FASHION

OMG, took a moment to review what’s on the web-site and this Fashion thing sorely needs to be updated. After-all you can’t wear white after labor-day, can you?

Being our first year in existence we are on a bit of a learning curve here at Zane + Zara’s. As we are primarily a neighborhood store we had to ask, “just what will a Roscoe Village dog be wearing this winter?” Honestly, is RV a Chanel neighborhood or a Gap neighborhood? Formal or sporting? Who knew? So, without time to poll the electorate and no history to base our purchases on we sort of closed our eyes and rolled the dice. Not really but, it does sound dangerous doesn’t it? What we did was take a look at the humans that come in and our of the store. Humans always end up looking like their pets. The humans that come into the store all have a sort of sporty, REI, Abercrombie, Pottery Barn feel to them. Kind of a well put together casualness. So that’s what you’ll find at Zane + Zara’s.

We found these beautiful, hand-made, wool sweaters from South America: Chilly Dog. Great quality, nice designs - nothing too flashy - sort of the stuff that you might find at The Gap or Banana Republic. Add to that, they are at a terrific price point: $34.99 - $44.99. And as always, if you don’t see a style or size you need (They are sort of difficult to keep on the shelves due to Chicago’s weather.) just tell us. We are always happy to place a special order. Now we realized that sweaters aren’t for everyone so we brought in some coats from Muttluks. Now these are very nice coats. Simple to put on with a slip over the head and a quick buckle around the waist. They are nicely tailored, in a variety of colors and fleece lined. Mmmmmmmm, I’m warm and toasty just thinking about them. And remember, if you are, shall we say, thin furred like Zane you may very well want to layer a coat over a sweater. If you are packing your very own winter fur coat you may need something not so much for the cold but the wet. Rain, sleet and snow are always a winter staple for Chicago. If the cold doesn’t really pose a problem - stay dry with a nice lined rain coat by Animal Wrappers. Red, Blue or Yellow and all with nice reflective piping to keep you visible during these long winter nights. Who could ask for more?

OK, I could ask for more. After all, I have a reputation to uphold. How about something just blatantly fancy? How about something that you can wear that you won’t see coming at you on every sidewalk? How about something in cashmere. Something soft to the touch and amazing to look at. Now we’re talkin’ Zara-style. We have cashmere coats designed by up and coming star Annie Phoebe Ku. Every one is hand made to the greatest detail AND, you choke on this one, if you ask there are pashminas, for the human, to match each coat. Trick is, you have to ask for the pashminas. They are sort of a well kept secret that John and Russell keep for their best customers. Come in and grab one before Russell’s grandmother comes back. On her last visit she made off with three of them. And I ask you, “just how warm does she need to be?”

The rest of Fashion is easy. That new coat or sweater always needs a new collar, lead or boots. And speaking of collars and leads, remember these long, dark nights? Nothing screams, “LED collars and leads!” like long, dark nights. Don’t feel like wearing your *bling* at night, these LED collars and leads will keep you safe and sparkly all night.
OK, that’s about it for fall/winter fashion. If you have any other questions please feel free to come in a talk to me. I’m usually behind the counter unless I’m on the floor tormenting Zane. Keep your eye on the calendar because Spring/Summer is not far away. I expect that John will be moving furniture around very soon. He does like to make an event out of change.

Love to all

Zara