PET FASHION WEEK NEW YORK 2010 RECAP

Pet Fashion Week New York 2010 is already over almost a month ago. And we just found some time to recap some of the fun moments.

It is a long flight to New York, Jolie has to come out of her carrier and take a break. :)             

Mochi wants to come out too.

Flying must be so tiring! Jolie totally passed out after we checked into the hotel.

Mochi found herself a comfortable spot and took a long nap. 

Pet Fashion Week NY Show -- we are at the corner booth right after you walk in. 

Our booth at the Pet Fashion Week NY show.

Our booth table.

The colorful Hair Bows corner. 

Mochi is ready to work! :)  

"Look at me!" -- Jolie 

Mochi is taking a little break.

Jolie is exhausted -- taking a nap like a baby. :)

One of our little customer tries on our formal dress - Claire. She is so cute and fabulous! 

The Best Restaurants to Feast with Your Furry Friend

Now that the dog days of summer (and the hot and humid weather that usually accompanies them) are behind us and National Dog Week is about to begin, it’s a great time to take your pet (or two…or three) out on the town and to your favorite restaurant. Not every dining establishment will accommodate pets.  But, typically, those with outside seating can. And many go out of their way to welcome your four-legged or two-winged dining companions.

Here’s a list of 10 restaurants around the U.S. that don’t mind accommodating pet-obsessed owners and their animals from the Open Table blog.

1.  FARM at The Carneros Inn, Napa, California

OpenTable diner Kathy Johnson enjoys taking her canine companion to wine country. “FARM at the Carneros Inn is very pet-friendly. If you are in their outdoor lounge/bar area, you can have your dog at your feet while you sip great wines and choose items from the bar menu.  Dogs can also be nearby if you are seated in the outdoor terrace of the formal restaurant.” FARM specializes in serving food that complements wine, so go hungry and thirsty.

2.  Tabla, New York, New York

Diner Lisa Hanock and her husband are fans of this pet-friendly, upscale Indian restaurant. “We’ve found quite a few restaurants that enjoy hosting four-legged pals, but the most welcoming restaurateur has got to be Danny Meyer. At Tabla, (across from Madison Square Park, which has a popular dog run), you can order from the dinner menu while your dog enjoys a designer bowl of water and packaged cookie treats. We’ve taken our 90-pound Belgian Shepherd many times.”

3.  Log Haven, Salt Lake City, Utah

Salt Lake City’s Log Haven takes its appreciation for dogs to a new level during the months of June through the second week of October with a “Dog Days of Summer” special. Diner Kathleen Bratcher, her husband, and their dog Bella give Log Heaven’s seasonal American cuisine and canine hospitality a rave review. She says, “We were offered spacious patio seating, cool water, high-quality dog treats in a stainless steel doggie dish, and brass-plated dog tags with ‘Log Haven’ embossed. They also offer a reasonably priced dog meal created by their chef, Dave Jones, and a special cocktail menu for adults with a refreshing ‘Salty Dog.’

4.  Besito, Huntington, New York

Besito (which means ‘little kiss’ in Spanish) embraces all of its customers, including those who can’t order for themselves. With outdoor seating ideal for people- and pet-watching, Besito, known for its authentic Mexican cuisine and tableside guacamole, has an ever-present bowl of Milk Bones on the sidewalk along with an endless supply of cool water. It’s the perfect place for Fido to make friends.

5.  The Farm of Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, California

The Farm (no relation to FARM at The Carneros Inn) serves innovative American cuisine at each of its locations around Los Angeles and happily welcomes animal companions. The Farm’s Kelli Richardson reveals, “The Farm is one of the most pet-friendly restaurants around. We have even hosted an event, ‘Eat With Your Paws for a Good Cause,’ to help raise money for needy animal shelters.  At each of our locations, we are more than happy to accommodate four-legged guests of guests. We will set up a bowl of water for the dog just outside our patio or next to the table. We are very mindful of health department rules regarding animals in restaurants.  But, our patio allows us to comply by keeping animals just outside of the railing.”

6.  Old Homestead Steak House, New York, New York

A meat lover’s paradise, this classic (and, yes, old) Manhattan steakhouse is situated – where else? – in New York City’s hip Meatpacking District. With weather-permitting outdoor seating, you and your pet will be conflicted as to the real appeal of this location: the smell of your perfectly cooked steak or the sight of perfectly coiffed people strolling by. The warm staff at this carnivores’ paradise provide superb service and lots of cool water for your pet upon request.

7.  Solbar at Solage Calistoga, Calistoga, California

Another favorite of the Johnsons and their faithful dog is Solbar at the Solage Resort in Calistoga, which serves up seasonal California cuisine. She says, “The servers will bring your pet freshly baked dog cookies and a bowl of water as soon as you are seated at their outdoor terrace.”

8.  Savore, New York, New York

Yvonne Conza, founder of Woof Patrol, an organization that celebrates dogs and helps fight for pet-owners’ rights, says her pup Pomo’s favorite restaurant is Soho’s much-heralded Savore, where owner Paolo Alavian serves up outstanding customer service with his authentic regional Italian cuisine. Conza says, “Paolo—who’s even remembered my dog’s favorite table— often asks diners their dogs’ names and will try to guess the breeds while silently signaling to his staff to bring water for pets.  Savore also enables diners to order mini portions of chicken and tomatoes for their four-legged friends.”

9.  Paggi House, Austin, Texas

This Austin gem prides itself on being pet-friendly. A historic Austin landmark dating back to the 1840s, Paggi House serves up innovative American fare inside and on its outdoor lounge. The friendly staff provides pets with water in champagne buckets and ample attention. Austin diner Christine Harmel, who frequents Paggi House with her dog Dax says, “I’ve met plenty of people by bringing my dog to dinner with me!” Another diner/food blogger told us they recently celebrated their dog’s seventh birthday at Paggi House.

10.  Café Milano, Washington, D.C.

You may think power lunches over pups when you think of Café Milano, but this Italian restaurant welcomes pets on its patio. Known for stellar service, sublime Italian dishes, pizzas, and an impressive wine list, Café Milano is recommended by Modern Dog magazine as a top location for your pooch to rub elbows (or noses!) with the pets of the capital’s most powerful and beautiful people.

CELINE DRESS IS FEATURED IN THE PET ELITE FALL 2010 ISSUE!

Our classic and elegant Celine dress from the new GLOIRE Collection is featured in The Pet EliteFall 2010 issue! Love the way the dress is presented in the magazine!
 Click here to check it out their online digital version of the hot issue!

Guinness World Records on Pets

Guinness World Records 2011 is just being released and has that answer and many more on pets. The Great Dane, George is 43 inches tall and weighs 245 pounds as of Feb. 15, 2010. He is the tallest dog in the world. He is owned by David Nasser of Tucson, Ariz.

There are 10 pages of records involving pets and other animals. It's a really entertaining book with a good layout with lots of fun pictures. Some highlights:

The tallest cat is a F1 Savannah named Scarlett's Magic measured 16.48 inches from shoulder to toe. This cat is supposed to be a sweetheart, according to her owners and can jump better than USA's basketball super stud Kevin Durant.

The highest jump by a dog: cleared by a dog is 172.7 cm (68 in), achieved by Cinderella May a Holly Grey, owned by Kate Long and Kathleen Conroy (both USA) of Miami, Florida, USA, at the Purina Incredible Dog Challenge National Finals, Gray Summit, Missouri, USA on 7 October 2006.

Longest jump by a rabbit: The world record of 9 feet, 6 inches was set by Yabo.

The fastest time to pop 100 balloons: Jack Russell Terrier, Anastasia, did it in 44.49 seconds on the set of Live with Regis and Kelly.

The oldest dog ever: Bluey, an Australian cattle dog, lived to be 29 years, 5 months. He was rescued from a puppy mill in 1939.

The oldest goldfish ever: Tish, won by Peter Hand at a fairground in 1956, lived for 43 years.

The longest goldfish: (Carassius auratus) is owned by Joris Gijsbers and measured 47.4 cm (18.7 in) from snout to tail-fin end on March 24, 2003 in Hapert, The Netherlands.

The oldest cat ever: Creme Puff lived with Jerry Perry in Austin, Texas for 38 years and 3 days.

Most Frisbees caught and held: Edward Watson threw seven flying discs and his dog Rose caught all of them and held them all in her month.

The fastest time a dog has unwound a non-electric car window: 11.34 seconds and was achieved by Striker, a border collie owned and trained by Francis V. Gadassi (Hungary). The record was set on September 1, 2004 in Quebéc City, Canada.

Most prolific chicken:A White Leghorn laid 371 eggs in 364 days at the College of Agriculture , University of Missouri.

Most expensive horse: The highest price paid for a thoroughbred at public auction is $16 million for a 2-year-old Colt who has yet to race.

Press Release: Mochi & Jolie Introduces New Fashion Label -- JoJo

Click for the press release of our brand new label -- JoJo.

Introduce "JOJO"!!

We are very excited to introduce -- "JoJo", Mochi & Jolie's brand new label.  

It has a more casual chic and urban street wear style. 

JoJo's first resort line -- "JoJo's Best Friends" will be introduced this Summer.

Vibrant colors, light weight 100% cotton, nothing over the top, but pure comfort and easy chic -- they are everything you and your beloved fur babies want for this summer. Stay tuned for the updates.

New Photo Shoot 06-20-2010

With the new collection, new label and many new products are almost ready to debut, scheduling new photo shoots becomes inevitable. Last Sunday (Jun. 20th, 2010) we had a whole day in studio shoot. Here are some of the test shots featuring our super model -- Mochi that we'd like to share with you. :)

Fashion Show Runway Photos

Getty Images photo features Mochi & Jolie on the catwalk

Supermodel Mochi and Jolie in action!

During the fashion show, both Mochi and Jolie not only modeled for the Mochi & JolieCollections, but also for some other brands too. They were very professional and had so much fun!

"Which Victoria's Secret's angels do I look like?" 

 Mochi is rocking on the runway.

Jolie is so confident on the runway. She is a natural! :)

Jolie is posing for the photographers.

"OK, one more pose for you! I am a pro!" :)

Buddha Bark Dog Fashion Show -- Back Stage

Thanks to these cutest models, we did a great fashion show today. Here are some snap shots of these models behind the stage. :)

Zeus, such a cutie pie. Believe or not, his mom is a horse whisperer.  

Dolce, the sweetest Yorkie we have ever met. And she is such a pro on the runway.

Sunny, the beautiful and friendly super model. 

Bobby Gorgeous, the "diva". 

Chewy in a Coco top is warming up his unique fashion walk styles. He really walks like a pro on stage. 

Bailey in the Amelie dress, stay cool and clam before the fashion show. And that is Jolie on the side getting ready too. :)

Mochi, our own super star, has her own way of relaxing before the fashion show. 

Mochi: "Jolie, have a great show! You are the best!"

Jolie: "Thanks, Mochi! You too!" 

Buddha Bark Event Venue -- Chaz Dean Studio in Hollywood

We went to Chaz Dean Studio in Hollywood and did a venue walk through for the upcoming Buddha Bark two- day event today. The place is amazingly beautiful and serene. It is calm and peaceful, at least for today. Tomorrow this place is going to be filled with our four-legged friends and their parents, media, press, and tons of exciting energy! Let the show begin!

It's a dog's life in color

Before the domestication of dogs, their ability to see in the dark was far more important than their ability to differentiate color, so their sight evolved differently than that of human beings. Instead of the full spectrum, a dog sees only YELLOWS, BLUES, and GRAYS. The only way this may affect your dog is if you buy him a red or green toy, because he sees them as yellows and whites, which make them incredibly difficult to find in a field of green grass, which also seems white to a dog! Next time your dog dashes right past your green tennis ball, it's not because your dog is blind -- just color blind!

5 Healthy Recipes for your dog

The pet food industry has been selling consumers a whole lot of toxic foods. Once we had learned what was really in dog food, we have been on a constant look out for some great and easy recipes to cook ourselves to feed our dogs. Making sure that our dogs receive a balance of protein, essential fatty acids, carbohydrates, vegetables, fruits, vitamins and minerals from our home cooking may prove a challenge, but here we found 5 recipes that can be easily prepared to support our dogs' health. And we'd like to share with you.

Pumpkin Sardine Dinner (Makes 5 cups)
1 29-ounce can pumpkin (alternate with cooked butternut squash or sweet potato)
1 cup frozen spinach, defrosted
1/3 cup flaxseed meal
2 3.75-ounce cans sardines (water packed, drained)

Combine ingredients in a glass bowl and mix well using either a potato masher or a large fork to ensure breaking down the sardines. Cover and refrigerate between servings.

Banana Yogurt Smoothie (Makes 1 cup)
1/2 ripe banana, peeled
¼ cup blueberries
½ cup unsweetened yogurt
1 teaspoon honey
1 tablespoon flaxseed meal

Mash together ingredients in a bowl and serve immediately.

Lamb Stew (Makes 8 cups)
1 pound lamb neck and shoulder pieces
6 cups water
3 carrots diced
1 sweet potato, peeled, diced
2 cups cooked brown rice

Combine the lamb and water in a medium saucepan and simmer for 20 minutes. Remove lamb and cool before removing meat from the bone. Discard the bone and return the lamb to the pot with the remaining ingredients. Return to a simmer and cook until vegetables are tender, about 15 minutes. Cool and mash before serving. Freeze in serving portions and defrost as needed.

Tuna Fudge
2 6-ounce cans tuna OR 1 14-ounce can salmon (do not drain either)
1 1/2 cup whole wheat or spelt flour
1 tablespoon granulated garlic
2 eggs, lightly beaten
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Pre-heat oven to 350F degrees. Pulse ingredients together in a food processor. Spray a 9×9 pan with oil and add tuna mixture. Bake for 20 minutes, remove and cool. Freezes beautifully and will keep unfrozen in refrigerator for 3-4 days. CAUTION: do not refreeze any leftovers!

Salmon Brownie Treats
1 10-ounce can salmon, not drained
3 cloves garlic
3 cups spelt, oat or quinoa flour .

Pre-heat oven to 350F degrees. Combine salmon and garlic in a food processor and pulse to combine. Add the flour and continue to pulse until a ball of dough forms. Remove from processor and place between two layers of wax paper then roll out to half an inch thick. Place on a cookie sheet and score into small squares. Bake 10-15 minutes.

If you have any great recipes that your dog loves, please share with us!

Buddha Bark Canine Style Lounge Fashion Show

Mochi & Joliehas been invited to be a part of the Buddha Bark Canine Style Lounge Fashion Show. This is our first official doggie fashion show and we are very excited! Stay tuned for more to come!

Two doggie days on June 4th and 5th, when Buddha Bark, the most trusted source for canine wellness, showcases products/brands, services, and solutions to dogs, their celebrity guardians, and the media. The mission: to help dogs and their guardians live a richer and more integrated, holistic life. The festive event will be held at the famed Chaz Dean Studio in Hollywood and benefiting Best Friends Animal Society, Much Love Animal Rescue and Linda Blair World Heart Foundation.

Luxury Pet-friendly Hotels

Sure, there are plenty of “pet-friendly” (and the slightly less-welcoming “pet-tolerant”) hotels out there for you and your wandering cat or canine companion. But when you’re traveling for business or pleasure, you probably crave pampering more than usual. And so, we’re guessing, does your pet. Luckily, hotels across the country are upping the ante on pet amenities and luxury hotel services for the animal set, so that you and your favorite companion can rest a little more comfortably.

The trendy W Hotels in such cities as New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Honolulu, San Francisco, and Seattle, trade in minimalist elegance that still feels totally indulgent. Their pet package is no exception. Upon arrival, dogs and cats are greeted with a toy, a treat, an ID tag, a custom “W” pet bed, as well as food and water bowls waiting in the room. The hotel also provides guests with litter boxes, waste bags, dog and cat-customized first-aid kits, and concierges ready to advise on anything from grooming to doggie birthday cakes.

For an even more pet-centric experience, visit The Muse Hotel in New York (one of the Kimpton Hotels), where the “Pampered Pooch Package” features many of the same amenities as the W—specialty beds, food and water bowls with bottled water, a mini-bar stocked with treats for pets and people, and an assortment of accessories in case guests left anything behind. And then there’s Ginger, The Muse’s “Director of Pet Relations.” And did we mention—Ginger is a six year-old Teacup Pomeranian “who prefers Prada, visits to the spa and ahi tuna,” according to her personal getting-to-know-you website? Surely she’s a great guide to NYC’s canine-centric attractions. We just wonder who answers all her e-mails…

And then there’s New York’s Hotel Benjamin. Their “Dream Dog” program is so luxurious that it rivals even the most generous of human hotel experiences. While at the Benjamin, your dog will sleep in one of three specialty memory-foam orthopedic dog beds from the “Dog Bed Menu,” swaddled in extra sheets. House-made dog food cooked with “human-quality ingredients” like salmon, tofu, or chicken and vegetables arrives via room service—though don’t ask us how pets are expected to read the ScooterFood® menu. Your dog then dines from ceramic bowls in a wrought iron stand, all resting on a chenille place mat.

Just in case that’s not fancy enough, all pet guests receive complimentary toys and treats, as well as a tiny plush bathrobe, a spa basket full of lavender-scented bath products, and even DVDs to keep them occupied when you’re out of the room. The hotel also provides a list of off-site amenities, some with discounts for guests enrolled in the Dream Dog experience, from “pet psychics” to “pet event planners” and even “pet taxis.”

Now, we realize that some of this might seem a little ridiculous, but is a drop of over-the-top such a bad thing, for you or your pet? If your pet gets to relax, so do you—and isn’t that what vacation is all about?

Summer's Top 10 Pet-friendly Vacation Destinations

Memorial Day is just around the corner and on its heels is summer break. Grab the kids, the swim gear and hit the road
— but, oh, wait, what about Spot and Fido? Bring them along, too!

There's no reason the family pet should be excluded from the family vacation, especially considering the number of pet-friendly options. From RV'ing across country to going for a day trip to the local state park, families and pets can enjoy summer vacationing together more now than ever before.

1. The YMCA of the Rockies. Nationally recognized as one of the country premier vacation destinations, the YMCA of the Rockies has two pet-friendly vacation locations in the Colorado Rockies. The Estes Park Center offers beautiful trails for canine-friendly hiking and every Friday during July, a Yappy Hour is hosted for canine guests. Yappetizers and doggy drinks will be served and special guests will give presentations on subjects such as canine nutrition, obedience and agility, and veterinarian advice. At the second location, near Winter Park, dog owners seem to love the serenity of Snow Mountain Ranch and the wide variety of trails available for them and their pets.

Both locations offer a wide variety of activities exclusively for humans, including mini golf, disc golf, swimming, fly fishing, rafting, horseback riding, guided hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, arts and crafts centers, day camp programs, and family nature programs. For more information, visit www.ymcarockies.org

2. Victorian Inn. Perfect for a delicate doggie's sensibilities is the Victorian Inn, in Monterey, Calif. The historic inn offers a pooch-friendly package that comes with two treats: "Love Me, Love My Dog" includes cozy, specially designed accommodations for two humans and one hound, souvenir water bowls, tail wagging doggie snacks, a beach toy; and for the pet owners, continental breakfast buffet and an evening wine and cheese reception. Each room has a fireplace — the perfect place for pooches to curl up and nap.

Near to shops and the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and with its wide open, pet perfect beaches, extensive oceanfront walking paths and dog-friendly attitude, Monterey is the epitome of a dog's life. Plus, your adventures might win you a prize. Each month, the hotel's staff picks one favorite "Fido-in-Monterey" photo for a complimentary one-night stay at the Victorian Inn. But the Victorian Inn does more than just give weary travelers a respite, it also helps homeless animals. Ten percent of every "Love Me, Love My Dog" package is donated to the SPCA for Monterey County. For more information, visit www.victorianinn.com

3. Canine Club Getaway. Described as the "Club Med for Dogs," Canine Club Getaway only happens in 2010 from June 2 to June 6 at Lake George, NY. The all-inclusive, resort-style 4-day getaway holds dozens of activities daily, such as swimming — where dogs are allowed in the pool — agility classes, hiking, Frisbee, lure coursing, flyball, doggie skateboarding, canine CPR, as well as "barks and crafts."

In addition, there are daily seminars by expert trainers and veterinarians on topics including Emergency Canine First Aid, Dog Psychology 101 and Training Fusion. While dogs are allowed everywhere — from seminars to the bar and dining areas — plenty of "human friendly" activities are offered: horseback riding, country line dancing and an on-site spa. For more information, visit www.canineclubgetaway.com

4. Su'ruff Camp. In Cali, the surf's up and for dogs, that means the Fifth Annual Dog Surfing Competition! As part of Loews Hotels' award-winning Loews Loves Pets program, the May 22nd surf event is raising money this year for the San Diego Police Department Unit. Through the course of the "surf dog" weekend, a special room rate applies — plus, all surf dogs receive a pet placemat, food and water bowls, dog tags, treats and scoop bags. For entering the competition, doggie contestants get surf shorts or a bandana.

But if you can't make it out for the May event, Coronado Surfing Academy offers doggie surf lessons nearly year round, in partnership is Loews Coronado Bay Resort. For more information, visit www.loewssurfdog.blogspot.com

5. Unleashed Dog Parks. If someone said "doggie park" and "summer vacay" in the same sentence you may be less than enthused, but Unleashed Dog Park isn't your ordinary doggie playdate locale. Located in Dallas, Texas, it's a giant (at 50,000-square feet of special K-9 turf) indoor dog amusement park. As the nation's first indoor, off-leash play park, it also offers shopping, dining and dog services, such as "paw-cures" and blueberry facials for both owners and pets. With day care services also provided, the family can get out and enjoy the nearby lakes and water parks, as well as other tourist attractions in Dallas. For more information, visit www.unleasheddogparks.com

6. Queen Mary 2. Known as the largest passenger vessel currently sailing the seas, the Queen Mary 2 is also reported to be the only cruise which allows pets to join their owners on deck. Operated by Cunard Line, the "Pets on Deck" program offers Queen Mary 2 canine passengers fresh-baked biscuits at turn-down, a choice of beds and blankets, and even a QM2-logo coat. The kennel program is overseen by a full-time kennel master, while the kennels and adjacent indoor and outdoor walking areas are open throughout the day, so guests can spend time with their pets.

But the program is not just for dogs. Cats are invited too, and either sort of pet will get a portrait with their owners, a crossing certificate and personalized cruise card. For information, visitwww.cunard.com

8. EPIC Hotel. Fees here and there add up when travel plans include the family pet, yet, in downtown Miami, Kimpton's EPIC Hotel doesn't see the four-legged family member as an extra cost: Pets stay free! Various pet-friendly services and amenities are available including restful accommodations in a luxury guestroom; VIP (Very Important Pet) amenity; pet bowl and pet bed; leash and plastic bags for dog walks; as well as pet sitting, grooming, walking and massages.

If your suite needs even more puppy love, Kimpton's Guppy Love Program is available at EPIC, where guests can request a live goldfish to stay overnight in their guestroom, never worrying about caring for their fishy friends because hotel staff provides daily feedings and care. For more information, visit www.epichotel.com

9. Colorado Springs. Yes, the Colorado city and the surrounding Pikes Peak region has been named one of the nations pet-friendliest by Men's Health and Forbes.com. Boasting of mountain scenery chalked full of trails and open spaces, the destinations screams adventure and is home to seven dog parks. Pet-friendly accommodations exist for both dogs and cats, while attractions and activities run the gamut, including Buckskin Joe Frontier Town & Railway where pets go where you go, on a horse-drawn trolley into town or on the train ride; Cripple Creek District Museum, Garden of the Gods Trading Post, Historic Manitou Springs and Manitou Cliff Dwelling are all sites, among others, open to leashed pets; and, Wilderness Aware Rafting and Royal Gorge Bridge & Park offer free kennel services while the family enjoys the rides.

With most shops and restaurants being pet-friendly, even offering treats and water, the Colorado Springs region is a pet owner's paradise. For more information, visit www.VisitCOS.com

10. Alexandria, Va. For the history buffs, this town is complete with trivia-rich sites that also happen to be pet-friendly. With 15 pet friendly hotels in price ranges to suit most travel budgets, the city offers many seasonal outdoor dining areas for families with pooches, while various tours are completely open to leashed canines, including Arlington Cemetery, George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate and the Torpedo Art Factory Center. Going for a cruise up the Potomac River is also a canine option, as well as a walking tour of Alexandria, a hike on the Mount Vernon Trail and, of course, several dog parks. For more information, visit http://gosoutheast.about.com/od/familybudgettravel/tp/dog_friendly_alexandria.htm.

More photos from the Dog & Baby event