Everyone likes to dress up once in a while. Everyone, including our four legged friends. Who says only humans can sport matching sweaters, boots, and necklaces?
By Joanna Caporusso
4/16/2005
Celebrities have been dressing their dogs for years, spending mega-bucks on making their pooches pretty. Paris Hilton’s Tinkerbell is the best dressed dog in Hollywood. Jessica Simpson carries her maltipoo pup in a Louis Vuitton carrying case as does her sister Ashlee. Today, the trend has spread well past Los Angeles and New York, making even the tail-waggers of Steel City fashionable.
Tiny Yorkies, miniature Poodles, or even tough looking Bulldogs prance along sidewalks with their paws protected by booties. Now their delicate paws don’t have to bear the hot asphalt, muddy puddles, or icy sidewalks in fashionable dog boots.
Biker jackets make the perfect match for Harley Davidson fans. Rain slickers shield their soft fur while adding a fashionable touch. Stylish sweaters and trendy t-shirts can be accessorized with sparkling collars and leashes, cowboy hats, glasses and scarves complete the wardrobe for any style conscious pup.
Leigh Ann LeShock, owner of WAG, opened the Shadyside boutique in 2003 after she returned to Pittsburgh from California with her canine companion. She saw that animal trends were becoming more popular and decided Pittsburgh needed its own animal boutique.
“I don’t know if people are getting older or marrying later, but they tend to treat their animals as companions,” LeShock said.
WAG offers a variety of clothing and accessories including Kate Spade carrying cases and Burberry leashes. The designer names don’t stop there—WAG carries many designers that create clothing lines specifically for dogs. And if you can’t find something you want in the perfect size, articles can be special ordered and fitted.
“We carry cutting edge lines,” LeShock said. “Nothing you can buy at PetSmart.”
Doug Perlman, founder of Woozie Wear, an online animal trends boutique, says that people do seem to like the matching concept.
“We did a special promotion for Shop etc. magazine and 60% of people who ordered sweaters ordered matching accessories. When we do trunk shows, people gravitate toward the matching accessory—for themselves or a gift for a dog owner. We even have matching raincoats and people bought one for themselves and one for their pup,” Perlman said.
Woozie Wear was also launched in 2003 and is known for its cozy cotton items and pom poms. The bright colors and unusual combinations add character to any canine. Woozie, Perlman’s spunky miniature Yorkshire terrier, was the inspiration for Perlman’s venture. She made people smile when she walked down the streets in her colorful baseball shirts, sweaters and tees.
“Dogs are a part of the family and when people go shopping, they buy for themselves, their family and their pup. For big retailers like the Gap and Target, the launch of pet products represents easy incremental purchases,” Perlman added.
Don’t let your furry friend fall behind the newest trends. Animal outfits can be found in boutiques such as WAG and online.
Check out these sites to order online!
www.wagbarkery.com (Clothing can not be ordered online yet, but it’s coming soon! Order your dog special treats from WAG!)
www.wooziewear.com
www.handsnpaws.com
