The Pawfect Look for Your Pet
Hello, I’m Aline of chacharocks, the home of gorgeously kitsch canine couture accessories with a glitter-tastic twist. The handsome dog on my right is my adopted Greyhound, or possibly Lurcher, Ronnie.
I’m delighted to have been invited by Badger to pen a regular column for Newnibbles on pet couture and other fashion-related matters. Did you know that pet couture can help raise your confidence, express your creativity and improve your relationships? Without costing the earth. This week I’m going to tell you how it can contribute to your life in unexpectedly beneficial ways, and share with you exactly how to measure your dog to ensure, when you buy him or her a collar or accessory, that you get the right size.
Above: Elle Woods (Reese Witherspoon) and Bruiser the Chihuahua in Legally Blonde. Elle, despite her bubble gum image, was a smart cookie who ignored other peoples’ expectations to pursue a law degree. Truly a chacharocks woman!
Pet accessories for confidence and better relationships? I’m not joking. Let me tell you now. But first, an anecdote. Last week I was invited to a charity dog show to promote chacharocks. Ronnie and I arrived early and then a steward approached me with a chacharocks sign and taped it to my table. He paused, looked at my display and said,
Neck wear for dogs? Now I’ve seen it all.
His comment reflected the view of many, that non-functional dog accessories are weird.
Hero the service dog and his owner in matching graduation outfits, proving that dog accessories can really make the world a better place (source: Huffington Post – click the image to read the story).
So how exactly can pet couture add to your life?
Canine bandanas, bow ties, collar accessories and necklaces are a fantastic way to involve your dog in holiday celebrations and special events. Kids can have fun choosing accessories or even making a DIY doggie outfit, you can take memorable photos and post them on your social media pages. You’ll make people smile and they will be talking about your photos for weeks.
Are you the impulse shopping type? Rather than dump loads of money on new clothes buy a dog accessory; many pet fashion businesses including chacharocks donate a portion of your profits to charity so you’ll be helping a good cause too.
A cute dog accessory is an excellent conversation starter when you’re out walking your dog, especially if you are shy. You could make a new friend, get asked on a date or get a job. Try it out! If you really can’t bear the thought of a purely non-functional accessory then try an ultra-glamorous collar like the ethically made glitter and gemstone range available from chacharocks.
Speaking of philanthropy, why not start a social media account with photos of your dog in different accessories or organise a fancy dress parade for local dogs to promote a rescue charity?
If your dog’s breed has a bad reputation a cute bandana or bow tie, as well as looking fantastic, will help make him or her look more approachable and let you educate people about misperceptions related to that particular breed.
It goes without saying that buying lovely accessories for your dog will make you feel closer to your beloved pet. And it’s fun! For a really special occasion why not have an accessory or outfit custom made for him or her? It’s not as pricey as you think.
