DOGGIE STYLE - MUNGO & MAUD

Well, now that I have your attention!  (tisk tisk…mind out of the gutter people)

So thrilled to share a special guest blog post from a dear friend of mine & former roommate (so I can attest to that everything she says in the first paragraph is true!). When I knew I wanted to feature a post on all things stylish for doggies I knew exactly where to turn; not only is Kristin a wonderful writer, meticulous editor and big time dog lover she is one of the funniest people I know (she also put a life jacket on her dog for a ferry ride to Cape Cod - enough said). I adore her & her sweet pooch Lucy who just might be the worlds cutest boxer - I mean seriously, look at the photo below, it's total cuteness overload! Pet products & fashions are a huge market for the animal fanciers out there and we hope to share more pet related posts with you in the future featuring all the wonderful items available out there for your furry friends...I hope you enjoy reading today's special find...xo, dns

Hi!  So two years ago, if you were to ask any of my friends or family members who would be the least likely to own a dog (ever), I would have bet that a solid 90% would answer with my name.  Why?  Allow me to explain:  dogs = dirt (I hate…no, I detest dirt); dogs = slobber (um, gross); and dogs = shedding (gross and annoying, especially since more than half of my wardrobe is black).  I like/have to have things in order (or “just so” if you will…think neat stacks in alpha-order, right angles and labeled bins)…where dogs, quite frankly, only care about turning a room upside-down.  So fast forward to announcing my dog’s adoption, the response ~ “Wait, does she even like dogs?” ~ was not a surprise.  Clearly, nobody would have ever predicted how in love I am with my boxer pup, Lucy – and all things dog!


meet Lucy

Contrary to my “pre-Lucy” belief, you can have a little canine fashion plate without dressing them up like they’re dolls or carrying them around in a bag that most people would feel fortunate using for their own personal use (no offense to those who do this…well, sort-of).  This brings me to my favorite “dog and cat outfitter” ~ London’s treasured Mungo & Maud.  Founded in 2005 with the aim of “sourcing and creating elegant, well-designed accessories to complement the contemporary home and lifestyle,” husband and wife team Michael and Nicola Sacher have unleashed (no pun intended…ha!) a range of dog and cat products that have remained true to their original design methodology focused on timeless style and superior quality.  Sure, there are a bazillion pet boutiques out there (mostly selling plush “Chewy Vuiton” and “Bark Jacobs” bags and “Jimmy Chew” “Manolo Barknik” and “Dolce & Grrrbana” dogsigner shoe toys…I sh*t you not) – but they’re far from practical.  Mungo & Maud products are “minimalist yet tactile with a strong use of natural materials such as cotton, wool, leather and linen” – trust me, they are top dog (or cat’s meow).

Michael and Nicola Sacher in front of their store in the heart of London’s Belgravia

on Elizabeth Street near Sloane Square

Below are some of my Mungo & Maud favorites for the home, for the “mommies and daddies” and most importantly for those furry four-legged munchkins we love so much (yup, I’m now “one of those”).

For the pooch’s pad:

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Hand Woven Leather Bed (shown here in chocolate) – stylish, classy and made from the finest Italian leather (yup, seriously)…

There’s the Classic Dog Bed (in pink) – upholstered in a comfy woven cotton with linear stitched edges and a quilted cushion base.

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So a blanket is  Did you have a favorite “blanky” when you were little?  If you did, then you’ll totally be able to relate to how attached your pup will become with this “Languages” Wool Blanket (if you didn’t have one, you may be the one becoming attached to it).

This oak wood framed Double Wooden Dog Bowl set with stainless steel bowls will make any meal a gourmet feast.

Or maybe these Illustrated Ceramic Dog Bowls are more your style…

I can’t think of a more tasteful way to store you dog’s kibble than in this crisp white-washed steel Dog Food Storage Canister, can you?

I’m sure many-a-paw have been caught in this Illustrated Treat Jar…

So back to our childhood…remember the potty training book Everyone Poops by Taro Gomi?  Well…it’s true, doggies included – but unfortunately not always where they’re supposed to when they’re a puppy.  Lucky for us, this brand concocted a hypoallergenic, all-natural remedy to clean up those little, eh-hem…mishaps – aptly named Mishap Spray, scented with lavender and eucalyptus.

For the poochie mamas and papas:

Believe it or not, this oh-so-stylish brand for dogs (and kitties too) even features its own line for people.  I’m not gonna lie…I clicked on the “humans” page while peeking through one eye and slightly scrunching my nose with equal parts of fear, curiosity and hope on how this would all translate into human clothing line.  Somewhat surprised, I opened my other eye to excitedly begin perusing a modish collection dubbed “Mungo & Maud Walk.”

Here are a few pieces for us peeps – the tailored Puffer Vest (in chamois) and a selection of fine cashmere accessories…the Cashmere Pashmina (in navy), the rib knit Cashmere Hat (in navy) and coordinating rib knit Cashmere Gloves (in navy):

               

All put together for an effortless and sophisticated winter walk look!

Speaking of walks…I have to say that having a dog of my own has forced me to take more walks in a week than I would have normally in a month (maybe even several months).  There is one glaring difference between a leisurely stroll by myself or with a friend and that of one with my pup though.  Potty breaks!  If you happen to be of the opinion that accessories for “the business” can’t be fabulous, you simply have not seen what this brand has to offer in that department.

Biodegradable Poop Bags – they’re environmentally friendly and (you know what, I’m just going to leave it at that)…

The baggies can even be stored in this adorable little Poop Pouch Leaf (in stone) – constructed of soft leather and a colorful loop to conveniently attach to a lead…so much cuter than using leftover plastic grocery bags!

If you have more to carry than just stuff for “the business” on your walk, check out this adjustable cotton canvas Sling Bag with camel colored, calf leather accents (try saying that five times fast)…designed by Yasmin Le Bon, it’s a must-have.

                                                                                                                 

And last, but certainly not least – for the pooch:

One of the most stressful items to buy for our four-legged family members is a coordinating collar and lead set.  Yes, I describe this process as being stressful.  Think about it…it’s the only thing they (should) wear, so it needs to sum up their HUGE personalities with such tiny amounts of fabric.  Usually I have a tough time finding a set that I like…however, in this case it’s difficult to find a set that I don’t like.  Here are a few sets that will surely give your pup something to bark about!

The “Alba” (designed by Yasmin Le Bon, in antarctica) – is a blended cotton webbing with soft leather trim.  It looks deceivingly delicate, but it’s totally durable.

The “Rope” (in natural) – is classically designed with thick cotton, brown leather trim and sturdy brass hardware.

Here’s a set that you can’t miss (literally)…thanks to its white reflective strip.  The “Canvas Reflector” collar and lead (in navy) are perfect for evening walks.

   

The “Preppy” (in beige/red) – made from striped canvas with calf leather trim, will have your dog looking too cool for school!  Sorry…popped collars not available (heh-heh).

                                                                                                                                          

     A collar is not complete without the perfect adornment, right?  Luckily the brand has a variety of darling brass and silver dog tags to choose from and engrave…my favorite, this Brass Paw – it’s so sweet it just melts my heart.

Maybe you have a bone to pick with your dog…or your dog has a bone to pick with you?  Either way, how about picking up a few of these bones!  This Rubber Dog Bone (in pistachio) is a perfect choice for a teething puppy.

If your pup has a softer side, try the Hemp Striped Bone (in red) or the Crochet Bone (in natural).  Warning…they squeak!

          Another soft and squeaky option is this Fleece Lamb (in grey) – so, so cuddly…

…or even these Soft Pebble Toys named “Portia” and “Pierre.”  Again, these cotton cuties come with that same warning…squeak, squeak, squeak.

                                          

If your pup loves the game tug-of-war and/or loves to play catch, this Cotton Rope Ball (in blue) is the perfect 2-in-1 dog toy.

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After a day of play, pamper your pooch with this ““Petite Amande” Dog Shampoo – it smells so good it will have your dog sticking his or her nose up at any other brand.  It will not only leave your dog’s coat silky smooth and shiny – it can be used by people too!

Since there’s nothing worse than a wet dog (well, maybe a muddy wet dog) – after your pup is all spiffed up from their spa treatment, wrap them up in one of their cozy cotton towels.  I love this pink and white Striped Bone Towel…so fluffy.

 …and because I have yet to meet a dog that likes a bath, make sure to reward them with these delicious Organic Pumpkin Seed Dog Treats – baked and packaged in a delightful hessian draw-string bag.

Okay, okay…so I may have taken a couple teensy-weensy stabs here at those who dress their dogs, BUT I guess if you’re going to do it, this brand is the way to go.  Take this Puffer Dog Coat (designed by Yasmin Le Bon, in navy with red stitching) – it even has a little merino wool knit chest…pretty adorable, right?  It’s not too cutesy (bonus) and it doesn’t look like a Halloween costume (double-bonus)…it’s totally sporty and functional (homerun).

Now this thick cable knit Cashmere Pullover (in pink) is sure to spoil your little princess or handsome devil – how chic!  It’s a bit too elegant for my personal taste in doggie apparel, but I couldn’t help but throw this in.  Maybe they’ll create a version for their human “Walk” line (cough-cough).

And finally, check out the contrasting detail on this Armadillo Knit Pullover (in grey/emerald) – made especially for your canine companion from the finest quality merino wool (yup, just like the stuff in your very own sweater drawers).

…after all of these tasteful temptations though – please keep in mind that no matter how stylish the duds, some doggies just don’t like dressing up (meet little mr. case and point):

If you are lucky enough to live in London and can pop in and out of Mungo & Maud whenever you and the little heartbeat at your feet desire, I am truly envious.  For those of you who are in my boat (currently docked elsewhere) we have the luxury of shopping via their online store (all of the above-featured products can be found and purchased on their website); and at selected retailers in Europe (i.e. Harrods), North America (i.e. select Barney’s stores, as well as on Barneys.com) and Asia.

Until next time (hint…hint), licks and wiggles (from Lucy, of course)