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

THE NEXT GENERATION…

This week marks a bit of a milestone in the Maria Luisa world.

It was some four years ago when Maria Luisa Whittingham was able to fulfill a longtime dream, creating a namesake scholarship program that would support and encourage the next generation of female leaders.

She launched the ML by Maria Luisa Scholarship program, administered by the Rockland Community Foundation, back in 2014. 

And this week, she will – for the first time in the program’s young history – present not one but two scholarships to local graduating seniors.

These awards will be given during the 2018 ML by Maria Luisa Scholarship Presentation reception, to be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday (May 10) at Maria Luisa Boutique.

Family, educators, friends, community members and our ML community – you, our loyal customers – are invited to join us as we celebrate the achievements of this year’s winners.

Scholarships of $1,000 each will be presented to Ruth Uriarte of Nyack High School and Katherine Marie Bacolas of Clarkstown South High School.

These young women were selected as best exemplifying the award’s criteria: being Rockland County high school female seniors who, through their actions or beliefs, embrace the principles of ML by Maria Luisa that include civic and community involvement, as well as a commitment to social justice, social equality, and environment/eco-friendly lifestyles.

The awards are designed to assist with costs of attending a college of their choice. This year, the program was expanded in two important ways. A second scholarship was added to specifically recognize a student attending Nyack High School, in honor of the community that has long supported Maria Luisa and her business. The 2018 program was also expanded to include nominations from those who identify as female, as well.

It’s been quite the year for the program that continues to grow.

As Maria has said, “The empowerment of young women is high on my list of priorities.”

And in a nod to the way she herself benefited from a scholarship during her college years, one that allowed her to attend the Fashion Institute of Technology in Manhattan, she has also noted, “The ML by Maria Luisa Scholarship Fund is my way of paying it forward.” 

We hope you will join us from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday as Maria Luisa officially presents the 2018 awards – and recognize the accomplishments of these young women.

And we thank you, of course, for your ongoing support of our scholarship program.

***

For more, or to donate to the 2019 effort, visit marialuisaboutique.com/maria-luisa-scholarship-fund or rocklandgives.org.

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