Knock it off!

Yes, it's true, I saw a mimi&lu knock off! Over the weekend, we stopped by the SouthPark Walkabout.  Four times a year business's in Southpark, a cute San Diego neighborhood, open their doors late into the night and the crowds mingle, grab a drink and shop.  I stopped into a few stores and as I checked out the jewelry I found myself staring and one of my designs-only it wasn't mine. I've seen this before but not so spot on. Now, before I go any further, I will say that I firmly believe that it is very possible for work to result in similar designs even though they were developed in separate minds. I think there is a term for this but it escapes me now. So, yes, this very well couldve been the case. This particular item was, however, almost identical to one of my signature best sellers(which I wont mention by name) and it also happened to be made by a local designer (whom I also won't mention by name). I made a decision early on to simply accept that this just happens. Intentionally or unintentionally, it's going to happen and if I'm going to let it bother me, I'll end up wasting a lot of energy.  For me, it's flattering in the sense that someone thought the design was so good it was worth replicating.  One half of me feels like giving a big sigh, like 'really?' But the other half manages to disregard any feelings of discouragement  because it drives me to develop more distinct designs. The truth is, I've usually already moved on from the design to something new and exciting and fresh.

The rest of the walkabout was a nice evening out and I popped into some stores that I plan on revisiting. Clariy Soap & Candles was one of my favorites and I wasn't even there for the soap or candles! They also sell their furnishings and I saw rustic tables, chairs and a large chest that I would've been happy to lug home. I'll def. be back when I'm looking to fill a space in my home.

Go ahead, take a break

Lately, a lot of my day, while not filling orders, is spent doing research which means long hours in front of my computer.  Sometimes my eyeballs feel like they are going to fall out of my head, so I've recently tried to force myself to take some breaks. Today, it was the meeting my husband downtown during lunch to pick up some flowers at the farmer's market. Sometimes, it's fixing my favorite meal. Since there's not much that's new in the mimi&lu world, I thought Id just share some pics.

(my favorite- Anything with yogurt, berries and granola. Here it's my favorites on a whole wheat waffle)

(and sometimes my breaks aren't by choice but b/c Ive got a massive nose poking me for attention)


Have a great day and don't forget to take a break!

What you love, what you want, what you dream (the grass is always green)

I am missing living in San francicso tonight. Tomorrow morning I want to leave my apartment and walk up the hill to Market to catch the 22 Fillmore and go to work at the jewelry store. 

I read this person's facebook status today and it spun me into a day of 'city dreaming'.  Some days, I want to leave my place, stop at Dunkin Donuts (Medium hazelnut with cream, no sugar), hop on the Red Line, find a dirty Metro to read on the way and wander through the chaos of Downtown crossing.  My 'grass is greener scenario is in Boston but really I think it could be any major city.  There is a distinct energy and as an artist, it's easy to feed off the fact that the heart of the city triggers all of your senses. And only in a city (maybe only in a city such as Boston) could you find a woman hanging out of a 2nd story window with a bucket to get her mail. I sure haven't seen that in San Diego.

What  I've found I love about the city is that despite being submerged in a sea of people, you can remain strangely anonymous, yet the sense of community and camaraderie is so strong.

But let's be honest- Being a 10 minute drive from what feels like a relaxing beach vacation isn't so bad either. Maybe when daydreaming about what we love we have to take a moment to remember what we have.
Which brings me to the 'What you Love' Ring. Not yet available on the website, I am previewing it here on the blog and offering it, for a limited time, at $25*!!!! (Reg. $35- still a steal!)

Available in Gold or Silver, email mimiandlujewelry@gmail.com to purchase. (See purchasing/shipping details at www.mimiandlu.com) Wear it as a reminder of what you love, what you have and what you dream. (*additional discounts/offers not applicable)

Yellow Weeds and Green Tomatoes

Spring is a couple days away and while it's been feeling a bit like summer around here, it's still refreshing to see the signs of spring.  These yellow flowers popped up in the lawn recently. It's possible they are actually weeds since our 'lawn' is really a mix of grass, weeds, clovers, etc,- but either way, these cute little flowers make me happy as yellow is one of my favorite colors. (Have I mentioned my studio/office is yellow???) I also checked in on my "garden" (I use the term lightly since I have only 2 plants- the rest  have died or been stolen- (I think by animals, but Im not entirely sure)) and I am closely monitoring the tomatoes- all of which are green. I'm a huge fan of monochromatic anything but in this case I'm really crossing my fingers the tomato will eventually turn RED.

So I found the things I love-Yellow and monochromatic themes- unexpectedly and it's reminded me that I want more of both in my designs. Who knew I'd find inspiration in my front yard?
Apparently, Lucca also found inspiration... or he just has the same love of yellow flowers as I do. (Let's hope he doesnt find the tomatoes..) Happy Spring!

Luck of the Irish (or Italian in this case)

Here's wishing my grandpa a happy 97th birthday! This italian (so no, not my grandpa by blood, but I do wish I had his longevity genes) enjoys donuts and coffee in the morning and bologna & beer in the afternoon. Is that the secret to a long life? Or maybe it's just because he is a very sweet and giving person. (and beer in the afternoon probably doesnt hurt)

And at 95, my grandma- a bocce ball champion- is his perfect match. 

what's a good idea

Some things are better in our minds than in actual practice.  We (me and the other "MI") actually had a moment to 'ourselves' (sans the LU) this weekend and spent some time finally using some christmas gift cards. I was at H&M (which should stand for 'Hit & Miss') when I fell in love with this dress. I always get wrapped up in crazy bright colors- not neon bright, but happy bright. I loved the ruffling at the top, a v-neck- (front and back) not to mention the dress was long (to the floor) and flowy. Perfect for sunny san diego and in my head I was already out the door with it. It's pretty amusing how fast something can go from perfect to pretty horrible in moments. When tried on, the dress gathered in all the wrong places, the ruffle under the bust stuck straight out like I had an orbit of ruffles around me- I looked like I was perhaps pregnant, wearing a monster muu muu and wanted everyone in the world to see me from a mile away. Maybe on the right person... but for me, it was much better in my mind. 

Later that evening we came home to what Lucca probably thought was much better than it actually was. He pretty much figured out how a couch tastes and  I'm guessing not as good as he had imagined but I wish he'd left it to one bite instead of, well, this many....

Mimi & Lu loves ME & Blue!

I'm not sure how I haven't mentioned ME & Blue yet.  M.E. is a remarkable gal who took on my line as a sales rep when I was just a newbie. In 2009, she opened her own store in Venice, CA.  I was sad to part ways with M.E., but excited for her and her new journey. And only one year later, what a journey it's been! Today, she not only runs her store ME & Blue  AND designs the ME & Blue clothing label - she finds time to volunteer at a boxer dog rescue, keep up with her blog, and search high and low for awesome vintage finds for her store. Talk about motivating!  If you are in L.A., you must check out ME & Blue- 566 Rose Avenue, Venice California

So today I am catching up with M.E.'s blog and a link she posted led me to this dress  from KENZO.  If I were a 6 foot tall bohemian model, Id wear some version of this. But just looking at it makes me happy and lends some creative inspiration. Especially when it is the most perfectly sunny day here San Diego and I'd much rather getting some sun and gazing at the ocean with Lucca.

Ready, Set, Go!

I spent much of the past few weeks planted in front of the computer and neglecting my jewelry table (where I'd much rather be)- But it's FINALLY paid off because the mimi&lu website has LAUNCHED! I selected some new pieces as well as some old favorites that are currently available online, but more will be listed soon.

Additionally, I am in the process of developing packaging for my online sales. My mission is to create pieces are special and precious to each person and feel like your own little treasure. And treasures should be properly packed and presented, so keep your eye out for the new packaging!
more to come...