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


 

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!

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!!!