Dog Stylist Officially Added to My CV…Ramble

I met the incredible bright spirit that is Suzanne Donaldson, aka Mrs. Sizzle, at a pop-up shop for Love Thy Beast. I was a fan of their reversible gold puffer jacket, and had read The Dogist was going to be there. I took my French bulldog, Elle, and we head to the LES to try it on her. Thus, we set out on a dark winter’s night.

Walking out of the gloomy night, into the Love Thy Beast (now permanent) shop, this blonde spark plug extended her hand, “Hi, she is gorgeous,”she said pointing at Elle. “I’m Mrs. Sizzle!”

I thought, ‘Damn, what have I been doing with my life? I want to introduce myself as Mrs. Sizzle! Who is this amazing lady?’ I spoke with Suzanne and her interns while The Dogist slipped out the door, never to return. (All good because that story ends with Elle in the center of the “Sassy” section on page 127 of his book. Stage mom moment out….)

We went on to join Mrs. Sizzle for a Santacon shoot at Penn Station. She teamed up with street photographer, Jeff Mermelstein, quite a character in his own right, renowned for his New York images.  I love this noir photo Jeff got of Elle for Mrs.Sizzle.com which included our dear friend @chloekhardoggian.

Fast forward to this past April. We say goodbye to our NY dog friends at a charity event including Suzanne. We stay in touch on Instagram. Get asked by another friend of Mrs. Sizzle’s to part take in a London Fashion Week street style shoot, that wound up not happening, but gave me the idea to pitch Suzanne a few ideas to showcase the Best of British Dog Designers with our London dog friends, Winny & Noodle (who unfortunately couldn’t make the shoot due to scheduling issues, but we love quite a bit.)

We discussed fashion pieces – once we both admitted to being obsessed with Ware of The Dog’s Pink Bobble jumper, we knew we were aligned in aesthetic and Suzanne said “let’s go for it.”I have to admit being let loose in Mungo & Maud was a styling dream come true. Elle crawled up into one of the dog beds, snuggling toys while I picked things out for the shoot.

The result has been an incredible collaboration and curation with British designers including the aforementioned Mungo & Maud as well as rising stars Ruby Rufus, Hiro + Wolf and Fetch & Follow.

It was wonderful my very talented friend photographer, Rachel Oates brought the vision to life with her photography. Rachel’s muse, her wonderful Pembroke  @Winnythecorgi and Elle brought the clothes to life alongside our pal, Bodhibulldog.  Thankfully we were quite focused, when recapping as we left the location, otherwise how would we have survived a freak hail storm, Winny’s paw bleeding, and me face planting while trying to keep the designer goods from hitting mud? All in the name of producing incredible fashion moments like those below, which you can see on Mrs. Sizzle.com right now. A huge thanks to everyone involved.

The world is a strange and dangerous place these days, so it gives us the further kick to be able to add some color and fun into this holiday season.

Crush of The Week: The Dogist…Ramble

Humans of New York are cool, but DOGS are another level. “The Dogist” grew up with labs and now the busy photographer captures dogs of all breeds on the streets of New York all the way to Alaska.

When I first started following him on Instagram, The Dogist, aka Elias, had 3000 followers (now he is closing in on 700K with a book releasing this fall.) I would see posts of dogs from blocks away and get a little sad my dog, Elle (@grrlgenius_ ) had not been chosen, not yet. There were a few dogs events where he was but a shadow, surrounded by people I was too shy to stage dog mom, or thought I’d wait my turn, only for The Dogist to leave. Then came the April Fool’s Day event at Warby Parker and I spotted him. Again, struck with politeness. He asked the lady who’s dog was sniffing Elle’s butt if they could go outside to take a photo – never to return to the event. Le sigh. The heartbreak grew.

A week ago that changed and we met The Dogist. Elle finally got her photoshoot in Cooper Union Square. He won her over quickly and I watched his technique as he immortalized her.

She looked right at him with no extra help from me. It was amazing.

I feel honored Elle was finally added to The Dogist’s amazing collection, but the reason he is the crush of the week is for all the positivity his love of dogs has brought, both for humans who love dogs and the charities Elias brings attention.

That’s an amazing and wonderful way to live your life. Thank you ,Elias, for giving back so much to all of us dog lovers who enjoy discovering new breeds through your account.

Happy Birthday Elle…Ramble

Four years ago today a tiny batpig was born. She has become my best friend, my canine kid, my little alpha at times, who has the sweetest soul. Elle changed my life completely. She made me look at the world differently, notice new things about human nature and connect with people in the neighborhood. She brought me back to life after an ongoing hardship.

I am so lucky to have this little batpig in my life. From the first day we met, she nibbled on furniture, fingers and toes. She retains that playful spirit but prefers to chase sticks and toys, much to the relief of my toes. Happy Birthday Elle!

And today:

Birthday Baby

5 Types of French Bulldogs I’m Obsessing Over on Instagram…Ramble

Hey – Buzzfeed isn’t the only one who likes Frenchies. I clearly LOVE them especially Elle! These are my wonderful Frenchie Brethren I just j’adore:

1. Breeders: while @sensationalbulldogs was the ultimate choice for Manny The Frenchie’s new bro Frank (really this name is terrible for a Frenchie. It’s neither French or clever and not cute enough for the adorable Blue baby! that’s why they don’t get a link!), my favorite breeder is @dakkydak‘s Bonsai Kennels. I like the vibe of Dak and his crew, who seem like they know how to enjoy San Diego and really, really care about the pups. Recently a 4 month old pup died and now Bonsai Kennels is doing a fundraiser for the couple’s hospital bills.

2. Frenchie + Cute Kid= @MiffySpiffy

Mom Celine has been on Instagram since she was first pregnant with now toddler Amber, documenting the adventures of fawn colored Plato. These two have so much fun and it’s amazing to see Amber grow and Plato’s patience as she tries to pull his ears off of his head!

3. Named after a food: Mr. Bobobear

Seriously? I just dare you to try not loving this little pied black and white batpig! Leader of the Frenchie In A Swing Movement (oh yeah, we Frenchie lovers are serious about fun!), I can’t get enough wondering what he’ll do next!

4. Double Trouble– @Fahfung & @willem_the_french_bulldog & Frenchiebreadcrumbs

Tora & Meatball (see yes good names for Frenchies are things like Meatball & our little friend in DUMBO Gerkin, even Pickles down the street is our fave English bullie’s name but Frank? no. What a missed opportunity Manny’s parents. Seriously!) are patriotic, playful and they actually sit together while their humans dress them up.

Over in Finland (I love having Frenchie friends all over the globe!) Willem & Freek are an adorable pair of brindle black, brown and white Frenchies. Freek just turned one and, despite his young age, he has no fear when it comes to competing with Willem for toys!

Tofu and Shay (see, good names!) are more California Frenchies. They just posted their first “selfie” and it’s too cute. Of course, these Cali kids like to travel and have a daily website which offers great advice, recipes and you can buy cool stuff with proceeds going to charity.

There are so many others including @DumplingDuo and we love you all.

5. Joyful Japanese– okay, it’s really my dream to have a private jet full of Frenchies fly over to Japan on a Frenchie clothing shopping spree. So far I have Mr. Bobabear on board trying to use his powers wearing his Sorcerer Mickey hat…come on eclectic billionaire, decide this is a good thing and make it happen cause Kickstarter may not be supportive! Anyway I am inspired by many of the Japanese cuties so it’s hard to pick faves but kindly check out adorable @Potix who’s parents just had twins. How cute will it be see this little fawn Frenchie named Lotta with two kids? @Frangipaniwhite -just based on the name alone you have to follow her. And seriously @bull8 not only has multiple Frenchies, but also they seem to have their own clothing line and they dress up their Frenchies all the time. It’s wonderful.

BONUS:

You know I really can’t stop, but I also love some curators like @TheDailyFrenchie & @BatpigandMe so if you can’t get enough, they seek out the cutest Frenchies for you. xx

And, now you want one but you’re all sad thinking you can’t afford one, why not adopt from @FrenchBulldogRescueNetwork?

 Don’t lift this article Buzzfeed! Unless, of course you want to feature the amazing tiny butterball Elle! Here we are celebrating Bastille Day Frenchie Style in Brooklyn with Matt *human, Bruce Springsteen (look how long his torso is in comparison to Elle’s!), Liana *human and Luna!

 

@Rocknroll_ELLE is Picture Perfect According to MarthaStewart.com…Ramble

Seriously? Is there any prouder moment as a Frenchie mama? Seeing the smiles on people’s faces as we walk down the street is amazing and this sweater really gets a lot of compliments, but then knowing that is being spread on the web via Martha, the ultimate Frenchie mama just adds a whole other level of awesome.

Hurricane Sandy Exploration Col & Elle

Surveying Hurricane Damage- we are totally fine in Brooklyn!

Happy 2nd Anniversary to My Canine Kid Elle…Ramble

Two years ago today I drove five hours to pick up my lovely little Frenchie @Rocknroll_ELLE who completely changed my life the moment she came to me when I beckoned her with my finger. I was in love in a big way and it’s crazy to me how each day she is more adorable and how lucky I am to have this little fur baby as a soulmate. 

She was only 5 lbs here and now she’s 18. Elle is the most wonderful companion. She is sweet and clever and she loves to play. I’m so glad her soft palate operation is now behind us and she is just as playful and energetic as the day we first met. 

We’ve been all over this town and on many adventures outside of it. I always feel much calmer when I have my best friend with me so thanks Elle for two amazing years and here’s to many more! Thanks for always being such a good sport too! 

Happy Valentine’s Day!…Ramble

May love in any form be your’s! xx

My beautiful @Rocknroll_ELLE

Baby Love…Ramble

Elle is an amazing good sport about all the cute little wardrobe changes. This holiday season is an excuse for more…as if I needed one. .

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Happy Halloween!

This year I’ve had more Halloween fun then ever before – on two coasts! I was lucky enough to goto Disneyland which is all converted for Halloween fun on the rides and decorations. Ah, made me miss working for the Mouse House. Then I flew back for Brooklyn’s Halloween Dog Parade. Hope you enjoy the slide show and HAPPY HALLOWEEN! xx

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