Mignonne Featured Artist ~ Valerie J. Cochran

Monday, October 27, 2008


Mignonne is pleased to introduce our latest featured local artist! Valerie J. Cochran grew up in Missouri and arrived in the Bay Area on January 1, 2001. She currently lives and works in Oakland. Valerie has been shooting photography since she was a young girl and began with Polaroids of her family. She took her first photography class at the age of 15 and studied for a few years at the Savannah College of Art and Design although she did not obtain a formal degree.

In 2004, Valerie began her photoblog, YourWaitress.com. Her return to photography was documented in the early days of the website which has become a home to her now usual suspects of street photography and portraiture. Valerie's images today explore the relationship between people and places in the urban landscape. She shoots only film photography with various 35mm, disposable, and toy cameras.

Valerie's photographs have appeared in print publications such as JPG magazine and PhotoJournal Southwest. Her work has been featured in numerous other publications online including the BBC, Photoblogs Magazine, FILE magazine, Flak Photo, Filmwasters.com, and SFist. In February of 2007, she self-published her first photography book collection, your waitress | 2004-2005.

Valerie's work will be featured in our next Oakland Art Murmur late night reception.

Special Holiday Hours at Mignonne!

Thursday, October 23, 2008

We're helping you prepare for the upcoming holiday season with new hours and a new store design.

Mignonne is extending our closing time until 9:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, October through December. Old Oakland is a favorite destination, and we'd like to help make your visit easier ... now you can plan to stop by Old Oakland for dinner and some holiday shopping.

We've also organized the store to accommodate all of your shopping and gift budgets. We make it easier to find just the right gift in just the right price range ... with vignettes grouped at $10-$25, $25-$50 and $50-$100.

Gift ideas include lots of new goodies, one of a kind vintage furniture & knick- knacks, candles, soap and local art! You can find a special small treasure from France ... or an original piece of artwork. Don't forget our custom refurbishing service ... maybe you have something you would like designed for a special someone? Just ask for a free consultation.

Custom Painted Furniture and Décor at Mignonne.

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

We recently told you about our custom services for refurbishing furniture and assisting with design make-overs. We thought you'd enjoy seeing a couple of pieces in progress, courtesy of co-owner Johnelle. If you hold your cursor over the picture, you'll see a brief description.

The lovely, refurbished table that would spice up your fall décor is offered at $185.00 at Mignonne. How's that for a one-of-a-kind bargain?

Weekly Peek ~ Cooking! Eating! Drinking!

Sunday, October 19, 2008

We've got your new and vintage style injection just in time for the entertaining season! Here's a little appetizer ...


Custom Furniture Refurbishing at Mignonne

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Do you have a vintage piece of furniture you just KNOW has good bones but don't know where to begin? Have you seen a piece at Mignonne or elsewhere that you love, but would love more in a different color or fabric?

Mignonne provides services customized to fit your needs. We consult with you on room makeovers, color schemes, shopping assistance and furniture refurbishing and design.


Johnelle uses her art and design background to partner with customers on creating beautiful, one-of-a-kind pieces for their homes. She can personally refinish, repaint and restore your vintage treasures as well as consult with you on selecting fabric and coordinating reupholstering as needed. From contemporary designs to a hip punch of color, we work with your style to come up with inspired ideas for your home.

Fees for services vary by the project, but like everything at Mignonne, you'll find the cost fair and affordable.

Give us a call for a free consultation regarding your project. With holidays around the corner, and budgets slimmer this year, perhaps a sprucing-up is better than buying new? We (and mother earth) definitely think so!

Affordable New French Soap Line at Mignonne

Sunday, October 12, 2008


La Petit Marseillas, a trusted French brand with simple packaging and quality ingredients. Soap from Marseilles is a familiar item in most French households. It is renowned for its simplicity and value. Typically olive oil based, pure and natural components ensure it is biodegradable and eco-friendly.

What's better than using a soap that dates back to antiquity, is pure and vegetable based and at an affordable price? We've brought in Lait (milk) and Verveine & Citron for you to try.

French Reunion!

Wednesday, October 1, 2008


You may have noticed that Johnelle has been missing from Mignonne the past couple of weeks. That is because she has been here in France visiting me and enjoying a well deserved break!

In addition to a couple of side trips (Paris and San Sebastian, Spain), Johnelle has spent time painting and treasure hunting with me in the petite brocantes here in the countryside.

She left for the States this week, bearing lots of new French finds for Mignonne and some good stories to share as well. If you are too far to visit Mignonne, keep your sights set here ... we'll be posting pictures of what's new in store.

 

© MIGNONNE All rights reserved . Design by Blog Milk Powered by Blogger