that there’s still plenty to come. Stay tuned for details of our first 2019 Doorbuster sale, set for next Saturday, March 2.

And we’re going to be announcing a new ML venture in May… don’t you just love the suspense? We thought so!!

2019 Scholaship applications are now available

We look forward to seeing you in the shops – or online at marialuisaboutique.com or shoptiques.com.

WHAT A YEAR IT HAS BEEN

It’s hard to believe but another year has run its course.

But before we leave 2018 behind, we’re taking a moment – as we like to do here at Maria Luisa – to reflect on the year.

And what a year it was, thanks in large part to you, our loyal customers.
First, we want to thank you for your ongoing support – not only for your dedication to shopping local but also your joining us at special events, helping to raise funds and awareness and quite simply, for your loyalty and friendship. It’s the most rewarding part of life here at Maria Luisa.

Our year got off to a healthy start with the #ML Faves For Good participating in Nyack’s annual Resolution Run, a through-the-streets walk/run designed to raise funds to combat hunger in our own community. We’ll be doing it again in the new year – with the 2019 event set for Jan. 5; please join us! --->SIGN UP-DONATE HERE---> NYACK RESOLUTION RUN/WALK

That on-the-road spirit continued throughout the year, with #ML Faves again gathering to participate in the 31st annual Women’s Distance Festival in July at Rockland Lake State Park in Congers. Our team had another strong showing – helping raise funds for the Center for Safety and Change, an organization that we have long supported. (We’ll be there again in 2019; save the date of July 13 and plan to join us). Registration begins on Janyuary 11, 2019.

WHAT A YEAR IT HAS BEEN  at MARIA LUISA

We also took to the streets… of South Broadway, participating in each and every Nyack street fair held throughout the year, from the SpringFest through the last event in October. Village events are a mainstay of the Maria Luisa calendar, as we often tie in special store activities and promotions to events going on in the community such as the annual Halloween Parade.

This year also saw us, for the first time, presenting two awards through our ML by Maria Luisa Scholarship Fund. The program has been expanded – and thanks to your ongoing and generous support – we were able to recognize both Ruth Uriarte and Katherine Bacolas. As you know, the scholarship program is something we are especially proud of, this year expanding to recognize both a Nyack High School senior and a senior from anywhere in the county. We also now invite applications from any female graduating senior as well as those who identify as female – and look forward to our next presentation toward the end of the academic year. (Stay tuned for an announcement about the 2019 program and application details). DONATE --->HERE

Throughout the year, we have continued our commitment to artist- and artisan-made goods, sustainable production and Fair Trade principles, adding new merchandise that reflects our new discoveries. In addition, we’re continually impressed – and inspired – by how many customers support our “Say NO! to the Bag” initiative, bringing their own bags or purchasing the reusable Maria Luisa shopper. Village events are a mainstay of the Maria Luisa calendar, as we often tie in special store activities and promotions to events going on in the community such as the annual Halloween Parade. We celebrated the whole day of the parade in store, while also taking part in the main event itself. ML team members and friends once again wore eco-minded costumes to raise awareness of the power of recycling as we walked the village streets in this most-popular Nyack event.
We saw that often during the holiday season, which was especially rewarding – as was this year’s holiday party. Sure, it was a chance to kick back and have some fun while helping you with your own holiday shopping, but this year’s event was something really special.

The early December evening served as the official introduction of one of our most exciting efforts to date, the collaboration with Nyack-based artist and illustrator Johanna Goodman. The teaming up with this amazingly talented woman has been quite a creative endeavor, as we developed an exclusive collection of totes, pillows and shower curtains based on her signature “The Catalogue of Imaginary Beings” series. The designs have been a hit, as we knew they would be – and we look forward to expanding the line in the new year.

As you can see, 2018 was a great year at Maria Luisa, one filled with milestones and memories.

In that spirit of moving ever forward, we’re excited for 2019, and hope you are, as well.

Stay tuned to next week’s blog for details on some more of what’s planned for 2019 at Maria Luisa Boutique and ML by Maria Luisa.

And until we see you in the shops to say it in person, HAPPY NEW YEAR from all of us at Maria Luisa.

Maria Luisa

HAPPY THANKSGIVING FROM MARIA LUISA
Another Recipe… and SALE DETAILS

We want to wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving – and simply say that we are grateful for each one of you – for your friendship, loyalty and support since we first opened in 1987.
With the wintery weather having arrived a bit early, we’d like to remind you that we are again collecting winter coats and accessories to be donated to the Nyack Homeless Project. In addition to our food drive for People to People, this coat drive will also help those less fortunate in our community – so we hope you’ll drop by and add a gently used (or new) item to our collection bin.
And of course, we wish you all a relaxing holiday – one that you’ll share with family and friends. As we’ve been doing, the blog will end with another recipe from a member of the Maria Luisa team – and this time, it’s from Maria herself.
But… of course, Thanksgiving naturally leads to Black Friday – and a weekend full of holiday shopping. If you’re like us, you love shopping for distinct gifts with meaning, supporting artists, artisans and small businesses (like ours!), so read on for a few details that we think you’ll really love.                                                                  

                                                 
HOLIDAY WEEKEND SAVINGS
                                                                                 
Join us after Thanksgiving – we’ll be closed Thursday, so our team members can celebrate – but after that – let the shopping begin on Friday morning and continue til…

Throughout the weekend, we will be offering a few deals you won’t want to miss.
In both Maria Luisa Boutique and ML by Maria Luisa, shop Friday through Sunday and – no coupons required! – enjoy:
•  25% off outerwear (coats and jackets) as well as our perennial favorite, footwear.
• Stock up on gifts and save more: save 20% when you purchase 10 or more candles; and save 20% when you purchase four or more scarves.

And if you can’t make it in, our CYBERSALE will be running throughout the weekend at MariaLuisaBoutique.com – Use code blackfriday to receive $50 off a $175 purchase.

We hope to see you in store – or online – and are happy to get your holiday shopping (or a splurge for yourself) under way. Remember, we’re always here to offer suggestions, as well.
                                                                                   
And that recipe, one of Maria Luisa’s own favorites, ideal for any day of the holiday season –

Meringues
Ingredients
4 egg whites
1 pinch salt
¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
1 and 1/3 cups sugar
½ teaspoon grated lemon zest

Directions
• Preheat the oven to 275 degrees F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
• In a large clean glass or metal bowl, whip the egg whites with salt and cream of tartar until they can hold a soft peak. Gradually sprinkle in the sugar while continuing to whip to stiff peaks. Fold in the lemon zest. Drop by heaping spoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheets.
• Bake for 35 minutes in the preheated oven or until they peel off of the sheet without resistance. • Cool on wire racks, then store in an airtight container at room temperature.

What I love about this recipe – Meringues take me back to baking with my mom in my childhood home of Puerto Rico. 

Once again, Happy Thanksgiving to you!


Just in case that you missed these recipes, here you go.

Susan's Smashed Potatoes  

Lindsay's Pumpkin Bread

MINDFULLY… AT MARIA LUISA

As you know, we put a lot of thought into what we bring into both Maria Luisa Boutique and ML by Maria Luisa.

Goods, whether a fall sweater or a scented candle, are not selected solely because they “look good” or “smell just lovely.”

No, all of our sourcing for products goes much deeper – and we believe that is one of the reasons why you continue to be a loyal patron, something we never take for granted.

This autumn, we are really putting the spotlight on what we call “ethical shopping” – once again calling your attention to products and designs that have deeper meaning.

As Maria Luisa Whittingham says, “Just because something is made in a particular region doesn’t mean it’s made ethically.”

We do research on what we bring into the shops, as we continue our search to supplement our longtime brands and designs that you know and love with new finds from around the world that add something more to the mix.

That’s why we will continue to share the stories behind our goods with you, whether they are items made following Fair Trade practices, designs that benefit women across the globe or even products that directly support our local artists and artisans.

Feel free to always ask us about anything that catches your eye; we like nothing more than to share the story behind what fills our shops.

And to keep that conversation going – both literally and figuratively – we ask you to “save the date” of Nov. 8 when we host a special evening from 5 to 8 p.m.

We will officially introduce one of our newest brands – MacKenzie83, a New-York based, made-in-America company that designs eco-friendly, responsibly sourced accessories featuring organic, free-range and vegetable-tanned leathers, organic cottons and recycled metals.

We plan to not only showcase its handcrafted creations but also host a “sip and chat” about Fair Trade and ethical shopping options, focusing on why we decided to carry the brand – and how you can get more involved in how you shop and what it all means.

The evening will also serve to raise funds for one of our important local nonprofits, the Center for Safety and Change, with 20 percent of all product sales to be donated to the organization.

And a bonus? You’ll also save 10% that evening on MacKenzie83 purchases above $200.

It’s really a win-win, don’t you think?

Sign up through our Facebook events page (Link HERE) - and hope to see you there!

• And speaking of supporting local artists and artisans, we hope you’ll also make a plan to stop by Oct. 13, when we offer a Trunk Show featuring jewelry from Nyack-born designer and artist Jane Cowles. Coinciding with Nyack’s Fall Sidewalk Sale – another “shop local” event not to be missed – Jane will be on hand from 2 to 4 p.m. showcasing her one-of-a-kind fine jewelry, inspired by the gardens of Paris and handcrafted in New York. We know you’ll just love her work, which also includes custom designs – so we hope to see you then, as well.

(And speaking of happenings this month, remember the final Nyack Street Fair of the year is set for this Sunday).

RESERVE YOUR SPOT

MAKE A WISH

Mother’s Day is just around the corner – May 13.

As we all know, it’s a chance to recognize our mothers – but it’s also a bit more than that.

It’s about recognizing those in your life who are “like a mother” to you – perhaps a sister, aunt, grandmother, best friend.

Wouldn’t it be nice to let those special ladies know how much they mean to you?

We love getting into the Mother’s Day spirit at Maria Luisa Boutique and ML by Maria Luisa, especially as our shops are filled with fashions, accessories, home goods and plenty of ideas that make an ideal gift, whether it’s a beautiful little token or a really elaborate presentation.

FOR THE FASHIONISTA MAMAS

If you’re a mom and want to make it “easy” on those shopping for you – as we do during the holiday season – we’ll again be offering a “Mother’s Day Wish List,” and kicking it all off with a special party May 3.

Here’s a quick run-down of how it all works:

You come by our shops on May 3 – create a “wish list” of items that you’d love to receive (we’ll help you with suggestions and filling out the lists) – and then we’ll hold onto it. Your family and friends can then come in and shop for you from that list, knowing that they are purchasing you something that you’ll truly want – and love. It’s our spin on a gift registry.

As mentioned, we’ll begin our lists May 3, with a special party that evening. Stop by from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and have a snack, create your list – and simply enjoy the experience.
 

MARIA LUISA GIFT CARD

If you do some of your own shopping that night – you’ll receive 10% off your purchases up to $100 and 20% off your purchases of $100+.

And then, when those shopping for you return and shop off your list – from May 4 to May 10 – we’ll also offer then a 10% discount on those items.

Pretty much a win-win all the way around.

We hope to see you on May 3 – and Happy Mother’s Day in advance.

STEPPING IN STYLE AND COMFORT

FRAGRANCE OPTIONS THAT MOM WILL LOVE

EVEN MORE GIFT IDEAS

FOLLOW MARIA'S BLOG

A MOST FASHIONABLE SPRING

Spring’s the time of renewal, of fresh starts and new perspectives.
In that spirit, we ask, “How’s your closet doing?”

If like most of us, your answer is along the lines of “meh” – then we have the fashionable solution.

At Maria Luisa Boutique, these days are all about freshening up – adding a few subtle changes – or for the really daring, an entirely new spin on your wardrobe.

When it comes to spring fashions, looks that will also carry you through the rest of the year with clever layering and savvy mixing-and-matching, we’ve got plenty of options.
We are filled with new arrivals from our tried-and-true brands – along with some lovely new additions.

More of our Favorite Things

As expected, we have tops and pants, dresses and jackets, scarves, bags, jewelry and footwear… don’t get us started on the footwear – one of our favorite categories that we know you also love.
So, haven’t these days of chill, wind – and snow that never (never!) seems to be done – put us through enough?
YES!!
Come on in and see what we have in store for your spring/summer looks – and beyond – and don’t forget, you can always shop, or preview our collections, online at marialuisaboutique or shoptiques.com.

But we do hope you’ll stop by for a look – and a chat.

After all, our team members like nothing more than showing off all the new fashions and accessories we have selected … with you in mind.

Shop MariaLuisaBoutique.com

Shop Maria Luisa at Shoptiques

Gift Card

Busy BLOGGING

ML Faves for GOOD

ML by Maria Luisa Scholarship Fund

LABEL-CONSCIOUS – THE MARIA LUISA WAY

We know our customers aren’t all about chasing designer labels and brands.

But we also know that labels and brands can tell a lot about a product.

At Maria Luisa Boutique and ML by Maria Luisa, we are proud of the labels and brands you’ll find throughout our shops – and we’re starting a new way to direct your attention to these.

As the spring progresses, you’ll notice signs dotted throughout our shops, as well as online.

We’ll be noting the products we carry that are created following Fair Trade practices and principles – and also those products that are “Maker Made” artisan creations.

LABEL-CONSCIOUS

As you know, we’re constantly on a search to bring you fashions, accessories, gift items and decorative goods that are pleasing to you and your gift recipients – but it’s so much more than the look or impression of something.

We strive to offer quality products that also have a “story,” whether it’s something made by hand with proceeds supporting a women’s collective in a developing nation – or a greeting card, candle or print handcrafted by a local company or artist.

To us, it’s all about supporting the heart of the creative process and the sharing of distinctive, quality goods that have a story behind them.
 

Watch Maria's Story

Feel free to ask our team members about anything you see in our shops or online (at marialuisaboutique.com or shoptiques.com).

And look for the signs that add another level of meaning to your Maria Luisa purchases.

Explore

Another Informative BLOG by Maria Luisa

ML Faves for GOOD

Scholarship Fund

VALENTINE’S FOR YOUR VALENTINE

Valentine’s Day, as we all know, is Feb. 14… and that’s coming up pretty quickly.

It’s a day devoted to love – all kinds of love.

Sure, the most traditional celebration is of romantic love – but in a wonderful way, the observance has expanded over the years. Valentine’s Day is now a time to recognize all those you love – romantic partners but also parents and children, siblings and friends.

A wander through both Maria Luisa Boutique and ML by Maria Luisa offers up quite a selection of gift ideas ideal for anyone you may be shopping for.

KIORI Oil
Available in Nyack, NY Shop

When it comes to pampering – what a nice way to show you care – we have soaps (think everything from lilac to lemongrass sage to stout beer), lotions, scents, bath goods, candles and more. And just for the guys, there’s a full range of Duke Cannon products, which you may know, are “premium grooming goods for hard-working gentlemen.”

BEER SOAP

If you’re setting a romantic scene for your Valentine with a nice meal, we have cookbooks, tabletop goods and some lovely candlesticks to help set the mood.

BOOKS

There’s always jewelry, a near-universal favorite that takes on added meaning when given for Valentine’s Day. Whether it’s sterling silver twisted into a one-of-a-kind ring, a graceful tassel necklace or truly unique selections created out of agave fibers, the options are plenty.

MANTRA BANDS

All ages will be dazzled by the bright Fair Trade totes. There’s a blush-hued jacket from KUT.  And we have charming terrariums. Scarves featuring reclaimed Sari fabrics and settle-into-them pillows are colorful choices. And shoes, did we mention shoes, for those who really want to make an impression? 

We even go literal – with heart-shaped stones boasting sayings such as “Love is Love,” while other stones and signs that offer encouragement (“What are you waiting for?”). 

Journals of many styles are at the ready for those who like to chronicle their life – perhaps this Valentine’s will be especially memorable – or simply want to keep their endless lists in beautiful bindings.

And, of course, we’ve got the fashions and accessories not only for others but to also dress you in style, wherever your Valentine’s celebration may take you.

THE PERFECT RED DRESS

We hope to see you all soon. Don’t forget, we’re always here to offer advice and suggestions – or if you can’t make it in, remember you can shop online any time.

Lastly, remember that a Maria Luisa gift card always “fits.” HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!

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