Doggy Style: A short guide to a blog and business worthy pet

fashion friday by Evie Kemp
I hold dogs in very high regard. To the self-employed a dog is often a best friend, an accessory, a muse, a colleague and a photo prop all in one. A dog won't let you sleep in and waste the morning, a dog forces you to get outside at least once a day and take some time out, a dog is something who'll listen to you talk and perhaps save your sanity. Sure, there are those of you who claim to not be 'dog people' but I reckon you haven't tried life with a dog.

I find that if I walk into a shop and the owner has their faithful friend sitting behind the counter I'm about 80% more likely to buy something. Same goes for online shop, if theres a dog in the picture it's instant love. I love the dog, and by proxy the seller and the product. They call it puppy love.

And so, it follows that just as much as I like dogs in shops, I love shopping for my doggy companions. It's easy to get caught up in the strange world of animal attire and find yourself perplexed over a miniature pair of dungarees or a puppy tutu. However let's approach this from an independent business point and think of your dog not only as your lunch date but also (to some extent) as an extension of you and your business. You don't wear a Von Dutch hoodie (or do you?!) and so neither should your dog. I've picked out some really lovely canine clothes and accessories that will ensure your four-legged friend is always blog-feature ready even if you aren't. (I do apologise to cats, who also make great business partners but do not generally react well to being dressed up and paraded around town.)

Classic outerwear for any occasion and not a crass slogan to be seen. Coats from top 1 Handknit fisherman sweater by Elsa and Em $34 2 'The Westerly' trench by Rover Dog $80 3 Barbour Waxed Cotton Dog Coat £29.95
Bold, statement pieces to express some personality without being garish. Collars from top 1 Summer green tartan bow tie collar by Pecan Pie Puppies $24 2 Moustache collar by Silly Buddy $30 3 'The Portland' collar by The Urban Animal Scientist $32 4 Hot pink plaid collar by Silly Buddy $27 5 Seersucker bow tie collar by Pecan Pie Puppies $24

Don't forget the accessories. Dog tags left to right 1 Lightening Tag by Yabettasupadont $20 2 Shining star tag by Make Your Dog Smile $15 3 Skull & crossbones dog tag by Nicola $46