Dogmom's Dish

Doggie DNA Testing

Mimi and her favorite play date Sydney are both rescue pups of 'indeterminate parentage'. Although we're pretty sure that Mimi's a Chow-Shepherd mix, Sydney's ancestry has been a bit more mysterious...until now. His proud mom dropped him off today and told us the results of his Doggie DNA Test. Who knew there was such a thing??  We all figured that he was part terrier and something else -- Australian cattle dog being the best guess. Turns out the mix is 'unspecified terrier' and 'German Shorthair Pointer'. Makes a ton of sense, since he doesn't like to herd, he just prefers a good run. I hope this test gets more publicity and wider distribution...what a great way to get useful information about your pooch!!

DogMom in the New York Times

It's our fave paper for the Arts & Entertainment and Travel sections, but we now love it because they quoted us! (-:  Thanks to YOU, Dish Fans for making us successful and as a heart-felt THANKS, free-shipping to anyone who emails/comments on the article ):

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SAN FRANCISCO — Acknowledging that most online shoppers cannot be bothered with auctions, eBay plans Wednesday to announce changes to its fee structure that emphasize fixed prices over bidding. The move is intended to help eBay compete more effectively with Amazon.com and other big online retailers.

The announcement, timed to increase sales during the holiday shopping season, is just one of the changes eBay has made in the last few months aimed at reducing its dependence on its auction business, which is growing more slowly than fixed-price sales. It provides yet more evidence that consumers are losing interest in auctions now that online shopping sites have become more affordable and easier to use.

“Buying online has changed,” said Scot Wingo, chief executive of the market research firm ChannelAdvisor. “Retail sites no longer make customers choose between convenience and price.”

Lower upfront fees will enable sellers to offer a bigger selection, helping eBay better compete with fixed-price retailers, Mr. Wingo said. “The current system puts eBay at a disadvantage.”

Among the changes being announced Wednesday is a new pricing plan for sellers who offer fixed-price items in eBay’s “Buy It Now” format. Starting in mid-September, sellers will pay only 35 cents to list an item for 30 days, a reduction of about 70 percent in upfront fees. EBay also announced that it would no longer allow most customers to pay by check or cash, a change aimed at curbing fraud. Users will need to pay with a credit card or through eBay’s PayPal online payment service.

John Donahoe, eBay’s chief executive, has vowed to make eBay a better place for buyers and return the company to more solid growth. Last month eBay said that gross merchandise volume, the sum of all transactions on the eBay marketplace, grew only 8 percent in its most recent quarter, a sharp reduction from the double-digit growth of previous quarters. While revenue was up 20 percent to $2.2 billion, the rise was fueled mostly by growth in advertising, global classifieds and PayPal.

The company’s auctions business generated 57 percent of the company’s revenue in the most recent quarter, but growth has slowed.

“Clearly there’s a strong buyer preference for fixed price,” said Lorrie Norrington, president of eBay Marketplace, which includes the eBay site.

Rhonda Shrader, who sells women’s clothing on eBay from her home in South San Francisco, said she had already moved most of her sales to a fixed-price format. She was pleased that eBay was reducing the fees sellers pay to list items. That way, she said, she could offer a bigger selection. Most of her customers are professional women who know exactly what they need and are looking for a reliable, convenient source, she said.

These days, Ms. Shrader says, only about 10 percent of her sales are from auctions. “I think the auction was a novelty at the beginning, but now people want what they want, when they want it,” she said.

The new approach is likely to win praise from many sellers who prefer the lower upfront costs, but will certainly anger many of eBay’s longtime customers, most of them small-time collectors who depend on auction pricing to move one-of-a-kind inventory. Others simply think that many of the changes Mr. Donahoe has pushed through unfairly favor larger sellers.

“The previous management tried to fight it,” Mr. Wingo said, referring to the growing preference for fixed pricing. “This management is more willing to ride along with it.”

Last month, the company announced a deal with the e-commerce site Buy.com that allowed it to sell its items on eBay without paying the same fees charged to smaller sellers. That deal provoked accusations of betrayal from many of eBay’s loyal independent sellers. Some sellers who are frustrated with the changes have organized boycotts, and some even tried to disrupt eBay Live, a company event for top sellers that was held in June.

Yet even as it shifts away from the model that made it unique in the first place, the company insists the auction model is still viable, and that it intends to offer sellers and buyers a choice of formats. Auctions are often a better approach for sellers when items are in high demand, the company says, or when the seller is uncertain of an item’s value.

“We love the auction model,” Ms. Norrington said. “It’s still a great model for certain types of sales.”

Separated At Birth: Valeri Liukin and Christian Slater

Can't believe no one else has noticed this...Nastia's hottie dad Valeri is a dead ringer for Christian Slater!!  Both have been busy boys...Christian is still dating Jimmy Choo founder Tamara Mellon and is starring in NBC's 'My Own Worst Enemy' later this fall.

Thakoon's Coming To Target

If you're a budget fashionista, you may remember Thakoon Panichgul from his one-off shirt for Gap.  Much like his much more expensive retail designs, this sold out immediately. Although he was born in Thailand, Thaikoon grew up in the US and was influenced by both Eastern and Western design and culture. His passion for blending the two has resulted in global design success and a unique point of view. Target is right on with this one and I can't wait to see the pieces in stores early next year!

Here's a link to a recent Thakoon piece we sold on eBay (to one of our most beloved customers)...we rarely get them because distribution is so limited and they usually sell out.

Click here to receive $5 off + free shipping on a $50 order @ Target.com (confirmation appears as a pop-up window, so choose 'allow pop-ups' if you want to see confirmation).

The Chill Out Channel

I’ve just come across an interesting site, written by a fellow dog mom!  Dr. Kathleen Hall has a number of thought-provoking components on her Stress Institute site, including some info on her stress reduction workshops, so plan on spending some time. One of her recent blog entries is in memory of her dalmation Lucy and it sounds like she’s active in animal rescue--that says a lot about a person. 

Moving through the site, I totally ‘failed’ the mindfulness test, knowing I’d be in trouble after seeing the first question: ‘do you eat breakfast, lunch or other meals standing up?’  (-:  So, I clicked on ‘Mindfulness TV’ to peruse some of the episodes…there’s some excellent content, especially the meditation videos where you can experience guided meditations from the privacy of your computer.  It looks like more content is on the way…one of the shows has the tag line:  ‘You can learn to live your life, not ride it like a runaway  train’.  A great goal for us all!

Lilly La Peu

Jumping on the line expansion bandwagon, Lilly Pulitzer will introduce 3 fragrances...Beachy, Wink & Squeeze in time for the holidays.  Hey, don't blame Lilly for the creepy names...2 Harvard MBA dudes bought out the company several years ago.   

Randy Granny Lands The Big One

The St. Austell care home in Cornwall, England grants its residents 'wishes' through their Make A Wish program. Most of the elderly residents have simple wishes, such as a day out or a pasty washed down with a pint at the local pub. One 90-year old female resident had a slightly different wish: She wanted fish and chips served by a thong-clad waiter with a see-through apron. 

One of the more daring staff members agreed to serve as Thong Boy and granted the unusual wish. The resident's response?  "I thoroughly enjoyed my fish and chips served by the half naked man."  You go, girl!

Another Reason To Clean Out The Garage

One of the bookshelves in our garage is filled with binders.  Some empty, some with old presentations that we can't bear to toss.  Finally there's a good reason to recycle and move on.  Sleep Train stores are collecting school supplies (including binders) for foster kids--dropp off at any store now through 9.15.  What will you do with all that space??? (-:

Beth O Opts For Alice & Olivia

How very Gossip Girl of her!!!  Model (and dog mom extraordinaire) Beth Ostrosky has chosen a 'simple sundress' by Alice + Olivia for her October walk down the aisle with Howard Stern. Thanks to Howard 100's Lisa G. for breaking the story and ending months of speculation in the fashion community.  Beth was originally rumored to be considering Rebecca Taylor after she attended her Fashion Week show last Februrary. Then in June, Georgina Chapman (of design duo Marchesa) was given the nod.  (Wonder what happened to that gown...)

Can't wait to see her final choice...we already know that she looks great in white.  Let's just hope that bull dog Bianca makes an appearance!

At Diva Deals: Alice + Olivia, Rebecca Taylor.

A Million Little Boogers

Bernann McKinnon’s dream came true, in the form of five tiny pups cloned from her late dog, Booger. Booger filled a special place in McKinnon’s heart -- he saved her from a vicious pit bull attack and played a key role in her recovery. She was inconsolable when he died of cancer in 2006. So much so that she saved his skin cells and sold her house to fund the $50,000 (discounted from $150,000 in exchange for publicity) cloning procedure. She’s now the first acknowledged owner of cloned dogs from a controversial South Korean lab. The lab hopes to expand operations to 300 dogs/year as well as camels.

It’s impossible to deny McKinnon's joyful smile as she meets the little ones. Who wouldn't be over the moon?? Three will go home with her and two will join a service animal organization. I do wish her well and hope that she finds peace or whatever else she's looking for in the reincarnation of her dear friend. 

Booger was on my mind when I walked Mimi (our 3 year old Chow-Shepherd rescue) last week.  We ran into a guy who'd been a neighborhood fixture when we first moved here six years ago.  We'd always loved running into this Harley-jacketed big guy and his inseparable companion, a Miniature Schnauzer who looked like his mini-me (think facial hair) and wore a different color bandana every day.  However, both disappeared after the Schnauzer died in 2005 at age 15.  Neighborhood dog friends reported that Harley-guy was devastated and not thinking of adopting again. When we saw him last week, he was babysitting a friend’s dog and thrilled to see how big Mimi had grown. She totally remembered him, with head-dips, nuzzles and a virtual refusal to leave his side. (-: He was clearly moved, giving her special scratchies and tons of attention.  We caught up on neighborhood news and he whipped out his cell phone, showing me photo after photo of his former companion, saying that it’s just been ‘too hard’ to move on.  My heart breaks for him and for the many dogs who could benefit from his enormously loving heart.

Scientifically and ethically, I know that cloning is wrong. Emotionally, I’m still conflicted. Would it make the Harley guy whole again?  How about Martha Stewart and her beloved Chow, Paw Paw?  What will Cesar Milan do when his constant companion and ultimate calm submissive dog, Daddy passes on? There are many times after my own dear Chow ‘B’ died four years ago that I would have done anything for a second of relief. I waited 25 years for him -- he was truly my ‘child’ and I mourn his loss daily. His constant cynicism, unshakeable certainty and fierce loyalty helped me survive two cross-country moves, grad school and high-pressure jobs in Hollywood, New York and San Francisco. 

However, life goes on and after almost a year of intense grieving, we adopted Mimi from the amazing folks at Chow Rescue. She brightens our lives hourly with her sweetness and sunny disposition. More importantly, she’s made me a better person, reminding me that 'nice is good' and that it’s ok to ask for a hug. Would I have grown as a person without her?  Maybe, but probably not. I truly believe that each dog has something different to teach us and that it’s impossible to give as much as we receive from them.

Cloning wasn’t the right choice for me, and although I know that it’s wrong, I just can’t condemn those who choose differently.

Zhukov Dance Theatre: Product 01

What do genetic sequencing, computer programming and dance have in common?  They all depend on re-using components to connect disparate elements.  This re-use of signature movements and gestures often plagues choreographers in the mid to late stages of their careers, as they reach the outer bounds of their creativity.

Yuri Zhukov is a beloved San Francisco dancer, teacher and accomplished choreographer who shows no signs of such issues.  Zhukov Dance Theatre’s Product 01 burst onto the stage last night in a searingly sublime performance that raises the bar for Bay Area companies.

The first piece’s cryptic title ‘M&W’ gave way to a virtual journey guided by an eclectic score featuring pieces by Matmos, Monolake and Michael Hedges. (Would love for the company to feature this as a podcast or even on iTunes…it’s too good not to share!!)  The initial set featured rows of industrial lighting that evoked a German factory and was accompanied by Kraftwerk-like techno music and dancing to match.  The Grand Tour theme continued and  morphed into a study or farcical French physical comedy and Swiss precision, danced beautifully by the men.  Accompanied by a lushly layered guitar piece, the women whirled through a gorgeous piece, evoking all of the sensuality of Spain.  The next interlude featured sounds that felt like ancient Brit Rail trains rumbling through the countryside.  Exquisite pas de deuxs matched this flawlessly, suggesting the mini-dramas found in train cars everywhere.  The finale wrapped up the global theme with the kind of chill-out groove and dance party found from Moscow to Beirut to Sydney.

Passing had a completely different feel, focusing on the movement of time rather than physical space.  Composer Vladimir Martynov provided the epic-like score for the dancers to weave various emotional threads into a tightly knit and flawless piece.  Assistant Director Hlin Diego provided an especially lovely performance--her ability to modulate power with restraint is breathtaking.

Product 01 was a phenomenal night of dance that no review can do justice.  Zhukov, his dancers and collaborators are clearly bursting with unlimited talent and ideas…I can’t wait for version 2.0.

Photo notes and credits:  Sandy Lee of Momentum Design (and a co-founder of ZDT!); Click here to see and buy more stunning photos like the ones above.  I also discovered (thanks to the gorgeous program featuring her photos) that she also is the photographer/author of one of my favorite behind the scences dance books: At The Ballet.

top photo:  Katie Scherman in rehearsal for M&W

bottom photo:  Jeremy Kovitch and Hlin Diego in rehearsal for Passing

Olympic Fashion @ Opening Ceremonies

Thank goodness for TiVo. I was totally torn between watching the Opening Ceremonies and hitting the city for Yuri Zhukov's Project 01 debut (review to be posted tomorrow...just go, it's awesome!!!). Luckily, traffic/parking karma were with me and I got to see both. 

The Parade of Nations is my favorite part of the Olympics. I love seeing the flags, the smiles and especially, the fashions!!! I almost fainted when I saw the fabulousness of the Finnish team's uniforms.  The women wore wrap dresses that looked like they were either designed by the UK's Orla Kiely or more likely, fellow Finn and Anthropologie/Leifsdottir's Executive Design Director, Johanna Uurasjavari.  I've been scouring the web for an hour and can only find these Reuter's images...damn censorship!! if anyone has better ones or knows for sure who designed these stunning dresses, please email me or post a comment. 

Rhetorical question...why do I just know that the Polish team will be ranked on for their choice of dresses for the gals? Yes, they were pink and could have been bridesmaid's dresses, but the choice of a stole as the accessory was inspired.  Kudos to the designers for dressing them appropriately for 90+ degree heat and humidity.

Not so for the US team...sorry you had to suffer in wool jackets and pants...it may have been 'tropical weight', but what would Michael Kors have said if a contestant tried to pull that shiz on Project Runway??  Can't you just see him wrinkling his nose in disgust before digressing about how wool smells when it gets wet?? 'Nuff said. I saw David Lauren (Ralph's son) on the Today show and almost gagged when he gleefully announced that 'everything will be available in stores and on line'.  Seems that someone was more interested in pimping product than in meeting the needs of the athletes. 

Just Put The Apple In My Mouth

While I've been stuffing my face at bbqs all summer, my friends have been total buzz kills. One is on Louise Gittleman's Fat Flush Plan and refused wine at a recent event. Mind you, this was really good wine and waiters were walking around constantly refilling glasses. WTF??? She swears she's feeling so much better, but I'm sure it's not as good as I felt after a couple of glasses last week! (-:

Maybe I should course-correct, but then there’s always lap-band surgery with an adjustable (and removable) Lap-Band. If you’re interested in this subject, there’s an incredibly candid article on the SF Weekly's website, written by one of their editors who had the surgery. Her body changed much more quickly than her mindset and she details that process beautifully.

Richard Chai for Target--Everyone's a Gossip Girl

Meticulous is a word frequently used to describe designer Richard Chai.  This isn’t surprising, given his background as a designer for internationally known houses such as Geoffrey Beene, DKNY, Marc Jacobs and TSE.  He’s even a graduate of Parson’s (of Project Runway fame) Design school and Tim Gunn’s detail-oriented design philosophy.  Chai understands women's bodies and uses details such as curved seaming to great effect.  Here are two of his Fall ‘08 pieces (pictured here from last February’s Fashion Week), just ready to line the closets of anyone who’s an Upper Eastside gal at heart.  You'll need a Manhattan salary to afford them--both were picked up by Saks and are now on pre-order for $2695 (in purple) and $1595 (in a taupe silk), respectively.

Fortunately for the rest of us, Richard Chai is Target's newest Go! International  designer.  This is my favorite collection since Brit designer Alice Temperley's guest turn, incorporating many of his signature tailored elements.  The '40s-inspiredRose Print Sweetheart-Neck dress ($39.99)is my favorite, and not just because the royal blue is my fave color!  Love the polished cotton/spandex (97/3) blend fabric and the fact that it's fully lined--I'll likely wear it with a long-sleeve top, like the runway look above (orange over cream).  There's also ruching at the sweetheart neckline, curved seaming and a multi-pieced front--this kind of construction is unheard of for dresses in this price range!  Small, inverted pleats from the waist give the skirt extra swirl and the back zipper embossed with 'Richard Chai' (sans Target branding) is a nice touch.  The only odd thing I found is that the pockets are stitched closed and don't look like they'd open easily, even using a seam ripper.  Not sure if this is a widespread flaw or just on mine.

Chai doesn't shy away from color--he's used several shades of purple and the Grafitti Rose print above in several other pieces, including the Racerback Tuxedo  Dress ($39.99). Another great fabric for it's price point, this one is a satin-finished poly that feels like a heavy silk.  It's not lined, but the fabric makes it opaque--again, another piece that will hold up over long sleeves when the weather cools.  Like the Sweetheart dress above, this one features a tuxedo collar trim (stitched down) at the neckline.  The black trim adds exquisite shaping and makes this dress look much more expensive than it is.

I'm not so crazy about the Colorblock Tie-Front dress ($44.99).  Although it looks cute when styled with the Long Cardigan ($39.99) as well as in the Royal Blue/Black combo, the poly fabric is very wrinkly and reminds me of the parachute fabric that Norma Kamali used in the '80s.  I wasn't a fan then either.

However, the Long Cardigan (shown here in Washed Indigo, also available in Black) is distinctive and should wear well.  Ditto for the Zip Front Hoodie Sweater ($34.99) in Royal Blue or Black.

Yet another color combo for the Grafitti Rose print in this little cotton top with contrast trim.

There are some other great separates, including some tailor- detailed blouses and skirts; however, the most unique separate piece is the Broken Stripe Bermuda Short.  This is a beautifully printed, velvety soft micro-cord that's a blend of cotton/spandex (98/2).  Love the flat front (no pleats) and the 'RC' embossed hardware on the tabbed waist and back flat pockets.  This print is also used in a trench coat and dress--very curious about the trench, so I'll review as soon as it's in stores.

$7 Off $70 At Target.com - 8/1-8/15 Only

Don't Drive, Just Drink

Yet another reason why, despite property taxes & summer fog, it's awesome to live in the Bay Area!!  Next Saturday, August 9,  you can BART to the best wine event on the planet..... 15 East Bay wineries paired with local restaurants and caterers for the Third Annual East Bay Vintners' Alliance wine tasting: Aubin Cellars - Adagia Periscope Cellars - Bellanico Andrew Lane - Canvas Underground/Downtown Restaurant Irish Monkey - C'era Una Volta Urbano Cellars - E-22 Cafe Dashe Cellars - Fabrique Delice A Donkey and Goat - Franklin Square Wine Bar Lost Canyon - Montclair Bistro Rosenblum Cellars - Mona's Table Prospect 772 - Patrick David's Catering Tayerle Wines - Pappo Eno Wines - Savory Cook Private Dining JC Cellars - Scott's Seafood Two Mile - Sea Salt Adams Point - Whole Foods We covered most of the wineries in our previous post on the Urban Wine Trail event.  This, especially the pairings between Eno Wines-Savory Cook and Lost Canyon-Montclair Bisto make it well worth the $45 (advance) ticket price...get yours before they're gone.  Salut!!!

Workplace Clothing Evolved

Great article in today’s WSJ Style section on how dressing for the office has changed from uniformity to personal expression. The article quotes Kristi Wetherington, CEO of a Dallas brokerage firm on her philosophy for office dressing.  She counsels women to 'not be afraid to be a woman' and to 'pick a treat' by selecting a single accessory to finish an outfit.  She favors Issa, DVF, and Alice + Olivia--truly a woman of good taste.

However, the article also warns that designers such as Marc Jacobs are bringing the shoulder pad look back into stores this fall. Now, I love Marc Jacobs and god knows I loved the '80s, but I'm not sure how many of us are ready to look like linebackers again.

DVF, Issa, and Marc Jacobs at my eBay store.

More Botkier For Target!

More styles are dribbling into the stores, and they're getting better with each shipment! Although not available online (coming in 2-6 weeks), my favorite piece stays true to Monica Botkier's signature, streamlined style. And, let's face it, who doesn't love a fabulous fuschia bag?!! This one has the instantly recognizable trapezoidal shape in a soft leather-look PVC with a charcoal metal/stud/ring trim. Cute details include a detachable key chain with a studded tassell and a charm with Target's signature bulls-eye on one side, 'Botkier for Target' on the other. At 16" x 13", it's large enough to hold your 'stuff', but thin enough (3") to mold against your body.

I've written previously on the quality of the faux-python PVC used in the Gray Satchel bag. The white faux-python in the smaller Shoulder bag looks good as well, although I'm a little disappointed in the chain strap and hardware.  It doesn't have the heft of the real thing and it sounds a little 'tinny' when it clangs together.  However, for $29.99, it's a cute and fun addition to your bag wardrobe.

I'll continue to review the bags as they arrive in-store...stay tuned!

Click here to receive $5 off + free shipping on a $50 order @ Target.com (confirmation appears as a pop-up window, so choose 'allow pop-ups' if you want to see confirmation).

$7 Off $70 At Target.com - 8/1-8/15 Only

Fierce-ness For The Rest Of Us

Full disclosure--I love Project Runway winner Christian Siriano. I met him (pre-fame) standing in line for the Fall '08 Fashion Week shows.  Even though I'm a nobody and he was born during my freshman year of college, he was so genuinely adorable and nice, I still fantasize about him being my BGF. (sigh)

So, it's no coincidence that I'm thrilled about his six-piece mini-collection for Bluefly. It's accompanied by (of course) a docu-video.  The overall collection reflects his love of luxe materials, but dials it down a bit on his famously may-jah details.  From the purple tights in the video to the girly silhouettes of the jackets/dress, it feels kind of like an uptown Nanette Lepore...definitely a good thing!

Two pieces have already sold out (in less than 24 hours!!!), including my favorite piece, the dark plaid taffeta cropped jacket ($480). My other favorite piece is still available -- a cute gold shift party dress for a very affordable $325. 

No word on where/when the rest of the collection will launch...I'll post as soon as I find out.

"Get The Winning Look From Project Runway On Bluefly"

Holy Shin Splints

Forget the Olympics, the hardest race has already been run.  Moscow fashionistas ran 100 meters in their highest heels (min 9cm) to compete for a shopping voucher worth 100,000 roubles (around $3,500 USD).  Similar events were run in  St Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, Novosibirsk, and Samara for 50k roubles.

If you've ever seen ladies stampede a day-after Christmas shoe sale, you can imagine the drama--judging from the photos, these gals weren't messing around.  Here's video from last year's race.

Wonder what orthopedic-surgeon-turned-shoe-designer Taryn Rose thinks?? 

Payday Loans vs. Credit Card Debt

Every day I read another story about how the number of personal bankrupcies is increasing exponentially. It doesn’t seem to be just a United States problem, even though our dollar is in the crapper. I just can’t believe that even with the recent tightening of bankruptcy filing rules that these numbers are still skyrocketing. My only personal experience with the subject is when the college roommate of a friend deliberately ran up her family’s credit cards. She justified her spending on lavish vacations, weekly spa treatments (hair, nails, face AND massage!!) and designer clothing by saying that she deserved it because she and her husband were school teachers who made very little money. Is that the most rediculous thing you’ve ever heard? I can totally understand if someone falls on hard times because of an unforseen health crisis or unpreventable disaster. Situations like this really make me wish the credit industry and bankruptcy adjudicators had a fraud prevention or ‘whistle blower’ hotline.

Hopefully none of us will ever find ourselves in this position; however, even folks with great jobs are finding it increasingly difficult to fill up the tank or even grab milk and eggs on the way home.  Instead of whipping out the credit cards, many folks are increasingly turning to services like Instant Payday Loans.