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MEXICALI MAKERS: IMTIYAZ, NEPAL

August 07, 2019

We've worked with awesome Mexicali maker Imtiyaz (pronounced "em-taz") for over 10 years. To get "home" to our favorite hotel in the Thamel district of Kathmandu, we often walked through a bustling busy bazaar of street vendors hawking their wares. Imtiyaz was always smiling, and Pete was drawn to him.

Initially attracted only by his glowing positive demeanor, as we approached his shop, we suddenly realized why Imtiyaz wasn't loudly promoting his wares--the bold clothing covered in an enchanting harmony of colors and textures truly spoke for itself!

Once we came to know Imtiyaz, we really came to love him as well! While he's a big guy, he's soft-spoken with a melodious voice. Creative and passionate about his art, Imtiyaz is also an amazing listener and applies that to crafting fashion magic specifically for Mexicali customers. He often overhears off-hand comments and surprises us with things aligned with what we didn't even realize we had been wishing for!

Something unrelated to work specifically, but which we really admire about Imtiyaz, is his dedication to his family and community. The closest mosque is miles away, so he created a prayer room in the back of his shop where locals can come to pray throughout the day. At first we were so confused by all the people who were walking in and out of the shop but not stopping to look at any clothing! When Imtiyaz told us what they were doing, we couldn't help but be impressed at how he was using part of his shop-space to help others. Not only is he one of our favorite clothing creators due to his amazing design skills, but he is someone we are proud to call a friend!

Shop Imtiyaz's awesome fashion creations HERE!

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People

#DORMGOALS: DECK OUT YOUR DORM THE MEXICALI WAY

August 05, 2019

Back-to-school season is right around the corner, and shouldn't this be the year your dorm room becomes a decadent dreamland? YES!

Shop the dorm collection here!

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Products

AUGUST 1ST ASTROLOGY + ENERGY: NEW MOON IN LEO

August 01, 2019

It’s a New Moon in Leo! Leo rules the matters of the 5th house of the zodiac: creativity, children (including our own inner children), courage, entertainment, romance, and all that is BIG and from the heart. With new moons marking a time for new beginnings, fresh starts, and renewed resolutions, this lunation is telling us to forge our own paths, trusting ourselves and the universe, and pursue only what feels meaningful and right in the heart. It is important that we allow and encourage others to do the same.

We need to learn to follow our hearts and not our fears. Leo is not afraid, and does not stay somewhere that is not supportive of him or his dreams. You’ll likely be big on expressing yourself with Leo’s performative influence and Mercury finally coming out of retrograde supporting you. Just remember, Mercury’s still its shadow phase and communication can still get confusing—just think through what you will say (maybe write it down!) before you make any big speeches.

This starting point in the moon cycle is a beautiful time for thinking deeply on what you truly want. How can you be courageous in your word and deed? What should change or stay the same to get you well aligned with the passions that make you feel positive and powerful? Think about what would support you in acting with warmth, dignity, and confidence, and choose what to call into your life or release from it accordingly. <3

JULY 16TH ASTROLOGY + ENERGY: FULL MOON LUNAR ECLIPSE IN CAPRICORN

July 16, 2019

Happy Full Moon and Lunar Eclipse in Capricorn! As with every Full Moon, this lunation offers energetic support for culminations and conclusions. In the work-oriented sign of Capricorn, this Full Moon encourages us to look at things with shrewd “taking care of business” eyes, and get serious about deciding what will actually bring us happiness. Is where you’re heading aligned with your core values, or have you been going with a flow that you didn’t intentionally choose? We are called now to let go of what we’ve fallen into without thinking, and also the things we’ve been think we’re *supposed* to do, but that don’t really line up with our true desires.

Although today’s eclipse is only partial, the energy may feel even more intense than the last one. The time between this and the last eclipse is known as the ‘eclipse portal’, and it has been a powerful time of friction, challenges, and a lot of shaking up of things we had probably previously taken for granted as stable. High highs and low lows have been abundant, and they have all ultimately been directing us to take responsibility for our own evolution. You’ve probably been feeling it, witnessing it, making note of patterns, recognizing habits, and building awareness during at least the past two weeks. Lunar eclipses bring things to light, and epiphanies are likely now. The need to take action feels urgent. Whatever comes up now will likely not be something truly “new” happening, but something that has been brewing coming to fulfillment. The closing of this eclipse portal allows us to take what we’ve been learning with us, and the actions that we take will ultimately clear away the emotional baggage of the past six months. Move forward with intention and faith. <3

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astrology

GEMSTONE MAGIC & MEANING: ABALONE SHELL

July 09, 2019

Abalone are mollusk shells that can be found off the coasts of China, Japan, and South America. They come in a variety of unique colors, said to mimic the ocean with their iridescent line patterns. Their direct relationship with the sea brings forth a wave of feelings of well-being and relaxation, and eases the flow of one’s feelings, supporting compassionate connection with others. Abalone carries the energies of protection and emotional balance, and is particularly helpful for those going through relationship turmoil or having a hard time not getting swept away by the power of their emotions in conflict.

This shell resonates with the crown, third eye and heart chakras. It is said to activate intuitive qualities like clarity, sensitivity, and imagination. Abalone is thought to have a divine energy, and using it with sage in the act of space clearing invokes the spirit of the ocean and uses your highest chakras as a conduit to the divine realm.