Monday, November 26, 2012

Intern Sarah's blog of the week: "Work to Play"

With so many holiday parties and happy hours to get to, Intern Sarah gives her suggestions on taking your look from day to night so that your transition from work to play is smooth AND chic!

Looking for an outfit that can double as both work and play? Try a black pencil skirt with a fun top and a mix of both casual and sparkly jewelry. Pair colorful stone and Czech glass pieces (such as the Stella Cuff in blue amazonite or the Kyle earrings in blue opal pictured below) with a little Swarovski crystal sparkle (try the Hannah ring) to spruce up the outfit for a night out on the town after work.


Pictured here from top to bottom: Kyle earrings (Goldfill, blue opal - $98), Hannah ring (Goldfill, ruby, lt. aqua, dk. amethyst, jet black - $66), Stella cuff (Goldfill, blue amazonite - $104)

To purchase these pieces visit www.mimiandlu.com


 

Monday, November 19, 2012

From Intern Sarah! - Casual Chic (and Comfy, too!)

Intern Sarah's suggestions on remaining chic while  staying comfy and casual while running those last minute Turkey Day errands!
 ***
Jewelry can dress an outfit up or simply enhance its uniqueness. Try pairing a long necklace

(like the Stella necklace pictured here) with some fun bracelets (the Galaxy and IDEA

Imagine are both great and versatile!), a comfy sweater, skinny jeans and flats for a chic

look on these gloomy November days.

Pictured here from left to right: Stella necklace (Matte gold plated, black agate - $149),

IDEA Imagine bracelet (Goldfill - $49) and Galaxy bracelets (Goldfill - $59)

To purchase these pieces visit www.mimiandlu.com


Happy Thanksgiving!

Monday, January 30, 2012

2012 FGI Rising Star Awards!!!!

 The Fashion Group International 2012 Rising Star awards were held last week at Cipriani 42nd Street and I had the most amazing time! We arrived at the venue (beautiful!!) and the first order of business for finalists was to check in and choose a corsage, which distinguished us as finalists. I chose a vibrant pink orchid to go with my raspberry tights.  Next we waited to have our photo taken by the press on the red carpet and interview by ChicTv.  
Getting instructions for the red carpet in my pink tights :)
 We were able to enjoy a drink and mingle before the luncheon and awards and met everyone from a lawyer who's focus is fashion, the owner of an online retail shop and the creators of the skincare line , Worker B.
Cipriani 42nd street
We sat for lunch (incredible! I ate every bite) and listened to speakers Ruben and Isabel Toledo. On one side of us sat a teacher at FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology) and on the other, the owner of a NY Fashion PR company. 
Lunch. Yum.
Our category (accessories) was presented by Project Runway participant and designer, Rami Kashou.  He read a brief description of each designer as pictures of our line were projected on the large screen above the stage. The winner of our category was Blythe Harris of Stella and Dot, a direct sales jewelry company founded in 2004. 
Attendees included Ralph Rucci, Thom Browne, Catherine Malandrino and Tommy Hillfiger who's daughter, Ally Hilfiger, was nominated (along with her design partner, Nary Manivong) in the Womenswear category for their line, NAHM. (that's her next to me in the group pic)
A highlight was as we were leaving the event and I met Rami Kashou (the presenter of my category). We was so kind and encouraging and came across as an overall warm and genuine person.  It was nice that someone who has met such success still took the time to connect with a fan and up and coming designer such as myself. Thanks, Rami! 
(Watch him on the current season of Project Runway All Stars!)
 
 Not winning my category was by no means a disappointment. We often make fun of the phrase "it's an honor just to be nominated" but in this case, it truly was. As a pretty small fish in a sea of fashion experts and entrepreneurs, I was able to relax, sit back and take in the experience. Most winners had a prepared speech but with no expectations I had no speech (or even a thought of one!) prepared. However, while I could go on and on about those who have been such an instrumental part of this journey so far, I would like to take a moment to extend just 4 "thank yous" here:
-Fashion Group International for the recognition and choosing me as a finalist in the 2012 Rising Star awards. It's been an honor and amazing experience
- Tauni Green for being such an enthusiastic fan of Mimi & Lu and for nominating me in the first place.
- My parents who encouraged their kids to do what they love. 
-My husband- the most patient man on earth- who, when I told him I was quitting my job to twist wires in a spare bedroom, didn't bat an eye. 
Back in San Diego with my plaque recognizing me as a finalist in the 2012 FGI Rising Star awards.
Thank you Mimi & Lu fans!!!



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!