Sea Bags: Pet Collection

If there's anything we can't have enough of, it's a good tote! Since plastic bags were/are no-go in California, we got into the habit of always having a reusable bag with us. Though we love the inexpensive ones from TJ's, there is something to be said for a reusable bag that is built to last AND stylish. While they are on the pricey side (OK, they're super $$), we are slightly obsessed everything the company Sea Bags makes. Their company takes recycled sails and turns them into highly functional, easy to clean bags that can take a serious beating. We particularly love how easy they are to clean - you can literally hose them down, let them dry, and they are as good as new!*

While checking out their site for a new summer beach bag, we spied an entire collection designed for pet lovers! Check out these super cute bags and placemats (seriously, such a good idea for pets!). They also offer collars and leashes, but these products caught our attention the most:

(Clockwise from Upper Left) Bucket Bag ($45), Chocolate Lab Tote ($150-$210), Paw Print Placemat (Small $15, Large $25), Paw Wristlet ($30)

Though on the pricier side, in our experience Sea Bags have definitely been worth the investment. In addition to these cute paw print adorned items, you can also create your own custom bag ( or choose from their seasonal designs. 

*Disclaimer... they may recommend a different cleaning process than the one we use hah...

Hipster Dogs Rejoice!

Urban Outfitters is now the purveyor of a good number of products for the stylish, yet laid back, canine. While checking out their site, we recently stumbled upon a rather eclectic, and expensive, selection of products for the discerning dog. Though we haven't shopped at Urban Outfitters since our university years, we are definitely excited to see them branch out and curious to see whether they'll continue to expand their offerings.




Does your dog need a tent? Well, you're in luck! Urban Outfitters actually has several dog tent designs for you to choose from. While they will set you back almost two Benjamins - these American-made, handcrafted tents, come in a variety of fabrics, including denim.

Growler Goods Saguaro Dog Tent ($178)

Any camping inclined canine is going to need a coat - fortunately, Urban Outfitters also carries Billy Wolf jackets. Waterproof on one side, these reversible coats are available in several lumberjack friendly patterns. We're particularly partial to the Elliot which definitely screams "Americana."

Billy Wolf Camp Dog Coat ($70)

Mark & Graham Chelsea Leash

Mark & Graham is fast becoming one of our favorite brands when it comes to chic, reasonably priced dog accessories. We got an email earlier this week introducing their Chelsea Leash, which comes in two sizes (small and large), and a variety of colors. Each leash can be monogrammed/personalized, and we are particularly partial to the like the idea of doing a hashtag… maybe #barkistas?

Crafted from woven jacquard webbing, these leashes also feature a detachable key-ring, which is SO SMART. While I'm sure other folks out there have figured away to tackle the house keys while walking thing… for us #thestruggleisreal. In an ideal world we'd buy this leash, get a second set of keys made, and never worry again about juggling keys or accidentally locking ourselves out when walking Paddy.

Obviously we are partial to the pink and green.

Available for purchase from Mark & Graham ($36 - small, $38 - large).

Mark & Graham Doggy "Business Bags"

Every dog owner has one. Yep. I'm talking about the iconic bone-shaped bag holder. You've probably got one hanging off of your leash, right?

While we've had ours forever (and are oddly, somewhat attached), two things:

One: We frequently drop it on the floor, which I'm pretty sure our downstairs neighbors hate (sorry...)
Two: It's really not the most chic way to tote your bags.... preferably we'd like one that is a little more subtle about its purpose

Fortunately, for the discerning canine and owner duo, Mark & Graham have an introduced a stylish alternative. Their "Business Bag" is crafted from Italian leather and comes in a variety of colors (our favorite is the orange!). Smaller than a medium Milkbone, it easily clips on and off your leash and can be monogrammed (yay!). While it's a little pricier than the plastic alternative ($39), can you really put a price on style? Well... I guess you can, but we think the cost is worth it :)

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?

Cloud 7 X TUMI Pet Accessory Collection

I forwarded the press release we got this AM from Cloud 7 and TUMI to Mike and immediately got the following response, "THE DOG DOES NOT NEED ANOTHER BAG."

 

We can't help it Paddy likes to ride in style... but he does have a point as we recently added a SleepyPod Air to our collection. Not to mention, we are trying to be fiscally responsible pre-move... Anyway, a gal and her dog can dream!

This limited-edition collection, which will be available at all TUMI flagship stores/online and from cloud7.de, includes an airline-friendly carrier, travel bed and travel bowl. Featuring water-resistant linings, leather accents and shearling wool interiors, the line is the embodiment of functional, understated luxury.

While the Cloud 7 / TUMI collection starts at a hefty $95 for the water bowl, if our experience with TUMI in the past rings true, it's always worth the investment. We've been hauling around one of their rolling in-cabin bags for 10+ years and wouldn't settle for anything less.

Our FouFou Dog Prize!

Recently we entered a giveaway hosted by our pals over at PriskyPaws, and guess what-- we won! Yup, that's right, we scored some super cute FouFou Dog swag! Seriously, how adorable are these accessories And yes, we took the pen to work. In addition to snagging the cutest bag tag ever and our new favorite pen, we got our paws on two Yorkie Key Chains, a Key Cover, and a blinged out sticker!

Want your own FouFou Dog accessories? Make sure to follow FouFouDog on Facebook and Twitter as they regularly host giveaways, or head over to their website for more info. Tell them the Barkistas sent you!

Bye Bye Noisy ID Tag, Hello Silence

The sound I most closely associate with Paddington is the jingle jangle of her ID tag. While the sound is endearing during the daylight hours, it is down right annoying at night. 

Since of late Paddy has taken to creeping around at night (yes, creep...very loudly) we may be investing very soon in these Susan Lanci Soft Dog Tags.

These brilliant little tags are made from ultra-suede and feature laser engraving of your pet's initial one side and full name and owner contact info on the other.

Available from GW Little for $13.99.

#ThursdayBling: Every Girl Needs Pearls!

We can't get enough of this gorgeous graduated pearl necklace from Bitches in Pearls (also, can we talk about how FAHBULOUS the name of their company is?!).  Available in a variety of sizes and shades, each necklace features Swarovski Austrian crystal pearls. Oooh la la!

Prices begin at $85 CAD.... we wish we knew what that was in dollars, but we're really bad at math... Woof. 

Hot Dog Leash

Crafted from plastic sausage links and high quality nylon rope, this 42" long leash is a must for any "hot dog."
Harty har har. 

Anyway, bad jokes aside (I mean come on, how could we resist?), pick yours up from Fred Flare ($20). 

Aroo Studio Chirp ID Tag

Even though we're dog people, the Barkistas have a thing for birds. We recently picked up these adorable sparrow and birdhouse key chains from the Thai design house, Qualy*:

While our original idea was to get a third birdie and hang Paddington's leash and harness from it, we realized that our plan probably wasn't practical (surprisingly, the leash is kind of heavy). So the next best thing for completing our birdie theme? This cute "Chip" ID tag from Aroo Studio: 

Made from aluminum, the bird measures 1 3/8" from beak to tail feather and 1/2" wide, and can be customized with a variety of fonts and icons.

Available from Aroo Studio's website for $32.

 

*Unfotch, we have yet to find a US distributor for these keychains and had to order ours (and some bunny shaped desk accessories) from a UK website. Though it cost a pretty penny for the shipping, totally worth it-- you have to admit, they're pretty darn cute. Curious about where to get your own? Head over to Qualy's Facebook page and check out their wall, they're also very quick to respond to questions! While you're there, take a look at their other products-- just about everything they sell is ADORABLE-- you have been warned.

What's in a Barkista's bag?

Any good Barkista never leaves home unprepared. We recently took a look at what's in Paddington's travel bag, and here are the must-haves we found:

1. Stella & Chewy Carnivore Kisses:The re-sealable container makes these the perfect on-the-go bribes. (WagginTails.com, $9.99)

2.  Everlasting Treat Ball: A never-ending distraction to provide entertainment during any unforeseen travel delays. (Amazon.com, $11.99 for small)

3. Aqua Pure Breed Bottled Water: Check out review of this portable water here.

4. Flossies: Sure, they don't smell the nicest, but if you've ever given your dog one of these treats, you know that nothing gets their attention immediately like a flossie. We keep ours in a ziplock back to contain any unwanted odors. (Amazon.com, $15.50 for a pack of 5)

5. Earthbath Paw Wipes: In the city, you never know what your pup's going to pick up the street. These wipes are perfect for getting rid of any unwanted grossness. (Petco, $7.19)

6. Arabella & Fern Super Cudgie: The ultimate snuggle blanket, we love the Super Cudgie not only because it's so soft, but it's super light. Check out our review here. (Arabella & Fern, $46)


What are your doggy tote bag musts?

Pecan Puppies Collars

Here at Barkzilla, we LOVE seersucker and polka dots! 

We stumbled upon Pecan Pie Puppies' Etsy page last year, but it didn't seem appropriate to blog about seersucker and flowers in the middle of winter... 

The company was founded in 2008 to help finance their rescue dog work (yay, shopping for a good cause!), and each collar is made by hand. Better yet, if there's a size that won't fit your pup, they'll create a custom number for you. 

Here are our favorites for summer:

1. Pink Carnation Seersucker, $24
2. Blue Hydrangea and Dots, $24
3. Pink Picnic Hydrangea, $24
4. Cherry Blossom Seersucker, $24

Make sure to check out their Etsy page for even more collar flower/pattern combinations and their blog. 

Doggy Turtle Backpack

 

... Because what dog doesn't need a backpack?

... Because these are so cute they will make you go "aww" out loud?

...Because is it fair for you to have to haul your dog's stuff around all the time?

...Because what is more adorable than a little dog with its own backpack?

Available in pink or green from UpscalePup for $18.99.

Louis Dog BonBon Polka Dot Muffler

.... Because honestly, what dog doesn't need a polka dot muffler? 

.... Because honestly, it is still FREEZING cold despite officially being spring.

.... Because honestly, we kind of wish there was a human version.

Pick up the Louis Dog BonBon Muffler from FunnyFur for a very reasonable $18.

I've Got Love For You If You Were Born in the 80's...

Um. Oh my dog. We just spotted these doggy leg-warmers over at Phetched. Hello love at first sight! Seriously, the only thing that could make me love Paddy more, is Paddy outfitted in 80's attire.

Available for purchase in various sizes and colors from The Hydrant. We are SO picking up those rainbow ones.

Wags & Kisses,

The Barkistas

p.s. The title of this post was shamelessly borrowed from Calvin Harris' song, "Acceptable in the 80's".

Martha Stewart Doggy DIY

Look, we love you Martha Stewart we really do.... but we'd love you even more if instead of telling us how you made this adorable waste bag holder, you'd just make one for us.

Check out the latest how-to from the workshop of America's favorite domestic goddess. Designed to attach to your lease and hold waste bags, we love that you can stuff it with plastic bags you may already have. 

If you've got the necessary tools (seriously, who owns a grommet setter in the city?!), and patience, we'd love to see your results. We'd also possibly buy it off of you... 

For complete instructions, visit Martha's website.

Wags & Kisses,
The Barkistas

p.s. Thanks mom for tipping us off about this DIY project. It means a lot to us that you think we'd have the moxie and crafting skills to have pulled this off!

Juicy Couture Cheetah Dog Bag Video Review

We are so excited to share with you our first-ever video review! We checked out the Juicy Couture Cheetah Dog Bag-- watch the video below, our check it out on our YouTube channel. This is our first attempt at ever doing anything like this, so we hope you enjoy!

So, just to recap:

Pros:

• Super cute fabric! 
• Straps that are long enough to comfortably carry the bag over your shoulder.
• Big enough for a small dog, travel pillow and blanket.

Cons:

• Didn't see the bag in stores-- had to purchase ours off of Ebay (though at the end of the day, you'll probably get a better deal there).
• Most likely not airline approved because the bag does not close totally.
• Zipper part of the bag sags unless you keep the straps totally taut. 

Overall, we're really pleased with our purchase and can't wait to take it out on the street. Not question: it's definitely going to be a conversation starter.

What do you think? Would you like to see more video reviews?

Wags & Kisses,

The Barkistas

We Heart This...

With Valentine's Day right around the corner, it's time to start thinking about the perfect present for our furry little Valentine (Paddington… of course…). As Paddy is the reigning heavy-weight toy destroyer of the tri-state area (you don't want to know what happened to last year's stuffed bunny toy), we're leaning towards something that isn't filled with fluff this time around.

 

Honestly, what says Valentine's Day more than faux fur and pink hearts? Perfect for the pooch that loves to snuggle, this cuddly Trundle bed converts into a teacup bed, travel mat or sleeping bag. While we're really partial to the pink hearts, you can also grab it in a variety of other patterns.

Pick yours up from Muttropolis for $60 (does not come with chew toy). Will you be sending your pup a Valentine this year?

Wags & Kisses,
The Barkistas

#ThursdayBling: Grooming Bling

 

Bling out your pup's blowout.

For the doggy who has ABSOLUTELY everything, we suggest the Henri Bendel's Swarovski Dog Brush. Featuring Swarovski stripes in the classic HB brown and white colors, and bristles that look like they could rival our beloved Mason Pearson, we're kind of obsessed with this indulgent grooming tool.

Apparently you can put a price on fabulousness, and that price just happens to be $98. Available from Henri Bendel.

Wags & Kisses,
The Barkistas