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 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

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!!)

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!

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!!