Adventures in gift giving: Phillip Lim dog sweaters

Dog clothes have always kind of annoyed me. The scratchy tutus Paris Hilton shoves on her chihuahua or all the dogs I saw running around on Halloween dressed as clowns or bumblebees. Dog outfits seem cumbersome for the pup and much more exciting for the owner than the animal.  But just this week I changed my tune, after seeing Phillip Lim’s new line of dog sweaters.  They’re adorable, understated and actually look really warm for those brisk morning walks. 

Lim is making cashmere dog sweaters, inspired by his dog and muse -- a French bulldog named Oliver.  The sweaters are $150, come in gray, navy stripe and bubblegum, and come in sizes extra small to large. If you want to make it a complete gift set, the sweater plus a red leather collar and leash is $375.

Maybe Lim’s Fall '09 show will have sweater-wearing dogs alongside models on the runway? They’ll be trendsetting dogs, ridding the animal world of all the over-the-top costumes and uncomfortable outfits … because even when it comes to dogs, subtle is stylish. 

Available at the 3.1 Phillip Lim boutique, 631 North Robertson Blvd., L.A., CA 90069

-- Melissa Magsaysay

Photo: Navy stripe sweater as modeled by Oliver Credit: 3.1 Phillip Lim

One-piece wonder

What is it about a jumpsuit that’s just so darn cute?

Are they a reminder of those cute footy pajamas we wore as kids? Or are they just more stylish and less predictable than the standard T-shirt and jeans, blouse and skirt combos?

Whatever the motivation, many designers were inspired to do jumpsuits for spring. Proenza Schouler sent down all-white jumpsuits with hard lines and leather bondage-style straps that crossed on the back. Phillip Lim took a softer route and did one in a smoky blue with a gentle tie waist.  The most classic styles were in Ralph Lauren-structured black with strong shoulders and blazer lapels and a creamy ivory satin suit that looked as lithe and luxurious as any of his gorgeous evening gowns.

But the surprise came from Tadashi, a designer generally known for doing evening dresses and bridal party ensembles. He sent out royal blue short-alls (like a jumpsuit, but with short pants) with a ruffled halter neck. It was a one-piece little number that was not only totally unexpected from him, but it actually looked good.

We won’t be surprised to see bridesmaids in matching jumpsuits and short-alls next summer.

-- Melissa Magsaysay

Photos top to bottom: Ralph Lauren, Phillip Lim, Proenza Schouler. Photo credit: Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times