mimi

Give us some love - vote for mimi!

2012-03-05T05:00:00.000-05:00

Vote for mimi! Come on, you know you want to!

Northshore Magazine's annual Best of the North Shore (BONS) voting has begun! This is your chance to tell all of your favorite North Shore businesses how much you love them. I encourage you to vote for your local small businesses because we all can really benefit from the publicity surrounding this type of award. Northshore Magazine will publish the winners in its annual BONS issue this summer, and it's a great way for locals to discover new businesses in their area. And, let's face it, no one needs to be made aware of the fact that we have a few malls you can shop at. If you like crowds. And the smell of the food court. And don't want the awesome personal service that you'll find at your local small businesses.

Ok, I'm finished with my 'shop local' plug.

Voting is easy - just click here (this will take you to the 'Shop' section of voting), then scroll down to the categories of 'gifts' and 'jewelry' and write in 'mimi, Manchester', then click 'submit' for each category. That's it! Then you're done!

Of course there are categories other than 'Shop', and you can click here to see them all and vote for all of your other favorite North Shore businesses. And remember, you don't have to pick an option from the drop down list. If you don't see your favorite business there, write them in! Let Northshore Magazine know they've left a great business off of that list.

And if you're really getting in to this whole voting thing, you can even leave a comment or two letting Northshore Magazine know why you voted for the businesses you did.

Oh, and see those little pie charts under each category? You can click on them to get up to date stats on how many votes each business in that category has! Sadly mimi was not included in the drop down list (who do I yell at about that!), so we fall under the category of 'Other' in the pie chart, but right now, other is kicking some major butt. Here's hoping a good portion of that is made up by mimi votes!

Thank you so much for your support!

Keep calm and carry on shopping

2012-03-02T21:37:00.001-05:00

We have been talking about changing mimi's packaging for as long as I can remember, and we decided we definitely wanted to support another local business, so last week Mia, Janyce and I took a field trip to Newburyport to visit Packaging Specialties.

Janyce & Mia in the Packaging Specialties showroom

We poured through pages of ribbon samples, saw bags in endless colors, and found boxes every shape and size. We finally found the perfect bags with complimentary boxes, tissue paper, and ribbon, but you're going to have to wait until they arrive to see them (don't worry, I'm pretty sure you'll love them as much as we do!).

A sample in the showroom of a reusable bag another company had made. It made me smile. :)

The perfect gift for your Valentine, for less

2012-02-10T10:46:00.002-05:00

Valentine's Day is Tuesday. This means you have 4 days to find that perfect gift (don't worry, you're not alone - I haven't even started looking for a gift either).

All cards on sale for $1!

Now isn't it a nice coincidence that mimi is having a storewide sale? This means you can get anywhere from 25% - 75% off of jewelry, and 10% - 75% of everything else in the store! That means art, ceramics, dinnerware, lighting, linens, metalware, personal care products are all on sale!

I just had a customer come in and pick up some lotion and a pretty scarf for her daughter for Valentine's day - all at half off! She couldn't have been happier, and I'm sure her daughter will be pleased as well.

So if you're still looking (or haven't started looking) for that perfect Valentine's Day gift, or just want to get some great deals on great products, stop by mimi and see what we have to offer. Maybe you can get a few friends together and come shopping and then check out one of the great restaurants Manchester has to offer.

Whatever you decide to do, just be sure Tuesday doesn't roll around and you show up empty handed. Find your gift at mimi and make it look like you've been planning it for weeks. We even have some cute cards that are on sale for $1. Now stop reading this and hurry up and get in here!

All jewelry 25% - 75% off!

Out with the old (yes, this means there's a big sale coming)

2012-01-23T05:00:00.000-05:00

So about twice a year we get sick of looking at the same old stuff, so we have a very large (and generally very popular) Semi-annual Storewide SALE! We put everything in the store on sale so that we can clean off some shelf space for new merchandise.

This benefits you, because you get great deals on some great items, and mimi, because we get to refresh the store with new jewelry, gifts and art for the spring!

This year the sale will begin Friday, February 3rd at 10am, so come over to the beautiful Manchester-by-the-Sea and get shopping!

A new year, a new mimi

2012-01-17T22:02:00.003-05:00

mimi may be closed to customers, but that doesn't mean we've all gone on vacation. In fact we've been busy busy busy the past few days! If you walk by the store you'll only see papered-up windows, but I'll give you the inside story about what we've been up to.

Mia and I have been doing the tedious (but oh, so necessary) task of checking the inventory of each and every item in the store, while the talented Janyce and Martha have been merchandising the store for our Semi-Annual Storewide Sale that will begin when we reopen on February 3rd. The store is full of great products that we are going to be offering to you at really great prices!

Dinnerware, serverware, lamps, vases, personal care products, candles, baby gifts, art, jewelry (my favorite!) and so much more will all be deeply discounted. We're trying to clear off some shelves so we have space to put all the new merchandise we'll be getting in after our trip to the New York Gift Show at the end of the month.

Maybe tomorrow I'll take some photos of the store so you can get an idea of some of the items that will be on sale. We'll see!

If you need to make a return or exchange

2012-01-02T05:00:00.000-05:00

I hope you had a great New Year's Eve celebration! I don't know about you, but I always seem to get caught up in the holiday craziness until after New Year's, then it's all back to normal. If you're at all like me, now is when you're thinking about all of the post-holiday cleanup and errands you have to do, and maybe one of those is returning or exchanging a gift that really missed the mark.

We still have a great selection of jewelry, gifts and fine art, so if you received a gift that just isn't your style, just bring that gift back and I'm pretty sure we can find you something you'll really like.

Just remember that we have a 30 day return policy (see below for details), and we will be closing January 15 through February 2 to do inventory and to shop for new merchandise, so keep that in mind if you plan on brining something back.

Also, if you have any gifts you need to get or special orders you need to place, remember we will be closed for nearly three weeks, so you might need to plan ahead!

We are open Monday - Saturday, 10am - 5pm.

mimi's return policy (as of 12/2011): Unused and unopened items in original packaging may be returned with receipt within 30 days for full refund. Sale, trunk show and special order items are final sales. Custom orders, including jewelry resizing, are final sales.

Last chance - Alyssa Watters' art show

2011-12-29T05:00:00.000-05:00

We have absolutely loved featuring Beverly, MA artist Alyssa Watters for the past few months. We had originally planned on ending her show in October, but it was so well received that we ended up extending it through January! If you haven't been in for a while, we have a few new pieces of hers, and if you've been thinking about purchasing one, now would be the time, because when we close for inventory on January 15, we'll be saying goodbye (for now) to her beautiful paintings.

Scarlet Tanager

If you didn't get a chance to see this show, don't worry - we're hoping to convince her to do another show with us in the summer! We also continue to carry her gift line that includes coasters and mirrors made with prints of her originals.

That time mimi traveled to Bordeaux

2011-09-26T09:27:00.000-04:00

We went to Bordeaux for two days to break up our trip from Paris to Carcassonne in Southern France (ok, so we're actually on a hill above this middle of nowhere village called Castlereng, but it's about 30mins from Carcassonne, and that's a place you might have actually heard of).

Anyways, in those two days we toured five wineries, and each one pretty much told us the exact same thing. I've decided that rather than write a novella about the wine making process (I feel like I'm an expert now), I'm going to show you photos to give you an idea of what a tour through a Bordeaux winery is like.

Grapes right before the harvest

I may have stolen one to taste...It was yummy!

Just harvested grapes going through the initial sorting.
We were lucky to be touring just around the time of
the first harvest!

The new wine is put in wood, concrete or stainless steel vats

Then it is put into wooden barrels. Some of the wineries paint parts of the barrels
to hide the red wine stains caused by putting the wine in and taking it out.

At the end of the tour they generally gave us two tastings: one from a first
harvest, and one from a second harvest, generally both from the same year.

Claudia, Mia and Jan on the second day of wine tasting overlooking the
town of St. Emilion. It was humid out and we were tired, so excuse the
hair and less than enthusiastic expressions. :)

xoxo

Claudia

My top 10 favorite wedding bands

2011-09-25T09:25:00.000-04:00

Let me start by saying that making this list was way more difficult than I thought it would be! I was torn between my attraction to modern, edgy bands that push the boundaries a bit, and more simple, classically inspired bands that most people (including me) would be more comfortable wearing for the rest of their lives.

I ended up with far too many rings, so I started finding reasons to eliminate some of them. I tried to avoid bands with diamonds and gemstones in them, as those tend to be more targeted towards women, and focused on bands that could work for either sex, but to be totally honest, there are a few rings that lean a bit more towards women (sorry guys!).

If you are in the market for wedding bands and like any of the ones you see here, be sure to visit mimi's website to see more jewelry from the artists we represent. Want to stop by our store in Manchester, MA to see some rings in person? Give me a head's up and I'll try to have a better selection in stock for when you get there! We're a small store and don't usually keep a huge stock of bands in at any one time.

Now to count down my favorite wedding bands...

10. Rustic Band from Jennifer Dawes

I can't help but be attracted to the Rustic Collection by Jennifer Dawes of Dawes Design. The design is just so raw and organic. She has really embraced the cold and hard characteristics of the metal in this design. For someone who wants a wedding band that is a bit outside the norm, this is a great design to consider!

The bands are available in five widths from 2mm to 8mm, and are available in 18k yellow, white, green or rose gold.

Jennifer Dawes 18k Gold Rustic Collection

9. Organic Band from Adel Chefridi
Each organic band by New York jewelry designer Adel Chefridi is completely formed by hand, making each ring entirely unique. I was attracted to this ring because of the fact that it is formed in the hands of the artist. I have seen a few versions of this ring side by side, and they really can vary greatly.

Adel is always happy to take the suggestions of the customer into consideration when creating a piece of jewelry, so this is a design you could really have some of your own input in.

This band is available in 18k yellow or white gold.

Adel Chefridi 18k White Gold Men's Organic Band

8. Skin Collection from Jennifer Dawes
Another collection from Dawes Design that intrigues me is her Skin Collection. Each band has what Jennifer refers to as a "daring texture", reminiscent of the skin of some reptile. The textures are subtle enough that one might not notice what they are if just glancing at the ring. One of the designs includes a small diamond set into the band if you'd like a bit of sparkle.

These bands are available in any width, and in 18k white, yellow, green or rose gold.

Jennifer Dawes 18k Gold Skin Collection.

7. Wavy Band from Adel Chefridi
The band has a fun wave to it, and Adel makes a matching engagement ring that stacks perfectly!

Adel Chefridi 18k Yellow & White Gold Wavy Bands

6. Classic Flat Band from Carla Caruso

The clean and simple look of a traditional wedding band will never go out of style. The satin finish of the ring adds to its understated elegance. In this case less really is more.

This band is available five widths from a delicate 2.3mm to the giant 10.1mm. The one pictured is 5.1mm.

Carla Caruso 14k Yellow Gold Medium Flat Band

5. Small Faceted Band from Carla Caruso
The facets of this unusual ring reflect light and shadow, and Carla once again uses a soft satin finish. This ring comes in a wider size for men, but I'm not sure if the facets really translate all that well to the larger size. It just kind of ends up looking spiky. But the thin band looks gorgeous, so I'm not demoting it to a lower place on the list!

Carla Caruso 14k Yellow Gold Small Faceted Band

4. Granulated Gold Band from Denise Betesh
Denise uses the ancient process of granulation, the fusing of tiny granules of gold without solder, that was refined by the Etruscans and used since the third century B.C. See those tiny gold beads in the center of the ring? That detailed look is created using this process.

Denise is one of the new jewelry designers we will be bringing in this Fall, and she works in 22k yellow gold, diamonds and other gemstones.

Denise Betesh 22k Yellow Gold Granulated Band

3. Diamond Band from Adel Chefridi
I was trying to avoid diamond bands because they can so easily just be rings worn for everyday, or even used as engagement rings, but this is just too stunning of a collection to ignore. As with most of Adel's work, the photo does not begin to do these bands justice. Each 18k gold band is set with tiny cut diamonds that sparkle more than I can explain. They add a little bit of glam without being too showy.

They are available in a variety of widths, and in 18k yellow or white gold. Colored gems can be substituted for some or all of the diamonds.

Adel Chefridi 18k Yellow Gold & Diamond Bands

2. Hammered Band from Rebecca Overmann

Hammered bands seem to be really in recently, but I've found that many of the bands can end up looking too hard. Rebecca has managed to hammer her bands in a way that adds a bit of roughness and edge, while not venturing too far from the look of a classic gold wedding band.

Rebecca Overmann 14k Yellow Gold Hammered Wedding Bands

1. Stream Band from Rebecca Overmann

Yes, Rebecca Overmann got my top two favorite wedding band spots. She has broken into wedding jewelry somewhat recently, and I really love the direction she has gone. Each of her rings is shaped by hand, so the slight variations make each one unique.

The detail on her stream band is so subtle and understated, adding an organic feel and visual interest to the band. It's just enough to make the artist in my happy, while still keeping the traditional band look.

Rebecca Overman 14k Yellow Gold Stream Band

Call or email for prices, and remember mimi is a small store in Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA, and we don't always keep in every one of these rings, so if you're interested in a specific one, let us know ahead of time and we'll be sure to have it in stock for you visit!

This is just a taste of the rings we have to offer, so look through our website to see more!

xoxo

Claudia

Where the local men drink and shoot things on Sundays

2011-09-25T04:38:00.000-04:00

When we arrived in the South of France at the lovely house we have rented for our final days here in France, the caretaker of the property told us that the local men like to go boar hunting on Sundays, and that we should try to remain indoors on this day.

We laughed, assuming it was a bit of local humor.

He was entirely serious.

His wife was sure to reiterate that we should avoid going outside on Sundays as the men tend to drink before hunting, and are always shooting things other than boar. For example, a few weeks ago they shot and killed the neighbor's dog.

This morning Mia, Jan and I all awoke to the sounds of shot guns in the not too far distance. Needless to say, we will all be staying inside behind the 1.5 foot thick stone walls of this 14th century house, and avoiding the windows.

Sustainably beautiful - eco-friendly & ethical engagement rings & wedding bands

2011-09-20T10:00:00.001-04:00

With the environmental movement or "going green" continuing to grow in popularity, it it is now in vogue to consider the eco-friendly options when buying even your jewelry. When looking at a gold and sparkling diamond ring, it can be easy to get caught up in its beauty and forget the impact that jewelry can have both environmentally and socially.

When I choose the jewelry designers to bring to mimi one of my main focuses is how the jewelry is made, and where the stones and metals come from. Before I tell you about a few of our green jewelry designers, let me just give you an idea of the type of impact a piece of jewelry can have.

Dirty Gold Mining
Gold mining is a very environmentally destructive industry. "Dirty" gold mining is a far too common practice that damages the local environment and can be very hazardous to human health. A simple gold ring produces 20 tons of waste. Over the past decade many jewelers throughout the US and the world have begun to commit to using gold that is not mined using dirty practices. If you would like to read more or get involved www.nodirtygold.com is a good resource.

Conflict or Blood Diamonds
Diamond mining is well known for its social impacts, but it has negative environmental impacts as well. Conflict or blood diamonds, as they are commonly known, refer to diamonds that have been mined using socially devastating practices. They have funded civil wars, and although those have lessened, there is still state sanctioned violence, child exploitation and other human rights violations. Because of the lack of mining regulations, diamond mining has greatly damaged the environment throughout areas of Africa. More info can be found at www.globalwitness.org.

Colored Gem Mining
Colored gem mining produces many of the same problems as diamond mining. The lack or regulations for both diamond and colored gem mining results in an exploitation of the workers. Illegal mining is common, as are dangerous working conditions, the use of child laborers, and health hazards caused by water contamination during the mining process. A good site for information on this is http://www.uvm.edu/rsenr/gemecology/index.html.

I could go on forever with detailed accounts of the negative environmental and social impacts of gold, diamond and gemstone mining, but I think at this point you get the idea, and now I can focus on three of the jewelry designers represented by mimi who see it as their responsibility to create green jewelry that is distinctive and elegant.

Adel Chefridi
Adel Chefridi continues to be one of my favorite jewelry designers that mimi represents. I met Adel just over a year ago at the New York gift show, and he won me, Janyce and Mia over instantly both with his absolutely stunning and definitely very original jewelry, and also with his sweet and gentle nature. He is a lovely man and I am always happy to support him and his work.

Adel works in recycled gold, and conflict free, natural untreated stones. He moved his studio from New York City to Woodstock, NY so he could be closer to the nature that inspires him.

from left: 18k White & Yellow Gold Bands w/ Diamonds all around,

18k Yellow Gold Ring w/ Light Pink Tourmaline & Diamonds

To see more of Adel's work, as well as work from our other jewelers, visit our website here.

Jennifer Dawes

Jennifer is probably our jeweler who focuses the most on the environmental impact of her jewelry. As she says, "I try to leave as small a footprint on this planet as possible." Her "Sustainably Beautiful" jewelry includes collections ranging from simple and contemporary, to organic and rustic.

Jennifer works only in recycled gold, conflict free diamonds and responsibly mined stones. All of her jewelry is made locally in rural Northern California, and is sourced using sustainable businesses that use recycled products.

Bevel Collection
18k & 14k Gold, Diamond & Gemstone Rings

from left: Hewn Solitaire 18k Yellow Gold & Rosecut Diamond Ring

18k White Gold & Marquis Cut Diamond Ring

"I want to add something to this world, not take it away. Becoming a mother has been the most profoundly meaningful and spiritual experience I have ever come to know. It has changed the way I perceive our future and how important it is to the commitment to a socially and environmentally responsible lifestyle."

Jennifer has recently been my go-to jeweler for engagement rings. She has such a wide variety of styles, and her Hewn Collection has been very popular.

To see more of her work on mimi's website, and to see other jewelers we represent, click here.

Rebecca Overmann
Rebecca Overmann is a jeweler that mimi has represented for a few years, but we have only just expanded our selection of her jewelry to include her new engagement rings and wedding bands.

Like Adel and Jennifer, Rebecca also works in reclaimed metals and ethically sourced diamonds.

Diamond Water Ring & Band
14k Yellow Gold & Diamonds

14k Yellow Gold & Champagne Diamond Rings

For more of Rebecca's work, visit our website here.

We will be getting in a lot of jewelry from these jewelry designers, as well as some new ones, in October once we return from France, so if you're in the market for an engagement ring, wedding bands, or just a fun piece of jewelry, be sure to visit the store!

And then we became tourists

2011-09-16T11:48:00.000-04:00

In between exploring the local shopping experiences and eating great food, Mia, Janyce and I have also played the role of tourists, and visited some of the famous landmarks of Paris.

The three of us have all visited Paris before, but Notre Dame was still awe inspiring. The last time I was here was when I was spending a semester abroad in Florence, Italy. I came to Paris with a friend for nine days during our break. We climbed all the way to the top, and my legs have never hurt so much in my life! All of these old buildings have shallow and narrow stone steps and they don't look so bad until you're half way up the building and your legs start to shake.

It's usually worth it once you get to the top and get to look out over Paris, but since we had all done it before, we decided to skip the climb this time, and just walked through the main hall.

The front of Notre Dame

We also visited the Louvre museum. I forgot how HUGE that place is! It began as a fortress built by Philip II in the 12th century, but was then greatly expanded into a lavish palace by different kings. Remnants of the original fortress can be seen if you go down to what is essentially the basement of the Louvre museum, and there they have miniature replicas and diagrams of the fortress as it was originally. That may have been my favorite part of the museum.

Part of the Louvre and the large pyramid
See all those tiny people? That's all part of the line to get in!

Another great part of the museum were the apartments of Napoleon III. Everything was in dark, rich colors with gilded accents. There were gorgeous paintings on the ceilings and the chandeliers (yes, plural) in every room.

Thinking of redecorating mimi in this style. We could definitely
use an oversized crystal chandelier in the center of the store.

The royal jewels might server as our inspiration for our next jeweler.

I'll leave you with a few of the street "performers" we witnessed while wandering through the more touristy areas.

The Birdman
It's not entirely clear in the photo, but he had bird food in his hands
and all of these little birds kept landing on him and eating out of his hands.

The Bubbleman
He was making these large bubbles that would float over the
bridge and out across the Seine river. It actually looked really cool.

We're catching a train to Bordeaux tomorrow morning to do a bit of wine tasting before we head to Carcassone for the remainder of our trip. I think I speak for all of us when I say we're excited to leave the business of Paris for a more calm and quiet experience in Southern France.

Until next time.

Claudia

Parisian food at its best

2011-09-16T07:33:00.000-04:00

As I sit here picking the remaining crumbs of a croissant off of my plate, I cannot help but feel the need to tell you about some of the amazing food we have had while in Paris. If you know me, you know that me giving food (other than desserts) any kind of real attention is kind of a big deal.

Le Hangar was the first restaurant we tried in Paris, and it was so good that we had to go back a second time! Between our guide books and online reviews, we decided Le Hangar was worth a try. How everyone doesn't rate this place five starts I will never understand.

It is located in little ally that when you first walk down, you cannot help but think you have taken a wrong turn. Then you turn the corner and see this sweet little restaurant with a classic red awning and tables outside pushed as close together as possible while still leaving just enough room to let a waitress squeeze between.

We arrived around 7:30 on a Saturday night, but they were able to find a small table inside to seat us.

Le Hanger Restaurant

We started with wine and an olive and anchovy spread with crostinis. Then came the real food: A duck confit shepherd's pie (I don't know how else to describe it), a beef dish (the name alludes me), and a fettucini with a light lemon cream sauce and cooked shrimp. Everything was to die for.

Before - Yum!

After - Still room for dessert!

And the desert: a half cooked chocolate cake with a dollop of some type of ice cream sitting on top of a little cookie with chocolate drizzled on top. It was SO good.

We returned a few days later (with a reservation!), and got to sit outside where we were able to enjoy the gorgeous evening as we sampled different items off of the menu.

If you are ever in France, you MUST try Le Hanger (12 Impasse Berthaud, Paris).

Another restaurant worth mentioning is L'Intention. This little restaurant is also located off of a main road, and we discovered it because it was literally across the street from the front door of our apartment. This was probably my favorite place to eat that we tried in Paris.

The menu had a total of three meal options, with a few starters and desserts. The wine list was written in chalk on a board that the one waitress would carry from table to table. The ambiance of L'Intention was somewhere between a high end snobby restaurant and a hole in the wall place that has yet to discover how good it is.

The menu was only in French, and the food was a bit more sophisticated here than at other places we had eaten. We asked the waitress what one type of meat was. She looked as us and said, "Like chicken". Mia replied, "But not chicken?". The waitress, "No, smaller. But like chicken". She then went and consulted with the chef. His answer: "Like chicken".

We laughed as we tried to decide whether we thought it could be something odd like a pigeon, then Janyce decided to order it, and Mia followed did as well, but only after we discovered it was guinea hen. The meal came complete with figs and some type of celery puree. I ordered a beautiful baked fish dish that involved eggplant and a gorgeous cream sauce.

We finished it all off with a slice of chocolate cake with a chocolate mousse on top and a mango sauce. Yum.

We returned a few days later and between the two visits we enjoyed every meal, a few starters, and every dessert.

I can't find a website for L'Intention, but it is located on Rue Thorigny near its intersection with Rue Tourenne in Le Marais.

Many of the meals we have had in France have been rich, and many have had a cream sauce, but I have yet to feel too full after finishing one of them. I think this is because all of the ingredients have been so fresh, and because the portions are about half the size of the portions we receive in the United States, so even if you finish your entire meal, you haven't actually eaten that much.

A few things you will want to know when ordering off of a French menu: 1. Entree means appetizer, or starter, 2. Les Viandes means meats, 3. Les Poissons means fish.

Yesterday we walked from our apartment in Le Marais probably a total of about four miles to the Louvre museum and then down to the Arc de Triumph on the Champs Elysees. We also walked through most of the Louvre while we were there. I'll tell you all about it soon.

I keep trying to convince myself that the miles of extra walking we do each day will cancel out the cream sauce.

Claudia

mimi investigates the "je ne sais quoi" of Paris shops

2011-09-13T12:14:00.000-04:00

Before I get started on today's post, I forgot to tell you my favorite part of the trip so far: A woman came up to me at the Paris home show and started saying something in French which I later learned translated to something about wanting to pin a smiley face pin on me to give happiness for the rest of the show.

Anyways, I stared at her blankly and informed her that I did not speak French. Her response: "I'm sorry, you looked so French!".

Best thing ever.

Mannequins at Le Bon Marche

Today we ventured to Le Bon Marche, an historic department store that is one of the most famous in Paris. Le Bon Marche translates to "the good market" or "the good deal", but it is a high end department store full of designer fashion, jewelry, perfumes and housewares.

View from the 2nd floor of Le Bon Marche

I have a slight addiction to perfumes. Especially French perfumes. Needless to say I ended up with countless have fragrances on the various parts of my hands and arms. I smell so good!

The displays in French shops seem to always be incredible and eye catching. From the large department stores to the small boutiques, they always have great displays that tend to go with the less is more approach.

Hat displays at Le Bon Marche

I have been paying a lot of attention lately to the trends in French jewelry. One of my favorite trends is oversized cocktail rings, a trend that many of the jewelers we select for mimi have also embraced. A large cocktail ring can range from a fun piece of costume jewelry to a really much more serious piece, and some are really show stoppers that everyone will notice when you walk into a room.

from left: Deborah Armstrong sterling silver ring w/ whiskey topaz & 14k gold accents,

Julie Romanenko 14k gold ring w/ aquamarine and diamond accents

A seemingly opposite trend is very simple and delicate gold jewelry with small cut diamond accents. This is a trend that can be seen in some of our newer jewelers, including ones we will introduce at our Paris Party when we return in October.

from left: Rebecca Overmann 14k gold & diamond Rosette necklace,

Adel Chefridi 18k gold & diamond Shimmer necklace

We spent hours in Le Bon Marche before returning to Le Marais to peruse the small shops along the streets.

Paying attention to the trends in Paris shops, both large and small, is one of our main goals of this trip. We want to be sure we're offering you a selection of jewelry, accessories, personal care and homewares that are in fashion, but that are also somewhat timeless. We're not about to adopt the trend we've seen both at the New York gift show and the Paris home show of creepy doll heads attached to various sculptural bases (trust me, I'm sparing you by not showing you a picture), but we don't want to leave you with merchandise that feels stale and outdated.

I'm pretty confident this trip to Paris and Southern France has already helped us have a better idea about the direction we want to go with mimi.

We're going out to a nice dinner at a little hole in the wall restaurant tonight, so I may have to do a second post today just about the food!

xoxo
Claudia

Paris party, jewelry and macarons!

2011-09-12T08:17:00.000-04:00

Today I am enjoying a quiet day at the apartment by myself getting some work done while Mia and Janyce go shopping on Rue de Rivoli, one of the most famous streets in Paris that is lined with cute little boutique shops. Now don't go feeling bad for me - I'm loving lounging here on the couch working on my laptop as I listen to the sound of the lively Le Marais neighborhood outside my window.

I figured I would use today's blog to tell you a bit about the party we have planned for our return. We're planning An Evening in Paris Party probably for one of the last weekends in October - I would love to get your input on what days of the week and times you think would be best for us to throw the party. A specific date would be useful as well! We're trying to schedule it so that as many of our loyal customers can make it as possible, because this is going to be a great party! Just leave a comment at the end of the blog if you'd like to have a say.

Yum! French Macarons

We will be serving French-themed drinks and hors d'oeuvres. I'm definitely going to make sure there are some authentic macarons, but if you know Mia, we'll probably end up having a small feast prepared for you!

Sadly, I have yet to actually consume a macaron since our arrival in France - I'm afraid that once I eat one I won't be able to stop, so I just keep looking and lusting after them. I'll be sure to tell you all about it once I finally eat one!

We will also be introducing new products, designers and artists both from the United States and Europe. This includes all of the jewelry I bought for mimi at the New York Gift Show in August, and let me tell you, you are going to go crazy for it!

I found a few amazing new jewelry designers in the United States who make really different engagement rings and wedding bands, as well as other incredible jewelry.

Carla Caruso, a jewelry designer in Western Massachusetts, is one of my favorites. Her work is young and fresh, with clean lines and great movement. She works in 14k yellow, white and rose gold, and primarily diamonds and sapphires. I'm really in love with all of her jewelry (especially the rings!), and I cannot wait to show you her work.

We will also be expanding our existing collections of Jennifer Dawes and Rebecca Overmann jewelry. This will be all rings, but not necessarily just engagement rings and wedding bands. Jennifer works in many stones other than diamonds, and even though Rebecca works primarily with diamonds, many of her rings could be worn as every day rings.

Jennifer Dawes Lux Collection
18k White Gold, Sapphire & Diamonds

Rebecca Overmann 14k Yellow Gold
& Scattered Diamond Band

I don't want to spoil the entire surprise, so that's all you're getting for now!

Janyce just texted me that they have found a shop that sells wonderful scarves and perfumes, so I'm excited for them to return so I can see what they've brought back with them!

Until tomorrow...

- Claudia

mimi at the Paris flea markets

2011-09-11T17:04:00.000-04:00

Today we woke up early to hit two of the largest flea (French=puces) markets on the outskirts of Paris in our effort to better understand the Paris shopping experience, and perhaps learn a few things that we could bring back to mimi.

On the recommendation of the woman who showed us around our apartment, we first went to Marche aux Puces de la Porte de Vanves. All of our guide books and everything we read online said it was full of chachkis/nicknacks, but we decided to venture there anyways.

This was a mistake.

We arrived at a dirty street lined with tables covered in stuff ranging from old chipped ceramics, to trays of questionable jewelry, to random art. Ok, maybe I'm not being totally fair - there were a few interesting things among the junk, and maybe you could find a few treasures if you were willing to dig around, but it was early and the street was dirty and smelled of unwashed humans. And then it started to rain.

Janyce and Mia would like to add that the cafe crema from a stall at the flea market was to die for.

Marche aux Puces de la Porte de Vanves

We managed to make find a taxi in the rain and went back to our apartment where we regrouped and decided to go to Paris' largest and most famous flea market, Les Puces de Saint-Ouen at Porte de Clignancourt. This was definitely more what we were looking for.

One of the markets inside Les Puces de St. Ouen

Les Puces de Saint Ouen is made up of a number of markets in one large area. We made our way through an outdoor new clothing market, but it began to pour rain and it was crowded, so we pushed on until we found the indoor Dauphine Market. Here we found incredible antiques, including jewelry, books, art, furniture and more. We spent hours here without even noticing how much time had gone by.

Janyce & Mia look at a case of antique jewelry

Janyce admiring a gilded mirror

The skies really decided to open up once we left Saint Ouen. We walked for a while before finding a taxi stand, and I know at least my shoes were completely soaked through by that time. Our taxi driver was a delight, and he helped us with the pronunciation of some of the streets near our apartment.

On the ride home he pointed out the window and said, "See that building? It's historic". We of course then inquired as to what is was or what it used to be. His answer? A very honest "I do not know." We couldn't help but laugh.

- Claudia

mimi at the Paris home show, day 2

2011-09-10T23:41:00.000-04:00

This morning we enjoyed a leisurely breakfast before heading out for our second day at Maison & Objet, the Paris home show. We first stopped at Jars where Celine showed us some new additions to the ceramic lines we carry, as well as some lines and pieces that are being tested in the European market before being available in the United States. We placed an order and should expect to have the new designs by January!

Mia, Celine & Me (Claudia) looking at new products

The gorgeous display of ceramics at Jars

We then stumbled upon a fantastic Belgian ornament company that we hope to be ordering from soon. They served us champagne and some type of sweet waffle treat!

Glass fish ornaments

Janyce sipping her champagne as she looks at Christmas ornaments

Our favorite part of the day had to be wandering through the textiles section of the show. This is a major section of the show that we only touched upon yesterday when we stopped by Le Jacquard Francais, and we made it our goal to walk by every single vendor.

The linens, pillows and clothing we saw made us want to double the size of mimi so we'd have enough space to expand into these areas! We took a few cards so we will remember our favorite vendors in the future.

A lovely surprise in the textiles section was running into Nitin Goyal, a vendor we purchased scarves from last year who specializes in blankets, throws and pillows.

Hand sewn pillows by Nitin Goyal

Nitin showing Janyce his cotton and cashmere throws

The second day at the show was definitely our favorite - maybe it was because we weren't so tired from traveling? In any case, it was a really fun day and we were sad to leave at the end, but we are definitely excited to be finished with that part of our trip and to have some time to experience some of the wonderful things Paris has to offer before we move on to Southern France.

After the show we grabbed a light lunch at the hotel and then took a car into Paris (our hotel was right near the airport) and moved into the apartment we are renting for the week. The apartment is rented out to tourists on a week by week basis, and is a great alternative to a hotel.

We are all looking forward to the weeks ahead, and will continue to keep you updated!

- Claudia

mimi at the Paris home show, day 1

2011-09-09T16:19:00.001-04:00

This morning I got up early, took a shower, somehow managed to kill both my hair dryer and the outlet converter it was plugged into, and then met Mia and Janyce downstairs for a quick breakfast before heading to Maison & Objet, the Paris home show we've come here to shop at.

They wouldn't allow us to take pictures unless the vendors gave permission, so I wasn't able to get a shot of any of the rooms, so you'll just have to believe me when I tell you this place is HUGE. We first stopped by Le Jacquard Francais where we met lovely Laurence who told us the Paris show is much larger than the New York show, and that we should be prepared to be a bit overwhelmed, as it can take days to see everything.

Laurence then showed us some absolutely gorgeous new designs from Le Jacquard and we placed an order that includes a limited production holiday table cloth, runners, napkins and place mats that I know you will fall in love with. You really cannot beat fine French table linens.

Mia, Laurence & Janyce discussing the possibility of
a Le Jacquard trunk show in November!

Le Jacquard Francais Tea Towels

Today we also visited some of our other vendors including Jars, Jelly Cat, our manufacturer of Laguiole knives, and many new vendors we had never come across at the show in NYC. Our favorite booth may have been Durance. We carried a line of olive oil personal care products from Durance until about two years ago when they stopped production. Today we discovered that they have resumed production of some items in that line, and will be shipping to the US in January! If you were as addicted to these products as we were, you can expect to see our shelves fully stocked as soon as possible. If you've never tried the product, you are in for a treat. I put on the hand cream this morning and my hands still feel so incredibly smooth! The trip was worth it just so we could get Durance again!

Towards the end of the day we began to realize that just as at the New York gift show, the Paris home show has some, um, interesting vendors. I will leave you with a few photos to hold you over until tomorrow's post.

- Claudia

P.S. Blogger has picked up that I'm in France and has changed all of the buttons and other text into French. Maybe this is how I will learn the language!

I don't really know what to say. The floor is covered in glitter, the chairs have feet
in high heels, and there is a turtle in the bottom right corner wearing a crown.

The sunglasses are a nice touch.

Think this would make a good addition to our man gift shelf?

mimi is in Paris - oh la la!

2011-09-08T23:57:00.000-04:00

On a rainy New England night, Mia, Janyce and I boarded a plane destined for Paris, France. About six hours later, we landed and began to navigate our way through Charles de Gaulle airport towards our hotel. Apparently the rain followed us.

I somehow managed to fit every Earthly possession that I would be upset losing in my suitcase for mimi's trip to France. I'm pretty impressed that I was able to keep it under Air France's 50lb weight limit for checked bags. Needless to say, the trek to the hotel was not the easiest ever, but once we got there, it was more than expected.

We ate a light lunch at the hotel's cafe, then went up to our rooms where we dug through guide books and marked out on a map the numerous places we want to go to while in Paris. Tonight we decided to take it easy and beat the jet lag by forcing ourselves to stay awake and wander around Paris' department store district. As with the American artists and vendors we represent at mimi, we are dedicated to expanding our knowledge of and relationships with our European vendors. We are also hoping to bring home with us a better understanding of the sophistication and class of French stores, so two of Paris' most prominent department stores seemed a good place to start.

Our first stop was to the Galeries Lafayette. It is a gorgeous Art Nouveau building with with six floors just packed with designer boutiques. The top floor has a restaurant with views over paris, , and the architecture and large stained glass ceiling of the building really make it a sight to see. After a long day of traveling though, it was a bit overwhelming, but we're sure to return to purchase some souvenirs before we leave for the next leg of our trip in Southern France.

Inside Galeries Lafayette Department Store

We then wandered across the street to Printemps, one of Paris' original Belle Epoch department stores, with a lovely restaurant on the top floor under a stunning stained glass ceiling. Our waiter was a sweet man who dealt with our very broken French, and helped us learn how to say a few words on the menu that we would have otherwise been completely lost with.

Outside Printemps Department Store

Tomorrow the three of us will head out to our first day at Maison & Objet, Paris' famed trade show that will feature furniture, clothing and accessories. We couldn't be more excited.

xoxo
Claudia

Serve sweets in style - cake stands and plates

2011-06-06T08:21:00.001-04:00

Nothing makes a cake look more beautiful than presenting it on a stylish cake stand, and cupcakes...well, cupcakes can look so elegant when they are perfectly arranged on a multi-tiered cupcake stand. Cake and cupcake stands can take your dessert to another level, and really finish off the presentation.

Now of course you don't expect to see every cake served on an elegant stand, but there are occasions that call for it. Weddings are the perfect example. You've most likely paid a professional a lot of money to make you the perfect cake, and putting that perfect cake on the perfect cake stand just makes it even more perfect.

Glass

This cake stand from Simon Pearce's Hartland collection is a simple and classic piece. It has an optional matching dome that can be used to keep everything fresh. Can't you just picture a traditional white wedding cake served on it? It also comes in a cute cupcake size that I can't help but love, however impractical it might be. (Hint: The cupcake stand also make a great pillar candle holder).

As soon as I saw them, it was love. At mimi we tend to focus on Simon Pearce for our glassware, but over the past year we have begun to bring in Juliska Czech glass (there are three pendant lamps hanging in our window that are to die for, if you're in the market for one). Juliska offers two styles of cake pedestals (their word choice, not mine) with optional domes. The ones pictured are medium and teacake pedestals, but they also offer elegant large cake pedestals.

From top, left to right: Simon Pearce "Hartland Cake Plate & Dome Set" ($350), Juliska "Isabella Medium Cake Dome & Pedestal Set" ($415), Juliska "Ursula Tea Cake Dome & Pedestal Set" ($330), Juliska "Harriet Medium Cake Dom & Pedestal Set" ($415), Juliska "Isabella Small Cake Stand" ($144), Juliska "Isabella Medium Cake Stand" ($160) - cake stands and domes also available separately.

Metal

See what I mean about the multi-tiered cupcake display? It's so pretty you almost don't want to take one off and ruin the display. Almost. I was at a bridal shower recently where cupcakes were served on a similar display, and it really made a nice statement on the table. This one, by Mariposa, breaks down into a few different pieces so you can store it flat. That's always a plus. Mariposa does offer a traditional cake stand from this collection as well.

This circus animal cake plate is just too cute. Pair it with the circus animal candle holders and you really do have the best kid's birthday party cake setup ever.

From left: Mariposa "Pearled 3-Tier Cupcake Server" ($98), Mariposa "Big Top Cake Platter" ($149), Mariposa "Big Top Candle Holders" ($48).

Ceramic

Ceramic cake stands are the most traditional, but that doesn't mean you can't find ones that don't stray from tradition. The Juliska cake stand (left) is an example of a pretty traditional design, while the Michael Aram cake stand is not. He has chosen to use a ceramic top with a nickel- plated leaf base. The cool thing about this one? It flips over to become a pie plate.

From left: Juliska "Berry & Thread Large Cake Stand" ($118), Michael Aram "Botanical Leaf Reversible Cake Stand/Pie Plate" ($239).

There are so many more options I could show you, it's kind of absurd. I really have developed a slight obsession with cake plates recently. Maybe it's due to this incessant cake craving I've been having. Anyways, if you're planning a special event (think bridal shower, engagement party, wedding, anniversary, graduation etc.) and really want to showcase your dessert, mimi can definitely help.

Something blue: engagement rings with blue center stones

2011-06-05T17:53:00.013-04:00

Maybe it was all the hype with the Royal Wedding and Kate's blue ring, but I've become a big fan of the trend of blue engagement rings. I know a few people who have opted to go with a blue center stone over a diamond, and recently I even sold a wedding band at mimi with a blue topaz set in it.

So I know I promised you men's engagement rings and wedding bands in my next blogs, but I've decided to continue with engagement rings, just focusing on some of my favorite blue ones!

As with the last blog post, I've given you the pirces as listed on the jeweler's websites, but we nearly always offer you the rings for less than if you work directly with the jeweler. Also, please note that all prices are subject to change without notice with the fluctuation of the gold market.

The Lux Collection, by Jennifer Dawes

This may be my favorite collection of rings at the moment, for engagement rings or otherwise. Jennifer Dawes unveiled this collection only a few months ago, and I am in love! I showed you rings from this collection with diamond center stones in my last blog, but these are some stunning options with blue sapphires. They are available in yellow gold, but I think the white gold makes the diamonds look extra white, and really sets off the sapphire nicely. The center stone can come in a number of shapes and sizes.

From left: Jennifer Dawes "Lux" Ring in 18k white gold, with 1ct sapphire and .08cts diamonds ($3,075), Jennifer Dawes "Lux" Ring in 18k white gold, with .25cts sapphire and .04cts diamonds ($1,800).

Traditional Styles without the Diamond

If you replaced the sapphires here with diamonds, you would have some pretty traditional engagement rings, but the choice of sapphire really makes the rings stand out.

From left: Adel Chefridi ring, in 18k yellow gold with cushion cut .20ct sapphire and diamonds ($4,800), Adel Chefridi "Cylon" ring, in 18k yellow gold, with 10x12mm sapphire and diamonds (call for price), Adel Chefridi ring, in 18k yellow gold, with square cut emerald sapphire and diamonds (call for price).

Just Blue

This type of ring is for the more nontraditional bride. The other rings I've showcased today all have diamonds accenting the blue center stone, but these rings have blue stones standing on their own. The shapes and sizes of the stones really pull your attention to the rings, and I've included a London blue topaz, turquoise, and aquamarine, in addition to the sapphire, to show you some different options.

Clockwise from left: Jennifer Dawes "Dew Drop" Band, in 14k yellow gold, with 1ct oval London blue topaz ($900), Jennifer Dawes "Hewn" Band, in 18k yellow gold, with 3ct blue sapphire ($2,025), Jennifer Dawes "Hewn" Band, in 18k yellow gold, with 5ct turquoise ($1,050), Just Jules Ring, in 14k yellow gold, with aquamarine and diamonds (call for price).

And remember that mimi is having a Jewelry Trunk Show with Adel Chefridi June 24 and 25! Join us in beautiful Manchester for an evening of sparkly jewelry! It will be a fantastic opportunity to see some of the rings I've shown you in person, as well as a whole lot more!

~ Claudia

A few of my favorite rings!

2011-05-28T12:38:00.004-04:00

So it's wedding season again, and engagement rings and wedding bands have been on my mind. I guess it helps that I have been working with a few couples on finding the perfect engagement ring. Working with a small company such as mimi, you're guaranteed personal attention and care. I know this because I will likely be the one working with you on finding the ring/s, and I absolutely love this part of my job. I've had couples come in with a specific ring they saw on our website, and those who just have a vague idea of what they want. I'm happy to step back and let you pick out exactly what you want, but I'm also here to offer suggestions, and talk about custom ring options. It's your ring to choose, but sometimes a little help narrowing down all of the choices is just what people need.

So today I'm going to show you some of my favorite engagement ring styles. We carry a selection of engagement rings that are different from the ring you see on the finger of every new bride. You're unique, so why shouldn't your ring represent that?

I've given you the prices of the rings as listed on the jeweler's websites, but we almost always can offer you these rings for less than the jeweler, so it is really worth working with us, rather than just picking something off of a website. These rings are all customizable as well, so if you like the over all idea, but would like to change something (the color of the gold, the stones etc.) just set up an appointment to meet with me and we'll talk about your options!

Now I hate to say it, but I have to - Note that all prices are subject to change without notice with the fluctuation of the gold market.

Adel Chefridi Cluster & Star Rings

The great thing about these rings is they lay flat, so if you're someone who is working with your hands all day, you don't have to worry about it catching it or knocking it on thing. The rings pictured are with sapphires, rubies, and diamonds, but you can choose whatever stones you would like, and you don't necessarily have to commit to just one stone. The rings look great with a colored center stone and then diamonds surrounding it. Don't be afraid of straying from diamonds in your engagement ring!

I also must mention that these photos hardly do the rings justice. Adel is a gemologist, so even though he tends to use small stones, the cut and quality of each stone is magnificent, and you have really never seen anything sparkle the way his diamonds do. These rings are made with 18k yellow gold, and currently listed at $950 to $1650, but we tend to offer slightly lower prices than advertised on Adel's website, so it's worth stopping with mimi.

Jennifer Dawes Opaque & Colored Diamond Rings

I've had really mixed reactions to opaque diamonds in particular. Most people want a traditional white (clear) diamond, although chocolate diamonds seem to be gaining popularity recently. I guess I'm attracted to them simply because they're different. You don't immediately look at the rings above and think "diamond". The rebel and artist in me loves that. And then you pair these diamonds with Jennifer Dawes' designs, and you've got something truly extraordinary.

From left: Jennifer Dawes Hewn Solitaire, 18k yellow gold with a 6mm, .8ct colored diamond, listed at $1,500. Jennifer Dawes Hewn Band, 18k white gold with a 3ct opaque diamond, listed at $3,675. Jennifer Dawes Lux Ring, 18k yellow gold with a total of .25cts diamonds. Again, we tend to sell our rings for less than the jeweler.

Jennifer Dawes Orbiting Rings

The great things about these rings? That little diamond actually spins (or orbits) around the center stone! These rings

are just so much fun. The orbiting diamond is an unexpected treat to an already gorgeous ring. You can go with all diamonds, as on the left, or mix is up with colored stones.

From left: Jennifer Dawes Orbiting Ring, 14k white gold with .25cts of diamonds, listed at $2,925. Jennifer Dawes Orbiting Ring, 14k yellow gold, with 5mm amethyst and orbiting diamond, listed at $1,650. Jennifer Dawes Orbiting Ring, 14k white gold, with 5x3mm aquamarine and orbiting diamond, listed at $1,200.

Classic Rings

I know I've been talking about how great it is to think outside of the box when choosing an engagement ring, but it's really all about your personal taste. Like more classic styles? Go for it! It's your ring, and if you want a gold or plati ring with a big rock in the middle, then that's what you should get.

From left: Adel Chefridi "Princess Ring", platinum, .8ct princess cut diamond with .32cts total side stones, call for price. Jennifer Dawes Hewn Solitaire, 18k yellow gold, .57ct rose cut diamond, listed at $7,950. Jennifer Dawes Lux Ring, 18k white gold, .6cts diamonds, listed at $5,850.

Remember, these are just a few of my favorite rings, so if you're in the market for an engagement ring, set up an appointment with me and I'll be more than happy to show you everything we have to offer.

Coming up next...my favorite wedding bands! I'll also include a few men's engagement rings - don't forget the boys deserve a little bling too!

Have a great Memorial Day weekend!

~ Claudia

Jewelry Trunk Show!

2011-05-26T13:41:00.000-04:00

Over the past two years we've started bringing in fine jewelry, and over the past months we've gone into engagement rings and wedding bands. This has been a long time dream of mine for the store, so I'm so excited that we're actually getting there! It always feels good to find someone the perfect gift for a friend or loved one, but that doesn't even compare to finding someone the perfect engagement ring or wedding band. These people are letting us into this intimate part of their lives, and that ring we help them find is going to be with them forever.

So we've planned a Fine Jewelry Trunk Show featuring Adel Chefridi to give you a beautiful selection of unique engagement rings and wedding bands! Now of course you can find jewelry for any occasion from Adel, but if you are looking for the ring, this is an opportunity not to be missed!

Check out the event and spread the word to your friends on facebook, Yelp & WeddingWire! The Trunk Show will take place June 24 and 25 from 10am - 5pm each day, is free, and open to the public.

I hope to see you there!

~ Claudia

Your Vote Counts!

2011-04-07T23:26:00.000-04:00

Northshore Magazine is once again calling for votes for it's annual Best of the North Shore (BONS) awards! This means that we need you to vote for mimi so we can take home this coveted award for 2011. We are eligible in the categories of "Gifts" and "Jewelry" , and would be honored to have your vote.

Then go ahead and vote for all of your other favorite North Shore businesses! Small businesses like mimi always appreciate the support of our customers, and the publicity from winning BONS will help keep us in business, so go vote!

To Vote:

• Click here to vote for your favorite place to shop for gifts

• Click here to vote for your favorite place to shop for jewelry

Then just fill in your name, email, and a short comment saying which store you're voting for, and where they are located. It's as easy as that!

For other categories, you can go to www.nshoremag.com/bons-2011, then select a category, such as "Shop", then a subcategory, such as "Gift".

And who knows - if we win, we may throw a big party at the store, and you'll all be invited!

Thank you so much!

- Claudia

Possibly the Most Beautiful Tableware in the World

2011-03-26T13:45:00.000-04:00

As our Spring Gift Showcase fast approaches, it seems all that we (Jan, Mia and I) are thinking about are the big heavy boxes of new product that keep arriving at the store. This past Friday I arrived at work a bit before 10am to discover four of the largest, heaviest boxes blocking the entrance to the store. Now of course I was wearing heels and was all prettified for work, so I'm sure you can imagine the ridiculous scene of me trying to move these boxes into the store. Luckily one of our lovely customers, Becky, saw me struggling and came to my rescue! Becky, I am forever grateful.

Join us at our Spring Gift Showcase Preview Party this Thursday, March 31 from 5pm to 8pm to see the contents of these four boxes. Juliska is one of the main products featured at this event, and these four heavy boxes were filled with all the newest designs, including their new flatware and Bamboo collection!

Juliska's creators, Dave and Capucine Gooding, are inspired by classic European elegance and modern practicality. Juliska products are made for everyday use, and are very durable. "[Their ceramics] can go straight from the freezer into the oven on 500 degrees – also guaranteed for microwave and dishwasher use. This vitrified ceramic is highly resistant to chipping and breaking...Juliska glass is lead-free. Dishwasher-safe on a warm gentle cycle with a mild detergent." It is recommended that larger or highly decorated pieces be washed by hand (Juliska's Official Website).

New Bamboo & Monkey Dinnerware

Please join us this Thursday to see this beautiful new tableware, as well as other tableware, linens, and jewelry! This is a great opportunity to find gifts, or to pick up something for yourself.

I hope to see you there!!

~ Claudia

Pretty Things!

2011-03-25T14:26:00.000-04:00

Spring is finally here, and it's almost time for our first ever Spring Gift Showcase! The event will feature new tabletop, linens, and, my favorite, jewelry! One of the jewelers we will be featuring is Adel Chefridi, a wonderful man from Tunisia, but now living in NY. We were originally attracted to his work when the sparkling diamonds drew us in from across the room last August at the NY Gift Show. Adel is a gemologist, and his extensive knowledge of the stones he works will shows in each and every piece. You have never seen a piece shimmer and sparkle as much as his do! Adel draws from his multicultural background, creating pieces that are beautifully unique.

Adel has generously loaned us a nice selection of pieces for our Spring Gift Showcase, on top of the order we just received. These pieces will only be available at the Preview Party, March 31, 5-8pm, and through that weekend, then they will be making their way back to NY, so for that reason alone, this event is not to be missed!

Please join us!

Spring Gift Showcase

Preview Party

Thursday, March 31, 5pm - 8pm

Free Juliska Raffle ($98 value)

Free Juliska Gift w/ $50 Purchase

refreshments will be served

Counting down the days until Spring!

2011-03-16T14:11:00.000-04:00

After this long winter I think I can speak for all of us when I saw I cannot wait for Spring! mimi is happy to welcome Spring and bid farewell to Winter with our first Spring Gift Showcase! This event will feature new tabletop, linens and jewelry from many of our favorite artists, including Juliska, Simon Pearce, Le Jacquard Francais, Adel Chefridi, Jennifer Dawes and more!

You're Invited!

Spring Gift Showcase Preview Party

Thursday, March 31, 5pm ~ 8pm

There will be a FREE Juliska Raffle (valued at $98), a FREE Juliska Gift with all purchases over $50, and refreshments will be served! We hope to see you there!

- Claudia & the staff of mimi

p.s. Don't forget to check us out on Twitter @mimigiftgallery and Facebook!

Goodbye, Dear Ipswich

2011-02-08T13:54:00.000-05:00

After much thought, we have come to the difficult decision that we will be closing our Ipswich location. This is an opportunity for us to grow our Manchester-by-the-Sea location, and to begin an online business, which we have been dreaming of doing for well over a year.

Starting tomorrow, we will be opening the Ipswich store with a storewide closing sale. This means everything will be on sale, so if you have any gifts to get (remember Valentine's Day is just around the corner), or just want a little something special for yourself, now is the time.

We are sad to go, but stand behind our decision, and know it will let us grow in new ways. I found a quote that I think really captures our feelings about this: "If nothing ever changed, there would be no butterflies" - anonymous.

- Claudia

mimi-by-the-sea

2010-03-02T11:47:00.001-05:00

We're excited to announce the soon to be mimi-by-the-sea! Our new store will be located at 19 Central Street in beautiful Manchester-by-the-Sea, and we can't wait to take this space and transform it into our own.

The light in this new space is gorgeous, and it's right in downtown Manchester with lots of parking and easy access to 128 and 127.

We're planning on opening sometime in April, and will keep you updated!

Art Reception: Cathy Paige "Ryobi"

2010-02-10T13:07:00.000-05:00

The opening reception for Salem artist (and friend!) Cathy Paige is this Friday from 4pm - 6pm.

The show, titled "Ryobi," is the culmination of a dozen years of exploring the expression of transitions of color and texture on a grid. Paige applies numerous layers of acrylic paint and glaze and then sands, buffs and repaints the work to achieve densely rich surfaces and depth. Her latest work is reminiscent of Persian carpets, woven pieces and complex marbling.

These new pieces are absolutely incredible and if you are a fan of her older work you are sure to appreciate them. Photographs do not even begin to show the complexity of each piece, so definitely make sure to stop by the store to see them in person.

Join us on Friday for drinks, hors d'oeuvres and a chance to meet the Cathy and see her beautiful new work.

Gold, Diamonds and Pearls...Oh My!

2010-02-06T11:38:00.000-05:00

mimi is going to sparkle and shine with all the jewelry we bought in New York! Some of our favorite artists like Just Jules and Rebecca Overmann have made some beautiful new pieces that you're just going to fall in love with. Stop by over the next month or so to see the new additions to our jewelry collection.

And don't forget, Valentine's Day is just a week away!

New York City, Day One!

2010-01-31T20:13:00.000-05:00

Today was our first day at the New York International Gift Fair. I'm pretty sure you couldn't get to every vendor even if you wanted to. It is a HUGE show spread out over a few different location in NYC. We were amazed by how many people were there today! It's a significant increase from the August show, and is really encouraging!

Today we saw some of our favorite jewelers like Bree Richey, Susan Fleming and Jessica Lee. It's so great to hand pick unique pieces and get to see all their new designs for the new year. I think you're really going to love all the new stuff, and you should keep your eyes open for it in the coming months.

Well, in the city that never sleeps, these tired shop owners need to take a break, watch a movie, and yes, even get some sleep.

Your Vote Counts!

2010-01-24T12:19:00.000-05:00

It's that time of year again - voting for the 2010 Readers Choice Awards has begun!

Thank you to everyone who voted last year and won us #1 Gift Shop in Ipswich, and gave us an Honorable Mention for Jewelry Shop in Ipswich.

This is your chance to tell everyone who your favorite local businesses are. It only takes a minute and you'll automatically be entered to win an iPod Touch, baseball tickets, or a gift certificate to a local restaurant or entertainment venue!

Click HERE to VOTE!

Thank you for the continued support of your local businesses!

mimi is Entering the Blogosphere

2010-01-15T20:14:00.000-05:00

First an e-newsletter, then Facebook, and now a blog. Don't worry, I'm pretty sure we'll stay away from Twitter, but no promises.

As you know, or will find out if you stop by the store, mimi is closed for two weeks for inventory and to restock and refresh the store. No, we have not gone on vacation, so if you have a gift emergency, feel free to give us a call or knock on the door if you see us inside, and we'll be more than happy to let you in.

We will open again at 10am on Tuesday, January 26th with some great sales, and then over the next few months will be filling the store with new and wonderful gifts, as well as your old favorites.

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