September 2022 - Blog - Marleylilly Blog

Fall is fastly approaching and so is the holiday season. This time of year, we start to see all of the Halloween and fall decorations pop up on the shelves, and before you know it Christmas trees and ornaments too. We enjoy passing out candy to trick or treaters, spending time with family over a warm dinner, and giving gifts to one another from underneath the tree. Bring on the gift-giving season!

Purchasing gifts for your friends and family can be difficult but we are here to help. Monogrammed Houseware makes the perfect gift for your adult friends and family members this season. Don't wait until November to start your holiday shopping, get ahead and shop our Monogrammed Houseware Gift Guide. You'll thank us later!

1. Monogrammed Towel Set

Our Monogrammed Towel Set is the perfect gift for newlyweds, a new homeowner, or even for your parents. They will love the personal touch of their monogram on the bath and hand towels. This set comes with eight towels that are made of 100% cotton and are soft to the touch. This towel set will look so beautiful hanging in their bathroom and gives us all the luxurious spa vibes.

2. Monogrammed Hand Towel Set

Classic cotton hand towels are the perfect addition to any bathroom or kitchen! Always a wonderful gift idea for any occasion!

3. Monogrammed Dish Towel Set

Brighten up any kitchen with personalized dish towels. These towels would make the perfect gift for a new home owner, newlywed or yourself!

4. Monogrammed Apron

Personalized aprons are the definition of class and style! With a feminine waist tie and durable fabric, this monogrammed apron will make the perfect gift for the "hostess with the mostess!"

5. Monogrammed Pineapple Cutting Board

Charcuterie boards are the newest trend this year and adding a personalized pineapple cutting board with marble accents will take your next dinner party to the next level. Guests will be impressed not only by the deli assortment but by the beautiful monogram engraved onto the center of the board. This is the perfect gift for anyone who loves to throw parties and get-togethers.

6. Monogrammed Casserole Carrier

We all have a mother, auntie, and/or a grandma who is known for baking delicious casseroles and desserts. Gift her a personalized casserole carrier this year that she will cherish forever. This carrier is double insulated, has a velcro handle, and has a little slot on the inside to hold a utensil.

7. Monogrammed Insulated Wine Bag

Spruce up your next picnic with this personalized insulated wine bag. This bag will not only keep the wine safe from bumps and bruises but it's also very cute. Available in a variety of prints and colors which any wine enthusiast would love.

8. Monogrammed Slim Can Koolie

Choose from 10 different colors and patterns to find the right monogrammed slim can koolie for your family or friend! These insulated koolies keep drinks hot or cold for an extended time AND you'll be able to tell them all apart from their adorable monograms! We love these cute and affordable koolies as gifts.

9. Monogrammed Cable Knit Throw

This monogrammed blanket is the perfect gift for the cooler months ahead. Available in gray and ivory and with the monogram on the corner, this throw will add a stylish touch to any living room.

10. Personalized Cooler

Our best-selling cooler is the perfect gift to give this season. Available in a variety of colors and patterns, there is a cute style for everyone. Our Personalized Cooler is great to keep drinks cold while tailgating or camping in the woods.

Now that you have plenty of gift ideas, let's get to personalizing at marleylilly.com!

Monday, September 26, 2022 4 comments

Tuesday, September 20, 2022 3 comments

Modern plaids come with a wide variety of stripe widths and color combinations — whatever you're looking for in a plaid, it's probably out there! Keep reading to learn the difference between plaids and checks and how to identify some of the most common patterns.

Plaids vs. Checks

Plaids and checks are two patterns with definite similarities — they're both stacked, square designs that form out of intersecting horizontal and vertical lines. However, they also have a few key differences:

Plaids: Plaids use lines in varying widths and colors to create a varied, complex pattern. The sequence of these lines, known as a "sett," repeats itself across the design. However, since the lines vary in width, the pattern doesn't have the neat symmetry of a checkerboard pattern. Instead, plaid patterns have more of a multicolored crosshatching effect.

Checks: Check patterns have a much simpler design. They typically only use two colors — though they may contain more — and the designs are always symmetrical, with the vertical and horizontal lines forming even squares. Depending on the stripes' widths, this can create a pattern resembling anything from a grid to a checkerboard.

4 Types of Plaid Patterns

Plaid originated with woven Scottish tartans, but the pattern has grown and evolved past its historical roots. Here are four popular plaid pattern names you might come across. Take a look and see if you can find your next favorite!

1. Tartan

As the original plaid, tartan has to be our first example! A tartan plaid has matching horizontal and vertical stripe patterns that create a perfectly symmetrical design. Like other plaids, each tartan uses stripes in multiple widths and colors, creating new hues where they overlap. However, this pattern is unique on our list since a plaid qualifies as a tartan based on what it represents rather than on the design itself.

While a Scottish clan's tartans are exclusive to its members, anyone can wear universal tartans. While you may not have known the names of these plaids, you've certainly seen these two popular tartans before:

Royal Stewart: The Royal Stewart tartan has a red base with vivid yellow, green, blue and white stripes. Its bright, festive look makes it especially popular in the U.S. during the winter holidays.
Black Watch: Black Watch is an elegant black, navy blue and hunter green tartan pattern. Its rich formal design will remind you of private school uniforms and Ivy League libraries.

2. Glen Plaid

The Glen plaid's alternating light and dark stripes create patterns of irregularly sized checks, coming together in a combination of pin-checks and houndstooth. You'll typically find this pattern in muted colors — black and white is the classic color combination — but you may also see it incorporating colors like brown, cream or even thin stripes of green.

You're most likely to see this pattern in thick wool or flannel suits and other office-appropriate attire. With its subdued color scheme and use with heavier fabrics, you'll most often spot Glen plaid in the winter.

3. Madras Plaid

Madras plaid takes its name from the Indian city Madras, now Chennai. Unlike most types of plaid, Madras began as a hand-dyed pattern on lightweight woven cotton. Modern Madras plaids still use a pattern of brightly colored crisscrossing stripes on lightweight fabrics, making it a perfect design for summer!

Considering its origin and vibrant, fun designs, it's no surprise that Madras plaid is a popular pattern for summer wardrobes. In addition to the ever-present Madras shorts, you'll likely find the design on lightweight shirts, bathing suits and sandals!

4. Argyle

Just like Madras, this one is a preppy standard! An argyle pattern uses diagonal lines and diamonds against a solid background color. The dotted or thin solid lines cross through the diamonds, intersecting at their centers.

There's some debate over whether argyle is technically a plaid or a check. Some argue that the pattern mimics a check's equally sized squares rather than a plaid's crosshatching. However, those on the other side of the argument claim that since it originated as Clan Campbell of Argyll's tartan, it's a plaid!

Whichever side of the debate you fall on, you're certainly familiar with this classic pattern. It turns up most often on knitted clothing, but you're also likely to see it make an appearance in home decor. Its popularity in knitted fabrics makes argyle most seasonally appropriate during the fall and winter.

4 Types of Checkered Patterns

Is your favorite plaid pattern really a check? You may be surprised by some of the names of the checkered patterns below!

1. Gingham

We all know gingham by name, but did you know that it's technically a type of material? Traditionally a cotton or cotton blend, gingham uses dyed yarn and a plain weave. The fabric is reversible and identical on either side, with vertical and horizontal colored stripes forming its iconic check pattern on a white background.

Gingham uses a single color for the stripes. While pastels are popular choices — think of Dorothy's blue and white dress in The Wizard of Oz — a cheery red and white gingham tablecloth is a traditional picnic must. The pattern can come in various sizes.

While the gingham pattern is available in far more than apparel, people associate it with light, breathable cotton, keeping it a firmly spring and summer design.

2. Houndstooth

Houndstooth is a variation on Shepherd's Check — a pattern that creates small two-toned squares with its twill weave — where the squares' notched corners evoke the image of a dog's tooth. Originally a tweed local to the Scottish Lowlands, houndstooth made its first major fashion appearance in Christian Dior's 1948 Haute Couture spring/summer collection.

Houndstooth is a fashion staple, showing up in suits and jackets, wool coats and other fine apparel. In the fall, you're most likely to find it in its traditional black and white, but you may also see it in various colors, from subtle browns to vivid blues and reds. It's also spread beyond clothing and is available in wallcoverings, flooring and fabrics.

3. Windowpane

Those with a taste for minimalism may find that windowpane checks are a perfect fit.

Rather than the solid squares you find in most check designs, a windowpane pattern features thin lines against a solid background. Most windowpane designs use only two colors — one for the background and another for the lines. The lines crisscross to form large boxes that resemble panes on a window.

The windowpane pattern's limited use of color and understated design gives it an air of sophistication that makes it a popular choice for suits and suit jackets. With enough color combinations to suit any season, this pattern makes appearances year-round!

4. Buffalo Check

While its origin is up for debate, there's no denying that the buffalo check pattern is as iconic as gingham. Like gingham, this pattern uses horizontal and vertical stripes over a solid background, though there's some disagreement over whether the two designs differ in size, color or fabric.

The large squares in a classic buffalo check are a traditional checkerboard red and black, and when it comes to fabric, you're most likely to find the pattern in flannel. Whether it's the fabric or its darker colors that make it popular in winter, as the days get shorter and the nights get cooler, you'll find buffalo checks appearing more and more. From blankets to thermoses to cozy pajamas, just about anything meant to keep you warm can feature this design.

Explore Marleylilly's Pattern Collections for Your Seasonal Plaid Needs!

Now that you know the names of some popular patterns, check out our pattern collections to find your favorites! If you're gearing up for cooler weather, Marleylilly has what you need. Enjoy the crisp air at a late-season farmers market in our Monogrammed Plaid Layering Tunic or pair one of our plaid dresses with leggings and your favorite boots for a cozy autumn look. You can even add a monogram for no extra cost to make your items uniquely yours.

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Monday, September 19, 2022 3 comments

What’s fall without a pair or two (or ten!) of Duck Boots?! Marleylilly.com is your one-stop-shop for all things boots, socks, and accessories! We’ve put together a shopping guide to help you decide which pairs to add to your collection this year!

Monogrammed Duck Boots in Different styles

1. Monogrammed Waxed Canvas Duck Boots

Your classic Duck Boots but with a twist! These are super stylish and durable for every season! The ivory knit toppers on these boots create a unique and cozy vibe! Be sure to pair this with our Monogrammed Popover for a casual fall look!

2. Monogrammed Duck Boots in Heathered Gray

These Boots are exactly what you need for hay rides and nights by the bonfire! Their Gray rubber sole and quilted heather gray top gives us all the trendy vibes! Wear these with a Monogrammed Plaid Layering Tunic and Monogrammed Vest for the cutest outdoor outfit!

3. Monogrammed Duck Boots in Light Tan

These Light Tan Duck Boots are made for the classiest of monogram lovers! They are the perfect shoes to wear to any winter event when it’s raining out! Pair these with our Monogrammed Poncho and accessorize with some Duck Boot Socks !

4. Leopard Duck Boots

Can you Say Cozy without these Leopard Duck Boots? These comfy sherpa duck boots are made for matching with leggings, your sherpa sweatshirt, and a good book! Don't forget a Monogrammed Coffee Mug!

5. Monogrammed Leopard Sole Duck Boots

These Monogrammed Leopard Sole Duck Boots are adorable with leopard print accents on the soles of the boots! These are perfect from September all the way to March! Pair with your favorite pair of jeans and Monogrammed Long Sleeve Shirt to be so on-trend!

6. Monogrammed Explorer Duck Boots

Rain, rain, go away...unless you have these Monogrammed Explorer Duck Boots! You’ll be begging the rain to come so you can show them off! Wear these with a Monogrammed Rain Jacket layered over a Tunic and grab your Monogrammed Umbrella. Nobody will be able to rain on your parade!

7. Monogrammed Camo Duck Boots

If you’re on the hunt for the perfect boots to wear tailgating or camping, look no further! Survey says these are so comfy and everyone will be asking where you got them! We recommend wearing these with our Monogrammed Camo Sweatshirt!

8. Monogrammed Winter Duck Boots

These boots couldn’t be more perfect for the freezing temperatures to come! With the sherpa lining and lace-up front, these will be comfortable for any calf size! Wear these to a fun outdoor event and bundle up with a Personalized Sherpa Blanket to stay cozy and frost-free!

Marleylilly.com has tons of cute Duck Boot Accessories and Socks that you’ll be excited to add to your Duck Boot collection to give your boots a little extra pizazz!

Which boots are you most excited to rock this fall and winter! Let us know in the comments!