French Bullevard- Classy Collars for Canines

So I know it's been a while since we've talked fashion (there's just something about spending 18+ hours of the day chasing a toddler that kills any desire to have nice things...), but we just had to post about these spectacular collars from French Bullevard.

Designed and made in New York City and inspired by the founder's adorable Frenchie, Kumi, their collections are ever so chic and beautiful.

Our favorite collars are those more suited for special occasions and honestly are more jewelry than utilitarian-- check out the gorgeous Duchesse ($48), which features small glass pearls, or La Marquise ($42), which incorporates leather lacing (we are partial to the light blue, obviously!).

La Marquise

The Duchess

One day we'll be able to have nice things again.... but in the meantime there's no reason you shouldn't treat your pup to one of these stunning collars! Head over to their website to learn more about their story and check out the gorgeous collections.

xoxo

Little Barkster Yummy Plush Toys

Oh my dog. We may not be based out of NYC any more, but we will always have a special place in our heart for canine entrepreneurs in the Big Apple. How cute are these toys from Brooklyn based Little Barkster?! We were cruising Etsy and stumbled upon their adorable, made-to-order, treat themed toys and cannot get enough. (Also, can we talk about how cute their dog model Gordon is?!) Here are some of our favorites:

This limited-edition box of three over-sized stuffed macarons ($15) is just too sweet (ha, get it...!?). We may be tempted to snatch up their last one.... 

What NYC doggie hasn't dreamed of their own Black and White cookie ($10)? Now they can enjoy this squeaker filled treat! 

Who can resist a classic New York slice ($13)?  

You can pick up all of these toys and more from Little Barkster's Etsy store. As per their website they are regularly rolling out additions to their line of delicious looking treats so make sure to stop by!

Bocce's Bakery Introduces Sunday Roast Biscuits!

Even though it's not exactly sweater weather in California, we're dreaming of Sundays spent by the fire, cozy knit scarves and the smell of wet leaves. Sigh.

NYC-based Bocce's Bakery's new Sunday Roast biscuits makes us think of all of those things. (It also makes us really miss New York, *sniff*.) These all-natural organic biscuits include 100% USA roasted chicken, fresh rosemary, and carrots in one tasty bone-shaped treat.

Paddy is a huge fan of all of the treats from the Bocce's Bakery line, and we can't wait to get our paws on a bag of these yummies.

Available in 5oz bags ($9.50) or 8oz biscuit tins ($15.50) from the Bocce's Bakery website.

Henri Bendel Dog for Fall 2014

While we're no longer just a quick cab ride away from one of our favorite NYC shops, that doesn't mean we can't window show Henri Bendel online. It's been a while since they've updated their canine line, but it looks like they've made a few additions for fall. Check it out:

Fall showers got you down? Brighten up a rainy day with these adorable City Slicker Packable Rain Coat that packs away into a convenient little zipped pouch. Love the polka dots and stripes! With a zippable little pouch on the back when it's opened up, this coat is functional and fashionable. Too bad it doesn't ever rain here in California…

Perfect for making each meal a fancy affair, this ceramic dog-bone shaped bowl can also double as a treat dish/container. 

And why not ensure that all of your pooch's accessories match by picking up the Sleeping in Stripes dog bed. Featuring Henri Bendel's iconic stripes on one side (and dark brown fabric on the other), it's the right size for a small to medium pup. 

Henri Bendel Dog Collection

We want EVERYTHING from the new Henri Bendel canine collection. As any New Yorker will tell you, the HB brown and white stripes are iconic-- and now your pup can sport them too! The must-have from their canine department refresh is definitely this sporty canvas tote (perfect for summer!). Not only does it have nice long handles (which if you tote your dog around + a million other things, you'll know are ESSENTIAL), but it's also incredibly reasonably priced at $68.

This chic collar ($68) also caught our eye- love the cute bow!

While we're at it, we may as well also throw in a tin of these delicious looking treats - why not?

WOOF New York - Luxe Collars & Leashes

New year, new collar. Why not?

Especially when there are beautiful bespoke collars available from WOOF New York! 

Designed in NYC and made in the USA, WOOF offers hand-crafted Italian leather collars and leashes in a variety of colors and finishes for the discerning canine. Elegant enough for Park Avenue, but durable enough to survive the dog park, each accessory is fitted with solid brass hardware. In addition to being very reasonably priced considering the quality and craftsmanship of each piece, a portion of each sale is donated to the Best Friends Animal Society. Yay! 

Our favorite set? The Central Park Collar (from $59) and Leash (from $89) of course which come in a beautiful emerald green! And if green isn't your thing, there are seven other options to select from, all named after different NYC neighborhoods. Collars and leashes also are available in a variety of sizes for big and small dogs alike. 

Head over to their website to take a look and treat your pooch to a little New Year present. Why not? 

Get Those Costumes Ready! #SEEPAWS is Almost Here!

It's kind of crazy to think that it's been almost a year since NYC battened down the hatches and prepared to face Hurricane Sandy. While we fortunately escaped the worst of the storm, our friends down at the South Street Seaport weren't so lucky. Some of our favorite haunts like The Salty Paw, have only recently been able to get back on their four paws (which we're so happy about!), which is why we were thrilled to hear about the SEE PAWS Halloween event.

Hosted by sponsors like The Salty Paw and Paws on Pine to name two, this event is scheduled to be held on Saturday, October 26th at 2 PM at the South Street Seaport. In addition to adorable pets in costume, there are wonderful prizes to be won by entering their costume contest. To enter, head down to the Seaport or use hashtag #SEEPAWS on Twitter or Instagram.

For more information, click here. Will you be there? 

Ricky's NYC Halloween Pup Pop-Up!

So, it's no secret that Halloween is one of our faaaaavvvoorrrrittteee holidays. And while the human residents of our apartment have lost the motivation to dress up, that doesn't mean that Paddy gets a free pass. (Much to her horror.... clearly.) 

This Halloween, costume HQ Ricky's is making it even easier to mortify your mutt by opening up their first-ever pet-only Halloween pop up shop! Featuring costumes, accessories, clothing, etc. this one stop shop has everything you'd ever need to create the perfect spooky/scary/cute/adorable getup. 

Located at 1276 Lexington on the Upper East Side (the corner of 86th street), we're planning on swinging by this weekend to scope out what this year's embarrassing options are. Mwahahaha! If you can't make it up north, most Ricky's in the city also carry a selection of doggy costumes.

Is your dog dressing up for Halloween? 

Adopt a Shelter Dog Event - 10/13 in NYC!

October is National "Adopt a Shelter Dog" Month, and Animal Planet, Petfinder and Animal Haven are celebrating with a special event in NYC on Saturday, October 13th. From 12 to 3 PM, stop by the Animal Haven Soho location to meet a potential new best furry friend! Almost 200,000 dogs are still waiting for their forever home, which is why adoption is such a great option when considering adding a four-legged friend to your family.

In addition to meeting and greeting adoptable dogs, Animal Planet will be giving away free dog toys to the first 60 attendees and raffling off gift baskets.

If you can't make it to the event, don't forget there are other ways you can help to spread the word about pet adoption-- check out PetFinder's site for these great recommendations!

Here are all the details:
When: Saturday, October 13th, 12 to 3 PM
Where: Animal Haven - 251 Centre Street (at Broome) in NYC

Believe it or not: Take Your Dog to Ripley's Times Square 8/26

Beefy, the Upper West Side skateboarding dog. We kid you not.

Looking to beat the heat this weekend with your pooch? To celebrate National Dog Day (this Sunday, August 26th), Ripley's Times Square in NYC is offering free admission to dogs and their owners to the Odditorium.

Can you believe it or not? (Ha. I know, bad joke...)

While we normally avoid Times Square at all costs, we have a feeling that Paddy would kind of have a good time. And if Woolly Mammoth Teeth and the "World's largest collection of authentic shrunken heads" aren't enough, "Beefy" the Upper West Side skateboarding bulldog will also be cruising around the museum from 12 pm to 5 pm on his skateboard. Snacks and treats will be provided for four-legged guests.

To redeem your free admission, head to Ripley's Times Square on Sunday with your dog -- one free adult ticket, pet pet. And don't forget a leash, all dogs must be leashed inside the museum.

Will you check it out?

@BiscuitsandBath Opens in Midtown East

We're so excited for our pals over at Biscuit and Bath who celebrated the grand opening of their newest NYC location yesterday! Paddy was one of the lucky pups who got to play in the new space on its first day, and as always, she came home with a big smile and totally exhausted!

Whether you're a first-time B&B'er, or your pup has as lifetime membership, heads up about a special deal available via Amazon Local for their 1067 Park Ave @ 87^th St, 1035 3rd Ave @ 62^nd St, and 487 3rd Ave @ 33^rd St. locations:  

• Spend $55 (regularly $110) for a full grooming package that includes a haircut, bath, brush-out, nail trim, ear cleaning, and gland expression
• Spend $122 (regularly $245) for two nights of boarding that includes a 30-minute walk to the park and 30-minute training session
• Or spend $300 (regularly $600) for a one-month unlimited day care package.

Pick yours up from Amazon Local and then call B&B to redeem!

Even if you're not ready to commit to one of their long-term packages, this is a great way to try out daycare and also take advantage of Biscuits and Bath's grooming and overnight services.

Does your dog go to daycare? 

 

Lobster Roll Biscuits from @BoccesBakery!

Drool. 

Coming soon to a website near you. 

Follow @BoccesBakery on Twitter for updates.

Buzzzz Biscuits from @BoccesBakery ROCK!

Bzzzzz... we want to let you in on a secret: for a limited-time only, the folks over at Bocce's Bakery are whipping up special biscuits for Spring! That's right, get your paws on their new Buzzzz Biscuits while you can! Featuring local New York honey, chamomile (caaaallllmmmm), and bee pollen, these treats are baked in NYC and made from organic, all-natural ingredients. YUM.

If you have not already stopped reading this article and headed over to Bocce's website to buy your bag, GO. NOW. Not only are they incredibly tasty (see the photo above), but they smell HEAVENLY. Seriously. And considering the ingredients are just organic oat flour, raw honey, chamomile, and bee pollen... we don't see any reason why we shouldn't have a little pre-dinner snack..... You didn't see those crumbs in the keyboard ;)

Available online for a limited time; $9.50 for a 5oz bag of treats.

Samples were provided by PR for review. Please see our disclaimer for more information.

Sprinkles Dog Cupcakes Review!

This weekend we swung by Sprinkles in NYC to pick up something tasty and stumbled upon something special for our CCO (aka Chief Canine Officer). Yup, that's right-- a special little cupcake for our pup, because as the stickers at Sprinkles say, "Dogs Love Cupcakes Too!"

Crafted from fido-friendly ingredients, these bite sized treats are sugar free and feature a yummy coat of yogurt frosting. Soft and squishy, these treats look, smell and feel like the real Sprinkles cupcake deal. As you can see, we had no issues getting Paddy interested in this one:

Available at Sprinkles locations for $2.50 each.

Pet Socialite NYC Holiday Pop-Up Shop

What could be more fun than shopping for holiday gifts for furry friends WITH your favorite anipal?!

This Friday, we swung by the press preview of Pet Socialite's Holiday Pop-Up Shop! Located at 19 Kenmare Street (Kenmare and Elizabeth), this cozy SoHo space has been outfitted with chic holiday gifts for the deserving pups in your life.  Including picks from vendors like FouFouDog, Jax and Bones, Pet Flys and more, the shop has something for every pup on your list. Everything is priced to be wallet-friendly too (yay).

Open all weekend from 11AM-6PM, pet expert and hostess Charlotte Reed will be hosting two days of holiday activities, including : "Color Me Beautiful" pet fur-coloring classes, Holiday Etiquette with Miss Fido Manners, and Art-Casso Dog Painting!

For a detailed schedule of events, visit the Pop-Up Shop's website! A super fun holiday event to share with your pup, we hope you'll stop by if you're in the neighborhood. Make sure to tell them the Barkistas sent you!



p.s. The shop is cash only, so make sure to swing by an ATM on your way!

Gift Guide 2011: Custom Pet Portrait

This weekend we received the most wonderful gift we have ever been given-- this beautiful hand-drawn portrait of Paddington by New York City based artist Jordan Spilman. Hello!? Are you seeing this?! We can't get over how he managed to capture the essence of our chief Barkista on paper. 

A graduate of the Glasgow School of Art, Jordan hails originally from the UK.  He is a trained painter and sculptor but has a real love of portraiture (both people and pets).  Not being allowed to have animals as a child, has made him love them even more, and is probably why he is able to capture their character so well on paper. His pet portraits in particular have become sought after both in the United States and back home in the UK as essential collectibles for all animal lovers.

Okay, back to gushing about this incredible portrait of Paddington-- check out the detail of Jordan's work:

 
And now you can own your own beautiful piece of art! Head over to his website to check out more of breathtaking portfolio. What better gift to give this holiday than a portrait of your favorite pup? Just imagine the look of amazement you're going to see when your friend/parent/relative/sibbling opens up this package. Trust us-- you'll be the talk of the town. We seriously can't tell you how lucky we feel to own this drawing, and are very thankful for Jordan's generosity.

For information about commissioning your own puppy portrait, email info@jordanspilman.com.  He also have several other pet portraits available for purchase from Etsy.

*Samples were provided by PR for review. Please see our disclaimer for more information.

Ladurée Goes to the Dogs (in a good way!)

Lucky for us NYC-based Barkistas, we don't have to go far to indulge in Ladurée's world-famous macaroons. Earlier this fall, the Parisian pastry shop opened it's first-ever location in the city. In addition to their tasty treats, Ladurée is well known for their luxe packaging, which occasionally features adorable pups and other cute creatures.  For the holidays, they've rolled out a set of amazing accessories and housewares featuring this medley of characters.

One of our favorites? This adorable keychain featuring a very chic looking Frenchie:

We also love these travel-sized candles which come in a variety of scents:

While we're not sure of availability (we've been avoiding the new NYC location for the sake of our waist-lines..), if you're swinging by Paris any time soon...