O how I adore summer, I mean spring, I mean the end of fall.. forgive me I get confused.  Weather, like unisex bathrooms, is so ambiguous in San Diego, that you can never tell from one hour to the next whether you should rock the vegan-leather jacket, throw the tunic sweater in the side bag, or say F it and go all “long-cotton-tank” with colored tube bra as the only barrier from nudity. I am a big fan of the tube bra, but that’s just me being semi perverted. Regardless of the perversion, we all feel that SD is ready to warm up and stay up; Mother Earth has filled up our coastline with its yearly prescription of warm weather Viagra and we are ready to ride, ride, ride!

Besides the warm sensations of approaching summer, my mind is a buzz with the fuzzy apprehension of spring’s new fashion lines. One of my fav, fav, favorite boutiques Mimi and Red, has launched their store on the big bad web. Mimiandred.com now features new pieces that you can find in the North Park store, plus extras. Having their own website allows us busy shopaholics to relish in our addiction just a little more. So thank you Mimi and Red, you’ve just made many people re-think their online shopping budget for the month. Already having made a significant dent in my bank account on Mimi and Red’s new site I shall share some of my favorite fixes, I mean purchases.

Often times I will go into a store with the sole intention of buying an item that is necessary for some function and will come out with only accessories. Such a dilemma almost claimed me in my first visit to Mimiandred.com. Nashelle Nameplate Necklace was the piece that stole my heart and half of my budget (it was a small budget for that day). The piece compliments the chest very well, at least my chest, which is 99% of the reason I bought it. If you’re not looking to load up on gorgeous chains, and need something that can work for work and play then you must check out the Jack Susan Dress. This navy-colored gem paired with a fitted blazer could easily take you into the office at the top of your game; add a push up bra, nix the blazer dawn some shiny accessories and viola you’re ready for the club/ beer bar! No matter where you are you’ll be styling. If you’re as stoked about continuous sunshine then you must pick up Mimi and Red’s Haven Amy Romper in coral multi print. This light-airy piece is perfect that in between weather, and also for showing off your killer stems (if ya got’em show’em). The print is mad fun and busy, which for many of us is the quintessential combination.

Regardless of what you are looking for, you’ll find something unique at Mimi & Red, and now you can find it in the comfort of your home or office cubicle. Shop safely friends.

Other Items you may enjoy….

For more great items check out Mimi and Red in North Park (3032 University avenue San Diego, CA, 92104) or online at mimiandred.com.

Congratulations to Jennie Hinkle, creator of Unstandard Deviations for being voted by YOU as Commune’s Featured Local of the month! I met up with Jennie to congratulate her on winning and also to get the dirt on what she has going on.

1. How did you come up with the name Unstandard Deviations and what inspires your pieces?

My jewelry is unique and usually the first thing people say about it is, wow I’ve never seen anything like that. So I actually had a really hard time coming up with a name that I felt worked for my jewelry. I made lists, looked at synonyms, asked friends for opinions, etc. I knew I wanted it to be something that was unique, bold, and different. I wanted it be something that made people think. It needed to portray the nonconformity, and the “against the grain” quality that my jewelry carries along with it. I finally came up with “Unstandard Deviations” and the tag line “jewelry that defies the norm”. It stems from the statistical term “standard deviation” and how it relates to bell curves. Once I came up with the name, I knew there was no turning back.

2. Without giving away your secrets, what are your pieces made out of?

Most of my pieces are made from a material called polystyrene, a thermoplastic. This material allows me to make pretty much any image into a piece of jewelry (providing I have the legal right to use the image). I also use glass microscope slides on some pieces to encase collage images. All the chains I use are sterling silver and can be shiny or darkened according to personal preference. I want everyone to have something they feel represents them, so I am all about doing custom work as well as making that perfect piece for each and every person! I am also a silversmith, and at some point will be offering some of those creations on my Etsy store as well.

3. Where can people check out your stuff? (more…)

With the holiday spirit ringing in the air, beer-belly Santa’s running rampant through malls and store entrances, rainy freeways, and ridiculous traffic with even more ridiculous drivers; now is the perfect time to stay close home and enjoy some of your favorite local artists.

Despite the despicable economy most everyone still feels the pinch to give back, if you are one of those kind-hearted souls check out our friends Mimi and Red at one of our fav spots El Dorado. Mimi and a sleuth of other local companies will be hosting the Holiday Toy Drive from 9p-12a at the East Village hang out. There’s no cover, just bring in an unwrapped toy of your choice (Super Soakers are a timeless pick) or $10 that will go towards buying new toys. When you buy for someone else, despite how empty your bank account is your heart will be full, especially with that corny metaphor.

All that giving really leaves my soul yearning for some inspiration… of the visual sense. Stop by 3795 30^th for Wish You Were Beer with art by Brian Clinebell and Taylor Johnson, (more…)

This Saturday. October 3^rd from 1:00 PM- 5: 00PM, North Park will host its first-ever Taste of North Park.  More than 30 restaurants and 20 galleries and boutiques will participate in this tantalizing event. The event is the ideal blend of delicious cuisines prepared by top chefs around the neighborhood mixed with the perfect variety of microbrews and flavorful wines.  Tickets to the event are $30 in advance and $35 at the door. Proceeds will benefit the North Park Mainstreet.  Don’t miss this opportunity to sample the best in local North Park dining.

Participants Include:

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Love Street Vintage is a unique vintage clothing store run by local North Parker, Sarah Sanaee.  It is stocked with a variety of vintage goodies ranging from 60’s mod era Cindy Brady inspired gear, to 70’s disco party dresses, to comfy old vintage tees.  Although it is mainly filled with stuff for the ladies, there are occasionally some really cool 70s style rocker items for the fellas as well.  I met up with Sarah to get the inside scoop on why she loves vintage and what it was like to be a part of Commune Wednesdays. (more…)

If you haven’t had the chance to check out MESH, one of Commune’s favorite local boutiques, today is the day to do it. MESH is celebrating its 3-year anniversary today (8/20/09) and has an unbelievable sale going on. We all know times are tough so why not get stylish AND save money. (more…)

In this current economy, most people are passing on boutique stores because they tend to be the priciest. Luckily for San Diegans, this is not the case for Mimi & Red.

Owners, Rhondda and Michelle, tapped into the neighborhood culture of North Park a little over two years ago. The boutique specializes in women’s clothing and accessories and plans on carrying children’s clothing in the future as well. Mimi & Red is unique as it mixes affordable clothing, jewelry and handbags, with designer jeans, fancy tops and beautiful dresses. This allows those on a tight budget to enjoy the boutique just as much as those seeking more expensive designer clothing. (more…)