pamperedpuppy // luxury lifestyles for dogs

Purse Fetish

Morgan Dog Carrier

It's a purse. No, it's a dog carrier. No it's a purse. No, it's a dog carrier. Can't tell the difference? That's the whole point behind Creature Couture's high-end designer purses. Or, shall we say, dog carriers?

Now you and your pampered pooch can change your outfit, change your shoes, and change your minds as much as you want and you'll have a handbag to match. "We strive to make our carriers not look like carriers. We make them more of a fashion statement to provide something very fashion conscious for people that want to take their pets around town but don't want to look like they're lugging a pet," says Michelle Jackson, co-owner of CreatureCouture.com.

The handbags are strategically designed for the woman and small pet on-the-go. Most of the bags will hold up to a 12 pound pup.

"The idea came about because I've got a 4 lb Chihuahua named Spookie. I was living in Hong Kong at the time and could not find a decent bag to carry her in anywhere. I could never find something that went with what I was wearing so I was stuffing her in my handbag," says Jeannette Jones, co-owner of Creature Couture.

Madison Dog Carrier

Jeannette, a model turned designer turned business woman runs Creature Couture with her make-up artist mom, Michelle. The two (who used to work together on fashion shoots) are now learning the other side of the fashion industry.

"This is complete baptism by fire because I've never been in any kind of designing and manufacturing business. I started this in August 2003 when I moved back to California," says Jeanette, who spent nearly 3 years on a modeling assignment in Asia.

It took a little trial and error to get the bags to look as sleek and stylish as they do now. "The challenges at first were really just fabric faux pas. You get the samples and they look great in little swatches and then you get them blown up and you're like 'Oh my God, what have I done?'"

But don't let her first run fool you. The people who manufacture Creature Couture's handbags are ladies' handbag designers. Jeanette was given a first-rate opportunity to learn about purse structures from the pros. "I was actually quite lucky," she says. All her bags are still made in Asia.

The bags are designed to hold your pet and your stuff and feature inner and outer pockets. The new fall/Winter collection features many new designs that toy with different fabrics and colors. "We try to keep up with the new trends and with what people are wearing," says Jeannette. This year, that means lots of textures, weaves, nylons, and colors.

South Beach Dog Carrier

The best seller is Bella in avocado green. "We have literally run out of every shipment," says Michelle. "We've pretty much even sold them before they even get on the shelves. So now we make it in four colors and it's still selling really well." Bella also comes in shocking pink, sunset, and petal. The handbag is made of lightweight nylon with canvas straps and has silver hardware. It has three outer pockets, including a cell phone pouch; two inner pockets; a peek-a-boo door; zipper closure; and ventilation on both sides. The handbag measures 12" x 8" x 7.5", holds up to 8 pounds, and costs $190.

Other bags, like Ciao, are made of 100 percent leather with silver hardware. Ciao comes with three inner pockets, including one for a cell phone, a peek-a-boo door, zipper closure, and dual side ventilation. It'll fit a pooch up to 12 pounds, measures 16" x 9" x 8", and retails at $400. It also comes in three colors: nutmeg, mustard, and blush.

Most of the bags share similar features, what sets them apart from each other are their looks and size capacities. Madison, for example, is made of thick weave nylon with pvc trim and holds up to 12 pounds and measures 15" x10.5" x7.5". It costs $260 and comes in citrus, neapolitan, and turquoise. Morgan, which also holds up to 12 pounds, features a textured weave, retails for $340, and comes in two colors: rosebud and seagrass. Southbeach, has a more airy feel, holds a smaller pup (up to 10 pounds), and comes in linen with leather trimming.

"We structure our purses so they feel like a normal purse," says Jeanette. "We don't' want it to feel like there's a bowling ball under your arm. We also try to envision your outfit. Our winter collection has a little bit longer straps so you can wear the handbags over your coat."

Both Jeanette and Michelle pride themselves on their high quality. "These bags won't fall apart on you. There are no straps breaking. There's enough room for your dog to move around in but it's also comfortable for you," says Jeanette.

Ciao Dog Carrier

To buy a bag you need to locate a store that carries the international line. "We don't sell direct because it's a conflict of interest with our online clients. We will direct people who contact us to a store in their area or provide a list of what Web sites carry the products," says Jeanette. Also good to know: the purses are manufactured in limited runs. That means you're not likely to see your purse with the neighbor's pup in it.

As far as the clever handbag names, well... that's determined rather "scientifically."

"We design a bag and look at it and kind of go ‘What does this remind me of?'" jokes Jeanette. The Rodeo handbag, looks like something you'd want to show off while walking down Rodeo Drive. The Hemingway handbag is all leather, and kind of masculine, sort of the ultimate male bag.

There are also messenger bags, that look like your typical fast city life, bag. And faux fur trim bags, for the ultimate princess. And with all the choices, don't be surprised if your dog has his or her own favorite one.

"Spookie jumps around from one bag to another when I babysit or dogsit," says Michelle. "She gets to sample them all. People are always wondering which bag she's in."

Bella Dog Carrier

It seems there's a new "model" in the family, or as Jeanette calls her, a "superdoggle."

For years Michelle was the mom of a model, Jeanette. These days Jeanette is the mom of a model too, Spookie. "She gets more work than I do. We get people all the time who want to take her picture. She takes more pictures and gets more attention than I do now!"

Despite the role reversal, Jeanette says designing handbags has been extremely rewarding. She says she's learned a lot in the past years and really likes interacting with clients. Her mom couldn't agree more. "We really enjoy dealing with people that love pets because they tend to be very real and personable; not to knock the fashion industry but we've both been in fashion industry for many years so it's a very different climate. It's just much more personable."

Plus, the handbag line has some hidden perks. "I love having Spook with me and I don't have to have another bag with me, which is nice," says Jeanette. "I sneak her in and out of anywhere. I take her to the movies and restaurants and people never know she's there. I'll have her sit by my feet and people will sometimes stare when they see her wiggle. If it weren't for that, no one would know."