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Earth Day 2012: Show Our Planet Some Love!

This Sunday, April 22, is Earth Day--the anniversary of what many consider to be the birth of the modern environmental movement. In 1970, Gaylord Nelson, U.S. Senator from Wisconsin, announced the need for a "national teach-in on the environment" to be presented to the public through the media. The idea was spread far and wide, and it drew many people to support the cause of changing our gas-guzzling and environmentally unfriendly ways, through protests, education, and action.

As time has passed and we have seen the impacts of climate change grow increasingly dire, the need for environmental consciousness and action is greater than ever before. Earth day is a wonderful day to remember the importance of caring for our planet, if we've been busy caught up in the bustle of our own lives. It is a great day to start new habits, like using reusable shopping bags rather than plastic, or changing from incandescent to more energy-efficient CFL lightbulbs. Perhaps it is a day for planting a tree, physically getting your hands down in the dirt, or donating to an organization that will do the planting for you (the nature conservancy will plant a tree for a $1 donation). Or you can attend any number of environmental events to learn and take action (learn about some of these at the official earth day website).

However you choose to celebrate, we invite you to join us in considering (and hopefully acting upon) your individual impact on the planet, and what we can do to cause the least harm and maybe even some good to the world we live in and the people and animals that inhabit it. We all have the power to make a difference through small changes; imagine the impact when they all add up!

March 10: Tibetan National Uprising Day

March 10 is Tibetan National Uprising day, in which thousands of Tibetans and Tibet supporters will take to the streets to show their support for the cause of freeing Tibet from Chinese oppression. Other ways to get involved and show your support on this day or any other can be found Students for a Free Tibet International.

The Chinese People's Liberation Army took over Tibet by force in 1949, under the rule of Chairman Mao. In 1951, an "agreement" was passed, stating China's sovereignty over Tibet but allowing the Tibetan government's autonomy when it came to internal affairs. As time went on and China repeatedly violated this treaty, resistance to their rule grew.

In 1959, thousands of Tibetans came to Lhasa (the Capitol city) seeking refuge from the Chinese repression in their towns and villages. Despite government officials' orders to disperse, the people refused to leave and the crowd grew larger and larger. On March 10, 1959, these Tibetans surrounded the Dalai Lama's summer residence to protect their leader and demand the Chinese leave Tibet. As the protests intensified, Chinese troops responded with violence, and a full-on uprising ensued in the streets, with the mostly unarmed Tibetans fighting for their freedom against a finely tuned and well-armed army. The Dalai Lama fled to India, with the help of many Tibetan resistance fighters. Tens of thousands of Tibetans were killed and taken prisoner, while thousands more fled persecution by making the hazardous journey into exile in India.

"For the past 50 years, the Chinese government has done everything in its power to divide Tibetans and confuse the world about the issue. Tibet’s historical provinces of U-Tsang, Kham and Amdo have been cut up into the Tibetan Autonomous Region and the four Chinese provinces of Qinghai, Sichuan, Gansu & Yunnan. At the same time, the Chinese authorities have tried to convince the international community that the majority of Tibetans are happy under Chinese rule and that it is only a privileged minority who agitate for independence.

But even a quick look at the history of the Tibetan people under Chinese occupation exposes the absurdity of this claim. In the 60 years since China invaded Tibet, Tibetans from all walks of life have sacrificed their lives to resist the occupation and restore Tibet’s freedom." (Students for a Free Tibet)

Today, Tibet remains an occupied country with no freedom of speech, assembly, press, or religion. The Chinese government is determined to stifle any form of dissent by wiping out all traces of Tibetan national identity, including their language, social structure, monastic life, and Buddhism. Those who rebel are persecuted, sometimes fatally. Despite the inevitable backlash, many Tibetans are still protesting and fighting for their freedom. Over the past couple of years, Tibetan monks have been protesting by setting themselves on fire, spurring a violent crack down on Tibetan protesters by the Chinese government. You can see a BBC News report on this here.

If you think that this oppression needs to end, that the Tibetan people deserve freedom and independence, consider taking non-violent direct action or educating others on the Tibetan plight. Tibetan National Uprising Day on May 10th is great day to start!

Mexicali Every Day: Styling the Autumn Kurta Tunic Top

A new take on the traditional kurta, this free-flowing India kurta top brings an air of poetic romanticism to any occasion. Lightweight and comfortable, it looks lovely over leggings, jeans, or as a swimsuit cover-up to block the sun's rays while keeping you cool. Add a chunky necklace or some bold earrings to create a look that is thoroughly hippie chic.

This fantastically flowy kurta top is the epitome of bohemian style, with more to it than meets the eye! With clever accessorizing and items from your own closet, sophisticated hippie style can be yours in a snap!

We challenged Carly to create three looks that use this easy top in new and unexpected ways!

In the first outfit, our Autumn kurta takes on a classic 60s feel, tucked into jeans and accessorized with a statement necklace and pretty beaded cuff.


Carly's second look features a large scarf draped once around her neck and then belted with a slim belt, creating a unique "vest" that also highlights the smallest part of her waist. The attitude of this style can easily be changed from elegant to funky, depending on the scarf you choose!

The third look uses a wide belt and a tailored skirt with monochrome tights and boots. Emphasizing the voluminous slouch of the kurta top looks fabulous when you keep things balanced with a fitted bottom! We love the mix of classic and modern she has created!

How would YOU style the kurta top? We would love to hear your ideas!

Mexicali Every Day: Styling the Dahlia Overdye Dress

Made to Fair Trade standards, the dahlia overdye hippie dress is a brilliant patchwork of unique floral, striped, stonewashed, and swirling fabrics. With a v-neck top that can be tied around the neck like a halter or hooked into two loops on the back to be worn as a tank, this dress is versatile as well as flattering.

This sassy little strappy dress is the best thing ever for spinning and swaying at a groovy festival, but there is more to it than meets the eye! With a bit of layering creativity and awesome accessorizing, this fun frock can flit from sun dress to sophisticated Winter style in a snap!

We challenged Carly to create three looks that would be good for going out to a fancy dinner while retaining her bohemian style. It being January in Maine, she paired the dahlia dress with warm tights and boots to be sure she stays cozy. A classic black cardigan and elegant recycled silk scarf bring a polished panache to this outfit that perfectly strikes the balance between comfortable and cosmopolitan!

In Carly's second outfit, the dahlia dress is layered over a mod turquoise turtleneck top, with a slim leather belt to emphasize the smallest part of her waist and add a luxurious feel.

Carly's third look features the same sort of layering, with the dress over a long-sleeve top for warmth--and a thin leather belt to accentuate her waist--but in this case she has chosen a deep v-neck tee to show off one of our bold beaded fashion necklaces, for a bit of boho glamour!

How would YOU style the dahlia overdye dress? We would love to hear your ideas!

Scarf Tying Tutorial--How to Tie a Scarf--Lesson 11: The "Happy Hippie Crop Top"

Step 1: Wrap unfolded scarf behind you, draping the loose ends forward over your shoulders.

Step 2: Cross the ends over in front of your chest, pulling the scarf wide so each side covers half of your bust.

Step 3: Pull around behind you and knot in the back.

The Mexicali Blues collection of stunning, affordable fashion scarves are versatile and can be used as so much more than a simple neck scarf! Wear a lightweight scarf tied around your waist as a bohemian belt, or in your hair as a unique hippie headband! From a feminine ruffle scarf to a funky knit scarf, our fashion scarves keep you wrapped up in free spirited high style to take any outfit to the next level of hippie chic!

Our tutorials are created to help you discover quick and easy ways to make the most of the gorgeous scarves in our bohemian fashion collection! Stay tuned for more sweet lessons on how to tie a scarf in new and unique ways!

Mexicali Blues has a large selection of fashion scarves at http://www.mexicaliblues.com and in our stores in Freeport, Portland, Raymond, and Newcastle, Maine! Check out our website for many more cool hippie clothes, hippie gifts, and bohemian style decor items for the home!

Scarf Tying Tutorial--How to Tie a Scarf--Lesson 10: The "Best Dressed" Boho Vest

Step 1: Fold the scarf in half, tying the top corner of each side together (if your scarf has fringe, use that; if it doesn't, just tie the corners a couple of times so you can be sure they'll stay)

Step 2: Fold scarf in half again, keeping the knot you just tied on top.

Step 3: Tie the top corner of each side together again (your first knot will be inside or next to this new one)

Step 4: Pull the sides of the scarf apart, so the knot you have created is in the middle.

Step 5: You will see that you have created two armholes; put your arms through and go rock this vest, impressing everyone with your style and ingenuity!

The Mexicali Blues collection of stunning, affordable fashion scarves are versatile and can be used as so much more than a simple neck scarf! Wear a lightweight scarf tied around your waist as a bohemian belt, or in your hair as a unique hippie headband! From a feminine ruffle scarf to a funky knit scarf, our fashion scarves keep you wrapped up in free spirited high style to take any outfit to the next level of hippie chic!

Our tutorials are created to help you discover quick and easy ways to make the most of the gorgeous scarves in our bohemian fashion collection! Stay tuned for more sweet lessons on how to tie a scarf in new and unique ways!