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FASHIONTRIBES FILES-PARTY PREP-WITH INDEPENDENCE DAY KNOCKING ON THE DOOR, THROW A PATRIOTIC PARTY WITH RED WHITE AND BLUE FOOD (BURGERS AND FRIES), A FLAG CAKE, FLAG PINWHEELS AND MORE-PODCAST

Have a Crazy Fourth of July Fete-Fireworks, Food and All-MP3 File

It's that time of year again-flags a-waiving, parades a-marching, family a-picnicking.  You get the picture.  Fourth of July isn't exactly everyones cup of tea, but after all the family oriented hoopla is fading, why not throw your own Fourth fete?  You can go for camp or mean it in all earnest-- either way  Fashiontribes is dedicated to helping you fulfill each and every one of your patriotic duties.  Remember-Ask not what your party can do for you, but what you can do for your party!

FOOD
Any party worth it's salt includes a good nosh.  Naturally, the theme has to be red white and blue, so that limits your menu.  Being the brilliant, clever, manic geniuses we are here at Fashiontribes, we have it all sorted.

RED WHITE AND BLUE POTATO SALAD-  You can use your own favorite recipe, or this one from Food Network.  The basic idea is to use a blend of regular spuds with Peruvian fingerlings and red bliss.  The effect is quite lovely, and definitely flag-worthy.

BLUE CHEESE AND CHERRY TOMATO MINI BURGERS-Again, so simple it hurts.  While finding bread may be a slight challenge (i usually bake my own mini-buns), the mini burger is quick to make and perfectly bite sized.  Once the tiny patty is cooked, add a slice of cherry tomato and a dabble of blue cheese.  Yum.

RED AND BLUE FRENCH FRIES WITH MAYO-  While we are celebrating our country, we must pay homage to France, the bearer of our lovely Statue of Liberty.  Mayo is definitely the condiment of choice for European fry dippers.  French fries are a bit tricky, but a fun way to mix it up is to use the same variety of potatoes as in the salad-that is Peruvian Fingerlings and Red Bliss.  Of course, not having tried this in the test kitchen, i can't promise they will hold up.

FLAG MINI CAKES- I think I was obsesses with these in 5th grade (what can I say, I was born on flag day).  With homemade whipped cream, fresh blueberries and strawberries, and sponge or angel food cake, it is quite a light treat.  Make mini versions to carry on with your theme.

FIRECRACKER POPSICLES-Need I say more than BEST POPSICLES EVER?

DECOR AND ACCOUTERMENTS
A party just isn't a party without an ugly tablecloth and hideous plates.  It's all in the details, loves.  Flags? Check.  Flag Pinwheels?  Check?  RED WHITE AND BLUE BLINKING LEI'S? Check!
FLAG PLATES-You can't eat off fine china at a picnic.  These plates might seem a bit cheese, but hey, you have to live a little.
FLAG TABLECLOTH-to cover your table, only the best will do.  See a theme developing?  The flag print is, dare i say, LOUD, but you will probably get a good laugh off of it.
FLAG CUPS-at this point are you really going to buck tradition?  I mean, it is a THEME party.
RIDICULOUS TOP HATS-by ridiculous, I mean straight out of a vintage Uncle Sam poster.  The best part is this kit doesn't stop short with only hats.  Nosiree, it included leis and horns to make all the noise you could possibly desire.  Even without any sort of inebriation, these hats will make for a good giggle atop the heads of your loved ones.
A FLAG, OF COURSE.  Really, can you have such a party without one?  Just don't go nuts-remember, when you need to break out the screw driver or other tools to install it, it becomes permanent.
FLASHING FLAG LEI-no plain lei will do.  This beauty not only sports our country's royal colours, but it offers the double plus bonus of flashing lights every inch or so.  No sir, no one will be missing you with this draped around your neck.
FLAG PINWHEEL-why do you need a reason for a pinwheel?  They look cool spinning in the breeze? Enough Said.

THINGS THAT GO BANG IN THE NIGHT
What could be more American than blowing stuff up?  Even if Fireworks are illegal in your state, you can probably get them at the border, or better yet at our on-line source.  The show is much better when it's you and your cronies fearing a lost limb.  Not so daring?  Try sparklers-a little light for good measure.

FIREWORKS - The source of your pounding heart as you fear a possible shoot up (no, dopey, it's just the fireworks you hear).  What could be more fun than doing something you know is most likely illegal(setting them off yourself), getting the rush, and knowing you most likely won't-or can't- be caught.
SPARKLERS- Too lame for the rush?  Sparklers are super cute, burn out fast, and leave you sans the possibility of losing a limb.
 

DRESSING THE PART
You can't throw a fiesta and not be the hostest with the mostest.  Whether you go for tacky (can we steer you away from this please?) or chic-yet-patriotic (The girls from Accompanied Library in Manhattan were shining examples at their Fourth of July Bash, and we are taking our cues from them) you must dress your best.

CIVIL WAR HAT-there is a possibility that this could be worked into your wardrobe on a regular basis.  It's kind of just chic enough to look purposefully cool.  Still, there is no denying it's patriotism.
SUSPENDERS- Kind of kicky.  You could definitely pull them off with neutral garb.  But don't pull them out again until next year, please.
BEN FRANKLIN TEE-I just put this in to show off.  You most likely won't get your grubby paws on one, because they were given away at The Accompanied party.  Nah nah nah nah nah nah.

DRINKS AND MUSIC
The finishing touches to any superior slam.

AMERICA'S GREATEST HITS-you can't very well listen to Toby Keith or something dopey and traditional.  Instead of going th literal route, try going for this subtle solution.  Besides, 2 words-Muskrat Love.
BORN ON THE FOURTH OF JULY-yes, a drink that bears the ACTUAL NAME OF THE HOLIDAY.  The mixture of Blue Curacao and Cream is a little, well, oddly, but i bet after 5 or 6 you probably won't even notice.

1 1/2 oz Blue Curacao liqueur
1 1/2 oz sloe gin
fill with cream

Pour blue curacao into an ice-filled collins glass. Carefully layer both the sloe gin and cream on top of the ice. (The result should be a blue and red drink with tendrils of white shooting through the colors.)

 

Happy Fourth!
-Blogette Rachel

FASHIONTRIBES FILES: WINE WEDNESDAYS-WITH A NEW DESIGN AND ONE LESS TRIBE, FASHIONTRIBES IS PROUD TO PRESENT IT'S NEW SEXY SOMMELIER PICKS-INCLUDING TOKAY, PINOT BIANCO, SANGRIA, INFUSED ALCOHOL AND GASP...CHARDONNAY-PODCAST

FASHIONTRIBES JULY SEXY SOMMELIER PICKS-GET THE INFO ON TOKAY, CHARDONNAY, PINOT BIANCO, SANGRIA AND INFUSED ALKIE!-MP3 File

Hello loyal readers. it is I blogette.  No, I did not fall off the face of the earth.  I was not kidnapped by heathens.  Simply, Fashiontribes has gone through a few...well...evolutions rather rapidly, and I was, as they say, taking care of business.  However, now that I am well prepared again to be viewed by the public, I am here to shout out the word...Our July issue is up (check it out here) and our wine picks are magnificent, if I do say so myself.  Our sexy sommelier Joe McCanta hit a home run with some majorly superb summer specialties.

Our Afro Love magazine showcases a little known gem from the Land Down Under with OKAY TOKAY-Savor the delicious dessert wine that makes a truly Australian statement.  While the summer months are notorious for the flood of reasonably priced Australian wines that flood liquor store shelves, Joe urges you to try something a little less oaky and generic.  Tokay, or stickie as the Aussies lovingly call it-is sweet, caramel colored and scented, made from the undervalued muscatelle grape and, well, sublime.  Check out the feature for the best stickies to buy and the down low on why stickie is so, well, stickable.

Downtown Doll's sexy somm is all about SENSATIONAL SUMMERTIME SANGRIA-With the right ingredients and a little patience, this refreshing concoction couldn't be easier.  Sangria is as fabulous as things can be, especially with it's lovely Spanish roots.  Take a trip without leaving home by making it your drink of choice this summer.  Joe gives you some easy tips and the best recipe ever.  The 3 keys-a good cheap wine, like a red from Spain's Rioja (no, this isn't and oxymoron), Quality fruit and Quality Liqueur.  Yes, what you save in wine you spend on citrus and Grand Marnier.  If you opt for the cheapy bottle of Triple Sec, you'll wake up wishing otherwise.  Also, check out Counter's winebar on First Avenue in NYC for a delicious 2 for 1 Summer Sangria.

We know what's been on your mind-what's the deal with chardonnay?  Isn't it...tacky?  Fancy Flirt features CHARDONNAY IS, GULP...OKAY?-Minus the obsessive oak that gave it such a bad name, this vinicultural comeback queen is something you can drink and enjoy sans shame.  That's right. Our sexy somm is clearing the air for this undervalued perennial fave.  South Africa's Brampton Winery is allowing this haggard and much abused grape to make a comeback, stripping away the disguises to reveal flavours of fresh mango, guava, peach and puckering, pineapple-y acidity.  Impress your friends with your new, savvy choice!

Looking for a few more options than your typical Pinot Grigio?  Global Chic lets you know about the other great white in THE FINO PINOT-Opt for Pinot-Bianco-and discover a world of apricot-peach flavours and delicious hints of almond, hazelnut and orange blossom.  Wow, don't you feel like you have been missing out?  Our sexy somm wants you to know all about grigio's little sister-and the amazing flavours this grape-traditionally used for mixing and Italy's fabulous Prosecco-has to offer you!

Rock Punk's mag gives you some great non-wine options.  INFUSE OR LOSE-Keep cool this summer with the best alternative to wine:infused alcohol in your favorite cocktail!  Who new the process to create your own special blends was so easy?  Throw any of your favorite flavours-from vanilla and berries to pepper or jalapeno-into the bottle, have the tiniest bit of patience, and voila!  The best part is experimenting by mixing daring new creations with your crazy alcohol combinations!  Joe gives you all the vitals, plus a delicious blood orange and jalapeno cocktail-definitely a must hit!

Cheers!
-Blogette Rachel

Sustainable Furniture & Design: Xeno Objects Creates Eco-Friendly, Non-Toxic Designs That Show Some Love to Mother Earth. Interview with Co-Founder Chris Hightower - WEEKLY FASHIONTRIBES HOME DECOR PODCAST

Sustainable Furniture & Design: Xeno Objects Creates Eco-Friendly, Non-Toxic Designs That Show Some Love to Mother Earth. Interview with Co-Founder Chris Hightower - WEEKLY FASHIONTRIBES HOME DECOR PODCAST - MP3 File

When you think of bamboo furniture, does inferior quality patio furniture come to mind – the kind that falls apart almost as soon as you’ve carted it home? 

  Well, according to Chris Hightower, one of the co-founders of Xeno Objects (www.xenoobjects.com or 512.371.9908)  – a furniture design firm specializing sustainable design – bamboo’s been the victim of bad chemicals (sound familiar?) “Everybody working with bamboo fibers, or bamboo for that matter, likes to use polyurethane. The problem with mixing bamboo and polyurethane is that they actually have a negative chemical reaction to each other. This is something people don’t seem to be able to figure out until their furniture starts falling apart, in about five years, when the two main things that you have made a product out of start having a chemical reaction.”

As the industry leader of design-driven, sustainable, eco-friendly furniture and materials research, Xeno Objects makes bamboo furniture using organic resins that bond with the bamboo fibers over time and continue to strengthen and harden, making the furniture stronger rather than weaker 10 years down the road. The secret? The old people. Xeno visited villages in Thailand and Vietnam that operate pretty much the way they did 100 (and more) years ago, and convinced the elders and local craftsmen to work with them, and share their time-honored traditions. The result? Better techniques and materials that have stood the test of time…hundreds of years or more. “They have all these wonderful products that the rest of us have just sort of cast aside as inferior, and in actuality, they’re far superior to that which we’re using today.”

OLD SCHOOL
Why Vietnam and Thailand? “That’s where the technology is – and it’s fast disappearing," explains Hightower. "Unfortunately, you have all of these wonderful, handmade traditions that are very rapidly being lost through the sprawling economy of the world, and so we wanted to try and salvage some of those technologies and those artforms before they completely disappeared off the face of the planet.” When Xeno Objects visits the villages to get the technology, discussions tend to take place with people 65 years old - and older. “They haven’t passed it to their children, and their children haven’t passed it to their children. If we don’t go in and get this technology, it’s not going to survive.”

Interestingly, it’s these very communities that Hightower predicts will produce the hottest new discoveries in sustainable design. "I think a lot of them are going to come out of Asia, and that’s why we’re there, because there are so many wonderful materials to work with there that have previously been untapped or underutilized, that it’s a plethora of knowledge over there. It just takes somebody to walk around and meet the villagers, become friends and learn what’s happening and what can be done, and what can be improved on.”

SMART DESIGN
Fortunately, companies like Xeno Objects have upped the style quotient of earth-friendly furniture. “What I see is a shift in the mediums that are being used for sustainable design. It’s no longer people going out to junkyards, salvaging old seatbelts, and making chairs out of it. It’s people who are a little more forward in thought who are not thinking, “what can we recycle?” they’re thinking, “what’s the next step for the new millenium? How can we incorporate better materials research into our products?” People are getting smart about it. That’s what I see more than anything. It’s the evolution in thought.” Using bamboo represents a part of this evolution: bamboo could well be the poster-child of earth-friendly materials. A grass with a clear-cut two to four year cycle that grows naturally, it can be biked, rather than trucked in, and lends itself well to handmade objects. “The main reason we like using it so much, aside from its versatility, is that it’s just good design – and good design is sustainable design. Bamboo is about as sustainable as it comes.”

GET SOME SCHOOLIN’
However, Hightower believes the single biggest factor responsible for the upsurge in earth-friendly design is simple: Education. “It started in the 60s, and now, their children are continuing to forge ahead and carry the torch.” Impressively, Xeno wants to do more than just talk about education, and is planning to develop an apprenticeship program where students receive school credit for working in their studios, “and learn the difference between design on paper and design 3-D. We would really like to help educate America’s youth that’s coming up in the industry to not only show them what works and what doesn’t work, but to get them thinking sustainable.”

As a heavy hitter in the sustainable design field, Xeno Objects has big plans. “In five years, I would hope that Xeno Objects is being viewed as the torchbearer, the industry leaders which I honestly believe we already are,” explains Hightower. “I would like people to look at us as a model in the design industry of how sustainable design can not only be profitable, but can also be done in way that helps everyone involved from the first step to the final delivery. That takes care of the community, that involves everybody within the process and that also helps younger students get into the industy.”

Some Cool Xeno Objects Products:

Nung chair
• From its humble beginnings as a coaster, the Nung (Thai for "one" or "first")) is crafted from concentric bamboo rings that cradle you and encourage “aggressive lounging” – what’s not to love! It was named by Architectural Record Magazine as one of the Top 15 furnishings of 2004. Unlike traditional laquerware, it is completely toxicologically inert (ie. doesn’t cause cancer), and is finished off with an eco-protective seal. 

Gap Board
• Versatile, elegant, water-resistant bamboo sheetboard suitable for walls, flooring, shelving, cabinetry, countertops, and whatever else you can dream up. The hard-pressed bamboo strips are adhere to form durable boards which cut just like plywood; during production, gaps are left in it which are later filled with an eco-friendly, organic resin that is dyed with natural food colorings, creating eyecatching designs and pattern within the board itself. It’s available in about ten different colors. “I see it being on the shelves of every Home Depot in America someday,” says Hightower.

Stay Tuned
• Xeno is also working on a secret new product, soon to be out, that is made from reclaimed vegetable husks from one of the most largely discarded vegetables in all of Southeast Asia. “We’re going to be taking the sustained movement even further, and we’re no longer going to have to cut anything down.”

Beach Accessories: Look Chic Sur la Plage with the Right Accessories - Oversized Sunglasses, Hobo Bag, Crusher Hat, Scarf, Bangles, Necklaces & Wedges - WEEKLY FASHIONTRIBES FAB FASHION FINDS PODCAST

Beach Accessories: Look Chic Sur la Plage with the Right Accessories - Oversized Sunglasses, Hobo Bag, Crusher Hat, Scarf, Bangles, Necklaces & Wedges - WEEKLY FASHIONTRIBES FAB FASHION FINDS PODCAST - MP3 File

Summer seaside style is easy…if you know what to pack. With these ace accessories, hot haute is all but guaranteed.

• GET SHADY. The most sought-after fashion accessory of the summer?  Ginormous frames. Oversized eyes are in, especially styles like the bug-eye, the aviator and the Jackie O, giving many a young starlet that Old Hollywood style (...and hoping make her facial features seem smaller). The Supa Dupa by Dita is an Olsen twins fave, available at 80spurple.com, for instance. Other designers offering jumbo frames include Miu Miu, Marc Jacobs, Prada, Christian Dior, YSL, Armani, and Carolina Herrera. Try NeimanMarcus.com, SunglassesPortal.com, www.sunglassesuk.com, www.anysunglasses.com,
• BAG IT! Oversized is also the buzzword for handbags. Stylish, unstructured hobo bags are popping up on pretty arms everywhere. Their relaxed, let-it-all-hang-loose bohemian style is a perfect fit to those lazy summer days. Floppy hobo bags are available from labels like Coach, BCBG and Michael Kors (the one pictured is the "Brookville" Hobo from Nordstrom.com). Roomy straw bags with leather trim are similarly smart—they combine a beachy mainstay with a bit of urban sensibility. Check out Prada, Gucci, Oscar de la Renta, Fendi, and Dolce & Gabbana. The goods are available at: Net-A-Porter.com, Bloomingdales.com, Vivre.com, TheGap.com, & LaRedoute.com.
• TOP IT OFF. Forget humdrum straw hats. Go for cute, short-brimmed crusher hats – they’re so much more colorful and sporty. Start by checking out Coach (like this one from Coach.com) and J. Crew. Check out NeimanMarcus.com, Vivre.com & Net-A-Porter.com.
• A SCARF TO THE RESCUE. If hats aren’t your thing, (and you’re dying to channel your inner pirate), try a chiffon head scarf. Scarves — the most versatile accessories, possibly ever— can be featured around the neck, on the wrist, or as a hair-tie. Most labels - from Ralph Lauren to the Gap, to this adorable Pucci number from NeimanMarcus.com - all have a good selection. Good resources: Net-a-Porter, Vivre, BananaRepublic.com & Nordstrom.com.
• BOLDLY BEDECKED. Forget dainty and delicate. This summer, jewelry is big, bold, and definitely visible from a distance. Adorn your wrists with thick, colorful bangles that have plenty of texture – especially wood, leather, and croc (the ones pictured are at Shimmer&Stone.com). PinkMascara.com carries groovy animal prints, GardenPartyCollection.com has a good selection of carved vintage Bakelite ones.
• NECKLACES RULE. Get noticed with long, swinging strands bursting with plump, bright beads. This beaut is from LinksOfLondon.com. For more budget-friendly versions, Try ThriftyChick.com, Vivre & BananaRepublic.com.
• WOW WORTHY WEDGES. Fun, chunky wedges (these gems are less than $20 at OldNavy.com!) —the sandals with some oomph—are everywhere this season, and with good reason: they combine the cool look of a casual shoe with a height that means business. Feminine espadrilles are especially trendy. Try labels like Guess?, Michael Kors, Kiss My Feet, Via Spiga, and Robert Clergerie. Surf over to LaRedoute.com, NeimanMarcus.com, Nordstrom.com or score a cool 4.5" retro version at MyDivasCloset.com.

Julia Szabo - Fashiontribes Fave Pet Expert - to Appear Live & Answer Callers' Pet Questions on Sirius Satellite on Tuesdays @ 12 noon on the Frank DeCaro Show - PODCAST

Julia Szabo - Fashiontribes Fave Pet Expert - to Appear Live & Answer Callers' Pet Questions on Sirius Satellite on Tuesdays @ 12 noon on the Frank DeCaro Show - PODCAST - MP3 File

Extra! Extra! Read all about it...or, in this case, chat about it!

Julia Szabo, pet guru to countless publications (including Fashiontribes) and author of must-have Animal House Style, will now be appearing live every Tuesday at 12 noon on the Sirius Satellite Radio's "Frank  DeCaro Show" to answer callers' questions and dilmmas about pets.

Get the 411 at www.sirius.com

Pet Industry Trends: Interview with Dillon Media's Michael Dillon About The Growing Humanization of our Pets; Aging Pets & Petowners; Chain Stores & Boutiques & Pet Services; Technology & Pets; Pets as Status Symbols - WEEKLY FASHIONTRIBES PET PODCAST

Pet Industry Trends: Interview with Dillon Media's Michael Dillon About The Growing Humanization of our Pets; Aging Pets & Petowners; Chain Stores & Boutiques & Pet Services; Technology & Pets; Pets as Status Symbols - WEEKLY FASHIONTRIBES PET PODCAST - MP3 File

Diamond dog collars, designer cat loftbeds, fancy pet spas & hotels, pet caskets & customized headstones even – what does it all mean? No, it’s not your imagination, pets are increasingly treated as part of the family, with all the privileges, rights & pampering thereof. To get a handle on this growing humanization of hounds, we got the scoop from pet industry insider & analyst Michael Dillon of Dillon Media, www.dillonmedia.com.

The Trends

• More Pet Owners & More Pets. There’s no denying, we love our pets. According to the U.S. Humane Society, www.hsus.org, in the US alone, there are over 140 million pets:  65 million owned dogs & 77 million owned cats. Almost 40% of all households own a dog, and over 20% of these have two dogs. 34% of all households own a cat, over half of which have two or more. “Demographics are definitely driving the industry. There are more pet owners and there are more pets,” concurs Dillon, who also notes that more dogs are registered each year with the American Kennel Club, www.akc.org.
• Geriatric Owners & Pets. Not only are we living longer, so are our pets. As more and more Baby Boomers retire, Dillon anticipates a flood of products designed for people and older pets, such as ramps for older dogs to get up to the bed, and products which help older pet owners maintain their pets, such timed feeders.
• Young Guns. On the opposite end of the spectrum are the younger pet owners: the busy young professional who is marrying and having kids later in life. “They’re busy, they’re making money, they’re ready for the responsibility, so they get a dog. That demographic is also driving industry very very strongly.”
• Major Areas of Growth: the West & the Northeast. According to Dillon, the most growth in the pet market is occurring in California – San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego – Texas, Atlanta, South Florida, New England & New York. “Especially in metropolitan areas like New York, San Francisco, and Atlanta, there are lots of very nice boutiques for dogs. You go in, and there’s dark wood paneling, custom-made tempera-pedic beds, and that customer isn’t necessarily going to a Petco or a Petsmart.” Petco also sealed a smart marketing deal with the baseball park in San Diego, which places them squarely in the California baseball market. “You mix baseball with your pet, and you’ve got a lot of potential there.”
• Chain Stores vs. Boutiques. Chains like Petco & Petsmart dominate the industry, and are continuing to consolidate many goods and services under one roof. The key to success will be standing out with quality and branding. “Companies of different sizes are really trying to make themselves stand out in the market and that’s because of the consolidation that they’re adding a pet product to an existing line, like Polo or Tiffany, or, if they’re really expanding into it like Target or Walmart with new websites.” He praises companies like Central Garden & Pet , a large, California-based supplier of products to Petco, Petsmart, Target, Home Depot, Lowe’s for focusing on higher quality products and a good brand. ”It’s something that is just going to continue as the consolidation continues.”  Despite the fact that there will be continued consolidation, it shouldn’t deter pet lovers with an entrepreneurial bent. “We’ll also continue to see more small companies and entrepreneurs start up retail boutiques. There is a lot of room in the industry for growth in a lot of segments. The industry is so big, that there’s a lot of interesting business opportunities in it, says Dillon. The pet industry is so diverse & growing so rapidly, there is a lot of room for specialized, high-end boutiques which cater to a petowner who might not necessarily shop at a larger chain. “There’s some overlap, but there’s a lot of room, in my opinion, for both of these types of retail outlets, both large and small.”
• May I Help You? Because so many petowners are looking for new services for their pets, pet services represents a huge trend, from babysitting, to grooming, to training. The services offered by Petco and Petsmart, such as their pet hotels and in-store doggie daycare – are adding to their bottom line at a stunning 20% or more annually.
• Dogs on the Catwalk. During Fall ’05 Fashionweek in New York this year, many scratched their heads in wonder at the fact that Target was having a full-fledged doggie fashion show under the tents at Bryant Park. Thank our stylish neighbors across the pond for this development. “Dog fashion shows and runway shows are something we’ll probably see more of in the United States. I noticed them a year or two ago starting to gain popularity in the UK and Europe, and now they’re really taking off here, and that tells me, again, maybe we’ll follow the human trends and go back to Paris and Milan for fashion, and bring them here.”

Our Pets, Ourselves
According to Dillon, just put the word “pet” in front of any hot human trend, and you get the corresponding pet trend. “There’s an increased consumption of high-end dog products and accessories, which mirrors the human trend of luxury buying,” explains Dillon. “That’s also being seen in things like the pet food industry: specialty dogfoods, organic and diet – all sorts of similar things to what we’re seeing for ourselves and what we want for ourselves.”

A major reason many of us pamper our pets to such a degree is that we don’t consider them “property” – rather, they are vital members of the family, a trend he has followed in the US for at least a decade. “There’s a humanization of dogs, and laws are slowly beginning to change across the country where dogs used to be considered property, and now they’re beginning to follow guardianhsip rights.” Dillon also questions where the limit is between man and canine: “Do I want to put dog on the Atkins diet? If I’m a vegetarian, does that mean my dog should be? “

Products that Mirror the Corresponding Human trend:

• Dog contraception
• Designer labels – such as Michael Graves & Isaac Mizrahi designed products sold at Target; limited edition Polo shirts & cashmere dog sweaters;Paris Hilton’s new line of dog “jewelry.”
• Health Insurance & Costs of Animal Care – owners will spend thousands on surgeries for the family pet. “Just like our healthcare system is increasing in cost, and drugs that you can give yourself for more and more diseases, it’s the same with pet insurance.” Dillon predicts that pet insurance in an industry set to “explode.”
• One Pill For Me, One for Fido. Popular pet meds mirror their human counterpart: allergies, skin diseases, arthritis. Petmed Express, www.1800petmeds.com, peddles pet drugs just like the pharmacy for humans.
• Custom statues of your pet for the memorial, such as those available at www.rainbowbridgepetmemorials.com.
• Drug R&D. Pharmaceutical giant Merck spends around $200 million a year developing drugs for pets and  livestock, a figure Dillon predicts will not be going down anytime soon. They also publish the influential Merck Veterinary Manual. 

The Next Big Thing

Because the pet industry is so diverse, it tends not to get swept up by a single fad or trend. However, Dillon has noticed an ongoing convergence between pets, the pet industry and technology.

• technology-based products for dogs and cats
• the Sony Aibo dog robot
• children’s internet sites like www.NeoPet.com in which you enter a made-up world & adopt a virtual, animated made-up pet. Interestingly, this site boasts 25 million users.

According to Dillon, “I’ve started becoming aware of an interesting convergence going on among retail, consuming psychology, and current technology. One CEO said we’re in the midst of a powerful evolution of the pet industry, referring to the humanization and the pet being one of the family. That is definitely something that should drive whatever the next big is.”

Where the Pets Go, But the Owner Decides.

Dillon finds somewhat disturbing the degree to which many products are marketed toward humans rather than the pets, with synthetic ingredients and colored dyes that could be quite unhealthy for a pet to chew and digest. “If you go into a Petco and look around, it’s a rainbow of colors and it’s a little overwhelming. And when you realize that, I believe, dogs are color blind, all of this is geared toward you. So that’s one thing that surprised me a little bit, and I do wonder sometimes about some of the products that are getting out there – are they actually good for the dog?”

Toys created specifically for animals would probably make even the most pet-friendly owner squeamish, such as the “perfect” dog toy which featured, yes, urine flavoring. “They ran some dog focus groups, and they were very excited, and the dogs really really liked this toy because it was something that dogs really like. They took it up to management who said, ‘are you crazy?’”

Pets: Status Symbol for the New Millenium

Because the practice of showcasing your lofty place in the world with suitably decked out arm candy is dying (except in some circles involving hairy men in bad, boxy suits), the new status symbol is the pet. “There are people showing off their pets around the world with a fancy necklace and nice accessories. It’s a modern way of saying, “I’ve made it. I’m a professional, I’m smart, I own a pet, I’m responsible, I make money.”

People’s attitudes towards pets are changing around the world, from the US, to Europe, to countries like Singapore, Japan, Korea, the Phillippines, and China. “I think that says something about globalization in general. It’s been happening in the United States for at least a decade, but we’re starting to see it worldwide in countries that not too long ago, and even now, still don’t treat dogs very well,” explains Dillon. “It has been interesting to notice that happening in cultures that that has not traditionally happened in, where a symbol of success has been something very, very different in the past. It represents something about a changing society, and I think China does represent that very well: it has restaurants that serve food to dogs and restaurants that serve dogs as food. It’s an interesting concept, but it represents the change in consciouness and what it means to have made it.

Blogette's Pirate Blog-io:Modest Mouse Plays Summerstage in Central Park-Happy 20th Anniversary Summerstage!!!-Podcast

Modest Mouse plays at Central Park's Summerstage, along with Camper Van Beethoven-MP3 File

Summerstage, New York's answer to the outdoor concert craze in Central Park, turned 20 this summer.  To celebrate, they have an awesome roster of performers this summer-checkit out a summerstage.org: with The Killers, Modest Mouse, Dinosaur Jr., Elvis Costello, Death Cab for Cutie, David Byrne and about 50 more. 

M is for Monday and Modest Mouse.  On Monday night, the weather was just perfect to take in a show.  Modest Mouse is a band I favored in high school, but I haven't really listened to them since The Moon and Antartica, which came out around 5 years ago.  The thing is, it's hard not to like their cute country boy thing, and Isaac's voice inspired adoration from many a fan.  They're talents are a many-it's rumored that banjo playing is extremely difficult, and who can hate the stand up base- but I am in favour of their older material.  In that vein, I did get to hear Paper Thin Walls, Tiny Cities Made of Ashes, Never Ending Math Equation and a few others.  But the whole time I was waiting for teeth like God's SHoe-Shine...Oh well.  While my fellow conerteer commented that, perhaps, too many of their songs did sound suspectly as if they were written for Toyota Commercials, it's hard not to be in a terrific mood whilst listening to music in Central Park. 

OPener Camper van Beethoven did fulfill my desire--they closed with Take the Skinheads Bowling--but played a dissapointing 25 minutes.  Singer Kevin Lowry (also of Cracker fame) has a voice I can't dislike.  The zoning and noise laws are the ultimate problem, so no one is really to blame.

If you can, definitely check out Summerstage.  CityParks is one of NY's best resources.  Also, Modest Mouse is on tour, and they are certainly worthy of your attention.

 

 

-Rachel

Blogette's Pirate Blog-io: Fashiontribes is moving from Brooklyn to Manhattan-yup, We're moving on up!!-Podcast

Fashiontribes is moving up in the world-Check out our Manhattan digws!!-MP3 File

That's right kids!! Were improving our stance in the world.  If coverage is a bit spotty-blame VERIZON!  They cut our DSL at our old home, and won't be turning it on in our new office for a bit!  We promise to put a few Pirate Blogio's up each day, but don't expect our regular schedule.  Keep checking back, because you never know what will be up!!! We promise it will be fun!!

-Blogette Rachel

Summerproof Pets: Julia Szabo's Top Summer Safety Tips; Global Pet Finder (a GPS for your Pet); Automatic Infrared Cat Door; Raised Coolaroo Dog Bed; Stylish Kittypod Cat Bed; Fab Feng Shui Chew Toys - WEEKLY FASHIONTRIBES PET PODCAST

Summerproof Pets: Julia Szabo's Top Summer Safety Tips; Global Pet Finder (a GPS for your Pet); Automatic Infrared Cat Door; Raised Coolaroo Dog Bed; Stylish Kittypod Cat Bed; Fab Feng Shui Chew Toys - WEEKLY FASHIONTRIBES PET PODCAST - M3P3 File

Summer's here & everyone is spending more time outside, including your four-legged pals. Fashiontribes fave pet care expert and celeb Julia Szabo - author of the awesome Animal House Style & now on Sirius Satellite Radio's "Frank DeCaro Show" live every Tuesday at 12 noon to answer callers' questions about pets - shares her Top Summer Safety Tips for keeping your pets healthy and happy this season:

1. Avoid walking dogs between the hours of 11 am and 2 pm, the hottest points of the day, when pets are vulnerable to heatstroke, and sidewalks are hot enough to burn. Test the sidewalk with your own hand: if the concrete is too hot for your palm, it's too hot for your dog's bare paw pads.
2. City sidewalks heat up during the day, and retain their heat well into the evening. If it's been a really hot day, don't bring your dog with to an outdoor cafe for dinner - the sidewalk will still be way too hot for him to lie down on. Leave him at home in the air conditioned apartment and bring him a doggy bag instead.
3. Keep pets hydrated throughout the day, making sure their water bowls are full. On long walks, carry a water bottle for your pet.
4. Never leave any animal alone in a parked car. The temperature can quickly rise to deadly degrees, causing heatstroke and death.
5. Summer is mosquito and tick season, and skeeters carry heartworm (a potentially fatal parasite) while ticks spread Lyme disease. Check with your vet about putting Fido on a heartworm -preventative medication for the summer months. Examine your pet's coat every day for ticks; if you find one, dab rubbing alcohol on it, and remove carefully with tweezer.
6. When splashing about in the pool, don't leave pets unattended or they could accidentally down. When you're not using it, cover swimming holes with a Loop-Loc pool cover for safety.

Here are some great summer- and pet-worthy gadgets we found that you'll wonder how - or why - you ever lived without:

• The Global Pet Finder from Petgadgets.com lets you set a boundary of any size within which your pet can roam. However, if they wander a whisker too far, you get alerted.
• Spending more time outdoors socializing, kitty is likely to pick up a new posse of pals. That's all good and well, however, you don't want them hangin' out at your house. This Infrared Locking Cat Door, also from Petgadgets.com fits any wall, door or window and re-latches automatically so you'll never have to come home and be greeted by a crib full of strays.
• When those sultry dog days hit, your pooch will think this Raised Coolaroo Dog Bed from SolutionsCatalog.com is heaven-sent. It's kind of like a doggie hammock that's breathable, easy to clean & a snap to put together.
• Only the best for your feline friend. This Kittypod by designer  Elizabeth Paige Smith from VelocityArtandDesign.com is made from longlasting, heavyduty corrugated cardboard that cats love to dig their claws into. It yells "taste" to your human pals and "eat your heart out" to your cat's social circle.
• Summer is the right time to de-stress and harmonize with nature (translation: hang out in a hammock with a cold drink and a trashy book). Make sure Fido's doing the same with these Feng Shui Toys. The Lotus Bud symbolizes harmony, while the Lucky Carp symbolizes abundance. The Cloud Ball is a symbol of never-ending fortune, and the Bamboo: longevity, courage and resilience. Supposedly combining them enhances their symbolic power, so get one of each. Besides, even if their Feng Shui'ness doesn't pan out, they sure do look cool. At PostModernPets.com

Fashiontribes Files Item of the week: Sigerson Morrison Rain or Shine Jelly Flats and Wellies-PODCAST

Sigerson Morrison Rain or Shine Jelly Flats and Wellies MP3 File
Two summers ago, I dragged along my best friend, and waited 3 hours in a line on Mott Street in New York to get a pair of Sigerson Morrison Jelly Flip Flops. Insane you say?  NOOOOOO!  These most adorable shoes carried not only a lovely little heel for comfort and style, but a connotation of being the snobbiest of snobby fashion addicts.  And then the craze blew up, and women across America began donning the mini-heeled wonders. 
No wonder Sigerson is up to it again.  This year, they will introduce their Rain or Shine collection- a line of the CUTEST flats and wellies, all rain proof of course.  I am going to have to get every color. The shoes have the perfect combo of pointiness, sweet details, and wear-ability.  I personally am constantly looking for cute rain shoes.  In a stroke of genius (or perhaps in fear for their lives and the lives of their customers-grown women fighting over shoes is a dangerous thing) you can now sign up to receive notification of the launch date on line at Sigerson Morrison, where you will also be able to order. If you want, drop into the stores in LA or NY, and pick up a pair.  I know I will be-stay away from the size 9's!!
What are you waiting for? Surf on over and sign up to be in the fashionably lucky crowd of hip girls who will no doubt don these shoes as a summer staple!

*********UPDATE:  THE SHOES WILL DROP NEXT WEEK!!  GIRLS, ARM YOURSELF WITH CREDIT CARDS!!!!***********
-Rachelyn

FASHIONTRIBES FILES: BOOKWORM ALLEY AND MUSIC MADNESS-FASHIONTRIBES PICKS FOR YOUR COFFEE TABLE, YOUR BEACH BAG, YOUR BOOKSHELF AND YOUR I-POD!!-PODCAST

SUMMER BOOK AND MUSIC PICKS-THE BEST FOR THE BEACH, THE BOOKSHELF, THE COFFEE TABLE AND THE CONVERTABLE, INCLUDING VELVET UNDERGROUND, NICK WAPLINGTON, HEMINGWAY AND PLUM SYKES-MP3 File

Summertime, and the living is easy.  When it comes to summer, books and music definitely run the show.  When I have parties, I like to spread fun books out on my coffee table so all my friends can see how artsy and cool i am (j/k).  Coffee table books are definitely best when the bold photography can start a conversation.
Another great conversation starter?  Terrific books on your bookshelf.  I like to keep heavy reading so I can sit int he park and feel like my brain is still working (the hot air sometimes makes me feel otherwise).
Beach Bag Books mean easy reads.  Nothing is better with salty air than fun, quick reads that can help you escape a family vacation.

BLOGETTE'S PICKS
COFFEE TABLE TREATS

Linda McCartney's Sixties:Portraits of an Era-Linda McCartney
Blood and Glitter-Mick ROck
Living Room-Nick Waplington
James Rosenquist:A Retrospective-James Rosenquist, Walter Hopps, Sarah Bancroft 
We're Desperate: The Punk Rock Photography of Jim Jocoy-Thurston Moore, Jim Jocoy, Excene Cervenka
TOP SHELF
You Shall Know OUr Velocity-Dave Eggers
Flappers and Philosophers-F. Scott Fitzgerald 
The SUn Also Rises-Ernest Hemingway
The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test-Tom Wolfe
White Teeth-Zadie Smith
BEACH BAG BLISS
Chronicles Volume 1-Bob Dylan
Bergdorf Blondes-Plum Sykes
Actual Air-David Berman
Songbook-Nick Hornby
Valley of the Dolls-Jacqueline Susann
Music defines your summer.  From live shows to road trips, Music can put you in the perfect mood.  Sometimes, a long trip calls for a box set-either pre-packaged or homemade.  Homemade, you ask?  Anyone with enough songs for a best of has a bevy of cd's suitable for rapid succesion.

BEST OF THE BOX
Unearthed-Johnny Cash
With The Lights Out-Nirvana
Peel Slowly and See-The Velvet Underground and Nico
Good Vibrations:Thirty Years-The Beach Boys
Heart And Soul-Joy Division

SUITABLE FOR RAPID PLAY
The Best of Blur-Blur
Greatest Hits Volume 1 &2-Queen
Decade-Neil Young
Way To Blue-Nick Drake
You're Living All Over Me-Dinosaur Jr.

Cheers!
-Rachel

FASHIONTRIBES FILES: FRIDAY MOVIE MANIA: AN INTERVIEW WITH KEN KLEIBER FROM THAT'S KENTERTAINMENT ABOUT SUMMER THEATRE-GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS, SPAMALOT, WICKED AND MORE!!-PODCAST

SUMMER IS A GREAT TIME TO ENJOY LIVE THEATRE ESPECIALLY WITH ALL THE STARS ON BROADWAY.  KEN FROM THAT'S KENTERTAINMENT GIVES US HIS PICKS-INCLUDING SPAMALOT, GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS, SWEET CHARITY AND MORE-MP3 File

We were lucky enough to bag an interview with Ken Kleiber (ok, he works with us) to get some of the down-low on this extremely exciting Broadway season.

Ken's Website, www.thatskentertainment.com is the best place to stop to get the scoop on Broadway and all it's insiders.  His charming interviews make you want to run right over to the Great White Way.

KEN'S SUMMER THEATRE PICKS
Glengarry Glen Ross

The Light In the Piazza

The Pillowman

Doubt

Give My Regards To Broadway!

-Rachel