Own a fabulous part of history. This uniquely stunning and handcrafted leather purse is made from a collage of news headlines following President Obama’s historic victory. Because this purse is handmade, no two are alike.

And of course, if you don’t prefer leather, fret not!! Boutique Mix proudly carries numerous eco-friendly fabulous purses and fashion accessories.

Dimensions: 12 X 5, removable strap, magnetic closure.

Each bag is signed and numbered by the designer.

Shop Boutique Mix for this fabulous historic addition to your Wardrobe!!

Rock your support for our Fashionista First Lady with this 3″ button, featuring this stunning purple dress!!! This celluloid button measures 3″ and has a safety pin back.

Shop Boutique Mix for this fabulous historic addition to your Wardrobe!!

Larok Navajo Chain Dress in Black as seen on Audrina Patridge – Halter v neck dress with fringed detail at neckline. Great for a night of dancing.

Stay in the DC Fashion loop with me at the DC Fashion Examiner.

Hello there Recessionistas!!!!

Entry Eligibility – All Recessionistas……Spend $40 or more at BoutiqueMix.Com for automatic entry.
Entry Limitations – None – Unlimited
Time Period – December 24, 2008 – May 15, 2009 (11.59 PM EST)

shoppers
A Fashionable Parisian Version of the Christmas Tree

Today has been a fun day for Boutique Mix. Before my interview with SARFM Radio, Boutique Mix participated in “Africa Day in the Diaspora.”

May 24 is celebrated as “Africa Day in the Diaspora.” In honor of Africa Day, Real Time Africa hosted a wonderful, cultural enriching event in Washington DC.

Real Time Africa is an assembly of individuals, organizations and interest groups hailing from the diverse countries, communities and cultures that make up Africa and her Diaspora. Click here to Learn More about Real Time Africa.

Check out some pictures from the Event!!

Hiya Fellow Fashionistas!!!!! I just completed an hour-long radio interview with Pamela Stitch of SARFM Radio in New York. Pamela is proudly African and is a complete supporter of African Arts and Music. Her love for African Music led her to work with Southern African Radio Station (www.sarfmradio.com) about 2.5 years ago, where she won best Radio Presenter for the Year 2006. Check out Pamela’s African Loft Page right here.

We discussed fashion, fashion, more fashion, social entrepreneurism, fair trade, community development, eco-friendly fashion, Kiva, philanthropy, and micro-financing. We also discussed Boutique Mix’s 2008 Pledge Campaign to rebuild Sierra Leone and impoverished Africa, one innocent child at a time. Thanks to Pamela and everyone at SARFM for all their fabulous support!!!!

SARFM(otherwise Known as the Heartbeat of Africa in New York) is an internet based radio station that broadcasts 24 hours from New York City. It was started in April 2005 with the goal of providing radio programming similar to that found in their homeland to millions of Africans in the Diasporas. Chaka Ngwenya is a popular Radio personality from Africa and is the Founder and CEO of SARFM. After analyzing public information regarding radio programming in New York city as well as the influx of support from the African American, Caribbean and Spanish community [they] have restructured [their] programming to meet the needs of a broader demographic.

Visit SARFM Right Here!!

Pamela’s Picture Source

Shop here for your Eco-Plum Ananas!!!

Shop here for your Eco-Brick Ananas!!!

Shop here for your Eco-Tan Ananas!!!

Join MiMi, Boutique Mix and other fabulous African Designers and Vendors for the May 20th Fashion Trunk Show portion of the Passport to Africa Event in Washington DC.

Passport to Africa is an annual week-long celebration of African culture and people. It is designed to highlight Africa’s many cultures through creative and unique events. Passport to Africa is produced by IDOA Entertainment (I Dream Of Africa Entertainment). Click here to learn more about this fab Africana event!!!

here to buy this stunning purse.

Red Bamboo Elegance. This large elegant “eye-catcher” is hand made from eco-friendly bamboo, jute and seagrass. It has an inside drawstring closure, cell phone pocket and an additional zippered pocket. Comes with a dust cover. Click

here to buy your Red Riding Hood.

Red Riding Hood. This medium sized beauty is hand made from eco-friendly bamboo, jute and seagrass. It has an inside drawstring closure, cell phone pocket and an additional zippered pocket. Comes with a dust cover. Click

here to buy your green tote.

Green Bamboo Tote. This elegant tote is hand made from eco-friendly bamboo, jute and seagrass. It has an inside drawstring closure, cell phone pocket and an additional zippered pocket. Comes with a dust cover. Click

here to buy yours now.

Green Bamboo Elegance. This gorgeous hand candy is hand made from eco-friendly bamboo, jute and seagrass. It has an inside drawstring closure, cell phone pocket and an additional zippered pocket. Comes with a dust cover. Click

As a proud African Woman, I am honored to write this tribute to Women all over the World. Enjoy the poems too, and remember that these poems and this tribute apply to ALL women, not just African women. As you know, 5% of all Boutique Mix sales goes toward charity. Please join MiMi and Boutique Mix in the 2008 Pledge Campaign to rebuild Sierra Leone and impoverished Africa, one innocent child at a time. Please click here to learn more about the 2008 Pledge Campaign. I am also happy to announce that MiMi and Boutique Mix are proud sponsors of entrepreneurs via the Kiva loan Program. Click here to learn how you can register to sponsor entrepreneurs via Kiva.

Who is the African Woman? The African woman is the salt of Africa. As we move forward together in economic reform and development, we must recognize that African Women will play vital roles in rebuilding and reshaping whats left of the ashes. From entrepreneurial endeavors to leadership roles in government, African Women are at the frontline of post-conflict revitalization.

During the 2003 International Women’s Day Celebration in New York, Kofi Anan noted that the important role of women in the family – “study after study has shown that there is no effective strategy in which women do not play a central role. When women are fully involved, the benefits can be seen immediately; families are healthier and better fed; their income, savings and reinvestment go up. And what is true of families is also true of communities and, in the long run, of whole countries….”

I’m not speaking of the sophisticated sassy African diva who has traveled the continent, written three books, speaks four languages and lives in a beautiful home on the French Rivera. (I applaud her tenacity and hard work and hope to be her when I grow up…). I’m speaking of the rural African woman who works on the farm or sits at the market from dusk till dawn struggling to feed her family. Despite the brutalities of a difficult post-war socio-economic and political world she’s up at the cackle of the rooster to work for her family. With one remaining limb (the other was hacked off during the war) and no one-figure jobs (let alone six-figures), she goes on and succeeds!!! What keeps the African Woman going is HOPE. Hope that tomorrow will be better than today. Hope that her children will be happy, healthy and fed.

No food. No clothing. No homes. This is not the African Dream. Wars keep the women from planting and harvesting. Wars destroy homes, hospitals, banks and schools. It’s a vicious cycle of replanting, rebuilding, reshaping, reconstructing………. and then more wars………. then more rebuilding and all the others “re’s.” As we travel around the world, we learn more about others and so much more about ourselves. We learn especially that we are one in the world, no different from each other. Just diverse in our backgrounds and unequal in economic and social hierarchies. We all have the same dreams of a better life for us, for our children, for our families. For those of us African Children who live in the west, some of us have lost touch with the realities that afflict us.

We are not different because we live in the West. We try to, but are not independent of the women and children that live on the Continent. We are just extensions of where we came from. Subsets of our own roots.

Reducing Poverty is not limited to the ONE Campaign or Oprah. It is up to all of us!!! Please join me for the 2008 Pledge campaign. Let me tell you a little about the African Woman.

Who is the African Woman? by MiMi

The African Woman is a survivor
She is an educator and a scholar
A diplomat and ambassador
A protective mother
A loyal daughter
A fierce and courageous leader

The African Woman is a heroine
She is a loving wife and partner
An ambitious visionary
A successful entrepreneur
A warm and caring friend
A champion for freedom and equality

The African Woman is a role model
She is a nurturer and a healer
A rebel against mass genocide and oppression
A human rights activist
A passionate child advocate
A lobbyist for reconciliation and reconstruction

The African Woman is remarkable
She is a force to be reckoned with
An honest and diligent politician
A calm in the midst of the storm
A peace seeker
A catalyst for change and progress

The Traits of an African Woman by MiMi

I am excited to announce that MiMi and Boutique Mix are proud sponsors of entrepreneurs via the Kiva loan Program. Click here to learn how you can register to sponsor entrepreneurs via Kiva. African women play an important role in rebuilding nations destroyed by war. For this to happen they need our prayers and financial support. Visit Micro loan Opportunities and Micro Credit Programs to learn more about similar opportunities.

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You may host the party at your place or at the Boutique. All you have to do is invite as many people as you can to ensure a great turnout.

A great mix of friends equals a fabulous time for fashionistas shopping in a comfortable and relaxed setting!!!. Gather around with your circle of fabulous fashionistas for an afternoon of dresses, purses, jeans, jewelry, belts, candles and other sassy fashion accessories. Shop your hearts out!!!

Email MiMi at boutique-mix@hotmail.com for more details and learn about the hostess incentives.

Arrange a time, sit back, relax, and enjoy a cozy and personalized shopping event.

CLICK HERE TO SHOP Boutique Mix!!

“Don’t be into trends. Don’t make fashion own you, but you decide what you are, what you want to express by the way you dress and the way to live.” – Gianni Versace

“Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.”
- Coco Chanel

“Delete the negative; accentuate the positive!”
- Donna Karan

“A Girl Should Be Two Things: Classy and Fabulous.” -Coco Chanel

Radical rebels have destabilized an entire economy and dehumanized an entire generation. The stupidity and lack of character or integrity exhibited by the people that have systematically destroyed Sierra Leone is unbelievable. The issue facing us now is where do we go from here? How do we begin to heal? How do we begin to forgive? How do we move on and rebuild the land that we love?

We start by taking responsibility for our actions. We cannot blame this one on the illicit diamond trade or on any individual. We did this to ourselves. We woke up one day and decided this is what Sierra Leone needed – Murder and Destruction. Tribesmen against tribesmen. Neighbor against neighbor. Countryman against countryman. Brother against brother. Cousin against cousin. We decided to literally cut the hand that feeds us by hacking off limbs; perfectly good limbs. We cut our nose to spite our face. For what? For greed? For politics? For change? Well, what happened to showing dissatisfaction for government by rallying in front of the state house or house of parliament? What happened to peaceful demonstrations? Why is it that we are so quick to use machetes on our neighbors’ limbs instead of on our farms?

What was the thought process? Was there one? Did we think “ok if we hack off limbs, burn down the buildings, kill innocent people and rape and torture women and children, we will be heroes? Did the perpetrators even think before acting? Why did we think it was ok to give guns and drugs to 7 year old children and ask them to fight? Why?

These former child soldiers are growing up in a society that does not have the resources to adequately address the psychological impact of these actions on our children. Children who have been forced to grow up, to endure the worst form of human degradation and abuse. Children who have never been joyful. Children who don’t even know how beautiful Sierra Leone can be. The Sierra Leone we grew up in. Our worst problems were lack of adequate transportation and currency inflation.

Now we have bigger problems. Problems that we must take responsibility for. Problems the international community alone cannot fix. Let us make a pact. Let us strive toward upholding basic human dignity. What worries most of us is that amid this flurry of rebuilding, we still have too many people who are angry. Too many people who don’t believe we can rebuild in peace. With war comes destruction and a high degree of idleness and unemployment. This creates a hearty breeding ground for bored individuals, who are lurking around in the shadows waiting for an opportunity to make even bigger asses of themselves. Waiting to destroy what their counterparts are working so hard to rebuild. Waiting to rape. Waiting to destroy. Waiting to kill.

We must hope. Hope for a better Sierra Leone. Hope for a better life for the innocent children. With the commitment of Sierra Leoneans at home and abroad we can move mountains and make Sierra Leone stronger than it was pre-civil war. Hope trumps despair. The beauty of our children is that their innocence keeps them strong. The hope and joy in their hearts keeps alive the love and freedom that burns in the hearts of all Sierra Leoneans.

For those of us who live outside of Sierra Leone, we have a responsibility to help rebuild our nation. It is easy for us to look the other way because we live abroad and do not face the daily struggle of the refugees and survivors. Let us invest in our home. Let us not forget where we came from. Let us tap into that strength instilled into us by our parents and teachers and work together. Most of us have no incentives to go back to Sierra Leone either because we’ve made new lives for ourselves abroad or because we have given up on Sierra Leone. Don’t give up on the innocent children!!!

Innocence

Innocence is as sweet and as pure
as the full blossom of a first love
It is as beautiful and as precious
as the sunrise and the sunset

Innocence is as simple and as clean
as a joyful and a hearty soul
It is as peaceful and as tender
as a gentle breeze in spring

Innocence has a beautiful and receptive soul
that knows how to accept and how to love
It is as wonderful as a forgiving heart
that cannot hurt or destroy

by Mimi (dedicated to the Future of Africa – our wonderful children, full of love, hope and innocence).

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Pledgees so far—–

Cecilia J. – Box of pens and pencils
Da Man Himself A.K.A. Ibrahim Dabo – $12
Ishmael Dabo – $12
Renee Baker from Renee Baker Designs – $30
Stan – $2
Anonymous (30 individuals) – $110, 8 packs of pens.
Christophe Guibert de Bruet, Esq. – $12
Joyce Koo, Esq. – $12
Mary Brown, Esq. – $100
Randolph Shingler, Northwestern Mutual Financial Advisor – $100
Miatta Dabo, Esq. – $250
Boutique Mix – $2000
Angela Holland, Esq. – $12
Delia Patterson, Esq. – $12
Bryon Wasserman, Esq. – $12
Sarah Gans – $12
Sherika Jones – $12
Basil Henderson – $12
Teresa Bernhardt- $12
Chandran Iyler, Esq. – $12
Tilshop Girl – $30
Pastor Bai Sesay $20
Daniel of Daniel’s Counter
Mountain Girl from Mountaingirl’s Musings
Abbey from Random Thoughtsof Life – School Supplies, Clothing, Cards
Jack Figura
SDSue from sdsiouxlakotaconnections.blogspot.com
Sierra Express Media Newspaper

It is wonderful that one of the main priorities of our new government is to tackle the pervasive corruption that has damaged Sa Lone. I applaud this priority and know that it will increase accountability of civil servants to the people. We must not, however, forget to implement changes in agencies responsible for instituting reform for the children. We can fight corruption all we want, but if we don’t take care of the children, repair the extensive damage done to them, and provide a safe environment for them to heal, we will merely be “chasing our tails.” The children are the leaders of the future. We must ensure that when the time comes they are able to be leaders that can carry our great nation into the future. We need to promote education and health reform for our children. These are not privileges – they are rights. Voting is a privilege. Education, food, health, safety and shelter are Rights!!!!!!

We don’t want the needs of the children to be lost in the “big” agenda. Let’s face it, if we fix today and leave tomorrow still broken, then there really is no future. The present government will not be around in 30 years – those kids, the ones who need our help right now, will be running Sa Lone in 30 years. Let us start now before its too late. We don’t want history repeating itself. Let’s take a look at where the children have been over the last decade and in the following weeks, decide on how to move forward. [Click here for stories that will inspire you to pledge].

2008 Pledge

Please note that there is no criticism of the government here. This is a task for all Sa Lone folk. We can all do our little part to facilitate progress for the children. For those of us outside of the diaspora, sponsor a child, adopt a school and do a book drive, send pens or pencils, buy ten pairs of shoes and send for ten lucky boys or girls at a school of your choice (you can even go to payless for this). Ask each and every one of your friends and/or colleagues to donate one dollar (US) or one pound (UK) or one euro (Europe) a month for twelve months and on December 31st, 2008, buy school supplies and/or clothing, and non-perishable goods and donate them to one or more lucky schools.

If you want to take the pledge, please let me know in the comments section below and update us on your monthly progress. We will support and encourage you all the way!!!! At the end of this month, I’ll do a post on the logistics of this pledge. Please remember, we are not sending cash home. We are buying school supplies, uniforms/clothes, basic necessities and non-perishable food items with the money we collect. Common, join us for a good cause. Today I rounded up 7 individual colleagues of mine who have each agreed to donate a dollar a month in 2008. This brings my individual pledge total to 32 individuals. You can do it!! Support the children. They need us now, more than ever. Education is vital to sustain continued economic and social reform anywhere in the world.

As a proud graduate of an HBCU, I can proudly tell you that “A Mind is a Terrible thing to Waste.”

When our children are not in school, the rebels will find something for them to do. You have seen pictures of our kids carrying guys. Our kids being trained to become child soldiers. Our kids being taught how to steal, rape and kill. A picture speaks a thousand words.

We don’t want that. We don’t need that. They don’t deserve that!!! Give them hope!! Give them dreams!! Give them inspiration!!! Give them ambition!!! Empower them to become leaders of tomorrow.

Let us do what we can to prevent rebels from hacking off the limbs of innocent babies!!! Be the voice of these innocent children. Help educate them. Help feed them. Help Clothe them. Just Help Please!!! Please take Pledge Poll [located on the left side of this blog].

HOW THE PLEDGE PROCESS WORKS – The Campaign started on 1/1/2008 and will end on 11/30/08.

1. Please leave a comment in the comments section of this post indicating that you will participate in the Pledge Campaign. Please take the Pledge Participation Poll located to the left of this blog.

2. When you successfully recruit new pledge members, please send an update via email to me or the comments section so that we can all celebrate your success. You may keep all the pledge $$ or send them to me if you prefer. If you do send me your pledge money or any supplies, please leave a comment stating you have done so. That way I am accountable to you and other participants. Indicate what supplies you sent to me or the amount of cash/checks you sent to me. We are operating under the honor system and I trust that we will all do the right thing.

3. It is up to you to inform of us of your monthly pledge amounts (any amount per month works. If people just want donate a lump sum, that’s fine too).

4. It is ok if some people just want to donate school supplies, clothes, book bags or shoes. You may keep all the supplies until the end of the campaign or send them to me if you prefer.

5. We are operating under the honor system. I expect that you will collect and honestly account for all the donations/contributions you collect. If you find that this honor system does not work for you, please, please either buy school supplies immediately so that you don’t have idle cash lying around or contact me to send me the money/items.

6. Please check in via the comments section or email me periodically so that we can all keep track of our progress.

7. Throughout the year, I will inform you of which schools or organizations will benefit from this campaign.

8. At the end of the year, all the supplies and other materials will be shipped to Sa Lone. All of you will have a say in where your money goes. We will make those decisions around August 2008.

9. The shipping and delivery costs will be sponsored by Boutique MIX.

10. I am always eager to hear your comments via this blog or at my email address at SaLonePikin123@hotmail.com.

11. My biggest thanks and gratitude go to Sierra Express Media in Sierra Leone for posting this Sa Lone Pikin blog on their website in an effort to raise awareness about the campaign. Thanks to “borborh” for supporting this message!!!

12. In mid 2008, Boutique Mix will sponsor a 24 month calendar for 2009-2010 as part of the fund-raising campaign. I will update the blog periodically with progress (including pictures) of the photo shoot and other events. I will let you know when the calendar becomes available for sale. The calendar is part of the 2009 campaign to raise money to create a scholarship fund for one deserving student at the University of Sierra Leone, and to help revamp the University Library.

13. My deepest gratitude to everyone for participating and/or spreading the word.

14. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns.

15. Please make a note of the names of all contributors so that we may list their names on the blog at the end of this campaign. We have a full year to go. We hope to keep the passion and momentum going throughout the year. Thanks for all your help and support!! You Rock!!!

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Thank you!!

10% off all Bahay Bags at Boutique Mix.

Shop the Bahay Bags Sale at Boutique Mix right HERE!!

10% off Gyspy 05 and EVERYTHING AT Boutique Mix. .

Shop Gypsy 05 and other eco-friendly clothes and accessories at Boutique Mix.

CLICK HERE NOW TO SHOP!!!!. Shop Boutique Mix for Eco-Friendly Style!!

Gypsy 05 Organic Maxi Long Dress (from the Gypsy 05 “Green Line”) – Nothing makes you feel more like a goddess than an eco-friendly, sexy, jersey organic maxi dress. This stunner passes both the casual and elegant evening look Feel like a star in this jersey organic maxi dress. This floor-length, unlined dress features a deep V-shaped neckline with twisted straps Made from organic fabrics, natural dyes, and produced in a solar-powered factory. Elastic band around the bustline of the dress. Also available in White. Click here to buy your eco-friendly maxi dress!!

Join Hayden and Kristin in saving the enviroment. This fabulous Gypsy 05 French Rose Organic Hoodie (Red) is made from bamboo-derived fabric, low impact dyes and a 90% organic printing process. Great addition to any eco-chic wardrobe. Click here to buy your hoodie!!

Going Green has never looked so fab!! Rock this “Good planets are hard to find” t-shirt with your favorite jeans or slacks. This tee is made using organic fabrics, natural dyes, and a 90% organic printing process. Look good while saving the environment!!! Also available in Dust. Click here to buy this tee for your guy!!

here to purchase this dress. As you can see Paris, Daisy and Brooke are all rocking this stunner!!! Who do you think wore it best?

Click

Pair with this stunning night owl

This is the perfect accessory for any night out!!!! Click here to purchase your night owl

OR

Pair with this fabulous evening companion.

Can be worn three ways – as a clutch, with handle, or with straps. Versatile Petite Sophistication. Click here to purchase your evening companion.

CLICK HERE TO SHOP Boutique Mix!!

Boutique Mix Mother’s Day Sale

Shop for you!

Shop for Mom!

Shop for anyone on your list!

10% off all items in the Store plus Free Ground Shipping!!

Sale ends May 14, 2008!!!

Shop the Boutique Mix Mother’s Day Sale Right Here.

In September 2004, I took a long vacation to Capetown, South Africa, where Miatta-MiMi and Boutique Mix were born!!!!! As I lay on the beach sipping cocktails and designing my first bracelet, I realized “this is what I should be doing.” I spent most of my vacation making jewelry, gift-baskets, shopping for unique items and writing up my business plan – drawing from years of hoping, dreaming and following fashion. I am a huge fan of all things hand-made, and Boutique Mix carries both hand-made and non-handmade unique items from around the world.

I am blessed with the good fortune of combining my great love of travel with my passion for fashion. Each time I travel I personally select items for Boutique Mix that showcase the culture, creativity and style of local and international designers around the world. I make my own jewelry under the Miatta-MiMi label. Each Miatta-MiMi design piece has its own unique story, and is made from beads and other accessories hand-picked during my travels. My fashion style can be described at best as bold, funky, colorful and sassy. Miatta-MiMi reflects that bold, sassy, funky, eclectic and fabulous look that screams “I am ME”!!! Shop Miatta-MiMi at Boutique Mix.

Shop Miatta-MiMi at Boutique Mix.

Check out my interview with Jacinta right here and enjoy all of Jacinta’s sassy fashion/glamour tips. And if you’re looking for a stylist, then you’ll love Apresenta Concept.

Previous Interview

And if you missed my interview with the splendid April of the Young and Splendidly Broke Blog, you can read it right here.

CLICK HERE TO SHOP Boutique Mix!!

Every Accessory Wardrobe needs 10 staple items. The First item is the Clutch. Every fashionista has an “it” bag. The one trusted accessory that adds flavor to her outfit and puts that extra spring in her step.

For me, its the Clutch. No look is complete without it. The Clutch has always been the “it” bag for spring and summer, and for chicas like me, a year round staple. I keep them at work for those after-work happy hour events or spontaneous date plans. Who wants to carry their kitchen-sink hobo or briefcase to happy hour and/or a sassy date? Classic colors like black will match everything, while color adds spunk!!

Don’t limit your fabulous clutch to night outings only. Clutches work well in the daytime too. Classic black (with metallic touches) work well for night outings, adding more glamour and glitz. Color works anytime. Choose something that reflects your style, but don’t be afraid to step out of your fashion box. They’re fun accessories. Indulge and have fun!!!! Don’t be bashful – Be Colorful!

Boutique Mix is your one-stop Clutch Destination. From raffia to patent to leatherette, we have it all!!! Shop Boutique Mix and take your look from dull to chic in just one click!!

Here are a few of our numerous clutch selections. Check out the store for additional styles.

Sassy tie-dyed patent faux leather stunner. Get Redken right here!!

Yellow Drama Clutch in stunning Croco faux leather. Magnetic Strap Closure with silver tone. L10 x H4 x W1. Click here to buy yellow drama!!

Add some zest to your wardrobe with this fabulous purple clutch. Click here to buy purple patent.

A garden of hand-embroidered wildflowers adorns this structured baguette clutch. Add some color and style to your fabulous look. Click here to buy your baguette!!!

Elegant Gold clutch with curve stitch. Buy Goldie right here!!

Bring out the Night Owl in you. Buy here!!

Bohemian Elegance. Click here to bring out your bohemian side.

Green Chica Clutch in stunning Croco faux leather. Make them green with envy right here.

Brown Sugar Baby. Give em some brown sugar right here.

Jaded Chica Clutch in stunning Croco faux leather. Get jaded right here.

This fabulous evening companion can be worn three ways – as a clutch, with handle, or with straps. Versatile Petite Sophistication. Click here to purchase your evening companion.

COMING UP NEXT – BELT UP YOUR WARDROBE… the Second Accessory Wardrobe Essential!!!

CLICK HERE TO SHOP Boutique Mix!!

April 22 may be Earth Day around the World, but in Washington DC, festivities kick off tommorrow, April 20th. U.S. events, produced by Green Apple Festival, will include A-list musicians and actors, environmental and community leaders, and dozens of exhibits on April 20, right before Earth Day.

2008 Earth Day Network/Green Apple Festival Free Line-up -WASHINGTON DC “Earth Day 2008 on the National Mall”

Rock out with Jordin Sparks, O.A.R., The Roots & Friends, Will I Am, Gov’t Mule, Toots and the Maytals, Thievery Corporation, DJ Cerphe from 94.7 The Globe, Warren Haynes, Umphreys McGee, DC Boys Choir, CityDance Ensemble, Urban Impact – A Joy of Motion Hip Hop Youth Company, Douge E. Fresh, Talib Kweli, Ne-Yo, Chrisette Michele, Edward Norton and more…. On April 20th, walk, bike, row or take public transportation to the National Mall in Washington, DC for a day-long event for the entire family.

MiMi and Boutique Mix’s Earth Day Commitment

This year, I’m doing my best to make a committed effort to doing less damage to the environment. I am ashamed to say that prior to the last two years I recycled only sporadically, didn’t turn lights off and used water and other natural resources very ineffciently. I am committed to doing much better. I am also elated to say that I used a compost toilet for the first time last month while attending the Vermont Law School Environmental Solutions Conference. I was asked to speak on “The Role of the International Lawyer on the Global Environment.” It was an exciting event and I have been invited back to speak at a Genocide Conference, also hosted by the Vermont Law School in October of this year.

Here’s a brief summary of the Enviromental Law Conference event, exerpted from the Law School Website.

SOUTH ROYALTON, VT – More than 250 law students from 28 law schools turned out for the National Association of Environmental Law Societies’ 2008 conference, “Picking up the Pieces: Reclaiming Global Environmental Leadership,” proudly hosted this year by Vermont Law School. Highlights of the conference, which ran from March 20-22, included a keynote address delivered by U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders and a reunion dinner featuring Richard Ayres and John Adams, two of the founders of the Natural Resources Defense Council who humorously recalled their experiences launching the NRDC in the early 1970s.

The three-day conference included two dozen panels and workshops that examined today’s environmental challenges and strategies for the future. Speaking on topics such as climate change, water scarcity, habitat destruction and China’s environmental degradation, more than 60 presenters took part in the conference, which was held at the campuses of the University of Vermont and Vermont Law School.

Back to the compost toilet. That was definitely an experience. For those of you who’ve never heard of a compost toilet, here’s a brief description – Compost toilets are toilets which use little or no water and treat toilet wastes on-site for reuse as valuable compost. They work by providing a enclosed environment for the natural process of aerobic decomposition. The same type of environment on forest floors which decomposes wildlife droppings and converts them into valuable nutrients for the vegetation to use. Advantages – They reduce water storage or supply costs, possibility of a rebate for community sewage charges, production of compost, in many systems the ability to compost vegetable peelings and garden trimmings with toilet wastes.

A correctly installed and operating composting toilet will not smell at all because there is a positive suction of air through the toilet at all times. In fact, there should be less smell than a conventional toilet. hey will only “clog up” if the systems are overloaded. In most cases, they will easily tolerate the shock loadings of larger gatherings than normal. They will compost anything organic.

As I said – very very interesting, indeed. I don’t see myself getting one of these, but I will use use them in lieu of conventional toilets when I visit Vermont Law School.

Shop Boutique Mix for Eco-Friendly Style!!

Gypsy 05 Organic Maxi Long Dress (from the Gypsy 05 “Green Line”) – Nothing makes you feel more like a goddess than an eco-friendly, sexy, jersey organic maxi dress. This stunner passes both the casual and elegant evening look Feel like a star in this jersey organic maxi dress. This floor-length, unlined dress features a deep V-shaped neckline with twisted straps Made from organic fabrics, natural dyes, and produced in a solar-powered factory. Elastic band around the bustline of the dress. Also available in White. Click here to buy your eco-friendly maxi dress!!

Join Hayden and Kristin in saving the enviroment. This fabulous Gypsy 05 French Rose Organic Hoodie (Red) is made from bamboo-derived fabric, low impact dyes and a 90% organic printing process. Great addition to any eco-chic wardrobe. Click here to buy your hoodie!!

Going Green has never looked so fab!! Rock this “Good planets are hard to find” t-shirt with your favorite jeans or slacks. This tee is made using organic fabrics, natural dyes, and a 90% organic printing process. Look good while saving the environment!!! Also available in Dust. Click here to buy this tee for your guy!!

Red Bamboo Stunner. This large elegant “eye-catcher” is hand made from eco-friendly bamboo, jute and seagrass. It has an inside drawstring closure, cell phone pocket and an additional zippered pocket. Comes with a dust cover. Click here to buy yours!!

Sweet Mama Africa. Throw out that plastic bag and pick up one of these Africa design woven cloth bags. Dimensions: 15″ X 15″. Click here to buy yours!!

African Safari. Large Safari Jute Bag & Large Africa-Map Jute Bag. Fabulous large and sturdy bags hand-made and woven from jute cloth, with wood handles. Choose one or both of these fun and fashionable bags. Dimensions: 19″ X 18″. Safari/Map photos appear on both sides. Click here to buy your African Safari!!

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You can find ALL of the items showcased in this post at Boutique Mix

The right accessories can take your outfit from blah to fab. The key to looking your best is not buying expensive clothing — the secret to looking fab is working with what you’ve got. From the right jewelry to the right purses to the right shoes, you can go from “that’s um, interesting” to “wow, you look great.” Sometimes people can tell your personality just from looking at your accessories. What message are you sending today?

Do choose Accessories that Complement your Outfit – Nothing jazzes up an outfit like the right accessories. This season, you can never go wrong. Whether you like bright bold “look at me” bangles or subdued, conservative bracelets or earrings, there is something for everyone. Thankfully for you, Boutique Mix has enough variety to keep you looking fab!!!!

Do choose Accessories that Complement the Trends of the Season – Read fashion magazines for tips on what’s in or out. This season, color is definitely your friend. For those of you who are addicted to black outfits, add a great belt in some of the season’s fabulous colors – red, yellow, blue, green will work. If you don’t want to accentuate your waist, grab a fabulous colorful clutch or step into some great bold-colored heels. Black always makes bright colored accessories pop!!!

Do Not Wear all the Trends all at Once or Overwhelm your Look – You obviously don’t want to look “overdone.” Choose your colors carefully based on your skin tone. The idea is to flatter, not attract negative attention. For those of you with warm skin undertones, try the red/orange color combos. For cool undertones, blues/greens will be great.

Do choose Accessories that Complement your Body-type – For those of you not interested in color, size may matter – add a chunky necklace and you’re good to go. Please use the right jewelry size for your body types. Petite women should stay away from the big-long chunky stones that these 6 foot tall models are showcasing on the fashion runways. You don’t want to overwhelm your look. I’m a huge fan of long necklaces because they tend to make you appear taller and more slender, especially if you’re wearing black.

Do choose Accessories that Complement the Occasion – For the office or business meeting, thin belts and brooches go well with any corporate look. For the night out on the town, pick up a bohemian bag or low slung belt. Add the perfect heels or flats and you’re on your way!!!

Do Change things up a bit – Wear your fabulous red/orange combo scarf as a belt or put your sassy brooch on your purse or use as a belt buckle for the scarf. Mixing it up keeps your style fresh and sassy!!!

Do Not overdo it – Try no more than 3 accessories with each outfit. Wearing too much jewelry is tacky and flashy, and please stay away from the Mardi Gras beads, except of course, if you’re at Mardi Gras or away on Spring Break in Key West [insert wistful sigh].

Key Point – The most important thing to remember when accessorizing is that an accessory is just that – an accessory. It merely complements your outfit. The accessory should never be the only thing people notice about you. You are the focal point of any outfit!!!

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Mad Imports invests in several development efforts. Currently, they fund the education of the children of their weaver partners and work closely with the Akany Avoko orphanage to provide educational materials and support for special projects. Further, they developed a partnership with a community of women in Kenya , supporting their micro-enterprise and funding community development projects. Mad Imports continues to work closely with their artisan partners to support sustainable economic development projects, provide a venue for artistic expression and to stimulate cross-cultural exchange. They accomplish this through product design workshops and market readiness training programs.

Boutique Mix is proud and honored to carry Mad Imports products. Check out Boutique Mix for many more fabulous Mad Imports products.

Calabash Tote

here to purchase your Calabash tote.

This stunning Calabash tote is hand woven and dyed by Kenyan women using bark from the baobab tree. Natural dyes are used to create its earthy colors. The tote is trimmed with embossed leather and has a leather flap closure. It’s great calabash shape makes it fashionable and functional! Your purchase will support the women’s workshop and their community development efforts. Click

Gardenia Clutch

A garden of hand-embroidered wildflowers adorns this structured baguette clutch. Dresses up dresses and adds style to weekend looks. Handwoven and embroidred raffia with snap closure in four fabulous colors. Click here to purchase your Gardenia Clutch!!!

Raffia Chicas

Hand-made in Madagascar. Hand-made of woven raffia with cotton lining and a bold carved wood button. 7.5″h x 11″w with 4″ button. Snap closure. Click here to buy your Raffia Chica.

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Boutique Mix launched its official website two weeks ago, on April 1, 2008. Here are some pictures of some of our fabulous selections.

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Welcome to the Boutique Mix blog!! Boutique Mix is the brainchild of MiMi, and offers an Ethnik Chik Kollection of fabulous and unique apparel, purses, jewelry and so much more.

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