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!!

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 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

 

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..

Man's Best Friend

 With the launch of LuccaLove- Mimi & Lu's jewelry line that gives back to Southern California Dog Rescues- I want to not only help raise money to save dogs, but provide education about rescues and get a better understanding about the problem and solutions.

I asked I.C.A.R.E,  a Southern California dog rescue based in Orange County, some questions about rescues and the problem of abandoned dogs.

Brutus

Can you clarify the differences (or if there are differences) between a “pound”, “shelter”, “rescue”, the humane society, etc... Where does I.C.A.R.E pull their dogs from and how do you choose which places/dogs to assist?
"There are differences between all of these, but the terms are usually used synonymously.    Rescues are typically the ones who save animals from being euthanized in the pounds and are typically non profit or  privately funded organizations.  Where, the pounds are usually run by the city (Animal Control).   When it comes down to the differences between the pound /shelter/humane society, the difference is usually found in their funding.  To this date, there aren’t any no-kill shelters/pounds/humane societies in Southern California.   As far as I.C.A.R.E., we don't limit where we pull dogs from.  We feel it is important to save those dogs that need us the most.  All dogs are in danger of being euthanized as soon as they step foot in the shelter or pound.  However, we choose to save those who are labeled as "urgent", (usually meaning they have been given 24hrs).  [Also,] many of our rescue dogs are also surrendered to us by owners who can no longer keep them due to various reasons"
 
Call me naive, but before I owned a dog I was clueless to just how many dogs are euthanized each year due simply to overcrowding- even well behaved, adoptable dogs. What have you found are the most common reasons dogs are left at shelters or end up homeless?

Titan

"In Orange County alone last year, over 15,000 animals were euthanized in the shelter.  [Even] the cute, well behaved dogs are at risk!  

When one chooses to own an animal, it should be a life time commitment. Many animals are given up due to a family relocating, cost, or issues that the animal may have that the owner doesn't want to take time to work on.  Some owners don't realize that their dog has a 30% (at best) survival rate once they enter that shelter.  They assume someone will adopt their once beloved pet.  Aside from euthanization, the chances of animals becoming ill while in the shelter are extremely high! This also decreases their chances of being adopted and increases their chances of euthanization."

Spanky

Which are the most difficult to adopt out? Why? What are the common misconceptions about shelter dogs?
"Pit Bull mixes are by far the most difficult to adopt out due to the misconceptions surrounding their breed.  Even those potential adopters who embrace the breed often aren't allowed to have Pit Bulls where they live, or they aren't covered by their homeowners insurance.  Many renters have weight and breed limitations, restricting the size and type of dog they can adopt.  That all aside, anyone that owns a pit bull will tell you, they are the most magnificent breed!  They will fill your life with huge pit bull smiles and slobbery kisses; they are extremely loyal and loving!" 

Jean Pier

Your description explains that I.C.A.R.E rescue and rehabilitate dogs. Can you explain a bit about the rehabilitation aspect and what that entails?
"We at I.C.A.R.E. understand no one is perfect.  Many dogs come from the shelter, the street, or from a home environment with various issues.  These issues can be physical or emotional and range anywhere from fear, injuries, illness, lack of trust, aggression, potty training, to just flat out needing some love.  Whatever issue a pup might have, we at I.C.A.R.E. greet them with open arms, willing to love them no matter what.  If they need us, we are there, willing to do whatever it takes to help them find their forever home.  In this world, we all have needed 2nd, or even 5th chances; we at I.C.A.R.E. take the term "rescue" pretty seriously! "

What do you look for in a potential adopter? What do you suggest people consider before owning a dog?
"We want nothing but the best for each of our dogs!  Each interested adopter must fill out an extensive adoption application, agree to a home check, sign an adoption contract, and agree to follow up visits from our staff.  We look for someone who is responsible and who is willing to love their dog unconditionally.  We require that it is a family decision! We do not allow  gift adoptions."

Lucca misbehaving

Lucca was a difficult dog to train. His puppy school instructors would describe him as a ‘challenge’ (and he was). There were times we were tired and mentally exhausted but managed to stick with it and as a result we enjoy him today as a pet with minimal behavioral problems. I’ve known many dog owners who have been ready to give their dog up because the dog has an issue or is misbehaving and they are at a loss on how to deal with it. Are there resources that owners can turn to that can help them learn how to tackle the problem and avoid surrendering their dog?

"This is a very common reason people give up their dogs.  We try our best to help them, offering them the service of our trainer, as well as suggestions. Unfortunately, they usually contact us after they've already made their mind up to give up their dog.  At this point, they are already at the end of their rope emotionally and any help that we try to give them isn't successful since results usually aren't instantaneous.  My advice to someone in this situation is to seek help right away.  Don't wait until its so out of control that you are so exhausted that you are demanding instant results.  That whole saying, " you can't teach a dog new  tricks" well, you can... just not over night or even in a week! You need a whole lot of patience and a whole lot of love and determination.  I truly applaud you that you didn't give up on Lucca! What a beautiful success story!!!!"

Aside from adopting a dog, how else can people contribute to saving dogs and reducing the number of dogs euthanized in shelters each year?
"SPAY AND NEUTER YOUR PETS!!!! Until our society realizes the importance of spay and neutering and not continuing to breed and support breeders as well as pet stores, innocent animals are going to continue to die in shelters because of the over population.  Anyone can help spread awareness of this issue!"


Here are some additional ways I.C.A.R.E explains we can help save dogs aside from adopting:
-Foster! ICARE (and many other rescues) supply all needs so it is no coast to the foster parent.
-Volunteer at adoption events
- Transport dogs to adoption events
- Monetary donations which go towards expenses such as vet bills which really plauge a rescue. Each dog must be spayed/neutered, receive up to date shots and treated for any sickness caught in a shelter.
-Donation of supplies such as food, crates, leashes

Thanks to I.C.A.R.E for taking some time out to answer my questions and for working so hard to save homeless dogs. You can visit  I.C.A.R.E's website at www.icaredogrescue.com, find them on twitter and on facebook. 

AND dont forget I.C.A.R.E is one of the benefiting rescues of LuccaLove so to start shopping click here!!

Dog Days

Last week, there was a news report covering a horrible attack on a woman in San Diego by two pit bulls. They got loose from their home and attacked their 75 year old neighbor, critically injuring her. She's lost one leg and faces amputation of another leg and arm. This is horrific and tragic. Unthinkable, really. In the week following this incident I saw 2 more news reports on pit bull attacks- incidents where a pit bull had bit someone. 

Lucca and I

Now it seems, the idea of banning pit bulls from San Diego is being tossed around. This would not be the first city to enforce such a ban- Denver and Miami have already done so.  There are many who believe pit bulls are inherently aggressive and dangerous. I am a dog lover, but not a dog expert so it's not my place to offer an opinion on that. Here is what I can say:

In the summer of 2010, my husband was bit by a dog which sent him with a severely injured hand to the ER, followed by months of visits to the doctor, hand surgeon and physical therapist.  The dog that attacked him was a 40lb shepherd mix with razor sharp teeth.  Did anyone report on this on the evening news? No. Earlier this year, a fellow dog owner in the neighborhood showed me cell phone pics of the giant gash in his thigh from a dog attack at the park. Was this a pit bull? No. Was it on the news? Nope.

Dog attacks and bites are traumatizing. I still have a hard time dealing with my husband's dog bite incident. But these attacks are not exclusive to a breed. Whether one breed is more prone to aggression than another may or may not be true but what is clear is that attacks by certain breeds are more publicized. I can't tell you how many times people cross the street when I'm walking towards them with my great dane, Lucca. I can guarantee you if you get close enough, all he's going to do is lick your face.  I'm hoping we can remember that there are completely loveable dogs in every breed. Ive met plenty of pit bulls that roll over and want their belly scratched. 

Instead of a ban on pit bulls, what I would love to see is as push to educate dog owners on proper dog training and care. In the same breathe, I admire those who have taken in abandoned dogs who may have issues and given them a home. Let's provide outlets for them to learn how to rehabilitate their dog or if these outlets do exist, let's make sure dog owners know where to turn for help. Let's find out the root of the problem and start there. 

There has to be a better solution than simply tossing a breed of dog out of your city. I hope you will consider calling the following number and letting them know you do not want pit bulls banned from San Diego County. It's all automated- Call 1(800)244-6397 ext. 2506 and Press "2"

What do you think? What are your thoughts?

What a weekend!

The weekend was filled with Mimi and Lu news! 

First, I received pictures of Ashely Colburn, host of "TakeOff... with Ashley Colburn" wearing Mimi and Lu Luxe Earrings at the Regional EMMY AWARDS!!! Here she is on the red carpet....

Ashley in Luxe Earrings (Styled by Krystel Tien of Couture Events Boutique)

On Saturday morning,  I woke up to find Mimi and Lu on San Diego 6 News . They featured a selection from our new collection as part of a Summer Fashions piece with Cecilia Boutique.  Boutique employee, Jessica Delee- also of RoseRags clothing- did an amazing job in her television debut. That's her hand below, showing off the Dina Ring. Thanks to Jessica and Cecilia Boutique for including Mimi and Lu!

By the time Sunday rolled around it was time to wind down and relax in our jewelry making class. Jen (of Jennifer Rea Jewelry by Design) and I had a great time teaching the combo class and we are looking forward to scheduling the next class. Thanks to everyone who attended- your necklaces were beautiful and we hope you enjoyed designing and making them.

 And, if you missed it last week, Mimi and Lu was featured on Keylee Sanders Style Studio. Click below to see the feature and read the interview. 

 

Can you guess what Keylee's favorite Mimi and Lu necklace is?? She is wearing it in this Style Session video on her blog. Click here to get your own!

What a fun week-- it's Monday again- can't wait to see what's in store for the week ahead!

What's your Mahal Style?

Last week, Mahal Style, an online fashion community, stopped by to find out more about Mimi & Lu consulting- a new branch of my business that helps up and coming designers get up and running.  I had such a great time with the Mahal Style team and, as you can see, Lucca did too.

Watch the interview

Getting ready to interview with stylist Kiki Smith from Mahal Style.

Lucca wants the spotlight mid-interview.

A glimpse at the upcoming Lucca Love collection. A portion of the sales from Lucca Love pieces will be donated to Southern California dog rescues.

Lucca loved having the Mahal Style team over and so did I. Thanks Mahal Style!

Double Trouble

It seemed like every time I turned around lately, someone was having a baby. Is there a such thing as baby season? So this weekend, it was our turn and I became the aunt of TWINS!  My sister gave birth to Anthony Leon (4lb 12oz) and Maryanne Rose (3lb 7oz). It was a bit unexpected but all is well and mom and babies are recovering in the hospital. Can't wait for them to come home from the NICU so I can hold them. Nicole expects they will become little gymnasts (taking after their dad, Charlie Tamayo, who is training for 2012) but I'm secretly planning to turn Maryanne into a chic fashionista so I can adorn her in all sorts of jewelry.  Whatever and whoever they turn out to be, we are just so happy they are here and doing well. Welcome Anthony and Maryanne!