Fashionable Felines and Canines
January 17, 2008
Marie Green is a fashion stylist and writer from San Diego California. She is the former Fashion Editor of FINE Homes and Living Magazine and her column, “Fashion Focus” has appeared in FINE Magazine as well as LaJolla Light, The Del Mar Times, Del Mar Ink, The Carmel Valley Leader, Rancho Santa Fe Record, and The Solana Beach Sun. Marie is also the co-founder of SheWants.com.
As a lifelong fashionista, I have always been drawn to anything with style. Such was the case when I entered Buddy's, a stylish boutique for dogs, cats and their personal handlers on the second level at Flower Hill Promenade. I was told by those in the know (fellow pet owners) that this stylish pet boutique, which previewed in November, was a MUST on my list of things to see. Not one to pass up a peak at designer labels, I was immediately drawn to chew toys featuring labels such as Sniffany and Co., Chewy Vuitton, Pawda, Poochi, Jimmy Chew and Vera Wag. How cute!
According to owner Lenore Hawkins, the store aims to carry unique products that are not only cool and innovative but also beneficial for dogs and cats. Her vision for the store is to help people take great care of their cats and dogs and have fun at the same time. Buddy's carries everything you can imagine for your pet. I was especially impressed by the selection of books and pet hair care products. Shifting the focus to fashion, (which I always do) the store offers clothes for pets and their owners as well as beautiful yet functional collars and leashes. For the perfect gift you can pair delicious looking fresh baked gourmet treats and wonderful greeting cards. On the home front, pet carriers and strollers (yes, they actually have pet strollers) as well as custom designed dog beds to ensure your four legged friends reside in style. And lastly, not to overlook health and beauty, the boutique also features an industrial size stainless steel freezer filled with four different raw food diets, a line of all natural supplements and homeopathics for a variety of pet issues.
Sounds great, right? Well that's not all. The spacious store is not only fun to peruse and shop, it's also a perfect place to hold events. Their first planned event is February 12, when Kathy Santo, author of “Dog Sense” will be doing a book signing along with a meet and greet. Ms. Santo, a well-known dog expert and trainer, has been on many television shows including Oprah and Martha Stewart. Her appearance on the local circuit at Buddy's is a testament in itself to the fantastic reputation of the boutique.
After meeting Lenore Hawkins, I could see why her concept is so appealing. She is very personable and quite stylish. She looks like she'd be running a women's clothing boutique. Originally from Lake Tahoe, Lenore earned an MBA from UCLA and had a corporate job as head of finance and technology when she was inspired by her dog, Buddy, to pursue this venture which was her first foray into retail. She and her husband adopted Buddy, a black lab, when he was twelve years old and very sick. They nursed him back to health, but two years later, old age got the best of him. Unfortunately, Buddy passed away right before Lenore opened Buddy's, but he lives on through his namesake store.
Not to go unmentioned, Buddy's is above all else pet friendly. All pets are welcome to hang out with Lenore's new dog, Dublin (also a black lab) playing host. It's refreshing to find a place where I can shop and both our kids and our dog, Isabel, can be entertained. There is a flat screen television continuously playing Hollywood movies starring dogs and cats, with comfy furniture to lounge on and the locale is so relaxing that I don't even have to rush through my shopping as I once again indulge in my designer fashion fix. For more information about Buddy's, please go to www.BuddysBowtique.com.
INSIDE SCOOP: Want a great reason to dress up and go gambling-for charity? The Boys and Girls Club is holding its annual Casino Night in Paradise on Saturday, January 26 at 6 pm at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. For more information call 858-793-7345.
