Dogmom's Dish

Betsey On Behar

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Smart Cars Get 45 MPG + Lots Of Attention From Nerds!

Got a major surprise with this week's rental car...it was a tiny Smart car!

Made by Mercedes Benz, the little cars are zippy and ride like big girl cars, for the most part. No car can make stop-go traffic on the Van Wyck from JFK to the city comfortable...this one jerked more than a larger car, but did surprisingly well on the ginormous potholes.  Acceleration was a breeze and the ride super comfy even at 80 MPH.  I especially liked how high up it sits--felt more like my old Honda CRV SUV than a compact car.

The best part was getting props, waves, and stares everywhere I went...especially from nerds.  Nothing turns on geeky guys like a giant toy!

Ship From Some Bottles: Plastiki Saves The Day

Two months into the new year and I'm still struggling with my #1 resolution--exchanging a bottle/day Diet Coke habit for homemade green tea, toted in recycled water bottles, of course.  Better for the body, the planet, blah blah. 

Was wavering majorly last week during a marathon errand session.  Moments before screeching into 7-11 for a 2-liter fix, I heard an interview on KQED about the Plastiki. 

The Plastiki is made from 12,000+ plastic bottles and uses recycled PET components (such as the sail) and other ecofriendly materials for the rest. 

Docked in Sausalito right now, the catamaran is preparing to launch a worldwide expedition. Fan them on Facebook and check out their site.

Genius and inspiration...thanks, Plastiki! 

Photos courtesy of Luca Babini and Plastiki.com

Spotted @ Swarovski: Erika Bracelet

Super cute and from what I can tell, each store only received one or two. The entire piece is rhodium-plated and her little body rotates all the way around.  Retails for $165.

I found one each @ Santana Row and San Francisco Centre, so snap yours up quickly!

Snow Dogs & Show Pants: Top Olympic Stories

Surprise, surprise, my two fave stories from these Olympics involve dogs and fashion.

Mary Carillo did a lovely piece on a Manitoba family with a team of sled dogs, led by a special member, Isabelle.  Isabelle went blind without warning at the age of two.  As much as her loving owners tried to make her a "pet", she only wanted to run with the team. 

Watched over by her furry family, she's now at her happiest when on the run.  Thanks, Mary, for sharing a beautiful story.  I don't know what kind of dogs you have, but it's clear that you're a DogMom, too! (-:

The other big story is of course, the Norwegian curling team's choice of trousers.  Made by a local (Santa Rosa) clothing company called Loudmouth Golf, the argyle delights are now being shipped worldwide. 

Look's like Loudmouth will be giving Ian Poulter's golf wear line IJP a run for its money!

No Frenzy Francais In Frisco: Sonia Rykiel Pour H&M

WWD reported that the "gloves were off" in Paris and London for today's launch of Sonia Rykiel’s knitwear collaboration with H&M.  After extended pre-opening waits, crazed, clawing fashionistas cleared the racks quickly in both cities. 

Yeah, been there, done that, and almost lost a limb during previous Cavalli and Rei Kawakubo's Commes des Garcons releases. 

For this one, I took my sweet time and strolled into the store well past noon to find filled racks with only the occasional tourist stocking up.  By the end of the day, it was a different story, but there certainly wasn't the Black Friday @ Walmart frenzy that usually accompanies release of these one-off capsule collections.

I was bowled over by the quality of the main fabric, found in everything from the dresses and sweaters to the awesome scarf wrap and bejeweled beret.  Softest, pima cotton that's tightly woven, for an excellent hand and durability--this is fast fashion that won't fade away. 

 Sizing was a different story--the signature rainbow stripe sweater dress was enormous (46" around the underarms for the XS), while the strappy halter version of the dress was 28" (that's not a typo) around the underarms. 

The scarf is by far my fave piece--after purchasing several to stock my gift closet, I ripped off the tag and put one on before leaving the store.  How cute is the Sonia doll?

Here are some other window display photos...spring time in Paris anyone???

Sonia Rykiel on eBay

Spotted: Mini-Bullseye Pups Heart Target

Spotted @ the San Bruno Target...well appointed mini mascot dogs showing their love.

 
 

Hey, WSJ: It's Richard Chai (like the tea), Not Chair (like the seat)

Major typo on the front page of the Wall Street Journal's Personal Journal section today.

It's corrected on the online version, but the print one referred to Richard Chai as Chair.

A spot of serendipitous humor in an otherwise dismal for fashion folks anguished over Alexander McQueen's suicide.

Character Approved: Narciso Rodriguez Honored By A&E

Bucking the trend of reality TV and faux-scripted programs, USA Networks is focused on developing character-driven dramas.  The results are paying off with unique shows like White Collar, a smart, artsy series that's become an instant fan favorite.

To extend this focus on characters, USA recently honored four individuals in various fields.  Narciso Rodriguez was one--check out the video here.

The Situation Is Gellin' & Soon You'll Be Smellin'...

...his very own bottled essence, called Stitch. 

Although the cologne project is in the early stages, I imagine we'll be seeing and smelling something along the lines of:

Top Notes: Roids + Tanning Bed Gel

Chick Magnet Notes: AXE body spray + Musk

Base Notes: Grilled Meat a la Burger King's Flame

Packaged in 6-pack torso-shaped bottle wrapped in a gold chain.

Stay tuned.