Doginista: Mulberry for the Birthday Girl

Today is my third birthday, which makes me 21 and all sort of legal in human terms. Now that I'm ready to hit the town and wave about my newly minted ID, I need some new big girl duds in which to do the deed. Enter Mulberry, benefactor to London's posh pooches at large. Their cute-as-puppy-pie range of dogwear for Spring Summer 2010 proves that a dog, in true English fashion, is the brand's best friend.

So this weekend, I slipped into my modeling coat and smized with tail as we shot around the various mews and manor houses of the neighborhood. What can be more typically English than a Notting Hill dog out and about for the day clad head to paw in Mulberry whilst Mommy lackadaisically totes her iconic Bayswater?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!!!

Credits

Photographer: James Cocksey

Look 1: Dog T-Shirt Grey/Fuchsia Cotton Marl £50---click here to shop

Look 2: Dog T-Shirt Grey/Navy Cotton Marl £50---click here to shop

Look 3: Dog Raincoat Denim Coated Canvas £100---click here to shop

Dog in a Bag: Anthropologie Straw Satchel

Welcome to my new series, "Dog in a Bag." While many of you may think it cliche for a pint sized pooch to ride around town in any manner of arm candy,  hear this: it is the only real practical way for both mommy and me to get around town on long days where crowded city streets require careful fording and a pom trodding upon the sidewalk would become a canine pancake in two seconds flat.

chillaxing in another bag from Anthro

I've been riding in bags since the earliest days of my puppyhood, on account of the fact that I was unable to get my rabies shot til I was 4 months old and I first came home to mommy when I was 2 months. Letting an unvaccinated pom roam the filth infested streets of Manhattan is as good as a death sentence, so for the first two months of my life as the Doginista, I saw the world from the inside of an array of totes and have been a bag hag ever since.

Hence this series. Not just any bag will do you see. Riding in purses is a bit of a Goldidog scenario: some are too big, some are too small and few are juuuuuust right. So imagine our delight when we stumbled upon this Hyacinth and Hydrangea Satchel at mommy's longtime retail love, Anthropologie on Regent Street. Featuring these adorable white petal puff blooms and yarn-stitched leaves (I'll admit, I may have tried to gnaw at a hydrangea or two), this green grassy straw and leather trimmed carryall is just the right size for me to sit down on all fours comfortably and pop my head out the front so as to continue to steer operations. At £68, it's just the right price too.

The bag has three inner pockets, so mommy can stash her Oyster card, phone and wallet in a place easily accessible (i.e. she doesn't have to root around under my tummy and paws to dig out her bits). And the cute printed cotton lining is soft on my baby-sensitive pomeranian skin. The one drawback? The straps are bit on the short side for mommy's comfort (15cm strap drop) and sometimes, my face is all up in her armpits.

Final grade?  3 paws out of 4

Butters meets the Wire's Stringer Bell

Another day, another cuddle from an A-lister. Whilst busy hoovering the floor for wayward cupcake crumbs at the soft launch of eBay's new Fashion Outlet at the Soho Hotel, who should pop in to the suite but British actor Idris Elba aka Russell "Stringer" Bell from the Wire. Evidently, he was amongst the hotel's fine patrons, but word of my presence lured him to the eBay suite for a quick peek. He was really really nice, and his companion fed me some delicious prawn crackers from their newly collection Thai take-away.


Stringer knows who put the "bark" in Barksdale. Hence the prawn crackers.

For Pomeranians All the World's a Stage

My life is so hard sometimes, so please forgive me whilst I indulge myself in a little Pomeranian puppy-pity fest (they don't call it the world's tiniest violin for nothing, just wish I had the opposable thumbs to use it). Just like any A-list pet, I can't seem to go anywhere without being stopped for a stroke, cooed over incessantly by women young and old, it's utterly exhausting (ok, you know I love it). But sometimes, my cuteness gets me into trouble.  It's my own fault, really, for strutting instead of walking, giving the people a little Pommy one-two-step as a I tikki tikki my way around Londontown and I know that tail of mine is simply irresistible, beleaguering a bit of a squeeze as it waves haughtily behind me in the air. 

Human: amused. Canine: not so much

But Thursday night, when I accompanied Mommy to hear Vivienne Westwood speak at the Royal Vauxhall Tavern, already exhausted after a vigorous afternoon of inspecting Pomeranian-resembling accessories at Chanel--i.e Yeti boots which could have been a distant cousin of mine, my cuteness was the cause of trouble for me once again. Before the Dame's big entrance, comedian and live comedy chat show host, Scott Capurro, spotted me amongst the crowd and, to my horror, pulled me up on stage (I wasn't even wearing a doggy outfit...just my blandest flesh-toned Puppia!!). Once over the initial shock of being singled out without proper styling, I couldn't help but start to enjoy myself as my host-slash-holder cracked a few good humored jokes at my expense ("this is the gayest I've ever been!").

Capurro worships Jane Turner. Why didn't I get this same reverential treatment???

I was then returned to Mommy and the infidel comedian went back to his routine as planned, interviewing Kath & Kim's Jane Turner, followed by a surprisingly rousing musical performance from a band called ToyToy.

Then came Vivienne at last. Be sure to check out Mommy's post on the Clothes Whisperer for the full story. I won't repeat her here but I will say this. After a bit of a diatribe on fame and being famous, Viv explained that for the most part, when people approach her on the street, she obliges. Only once did she ignore a fan. From inside the protected confines of Mommy's white slouchy leather tote, I listened intently to her wise words.

The ToyToys take the stage

"I dont want to compare myself to Marilyn Monroe," she said. "She used to do this thing where she could walk down the street or she could become Marilyn. I never want to be Marilyn. But sometimes people do come up to you and that's that." Well I DO want to compare myself to Marilyn (what, we're both bombshell blonds?!). So if Marilyn and Viv can grace the people without complaint, do their gracious duty, I can suck up my little puppy gripings and give the people what they want! Where's Scotty, I'm ready for my encore...

My adoring fans...and Uncle Bert

XOXO Gossip Dog

Gossip Girl who?

Last night, after something of a hiatus from the fashion dog circuit (pretext of spring has necessitated long days of rolling in grass rather than strutting dogwalks), it was back in the bag for a big night out on the press day town. From inside the safe vantage of Mommy's slouchy white tote from Anthropologie, we journeyed to the HQ of the Arcadia Group to attend the launch of a new Gossip Girl inspired range from Miss Selfridge.

The range itself was very cute, and this pedigreed New York pup could tell just from the mannequins' feet (or equivalent canine view) which dress went with which character. Mommy's a Blair, definitely. That, or I'm the Blair and Mommy the Dorota. Yes, that's more like it.

Speaking of, how come Dorota didn't get her own Miss Selfridge dress? And after Vanya finally proposed on the last episode ("alllll a blur of sparkly..."). Bless.

Mommy translates my comments on the collection during an interview.

Anyway. The invite had promised a "special guest" whom I assumed was yours truly, but turned out in actuality to be the yummy Chace Crawford aka Nate Archibald. But since this bitch is probably more a Chuck fan (as bitches are wont to do), I decided to steal the show from right under his perfectly chiseled features (all the more helped by the fact that by the time mommy said we had to leave, he still had yet to make a cameo). Score one for the pooch.

You know you love me. 

XOXO,

GOSSIP DOG 

Doggie Martens turns 50!

making friends as ever

Last week, Mommy and I went on an adventure to Northamptionshire to check out the Dr Marten's factory on the eve of the brand's looming big 5-0. I had a delightful time, crawling round the table in the showroom, showing my approval for an Ugg-like sheepskin range of boots for next winter and even feasting on salami at our pub lunch.

Since the hustle and bustle of the factory could be, at times, ear splittingly loud, I wasn't allowed to tag along on the tour. Instead, I watched as the commemorative 50th anniversary campaign was presented to me. To encapsulate and celebrate that spirit of rebel that DM has come to so lovingly represent. To flush out that cultural "ground zero" and return to the roots of the brand--empowerment, individuality and freedom. Kind of like my own personal fluff mantra.

So, on April 1, Dr. Martens released some newly recorded music and videos onto the internet--tracks which are, essentially, contemporary covers of 80s and 90s cult classics. The musicians are a diverse group of talented artists from across the globe, representing different musical genres.  5 decades, 10 classic songs, 10 up and coming bands, 10 video directors. Sounds like a recipe for a successful campaign to me.

Partners in fuzziness

My personal favorite of the videos, Ever Fallen In Love With Someone You Shouldn't've (Buzzcocks)  covered by Noisettes. Rankin, whilst not my all time favorite of photographers, translated his 2d vision surprisingly well onto the digital screen. And the hot pink metallic DMs look boss. 


All I have to say to DM going forward: in your next half century, you best expand them airsoles to us four legged patrons. Doggie Docs forever!

Butters gets an iPad!!!

"Thanks Steve. But I think it should be called the iPom." (image source: CNN.com)

 

A Day at the Doggie Spa: Purple Bone Notting Hill

Every doginista must have her day, and in my case, after a lonnng winter of coat-growing, I was seriously due for a trip to the puppy spa. Knots behind my ears, excess bum fuzz facilitating greater messy messy than mommy would like (mmm dingleberries). It was time.

Trouble is, unlike my home town where you can't hardly trot one or two blocks without stumbling across a glorified pawdicure providing, top of the line, doggy spa, London is somewhat lacking in superior Pomeranian care. It's not that the Brits don't love their pups, they just think of them as just that, canines in need of clipping, not diva doginistas on the hunt for triple oxygen puppy facials with at least a team of two working on paw massage and tail straightening. It's not easy being this pretty. DUH. 

So after my last trip to Mutz Nutz, whence I emerged fully shaven in time for my jaunt to the Amalfi Coast, I was nevertheless a bit apprehensive about a return to a London groomer. You see, due to the precocious nature of my silky undercoat, never is a groomer to take razor to Pomeranian, I must always be sheared the old fashioned way.

Hence my surprise when, one morning, after Mommy got back from Paris, we headed for the Tube at Notting Hill Gate and stumbled upon the Purple Bone, a new pet store which had just opened that day. Lo and behold, one of the men who worked there (perhaps an owner or manager) was a full-fledged small dog owning New Yorker who too tired of the lack of luxury pet offerings on this side of the pond and facilitated the opening of a fully Puppia stocked, organic-food providing emporium for myself and my four-legged Notting Hill neighbors.

So I booked in straight away for the full treatment, a "Glam Session" which only set Mommy back £35, about £35 less than Mutz Nutz and the average rate we've been quoted around this city. This luxe treatment included the following:

Free Consultation, Brush Out

Specialty Bath of Your Choice

Hair Cut and Sanitary Trim (Dogzilian)

Blow dry, Teeth Cleaning

Ear Cleansing and trimming

Gland Expression

Pawdicure

Aromatic Finishing Mist

Modelling my new haircut on the street immediately post spa

The Aromantic Finishing Mist was well worth it, I felt like I was back to canine civilization again, where pups are princesses and paws are there for pawdicuring. My groomer was also increibly adept and friendly, slyly whisking me away from Mommy whilst tempting me with treats, so I had barely noticed when she had gone and the ear cleansing began. Purple Bone also offers an express wash, a plethora of bath options and a la carte services such as Dogzilian (Sanitary Trim), of which I must partake before my next beach holiday.  So to all my ex-pat-pups looking for that spring trim, look no further than the Purple Bone. 

95 Notting Hill Gate

London, w11 3JZ

Phone: +44 207 985 0903

Email: Info@purplebone.com

Store Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday: 9:30am to 7:00pm

Saturdays :9:30am to 6:0pm

Sunday-Closed  

Dingleberries Begone! 

Vote for Butters for Ted Baker's Best in Show!

After a particularly amusing afternoon romp with my pals Sena and Bo over at Dinny Hall, I had a rather serendipitous encounter with a store window whilst tromping homeward back up Westbourne Grove. "Who is Westbourne Grove's prettiest pooch?" read the words scrawled across the storefront of Ted Baker. I stopped and tugged on the lead til mother put down the iPhone and paid attention. Who is indeed.

Evidently, it works like this. You trot into the shop (mark a wee bit of territory in the entrance--BEST in show, remember??), have your picture snapped (easy peasey) and you're entered in the prize draw. The winner (i.e. me) will be announced by April 9th. Just a ripe three weeks before my third birthday, a fitting gift.
If you don't have the pleasure of one of my fellow canine's company at the moment, you can (now listen up, important part) cast your vote in store for the CUTEST CANINE (again, moi) and you'll be in the running for the spree. But a vote for me itself outstrips by far the excitement of a hypothetical spree. And you thought the healthcare reform vote was a milestone.

Ted Baker

198 Westbourne Grove
Notting Hill, London W11 2RH
020 7792 1753

Portrait of the Pomeranian: Me aged 10 weeks

Haute Dogs: Bad to the Bone at Notting Hill Starbucks

Mongrels at Moncler

While I realize this is an AW09 campaign and it hit print a while back, I'm not ashamed to post as the campaign is still current season for another couple of seconds, which, in dog years, amounts to about two weeks. I was just having a flick through Mommy's Italian Grazia which made it back to London from Milano with her when I happened to stumble across this glossy image of a hot dog paddling it out whilst pushing one of Moncler's trademark puffas with his nose. It's not that I have a thang, per se, for golden retrievers, I like my men husky and blue-eyed...mmm..maybe with even a little bit of wolf thrown in for good foxy measure. I'm just a bitch like that.

Back to the matter at paw, I just had to had to had to share these images with you, shot by legendary fashion photographer Bruce Weber. Evidently, because Weber agreed to feature himself (and his precious pups, more importantly) in this campaign, Moncler donated 100,000 euros to Green Chimneys, which provides animal-assisted therapy to young people. I'll wag my tail for that one.

The shoot took place as far from Turin as can be, at Golden Beach, Florida. Weber had Moncler down jackets made for his golden retrievers, which are certainly a cooler, chicer version of the tack-tastic black and gold puffa from Roberto Dogvalli that I sampled at Harrods (soooo not worth the £300 price tag). So my immediate concern (after having gotten over the offense of being passed over for the job of course) is: do they come in POMERANIAN size???

THE DOG BLOG: I AM BUTTERS

Tis happened at long last. Mommy aka The Clothes Whisperer, who was supposed to take me with her to Milan and Paris Fashion Weeks so I could show off my newly toned fluff bum thanks to weeks of doggy Pilates but treacherously DIDN'T is back. And she owes me.

Hence, the launch of my new blog, or dlog, or even clog (canine+blog) since they're the hot footwear du jour this spring anyway. Can't wait for mommy to bring home the Chanel SS10 stunners so I can give em a good chew. MMMM Lagerfeld, sooo good when it hits the lips. 

Right, back to the dlog/clog/as you puppy please. This is to be a space for all this fierce, fabulous and well, essentially me. That's right baby, all Pomeranian all the time. Canine couture, doggy street style, yours truly strutting her stuff on yet another runway, peeking my cute self out of a model's arm at this photoshoot or that. The life of a fashion dog is not an easy one. So watch this space and follow my lead for a dog's eye view (and review) of the charmed existence of a dame doginista!

Let the Dogue-ing begin!