Good Things in Store!

Well, the rumors are true. We (Jason and Kristen) are opening a boutique in Orono at the end of this month, and we couldn't be happier!

The Maine Maven shop will feature goods by our favorite Maine artisans and businesses — no balsam pillows, lobster-shaped lollipops or maple candy. Just hip, fun, stylish things such as Angela Adams bags and rugs, custom Sea Bags, gorgeous jewelry, accessories, specialty foods and a whole lot of  items you can't find anywhere else. There will even be stuff for dudes. With a few exceptions, we've tried our best to carry items that aren't sold anywhere near Orono. And for everyone who adores the artwork on Maine Maven (and why wouldn't you?), our illustrator, Shawn Rice, has something special planned for you.

In the coming days, we will be offering more details, sneak peeks of some of our merchandise and store progress on the blog, on Facebook and on Twitter. If there are any Maine products you think we should know about, e-mail us at kristen@mainemaven.com or message us on Facebook or Twitter.

We can't wait, and we hope you can't either. In the meantime, get ready to shop the best of ME.
Continue Reading

Shopping Trip: Bella Luna in Bangor

It was so cold last weekend that the only thing that could make us leave the house would be an act of God. Or an act of shopping.

But family was in town and what better way to spend an afternoon with Mom and sis than hitting the local shops? One of the highlights, as always, was Bella Luna, the chic, affordable women's boutique in downtown Bangor.

It's been a while since we've written about Bella Luna, but it's worth another look. Owner Heather van Frankenhuyzen has a great eye — she carries small labels, mid-range designer denim and the work of many local clothing and jewelry designers. And her new little helper, toddler Noorah, couldn't be cuter.

Unlike the big box stores, Bella Luna specializes in friendly, personalized service. Heather knows many of her customers by name, and she can take one look at you and tell you what's going to work and — more important — what isn't.

We were there for an hour — sis had a gift certificate and she tried on everything from flowing sweaters to gold go-go boots. During that time, women of all ages poured in, trying on skinny jeans and trousers, night-out tops and special occasion dresses, and spending lots of time by the clearance rack. If you go, try to get there this week — there's a huge sale going on — jeans, pashminas and scarves are 20 percent off; hats, gloves and jewelry are 25 percent off; coats are 30 percent off (and the coats are gorgeous); and bags are anywhere from 20 percent to 50 percent off.

It's no wonder this is our favorite women's shop in Bangor. All we needed was a little reminder.

Bella Luna is located at 48 Main St. in Bangor. For information, call (207) 941-0950.
Continue Reading

Greencare

Stepping into Greencare in Hermon — especially in the colder months — is like walking into a tropical oasis. At once, you're enveloped in warm, humid air perfumed with greenery and the occasional jasmine blossom. This greenhouse specializes in houseplants, and you'll find enough inspiration to turn even the blackest thumb green: rare orchids, showy bromeliads, funky air plants and a whole display of African violets. Owner Mary Lou Hutchins and her staff couldn't be nicer, and if you have a project in mind, whether it's a terrarium or a desert "landscape" of succulents, they'll be happy to help.

greencareplants.com
1779 Hammond Street
Hermon, Maine
(207) 848-5453

Get Directions
Continue Reading

Molly's

The village of Winterport is adorable on its own, but Molly's makes it a destination. This lovely shop is half antique store, half high-end boutique. Expect adorable baby clothing from Zutano, great, locally designed jewelry from Pamela Hitchcock and others, and handspun and handknit cashmere luxuries from Winterport artisan and cashmere goat farmer Hattie Clingerman.

115 Main Street
Winterport, Maine
(207) 223-8838

Get Directions
Continue Reading

American Retro

Skip the Tiffany and Coach knockoffs and head straight to the designer denim bucket at this consignment shop — we've seen authentic 7 for All Mankind, David Khan and True Religion among the offerings. Juniors are the target audience here — you'll find lots of Old Navy, American Eagle and Abercrombie on the racks. But you can also score cashmere sweaters, cute dresses, funky vintage and the occasional Ann Taylor suit.

www.amretro.com
40 Main Street
Bangor, Maine
(207) 941-9535

Get Directions
Continue Reading

Ingrid's German Gift Shop/Sunnyside Greenhouse

Whenever we need something elegant, perfect and beautiful, we head to Ingrid's German Shop in Bangor. There, owner Ingrid Perkins draws from her German heritage for inspiration — it's especially magical at Christmastime, when she transforms her tiny shop into a winter wonderland with imported glass ornaments, nutcrackers and other festive frills. In addition to a lovely selection of cookbooks, European imports abound — we love the Venetian glass. Next door, Ingrid's partner Rick Gilbert runs Sunnyside Greenhouse, home to Bangor's most beautiful bouquets.

www.ingridsgermangiftshop.com
117 Buck Street
Bangor, Maine
(207) 947-4232

Get Directions
Continue Reading

Metropolitan Soul

You never know what you might find when you walk into Metropolitan Soul, and that's a good thing. Owner Tracy Darcy shops around for unique, quirky imports — the antique Asian ink rollers are our favorite — along with great work by local artists and artisans.

metsoul.com
25 Hammond Street
Bangor, Maine
(207) 992-4147

Get Directions
Continue Reading

The Grasshopper Shop

This eclectic shop is a longtime favorite among locals and visitors. The jewelry selection is fantastic, the housewares and gifts are just right and the clothing is laid-back and fun. Downstairs is a treasure trove of toys for kids of all ages.

www.grasshoppershop.com
1 West Market Square
Bangor, Maine
(207) 945-3132

Get Directions
Continue Reading

Bella Luna

For years, fashionistas had to travel outside the Queen City if they wanted a true boutique experience. But thanks to owner Heather Van Frankenhuyzen and her fabulous taste, Bangor is now home to a great destination for cute yet affordable clothing. Expect great labels like Mac and Jac, Silver and Big Buddha, along with things you've never seen in Maine. Heather's own jewelry is the perfect accessory.

48 Main Street
Bangor, Maine
(207) 941-0950

Get Directions
Continue Reading

Marden's

Any list of Maine shopping destinations would be incomplete without Marden's. Yes, those commercials drive us nuts. But we've found deals of a lifetime there — a Betsey Johnson frock in Presque Isle for $15. Ralph Lauren runway samples in Bangor for $5. And — best find ever — the Maven's silk, pearl and crystal designer wedding gown in Calais for $99.

www.mardenssurplus.com
Continue Reading

Ingrid's German Gift Shop

Whenever we need something elegant, perfect and beautiful, we head to Ingrid's German Shop in Bangor. There, owner Ingrid Perkins draws from her German heritage for inspiration — it's especially magical at Christmastime, when she transforms her tiny shop into a winter wonderland with imported glass ornaments, nutcrackers and other festive frills. In addition to a lovely selection of cookbooks, European imports abound — we love the Venetian glass. Next door, Ingrid's partner Rick Gilbert runs Sunnyside Greenhouse, home to Bangor's most beautiful bouquets.

www.ingridsgermangiftshop.com
117 Buck Street
Bangor, ME
(207) 947-4232

Get Directions
Continue Reading