Have you ever been behind the scenes at a well-known designer’s atelier? What about backstage at a New York Fashion Week runway show? This week’s Just My Style is extra special, because we’re going to do just that! While for the past two weeks, celebrated pet couturier, Anthony Rubio, has weighed in on current trends and how to wear them and how to get the best fit for your pooch, today it’s all about what’s behind the curtain, the grit behind the glamour. Anthony has invited us into his studio to watch him work, and backstage for his Spring/Summer 2016 New York Fashion Week celebrated runway show, featuring pet and human fashion!

So, grab your favorite beverage, get cozy and let’s be voyeurs!

Just My Style: Behind the Curtain

by Anthony Rubio

A peek into my process – The Sketch & The Hunt!

For those who don’t know, New York Fashion Week presents a full season ahead. It descends upon New York City two times a year; in September for Spring fashion  and in February for the following Fall. As such,  designers have to research and get insight into what may be trending, if not make their own predictions for that coming season. Things I consider when predicting what will be hot, are what is being shown on runways in other locales like Paris, London, Milan, and even Dubai. Inspiration comes from where ever and when ever. Fashion, to me, is like religion. I read, eat, drink and dream fashion!

Anthony’s tools of the trade

While I originally studied women’s wear design at school, pet fashion is my priority. In preparing for my shows, I decide what direction I’d like to go, then begin basic sketching. The next step is the fun part I call “The Hunt!” Taking into account the season I’m presenting, I begin searching for the textiles. A lot of foot work and investigation is necessary. I refuse to skimp on materials. For me, quality is more important than price. While a discount is welcomed, I usually break the bank purchasing what I deem necessary to bring my designs to life.

In the studio, putting the finishing touches on an adorable outfit

 The design takes shape!

I try to create all of the canine designs first, and then coordinate or match the human designs afterwards. I create patterns, followed by mock ups of each design, where needed. I collect my mannequins and start draping the fabrics to make sure the chosen textile will work and meet my desired specifications.

Then, it’s time to cut and pin!  As the fabric takes shape on the dress form, it’s very exciting. Once I’m satisfied, I take the pinned fabrics and do my basting. For those who don’t know, basting stitches are usually long, spread out stitches done by hand to hold fabric pieces in place, prior to permanently sewing them. They can easily be pulled out, once you’ve permanently stitched. After basting, it all goes to the sewing machine!

After the garment has been sewn, I schedule a fitting with the pet or human model to make needed adjustments. Once done, I either steam or press the garment, depending on how delicate the fabric is, before I start doing any decorating or embellishing, which is a featured part of my designs.

Freshly created, ornate hats

Is your dog my perfect model?

There are a few things I consider when choosing who will walk in my runway designs. What dog or human model will meet the criteria to fulfill my dream presentation? I have a vision about how I want my designs to look on the runway and I do my best to choose models that will bring that to life.

I prefer to use seasoned models, but do bring in new dogs and humans. I’ve also been known to contact the local shelters to include a dog up for adoption, in order to do my part to bring much-needed attention to the plight of abandoned pets needing forever homes. Once casting is done, I’ll get the specific measurements of all the models. At this point, the production of my new creations begin!

Sometimes, my canine models are famous. Just below are Instagram dog stars @ChloeKardoggian, @EllaBeantheDog and @ChloetheMiniFrenchie. They might look like nervous models, but they were just relaxing backstage.

l to r: Chloe Kardoggian, Ella Bean, Chloe the Mini Frenchie

 What’s behind the curtain of a big runway show?

The most important garments in a runway show are the ones that open the show, because this sets the tone and get the most media coverage, and the grand finale, which must leave a memorable impression. This is the WOW moment that leaves the audience wanting more and looking forward to your next presentation. It can make or break a designer.

For my upcoming New York Fashion Week show on  February 14, I am presenting examples of the trends we discussed in the first post of this series. I’ll have metallics, faux furs, animal prints and lots of bling. I design every piece with the idea that any of them has the potential to either open or close my show. I couldn’t begin to tell you how many crystals, beads, stitches or trims have been utilized for a particular garment,  because I don’t limit myself and use as much as needed to get that garment to the level of my expectations.

Pre-Show Prep for Doggie Divas

It may be hard to believe but the canine models are the easiest ones to work with. There is no competitiveness or envy. They are here to please and don’t get stressed about showing. Before the show begins, they actually sleep and cuddle with their owners. I take advantage of this, and ask that the owners spend time with their chosen human model to get to know each other and for the dogs to acclimate and get comfortable. It’s important the dog feels safe when walking the runway. I want it all to be a seamless transition.

Model, Nicole, wrangles Magneto down the runway

In my SS16 show, we decided to break in a new canine model. Though he has a very sweet disposition, 110 lb+ Magneto, the Leonberger, was still a pup and very attached to his mommy. When he went out on the runway and saw all the people and flashing cameras, he suddenly wanted to bolt, but thankfully, I had assigned him an experienced and brave model, who reigned him in long enough to finish the presentation. They actually got some of the best photos and press of all the models!

Let the show begin!

When you’re orchestrating a runway show, every detail matters. I have to admit, and I’m embarrassed to say this, I help dress and then inspect each and every model before they go out onto that runway. Before that, I will have met with hair, make up people and groomers to stylize each look before they even get dressed!

Backstage preps; tensions and excitement are high!

There is so much tension and excitement rolled into pre-show set up back stage. I go into automatic mode, and suppress my nervousness while setting the order of each model to walk the runway. I try to get personal photos and film footage, but in strict confidence to the human models, prefer not to go public keeping this for my own personal archives.

At that moment right before the first model goes out, I give them a pep talk as a group, while my stomach does summersaults. I don’t show the stress or nervousness I feel, to avoid making the models nervous, too, but truth be told I get light headed at times!

The designer’s walk at the close of the show, with one of my favorites pieces from his runway

By the time the last model goes out, I will have an idea of the audience reaction. I take a deep breath and end the final model’s walk with my runway walk and bow. As I come off the runway, my knees get week, my eyes water and I finally exhale. We’ve done it.

Thank you, Anthony! I have goosebumps! For those who missed Rubio’s New York Fashion Week show last September, you can see it in its entirety, just below. Read on to discover what’s next!

Did you feel like you were there; could you imagine Anthony’s process and the anticipation of the show?

For those in and around New York or who want to travel to New York during New York Fashion Week, Anthony will be doing in his own runway show on February 14th at Gotham Hall, and as part of the famed New York Pet Fashion Show on February 11 at the Hotel Pennsylvania.

I’ll be there, as a presenter and Official Style Expert of the 2016 New York Pet Fashion Show, and as an excited spectator at Anthony’s own show, covering it to bring the most tantalizing fashion back to you, here on Bark & Swagger.

We still have two more weeks to go with Anthony in the Just My Style series. Tune in next week for a post I think you’ll love on DIY fashion, where Anthony will have a very special surprise for you!

Gypsy

Once I met my shelter dog, I was hooked. Jasper and Albie are teaching me more patience. Ani taught me to look beyond the exterior to the beauty inside a tough, frightened little girl. All grew my heart so big with love, that in a moment of bliss with our pups on the couch the other night, I exclaimed to my husband, ‘They’re a wealth of riches!’ What’s better than being surrounded by these beautiful souls who love us and who we love so much?

It’s Change A Pet’s Life Day, and Traer Scott’s stunning book, Finding Home; shelter dogs & their stories, illustrates in moving words and gorgeous photographs the many faces and stories of shelter dogs she’s encountered. I’ll be giving away a signed copy of Traer’s book, which you won’t want to miss. I promise you, this will be one you’ll treasure for years to come.

Meet some of Finding Home’s dogs…

Layla

Layla was never abused or mistreated. She was a very loved dog, whose family lost their home. Hope escaped the euthanasia needle twice; hers is a tale with an epic ending! Nala was surrendered because her family didn’t have time for a dog. Find out who she met and what happened next! Molly was surrendered after ten years with her owner because the woman was forced to move into elderly housing that didn’t allow dogs. Did this sweet senior find her forever?  Each of the 35 dogs featured in Scott’s book has a story and with all, it took a village.

Molly, the senior Golden

Some were helped by an incredible woman, Heather Gutshall, who founded Handsome Dan’s Rescue (HDR), one of the most notable rescue groups in the country. Handsome Dan’s was inspired and built around Vicktory Dog “and notorious snuggler, Handsome Dan.” The Vicktory Dogs were the survivors of severe abuse at the hands of NFL quarterback, Michael Vick and his cohorts, and their illegal dog-fighting business. While HDR doesn’t have a physical shelter, it is a network and rescue resource, working with many shelters helping to place pitbull-type dogs in danger of being euthanized in other facilities.

HDR is also dedicated to providing enrichment for dogs having a tough time with shelter life. A dozen volunteers are each assigned a particular shelter dog in desperate need of socialization and training. One of the special training courses several of the dogs featured have taken, which seems particularly effective, is called Pits and Pals C.L.A.S.S., which stands for Canine Life and Social Skills. The course is taught by Gutshall and helps prepare the dogs for adoption.

A percent of all proceeds from Finding Home will be donated to Handsome Dan’s Rescue and the Providence Animal Rescue League.

Traer Scott

Behind most thoughtful books of artistry lies the story of the artist.

Traer’s story…

Traer Scott is an award winning fine art and commercial photographer and author of six books. Scott’s 2006 book, Shelter Dogs, launched her career, capturing the hearts of dog lovers, garnering rave reviews, selling over 50,000 copies and raising tens of thousands of dollars for the ASPCA. As Scott shares in her Introduction, “So much has changed in my life since then. I traveled the world with a camera for several years; digital replaced film; I published five books; my darkroom became a nursery; I became a mom; my best friend of sixteen years died. But there are many more things that have not changed: I am still married to the man I love; I still live in the same terribly unfinished historic house; I still wish my hair were straighter; and I still marvel at how fortunate I am to do what I love every single day.”

Her work is exhibited around the world and has been featured in National Geographic, Life, Vogue, People, O, on the New York Times Lens Blog, Behold and dozens of other national and international print and online publications. Traer was the recipient of the 2010 Rhode Island State Council for the Arts Photography Fellowship Grant and the 2008 Helen Woodward Humane Award for animal welfare activism.

Nala

Traer’s passion is to help be the change for shelter dogs; to, through her haunting photos into the souls of the animals she shoots, help us connect with the beauty that is the shelter dog. Euthanasia rates are falling every year; we want that to continue until there’s no such thing as killing a healthy, adoptable animal. I’ve written about the myth of pet overpopulation several times on Bark & Swagger, after meeting and interviewing Nathan Winograd, the father of the no kill movement.

Callie

Change A Pet’s Life Day: The Giveaway!

It’s so easy to enter! You must be 18 or older and live in the U.S. And, you must be a part of the Bark & Swagger Family by joining our email list. If you already are, enter away!

The giveaway will run from January 23 at noon EST through Friday, January 29th at 11:59pm EST. The winner will be chosen at random. Good luck!

What’s your dog’s story? Share it here!

Photos by Traer Scott Photography©.

Purchase Finding Home.

Learn more about Traer Scott and her work.

Anthony, taking his bow, after his successful Sping/Summer ’16 New York Fashion Week Show.

Welcome to week 2 of our premiere Just My Style series with pet couturier, Anthony Rubio of Anthony Rubio Designs. This week Anthony is tackling the common issue of fit: what to look for, how to know when it’s not quite right and what you can fix yourself, best fabrics to buy and more.

So, grab your favorite beverage, get cozy and let’s go!

Fit by Anthony Rubio

Bogie in a sheer lace and sequined jacket by Anthony Rubio Designs.

When you’re talking fit, the best place to start is by measuring your dog. You may think everyone knows how and where to do this; but, not so!

When dressing your dog, the most important factor is comfort and safety. Your dog isn’t interested in color or design. What matters to him or her is feeling comfortable. With that in mind, here is an excellent measurement chart that will facilitate purchasing clothing. As I mentioned in my last entry, if your dog won’t walk with clothing on or tries to take it off, they are telling you they’re not comfortable and please don’t force them to wear what they’re not comfortable in. It can result in a negative experience for both of you. Now, on to my top tips to find the perfect fit!

How do you know when the fit isn’t right, if it’s not obvious?

Most of the time it will be visually obvious when a garment is il-fitting, but the best sign is the actual behavior of your dog. If a garment is even a little too tight, your dog may not walk properly or at all. If it’s too big, it may get in the way of them moving naturally or just look off. Take notice of any abnormal behavior when you’ve dressed your dog.

In the beginning stages of introducing clothing to your dog, especially if it is not a young dog, start out with very simple things like a bandana or bow tie.  Then, after a few days of that when you see your dog no longer notices it,  introduce a sweater or harness and, by all means, praise them to the skies and make a big deal about how the dog looks and pleases you. After all, that is what they really want. They want to show you love by making you happy. So, show that back to them.

Styles that work best for harder to fit body types

Many pet clothing manufacturers mass produce their garments, making it impossible to offers the spectrum of sizes needed to get a really good fit. It’s buying off the rack and settling for a size that kin of fits nicely, in small, medium or large. For your money,  the higher end garments will be numbered in actual sizes – 8, 10, 12, 14, etc. – which makes for a better fit.

Certain breeds have features unlike others. Dachshunds have elongated bodies and short legs, as do Corgis. A sweater or coat off the rack will mean the dog is not completely covered.

Breeds like Boxers or French and English Bulldogs and Boston Terriers, among others, have barrel chests so, again, off the rack will usually not fit correctly, unless designed by someone specifically for those breeds, of which there are a few. One option is tailoring, but the best option is to get something custom fitted. Go ahead and spend a few extra dollars to get a perfect fit in materials that will last longer. Isn’t your dog so worth it?

I have a client who owns four Leonburgers. For those not familiar with the breed, they are very large, long-haired,  docile and majestic creatures. Because of their size, the client wanted a good, comfortable fit and because her dogs are celebrities in their own right, she also wanted them to look and feel great. From the beginning, I made it clear that comfort was most important and that all garments must be kept simple so as not to take away from the magnificent appearance of her dogs. I designed harness/vests for the runway or their events, easier to put on.  Now, I’m designing garments that will close on the back instead of the front. This allows for quicker and easier dressing.

A model with Leonberger, Magneto, during New York Fashion Week 2015, both wearing Anthony Rubio designs. Photo credit Ken Alcazar

What types of fabrics offer the most comfortable fit for dogs?

I’ve found that breathability and fabrics with stretch or give work best. Fabrics that don’t breath can trap cold or hot air, making the dog too cold or hot, something that is uncomfortable, yes, but in more extreme conditions could be dangerous. Fabrics that give or have a stretch to them allows your dog to feel as if that garment moves with them with no obstructions. If they don’t have to think about the garment but enjoy the warmth of it, let’s say, then the dog is happy and you will be, too!

I’ve found a large variety of fabrics with give. I have even found formal fabrics with sequins, as seen on Magneto (above). There are also stretch satins and velvets for tuxedos and gowns.

Kimba in a gorgeous, roomy riot of color by Anthony Rubio Designs

What types of fit problems are correctable DIY style vs. what should be sent back?

If a simple tuck or dart can be applied to a garment for a better fit, then it’s a keeper. If the garment is too tight, constricting and does not allow for any kind of adjustment, it should go back.

One last tip…

If you purchase a garment with velcro closures, please check that there are no sharp corners that can pinch. I have taken to rounding out the edges of the velco usually before attaching to the garment, but you can carefully cut the sharp corners off to round those edges.

In summary, shopping for your dog should be fun and dressing them, a good experience for you both. If a fabric feels soft and inviting to you, it probably will to your dog. If it has some stretch and fits well, you’re probably on your way to a fashion moment of the positive kind. If you can, go custom; you may never go back. There’s nothing like it for fit and control over fabric, styling, details. Happy shopping, everyone!

Stay tuned next week, when I’ll take you behind the scenes in my atelier, as I prepare for New York Fashion Week!

Do you have a fit challenge with your dog? Ask Anthony!

For more information on Anthony and to order his designs.

If you like what you just read, join the Bark & Swagger Family to get all the fresh, fun fashion news first.

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Personal advice and tips from a famous pet fashion designer? I’m in; what about you?! The pet fashion landscape has become overwhelming. So many choices. Chic or so no; fabulous or forgettable; stripes, plaids, black & whites…how do we know what’s in style and how to wear it or find great fashion before anyone else?  That is the Bark & Swagger mission, so I’m excited to kick off 2016 with the first of many series on fashion, home decor, travel and more.  It’s called Just My Style, and the premiere series features one of the most sought-after pet designers, Anthony Rubio, to give us his tips on what’s hot and how to wear the trends.

Rubio with Bogie & Kimba on the beach in Atlantic City in winter. Photo credit: Robert Robb

You’ll even get a DIY pattern from the famous pet couturier, something Anthony just doesn’t do. And, in Week 4, Rubio will take you behind the scenes of his atelier, sharing what its really like to be a prolific pet designer. Are you excited? I am! So, without further adieu, let’s dive right into trending fashion right now, and the expert tips on how to wear them.

A bit about Anthony…

His creations have been worn by some of the most famous dogs on the cat walk, with Anthony Rubio Designs featured on Good Morning America, Today, Fox’s Good Day New York, CNN, USA Today and Sports Illustrated, among others.  They are strictly couture and are considered collectible art, inspired by anything from movies to fairy tales and, of course,  by the best women’s wear couturiers of Europe. His personal muses are twin four-year-old Chihuahuas, Bogie (named after Humphrey Bogart), and Kimba (named for the famous Japanese anime hero).

Bogie and Kimba have traveled the world with Anthony, showcasing his intricate and beautiful fashion in breathtaking settings. In 2012, Rubio became the first pet designer to show at New York Fashion Week, and he’s been commissioned by the Pepsi Cola Company, Macy’s, Saks Fifth Avenue and General Motors, among many others.

In Rome
Photo credit: Robert Robb

If you’re not yet convinced we’ve got greatness in the house, Anthony is also a big pay-it-forward person. One third of all sales of his creations are donated to select charities that benefit the well being of shelter animals looking for forever homes. We love that!

Anthony and the boys in Paris 
Photo credit: Robert Robb

Just My Style: Week 1 – Trending Fashion & How to Wear Them

by Anthony Rubio

What’s hot right now?

In fashion, the sky is the limit, as far as choices of colors and patterns are concerned. So take your cue from your own taste and the personality of your pet. One important point I make with my clients is not all pets are receptive to being dressed, and they will show you by their behavior. They may try to take the garment off or not want to walk. I believe we have to respect that, because our pets don’t have a voice. If yours loves to dress, be careful not to overdo, dressing them in clothes, boots, hats, necklaces, bracelets, sunglasses at one time. Not only does it look way overdone, but, unless it’s for a quick photo,  it could be very uncomfortable for your animal. OK, enough said. On to my favorite trends!

Chunky, tweedy, leopard prints on acid

For this season, who doesn’t like the comfort of a cuddly, warm sweater? Chunky, cable knits are in and look fabulous, while giving your pet the flexibility to move naturally.

I love pet fashion that mimics human clothing, and this season tweeds, plaids and animal prints are very on trend. They’re elegant and make for great statement pieces. Imagine how amazing you’d look with a  coordinated ensemble with your pet? Tres chic!

Shop his couture at AnthonyRubioDesigns.com

Leopard prints have been on trend for many seasons. But this year, they’ve gone far out, perhaps influenced by last year’s obsession with 60’s/70’s fashion era. Leopard prints in psychedelic colors is what’s happening now. This Dog in the Closet Ava Dress in electric pink and red, also features a black fleece scarf and wool felt flower pin.

Shop this at BitchNewYork.com

I came across this UK brand, Dog & Co’s Black Watch Tartan Dog Kilt, which showcases both the plaid and military style trends beautifully.

Shop the Black Watch Tartan Kilt at DogsandCo.com

Soft & fluffy like a marshmallow

Marshmallow colors are a big trend and, with Pantone having chosen the tranquil Rose Quartz and Serenity Blue as the dual colors of 2016, they fit right in. This Heavenly Beasts cape and Inamorada sweater showcase the trend very nicely.

Shop the cape at BarkandSwagger.com/our-shop

Shop these at www.barkandswagger.com/our-shop

Metallics, Snow White (Faux) Fur

Metallics are also fashion forward, but this year, they may have neck to tail sequins, like Kimba’s, or even more encrusted crystals than before. The silver metallic skull vest also shows the snow white fur trend, in faux, of course. Make metallics or sequins your key apparel piece or one accessory. Kimba is modeling for the runway, but it’s easy to overdo for everyday life or even a special occasion. And, look for sequins or metallics that compliment your pet’s fur color.

Bogie & Kimba rocking the metallic and snow white fur, faux, of course, that’s trending. Photo credit: Robert Robb

Sequins for days…
Shop his couture at AnthonyRubioDesigns.com
photo credit: Suica Patricia

Designed by Orostani Couture. Shop the vest at BitchNewYork.com

Indigenous Cultures

I love this trend and will be featuring it for the upcoming New York Pet Fashion Show, but you’ll have to wait until then to see what I’m creating now. This Billy Wolf Cassidy coat with shearling lining will give you an idea of what the trend is, but rest assured, I’ll be adding dazzle to this trend in my pieces! :-

Shop this coat at ShopDogandCo.com

In Summary

Trends are fun to follow and there will always be new ones and those that endure. But, my best advice is to follow your instincts and choose for your pet what you love and know looks great on them. If you include some of these trends, don’t overdo; one key piece is enough. And, most important, make sure they love what they’re wearing, too. Keep them comfortable and warm and choose clothing that breathes. There’s nothing better than seeing a dog strutting his or her stuff, knowing they look great and feel great, too. Enjoy!

Anthony, Bogie & Kimba, ever the stylish New Yorkers.
Photo credit: Robert Robb

I ♥ Pitbulls and Bully breed mixes, don’t you? Helen Keller did; she shared her life with her beloved Pitbull mix, Sir Thomas. Our Gang Little Rascals loved their Pittie, Petey. President Teddy Roosevelt relied on his Pete for a macho image, although Pete was in fact, a lover boy. Both World Wars utilized the brave and loyal Pitbull and General Patton had one of his own. Jessicas Biel and Alba both have beloved Pits, as does Jon Stewart and Rachel Ray. Can all of these smart people be wrong about this breed? No! And, award-winning writer and videographer, Larry Kay, delivers touching, happy Pitbull videos on his Positively Woof YouTube Channel that shows what the power of love and positive training can do.

Bullies rescued by Pet Orphans of Southern California are highlighted in one series of Larry’s video stories (one of the Pittie ones made me teary, in a good way, today). Subscribe to his channel and see the behind the scenes of how they rehabilitate an abandoned or abused dog.

Louie’s Story

When Louie arrived, he was so so sad

Louie’s videos clearly demonstrate how a dog originally thought to be aggressive in the stressful, kill shelter environment, can unfold into the loving, happy being he is in a positive, caring one. Louie was rescued by Pet Orphans from a shelter where he was scheduled to be euthanized. He had a severe case of mange. Once physically healed and receiving lots of love and positive training, you can clearly see Louie for who he really is. It make my heart feel big to see he got the second chance he so deserved.

This is a must see video for anyone who loves Pitbulls or for those who are frightened or wary of them. There are other videos about Louie and his progress on the channel, as well as videos on many other dogs, rescued by Pet Orphans, all with their own stories.

The two Lou’s.

Louie has his own Facebook page under Lucky, Lovable Louie, his own Instagram account and is currently being fostered by a woman whose dog they call Lil Lou. All their posts are hashtagged #loutimestwo, in case you want to find these adorable and wonderful pics on Facebook. I couldn’t resist pulling a couple for you. Please share them; Louie is still looking for his forever home.

To see Louie’s and Trusty’s videos and lots more, subscribe to the Positively Woof YouTube Channel here.

To learn more about Pet Orphans, go here.

Do you have an inspiring story of how training and love rehabilitated a dog? Share it with me!

Gone are the days when the sock gift was the “ugly Christmas sweater of the feet,” as writer Liana Satenstein aptly put it. Socks have become fashionable, according to Vogue, so it must be true! 🙂 Ok, I’ve always loved a quirky sock. But now, women of style are wearing them with their Manolo’s, oh my! Brands like Stance are making ultra cool ones for men and women and ultra cool men and women are buying and wearing them. What the fashion elite don’t realize is that doggies have been rocking adorable socks for a few years now. You can go onto Amazon.com or BitchNewYork.com and find whimsical, awesome, colorful and very affordable socks for dogs. And, on Amazon, you can find dog-centric socks for you, so you can rock the sock look together. Loving that!

Here are some of my faves for dogs and humans:

The Scream sock – how cool are they?

Rihanna is rocking a total look

Star Wars Collection Socks from Stance

Punk n Patch Stance Rihanna Collection Socks

What do you think of the novelty sock trend? Would you wear them? Do you have socks for your dog?

Who knows Tinkerbelle? No, not the one with the wings and twinkle toes, although some many say that this Tinks has those, too. I’m talking @Tinkerbellethedog, the Instagram sensational pixie with more than 60,000 followers, a dog model who’s worked for Ralph Lauren and Coach. I’m talking celebrity birthday party favor giveaway, dahlink!

What? A birthday party? Favors? Giveaway? Oh, yes!

Tinks is a friend and her mom, Sam, invited Bark & Swagger to her big birthday pawty recently. It was a major bash in a loft space in New York City. There was music, yummy food for pups and people and even a performance by Orange is the New  Black and The Big C actor and rising vocal star, Gina Naomi Baez. Only those invited left with a special goodie bag, and I got one for you!  One lucky winner will receive the Tinkerbelle the Dog  party bag, filled with fun items for you and your pup:

• an adorable pink and natural canvas clutch, with a fleur-de-lis pattern and a DHC revitalizing under eye mask sample inside for you to try
• a 2.6 oz tub of Modern Oats Chocolate Cherry all natural oatmeal, with whole grains, seeds and nuts, Gluten-free and Non GMO. Good stuff and yummy!
• a bag of Ry’s Ruffery’s Healthy Dog Treats. Ryan appeared on an early episode of Shark Tank and got a deal with Barbara Corcoran. His grain-free treats for dogs took off and they can now be found all over the country. This one is with peanut butter and is made with love in the U.S.A. Their motto is No fillers; No chemicals; no by-products; no way!
• a Gina Naomi 6-song You and Me EP. Gina debuted some of these songs at the event and this is a limited edition item. Her You Tube channel, co-starring Tinkerbelle, features music videos and covers of popular songs and has garnered national recognition from The Huffington Post, MTV, Perez Hilton, FOX and more. Gina’s cover of Frozen‘s “Let It Go” went viral, while her original song, “Cupcakes,” aired nationally on New York’s 95.5 PLJ and Z100’s “Elvis Duran and the Morning Show” and then went viral, raking in over 100,000 views. This EP is described as melodic, drawing from both country/folk and pop influences.
• a Boot Rescue sample. Wipes away dirt and damaging salt stains to save your favorite boots, perfect for this time of year.
• an adorable Tinkerbelle the Dog I ♥ Tinkerbelle the Dog sticker. I have one at the edge of my computer screen. Looking at her makes me smile.

All the goodies come in a cute Tinkerbelle bag.

The Giveaway!

To enter, answer one question: what stories do you like best on Bark & Swagger:

FashionSTYLE/LifeSTYLE

Rescues/ShelterSTYLE

Giveaways

You must be a member of the Bark & Swagger Family to enter, so join our email list if you haven’t. The giveaway will run from Tuesday, January 5 at 9pm EST to Monday, January 11 at 11:59pm EST.

And, follow Tinkerbelle on Instagram.

Good luck!