Fashion Folklore

Labor Day is just around the corner and we all know what that means, we’re moving into a colder season and it’s time to re-vamp your wardrobe! Let’s take a moment to step back and re-visit our fashion etiquette: As the custom goes, Don’t let yourself or your pooch get caught wearing white after the long weekend. How did this stylish superstition originate? There’s no definitive answer, but suspicions point to temperature and the general rule of wearing darker, light-absorbing colors to stay warm. Another theory attributes the saying to an influx of Noveau-Riche into the middle class during the late 19th century who were given specific fashion do’s and don’ts to adhere to.

Whatever the case, Signafur can help keep your canine on the upper crust.
We suggest easing into September with a cuddly Cashmere Sweater or Coach Coat. Both pieces scream sophistication, style, and seasonable sensibility.

Interested in finding more fashion folklore? Click here!

Dog-Gone-It, The Story of a Crashing Canine

Over the past few weeks we've seen that dogs can surf, skate, rock climb, and even kayak. Driving narrowly missed making the list of canine talents when a Beijing pup put his paws to the pedal this past Monday. The dog's owner, identified only by her surname, Li, claims that her pooch loved watching her drive and would often nuzzle up next to the dashboard. Suspecting Bowzer may have an affinity for steering, Li put the pup behind the wheel and let him control the vehicle while she operated the gas and brake levers.

How did our furry friend fair? Not too well; reports claim that the dangerous duo veered into oncoming traffic shortly after Fido took the wheel causing the couple to crash head on with another motorist. No injuries were reported, but it looks like it will be some time before this puppy gets his permit.

Every Dog Has His Day Spa

The good life just keeps getting better for our four-legged friends who have become accustomed to the luxuries of designer clothes, aromatic shampoos, and ergonomically correct sleepers. So what's next in the world of pet pampering? Day spa's for doggy, gourmet canine birthday cakes, and personal stylists, according to recent trends.
Barkerytreats.com, a sweetshop that caters specifically to Bowzer, offers a scrumptious organic birthday cake made of wheat flour, carrots, honey, and yogurt. All products are high-quality and tailored to a dog's dietary limitations—including taste bud tickling truffles made with carob.
What’s the next big splash in the world of canine luxury? Jentle Pet, a self-cleaning doggy Jacuzzi by MTI Whirlpools. This puppy tub features a hand held shower extension and five full size point-massage water jets to keep your pet clean and cozy.

Know of fun pet products and services? Share them with us here!

The Weekend in Pet Fashion

This weekend marked the debut of SkyBark, the Boston-based pet social company at the Rack in Faneuil Hall. SkyBark incorporates furry friends into the howling nightlife scene inviting pet owners to bring their hounds out for a night on the town. Sunday's event commenced with on-site animal adoptions sponsored by the Animal Rescue League of Boston and carried into a joint runway event showcasing the most fetching in pet and people apparel. Dog's night out also included a canine cocktail bar where pups could partake in flavored refreshments. SkyBark offers a fun and friendly environment to mix with fellow dog enthusiasts and benefits two great causes—Much Love and the Animal Rescue League of Boston.

Know of events like this in your area? Share them with us here.

Doggy Howzer M.D., Hound Health Watch

Does Bowzer have a little extra meat on his bones? Just a few spare pounds can be detrimental to your pet's health. With all this talk of glitz and glamour, it's easy to forget the importance of staying fit, but remember that your furry fashionista needs to be exercised regularly.

An article published in the Washington Post states that, "About 40 percent of U.S. dogs are overweight or obese (yet almost half of pudgy-dog owners describe their animal's weight as "ideal"). Overweight canines are susceptible to other health complications such as diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, and cancer.

Chances are, if you lead a sedentary lifestyle; your dog is suffering because of it. If so, it's time for you and Fido to start a regular exercise routine. Start off with a brisk 15 minute walk 3-4 times a week, and as your endurance increases, move up in length and frequency.

Healthy hounds in their target weight have 15% longer life spans on average, so flaunt your fitness out on the streets, your dog will thank you for it.

For pet weight-loss tips, click here.

Puppy Goes Pollock

With brush in mouth, this remarkable pup is making strides in the art world, stroke by stroke. Netop, a three year old pooch from North Carolina, is using his creative talents to benefit the canine community. Netop discovered his hidden gift for modern art and began creating masterpieces at a young age. To date, this puppy Pollock has donated over 40 paintings and has been featured in his own exhibit at WHQR Studios in Wilmington, NC.

All proceeds from Netop’s artwork go to benefit the Pender and New Hanover County humane societies—a symbolically rich contribution, as it was Netop’s first residence. A true entertainer, Netop has already developed a career as a model and canine actor. Keep your eye on this accomplished young artist, there's no telling what's next.

Check out a video of Netop here!
Make your own Jackson Pollock here!

Signafur Sneak Peak, Spotlight on Millicent

Check out these funky fancy collars! We were lucky enough to spot these retro numbers while browsing through the new designs on display at Pet Fashion Week. It was love at first sight with these awesome creations by Millicent Designs.

These ultra-cool collars are a throw back to days gone by with their revitalized retro semblance. Meticulously detailed and brilliant, this fine neckwear mimics the classic styles found at Anthropologie and J.Crew. Millicent collars are hand made in New York and promise to add flair to any black tie affair. Each collar is carefully crafted and finished with a vintage broach. Let puppy sport a Millicent Fancy Collar to attend weddings, parties, or galas and rest assured that pooch is dressed to impress.


We are proud to be the exclusive web provider of Millicent Collars; these dangerously stylish pieces will be available for purchase shortly on Signafur.com. We have a plethora of exciting products lined up for our fall collection as we forge ahead to bring you the finest and funkiest the pet fashion world has to offer.

Keep checking back for new designers and fresh looks as we work our way into a new season of style.

Hang Twenty, Brah

This weekend in San Diego marked the first annual Dog Surf Competition. Hosted in Imperial Beach, 30+ canines took to the open sea to have fun in the sun and benefit the Pacific Animals Welfare Society (PAWS), a charity organization based out of Coronado designed to find homes for abandoned pets.
Pets and owners alike gathered their boards to show off their slickest moves. Canines were judged on length of ride, confidence, and style based on a 3-wave run. Generally, the smaller breeds had a more successful form because of their low center of gravity, but it didn't stop the big guys from getting out there and giving it their all.
The scene was strewn with Hawaiian shirts, custom boards, and beach boys tunes. Zoe, pictured in the upper left corner, displayed exceptional style and grace on the long board and took home the first place prize. All proceeds went to PAWS to aid in their efforts to build another shelter in the area.

Check out more pictures and details here
Need to brush up on your surf terminology? Click here.

Best in Show

Wow! NY Pet Fashion week wrapped up late yesterday, and left us with loads of ideas and inspiration to digest. We were amazed and impressed with the caliber of vendors, presenters, and designers.
This years Pet Expo included exhibitors from fourteen countries, making this a truly eclectic and international affair. Canines took over the catwalk accompanied by runway models in matching attire showcasing fresh talent in doggy designs. The fashion show was the work of up and coming pet fashion designers and displayed looks that were innovative, unconventional, and edgy. Among the list of jaw-dropping products was a $250,000.00 dollar dog collar crafted of precious metals and jewels.
Events like Pet Fashion Week promise big things for the canine couture industry and we can't wait to see what's next! This event gave us plenty of material to refine and a new perspective on next season's fashion. We are excited to add new products and styles to our collection, and will be giving sneak previews of our fall line-up right here on the blog.

Fall Fashion Forward

The forecast is in for fall's fashion climate--so don't let your pooch get left out in the cold. Now is the time to stock up on sweaters, boots, and hats to meet the new season with style. Predictions say the scene will be peppered with Plaids...The Welsh look is not just for Corgie's anymore. We recommend pairing a festive Plaid Jacket with a simple leather lead, for a look that screams sophistication. When puppy is feeling more playful, take her out for a promenade in a pair of pink Gooby Sneakers. Couple them with a matching Cashmere Sweater, and she'll have every tail in the dog park wagging.
Stay tuned for more fall fashion tips as Pet Fashion Week NYC kicks off August 20th and 21st.

Fall's Forecast in Fashion

Charlotte Reed, pet expert and entrepreneur of Two Dogs and a Goat, has released her predictions for this fall's hottest in pet fashion. As a regular columnist for Dog Fancy and Pets International, Reed has developed an acute eye for forecasting trends in the pet world.
So where will this season take us? Reed relayed in a recent press release to watch for more sophisticated styles by big name designers. She predicts tweed coats by Romy and Jacob, plaids by Thayer and Ridge, and even Trench-style coats by Burberry to be dominating the designer dog scene. Looming in your pet's future are also bright cashmere numbers by Ralph Lauren, argyle prints by Hedy Manon, and Swarovski embellished pieces by Oscar Newman.
What to do with all the new editions to puppy's wardrobe? Reed suggests specialty canine clothing hangers and doggy's own armoire.

For more pet fashion predictions, click here.

Fun Facts about Furry Friends

Things you may not know about your favorite breeds:

* The Doberman breed was created in the 1870's by German tax-collector, Louis Doberman, who bred the dog for protection. It is believed that the breed originated from the mix of cattle and shepherd dogs. In 1895, the dog was mixed with Manchester terrier and at the beginning of the 20th.Centuryy, Greyhound bloodline was introduced, producing the breed we recognize today.

* The name Pug is believed to have derived from this dog's resemblance to the pug monkey.

* Commoners in Imperial China were forbidden to own a Pekingese as it was a breed reserved for royalty.

* A Great Dane can eat up to 8.5 pounds of food per day!

* Whippets can reach a maximum speed of 35 miles per hour.

* The Taco Bell dog is actually a female, and her real name is Gidget.

* The "spring" in Springer Spaniel refers to this breed's ability to spring or startle game.

* The Basenji is the only barkless dog in the world. Among it's other mannerismsanorisms, the Basenji licks itself clean like a cat.

* Dalmatian puppies are born pure white and their spots develop as they mature. The Dalmatian breed originates on Dalmatian coast of Croatia.

* The first animal in space was sent into orbit on November 3, 1957 by the Soviet Union. Her name was Laika, meaning "barker" in Russian. She lived for 7 days in the vessel and proved to the world that animals could survive in outer space, a human followed in her footsteps 3.5 years later.

Hi-Tech Hounds

Britain's newest canine superstar, Ben the Dog, is taking his talents to the small screen...the very small screen, as lead role in a movie mini-series designed exclusively for the mobile phone. "Dog and Bone," written and directed by Andreas Hafele, is the world's first mini-series intended for the mobile phone. The BenQ-Siemens M81 mobile is scheduled for released later this month and will come pre-programmed with the first "Dog and Bone" episode.
The micro movie series features Ben the Dog in a number of quirky adventures trotting through central London, all the while toting his owner's mobile phone in mouth. Ben is unpredictable and adorable, his charm and on camera charisma are quickly making Ben the Dog the Lassie of the small screen.

Watch the first five episodes of "Dog and Bone" here.

Fit is Fashionable

Fit is fashionable, and canines everywhere are taking part in outdoor summer activities. This weekend in Central Park, I spotted a Teacup Chihuahua cruising around the city, sitting comfortably in the front basket of an old beach cruiser. Then later, while browsing through Modern Dog, I came across an article on surfing lessons for dogs offered in San Diego. These two instances sparked my interest, so I began researching dogs in extreme sports and found an overwhelming amount of material, including Part-X, the British Jack Russell who set the World Record for extreme doggy sports back in 2001 with an impressive display of rock climbing, swimming, and kayaking.
All this started me wondering, what notable activities are our customer's dogs involved in? Any aspiring bungee jumpers or hang gliders out there? Signafur would love to know what all these fashionable dogs are doing to stay fit. Send us your Dog's name, a description of his activities, and a picture if you like. The first five submissions will be recognized on the blog.

Easy on the Eyes

Doggles, designer doggy sunglasses, are the latest revolutionary trend in canine accessories. As a product that has proven to be not only chic and stealth, but also beneficial to your pet's ocular health; Doggles have definitely earned the phrase, "easy on the eyes." Doggles utilize 100% UV Protective, shatterproof polycarbonate lenses to give your dog the protection he needs from factors such as sun, wind, dust, and debris.
A commonly neglected area of concern in canine well-being; UV rays are known to cause Cataracts, Macular Degeneration, and complicate existing eye problems. Advanced stages of the conditions lead to a loss in the clarity of vision. Be cautious this summer, if your pet spends a considerable amount of time in the sun, he is potentially at risk for these problems.

Check out various Doggles Styles here

Dog Days of August

The heat is turning up around the nation and it's time to get out on the streets and flaunt your pup's fashionable attire. With increased temperatures, we've all had to retire puppy's chic Cashmere sweaters and faux fur boots for the moment. But don't fret my pet—there are still seasonally sound ways to stay stylish on your daily jaunts.
Canines, for a cool and instant transformation try:
• Pairing a funky vintage collar with a bright, solid colored lead.
• Keeping it simple with a trendy tank top
• Going Au Natural with a pair of Doggles doggie shades.

Pet Fashion Week NYC, Dogs on the Catwalk

Signafur is thrilled to announce our attendance of this year's hottest pet fashion extravaganza. Pet Fashion Week, a concept modeled after New York's trend setting annual fashion week, runs from August 19-20th and promises the latest in canine style and kitty couture. This high-end pet fashion feast starts with a trade show boasting over 150 exhibitors and culminates with dogs, dressed to the nines, taking over the catwalk in a runway show premiering the trendiest new street apparel. Packed with hot hounds in high fashion, this event is guaranteed to make waves in the canine couture industry.
As attendees, Signafur will be on the prowl for luxury pet products and signature styles to keep our customers on the forefront of canine fashion. Keep checking back for more info live from Pet Fashion Week 2006. Check out the entire lineup at www.petfashionweek.com