Monday, November 28, 2011

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LUCCA!


It's truly amazing we have made it this far, but today is Lucca's 3rd birthday!! This past weekend Mike and I were talking about how we are probably those people who others say - "Here they all come again--what's with them and that dog?!?!" - And we admit it- we are shamefully in love with our big baby. He has been an integral part of Mimi & Lu as well as our personal lives. Who knew this big, slobbery, dumb creature could capture so much attention. A look back:


Almost immediately, Lucca used one of his nine lives. Here we are a week into owning Lucca at the Animal Hospital where he was treated for Parvo.

Well, 6 months later Lucca would fracture his front leg, leaving us trying to lift a 75lb dog up and down stairs for potty breaks. This was one of the most trying times with Lucca. Can't you see the sadness in his eyes!
and the Cancer scare.

Then of course there were the dog attacks.

He has joined me at boutiques
and bead stores


Brought a smile to those sick
And occasional gave someone  a hand.
Despite the slobber...
We love this guy!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LUCCA!!

Friday, November 4, 2011

My visit to Michael Jackson's Neverland

House (Photo from time.com)
With the Michael Jackson/Conrad Murray trial wrapping up (YES, Ive been watching- I love courtroom drama) it's brought to mind a day I spent at Neverland ages ago. Yes, THAT Neverland. The Michael Jackson Neverland. Before the hoopla and scandals, when it was still a place of magical wonder that you couldn't pay to go to- you had to be invited.

Michael invited mostly under privileged or disabled children to the ranch. (Now, however you feel about him (and children) try to set that aside. Michael was not at the ranch when we visited.) In college, I worked at a summer camp for underprivileged girls and a coworker happened to be married to one of the Neverland ranch hands. This is how we were ultimately invited.

I couldn't sleep the night before. Of course this was for the girls but how could I not also be excited?! We took vans through the mountains outside Santa Barbara and finally arrive at a gate. We were let into the gate and it was a long way until we actually reached Neverland. We were there, we were AT Michael Jackson's house. I remember the person who met us said there was no need to lock the vans. It was this totally surreal, secure, bubble.

Train station (Photo from time.com)
We started in the arcade which, if I remember correctly, was attached to his house. The girls played all sorts of arcade games. There was a photo booth and rows of those candy machines that you put a quarter in and turn the knob for candy, only in this arcade- no quarters were necessary. (We quickly put an end to the endless candy eating, envisioning a group of sick girls in an hour)

Im going to forget the order of events, but at some point we took at train (think Disneyland) to the Zoo area. I fed a giraffe. We saw all sorts of animals, reptiles and met a chimp. Honestly, I can't remember if it was Bubbles- I just know we werent allowed to touch him.

We saw a movie in his theater. We walked into the lobby and there was a candy and food counter- just like a regular theater- and 2 people behind it who smiled and said, what would you like? They handed out candy, ice cream, popcorn- whatever you wished. We watched the animated film, The Iron Giant. I believe it was before it was actually available to the public.

Aside from a few kids with their parents that I'd see in passing, we seemed to be the only group at the ranch. They served us a picnic lunch under some trees. We ate and enjoyed the sunshine.

Swing Ride (flickr.com)
The last part of the day was what the girls had been waiting for- the amusement park. Rides with NO lines and really no end-- The ride operator would slow down the ride and shout- "Does anyone want to get off?!?-" No? - he just sped it back up again. You could serve yourself cotton candy and snow cones. We had one girl throw up on the bumper cars, but that was our only casualty.

I have a distinct memory of being on those swinging chairs- the ones that are attached to long cables and you rise in the air and it spins you so your chair floats around the center- and I was thinking- This is AMAZING. The wind was in my face and Michael Jackson music playing across the park. These girls had the most giant smiles on their face that lasted the entire day. Most who would go back to homes where there was violence or where a parent was in jail. All of which could never afford this in the 'real' world. For that time, those moments- it truly was a Neverland. Endlessly magical.





Monday, October 31, 2011

Happy Halloween!!

Happy Halloween!!! Hope you have a wonderfully spooky Halloween. Here's some pics from our weekend wanderings- Halloween style. 
A walk up to Balboa Park. It's getting dark early...feels like Fall!
Flowers from the Little Italy Farmers Market- love these colors.
BRAINS! Not really. Sort of. Tried something new at the farmers market. (Outcome: I'll be sticking to raw oysters. This thing was still MOVING as we ate it!)

My husband's pumpkin creation.
I love the Apple cut out!
Lucca met some new (mini) friends in Old Town.
Sunday morning waffles- PUMPKIN! (my fav)
Happy Halloween from Mimi & Lu


Monday, October 3, 2011

REVIV(F)AL(L)

Free People Wide Leg Denim
Have you ever heard anyone say they HATE Fall? Me neither. Winter-yes (too cold), Summer- yes (too hot), Spring- maybe (allergies), but Fall? Like most everyone,  I LOVE Fall.  Granted, in San Diego, Fall is a little less dramatic....the chill in the air isnt nearly as distinct as the East Coast and the leaves- well that just doesn't compare but it's STILL Fall. Halloween approaches, we break out our boots and pumpkin lattes/muffins/scones/etc are abound (my absolute favorite!).

By now, hopefully you have viewed the Mimi & Lu Reviv(f)al(l) collection and maybe even purchased a piece or two to go with all the amazing fall fashions this year. As someone not usually enticed by trends- this falls flashback to the 70's trends are admittedly hard to resist. Basically, I love 'em. I've always loved them, but now they are just easier to find.

Fall brings on the cozy sweaters and colorful scarves, which brings me to the point of this blog entry; the inevitable missing earring. You may not have realized this, but a scarf and hoop earring are a disastrous combination. Every year, I get home an notice at some point during the evening, I started to look like a pirate. One hoop earring has jumped ship and it's the scarf's fault. With larger earrings that don't have a lot of give (ie a large hoop such as the Jumbo Misu seen the bottom left pic) that use a hook earwire (instead of a post) to attach to your ear, just a tilt of the head can pop the earring out as it pushes against the scarf.

Mimi & Lu's Jumbo Misu Hoops
I lied before when I said it's the scarf's fault. In all honestly, it's MY fault. All Mimi & Lu earrings come with a small rubber back and if those are used, your earring is sure to stay affixed, no matter how many scarfs try to chase it away.

Of course, we all run out the door at some point or another without the backings or may have lost those small, clear rubber backings. If this is the case, you can order extra rubber backings through Mimi & Lu- just email for details. Did you know you can also replace most Mimi & Lu earrings that may be missing their pair? Yes, you can just buy JUST one! Email if you have an earring that needs it's match and we'll send more details.

So secure your earrings, throw on your favorite fall outfit, grab a pumpkin latte and ENJOY FALL!

Friday, September 2, 2011

FRIDAY FLASH SALE

Today's piece of the week for the FRIDAY FLASH SALE  is the set of Wilson Bangles! These interlocking rounded square bangles are great for everyday wear and stacking with other bangles. Choose from 2 silver, 2 gold or one of each. Reg. $66. Friday Flash Sale Price: $40
Sale ends 9/3/11 8a.m.
Fun Fact:
How the Wilson Bangles got their name......
Sometimes naming pieces is a challenge. The right name doesn't pop in my head or I just draw a blank. As I stared at these new bangles trying to think of a name, the movie Cast Away with Tom Hanks was on T.V in the background. It was the part where his volleyball (aka deserted island companion) is drifting off in the ocean. Just as I'm attempting to come up with a name I hear Tom Hanks yelling, "Wilson!!!! Wilson!!!".........And I thought, Ah! Wilson.

Happy Friday!
Michelle


Monday, August 29, 2011

Weekend Wandering II

Another weekend of wandering! Despite the heat, we managed to pack a lot in this weekend. Most importantly, I (finally) made it up to the new Nicole Miller store (they moved from La Jolla to the Forum!) and it is AMAZING!! The store is beautiful, roomy and inviting. I am honored to have Mimi & Lu in the store- there is an entire case of it! Lucca loved his visit too:

Lucca makes himself comfortable.
Nicole Miller at the Carlsbad Forum
Lots of Mimi & Lu to choose from!!
Lucca checks out the bridal salon. (Dont worry, he didn't try any dresses on.)

 Swing by and check out the store yourself! More info and photos on the facebook page.
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Other weekend wandering hot spots:
-Davanit Enoteca (Watched this place being built from the ground up on my daily walks with Lucca for the last few months- finally opened and I love it!)
-My sisters house- (Time with the new niece and nephew. No one pooped on me this time so that was a plus.)
-Sushi Diner (Okay okay, I did not feel like cooking, so it was  take out from Sushi Diner - A San Diego Hidden Gem- Delicious sushi, amazing prices, jamaican decor-(yes, you heard me right))
-Free People- (Found amazing flared jeans here! Is it wrong to fall in love with clothing?)

It's back to work now but looking forward to next weekend's wanderings (and an extra day to wander!!)

Monday, August 22, 2011

Shoot!!

No, not in that 'darn' kind of way but as in PHOTO shoot! Yesterday, we had a Mimi & Lu photo shoot in Little Italy. It was a long day, but a fun one. I have many people to thank for making it happen. Both my models- Joanna and Carissa, the photographer- Chris Wood, Jessica Delee from RoseRags for helping style the shoot, Vocabulary and Cecilia Boutique for the clothing (and a place to change!), and my husband for opening up the Firehouse Museum and for being the 'go get us a sandwich' guy.  Oh and of course Lucca even though he was a not so patient participant. 
Here are some behind the scene sneak peeks!










Monday, August 15, 2011

Weekend Wandering

Thank you to everyone who came out for the upcycle event at Cecilia Boutique in Mission Hills. RoseRags showed off their upcycled clothing, Moda Viajando displayed their bags - many which are made from old leather jackets and the Mimi & Lu "build your own necklace station" was a hit!
Mimi & Lu table at the upcycle event

Jessica, owner and designer of RoseRags shows off her upcycled necklace creation

Upcycled runway show

Models with RoseRags designer, Jessica Delee

We had a great time, thanks for having us!!
***************
 Now, a few pics from the rest of the weekend......
Discovered this amazing vintage clothing boutique in North Park, Ms Vintage, while wandering Ray at Night. They just opened less than 2 weeks ago, so still settling in, but a ton of fun pieces at reasonable prices to search through. Ms Vintage Clothing Boutique- 3011 University Ave. San Diego, CA 92104 (619) 682-0217
Ms Vintage in North Park
 Later, on a walk up to the park, I spotted this GIGANTIC Dahlia flower at the Juniper Front Community Garden. You can't tell in the pic but it's as big as my head.
Juniper Front Community Gardens
 Ended with a trip to Balboa Park with the boys. Lucca had no interest in walking. He prefers to lie in the grass and people watch. (who doesn't?)
Balboa Park 


Wednesday, August 3, 2011

It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas......

It's one of the hottest days of the summer and my brain is on the holidays. This means it's design time! In fact, most designers were thinking about the holidays months ago, but because most of my customers by immediates (meaning, for immediate delivery) I present new collections closer to the actual season.
This time, I've decided to give myself a bit more time to design (instead of my usual cram sessions). This was in part intentional but also because a design came to me and I had to drop everything to hash it out. Does this happen to anyone else? That design led to the next idea and another idea and low and behold Im into designing the next collection. Here is a sneak preview of what Im working on for Fall/Holiday '11..