Friday, May 29, 2009

What Not to Wear

High: 53 °F
Low: 48 °F
Conditions: Continual showers. Thunderstorms may be possible.
No one--not even fashion historians--can say for certain from where the rules originate. Even still, any classically-trained fashionista knows them well: no white before Memorial Day. No wool or other winter fabrics from Memorial to Labor Day. No open-toed shoes after that time. And how do these couture mavens feel about such guidelines?

About like this:


I've never considered Ari much of a girly-girl. And certainly I've never pegged her as a Vogue-reading, trend-spotting, rule-following fashion diva. But what else can explain her decision to wait until Memorial Day to begin blowing her coat?

And when I say blowing, I mean it. Check out a photo of today's progress (Complete with mangy bald swath across her lower thigh.)


It's hard work keeping up with antiquated fashion rules. Looking at this much-suffering dog, I'm reminded of W. B. Yeat's poem, "Adam's Curse," in which the poet opines:
. . . . And thereupon
That beautiful mild woman for whose sake
There's many a one shall find out all heartache
On finding that her voice is sweet and low
Replied, 'To be born woman is to know-
Although they do not talk of it at school-
That we must labour to be beautiful.'


And so labor Ari shall, until she's at her summer best. In the meantime, I'm collecting her efforts for my own fashion project.


In case the scale is lost in the photo, that's a gallon-sized Ziploc bag. And it's filled with Ari hair. I'm hopping to spin it and then maybe knit a scarf or hat.

But one important question remains. If my project works, will I be able to wear it before Labor Day?

18 comments:

Teddy Westlife said...

I've never understood that rule. Of course, living in Australia means I can just ignore it anyway.

Huffle Mawson

Stella said...

Being a dog, it means nothing to me! A lot of things mean nothing to me.

My Mom says if you have left over roving, to send it her way, she makes thrummed mittens for winter!

Kisses,
Stella

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

Ha rooo roooo!!! We are blowing coat here too, mainly Thunder.

We got your book, well, Mom did and we are really hoping she is going to share Ari's Adventures with us.

Woos, the OP Pack

NAK and The Residents of The Khottage Now With KhattleDog! said...

Mom khalls 'em starter kits!

Great work Ari!

My blakhk pug pal Bajas went to a khanine show a month or so ago - they were next to a Sibe - Baja's mom's jakhket brushed against the sibe a few times SOOOO they now have their own!

Keep up your efFURts!

Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra

Lorenza said...

My mom is not very good following fashion rules. If she likes it, she wears it... any time of the year!
I'd love to see the scarf made with Ari's fur!
Have a great weekend
Kisses and hugs
Lorenza

Simba and Jazzi said...

A hat made from Ari fur sounds good.

Have a great weekend.

Simba and Jazzi xx

Suzuki said...

Will you be making a scARfI?
I hope you have a pawsome weekend.
Big licks to you
Suzuki
xxx

Anonymous said...

Hi Kathryn and Ari,
Try storing the hair in an open pillowcase. It will get funky quickly in plastic.

The Army of Four said...

Oh, seriously. You should see Ammy's coat. She's STILL blowing! ha roooooo!
Play bows,
Zim

deacdoc said...

An Ari scarf? That's weird! What about people with allergies to pet dander? You are going to get sneezed on. Enjoy the cell-ie!

D.K. Wall said...

Ari is just following his Siberian side - the side that says rules, pfffffft.

The only rule here is that at least one dog must be blowing coat at any time so that the humans get maximum value. At the moment, that is Natasha and Kiska.

Steve, Kat, & Wilbur said...

That's hardly enough fur. Would you like me to send you some of my Steve-splosion?

Steve

YD, sometimes with ♥June and ♥Angel Samantha said...

Our mom doesn't follow any fashion rules. Neither do we, we just wear the samething year round - our golden coat. :)


Sam & June

Unknown said...

Our only rule is "dress like a local, not a tourist ..." and that includes Madison. She doesn't "blow her coat," but right about now she could use a good bath, a clip and a blow dry!

umekotyan said...

Good evening Ari
The heated term came.
There is a problem of a lot of hairs there.
And, the hairs are collected, and the idea that makes the hat is wonderful.
Of course, after shampooing the hair.
The dye is also good.
hehehe:D

from loved ume tyan

Amber and Nala said...

OMD Ari, I never pegged you for one to follow such rules either but maybe just this once. ;) Wow Kathryn, I can't wait to see the scarf or hat that you make with all that Ari hair! Cool idea. :) As for my little frog friends, they have been identified as Pacific Tree Frogs and they seem to be doing ok....what kind do you have there??

Nala

JB's Big and Small Worlds said...

That is a lot of hairs. I hope they do go to good use!
--JB

World of Animals, Inc said...

That sure is alot of your furs that came out. Your human must have worked really long at making you pretty. Thanks for the share. Have a wonderful rest of your weekend.
World of Animals