Cute? Yes. Cuddly? Yes. A little bizarre and screwy looking? Yes.
That's how I describe these stuffed animals from Donna Wilson, the collection being called simply "Donna Wilson Creatures." And 'creatures' is really the only way to describe this eclectic mix of plush creations which includes a snail named Stick, a dog named Oscar, and several mystery creatures named things like Stripey Head, Peeping Tom, and Angry Ginger. They look hand-drawn and unique, which I love, but most of them also have eyes that sit way too far apart, which I don't like (makes them look like they're missing a chromosome or something). Prices range from $84 to $164 each.
Hm...would you carry a bright sparkly peacock as a handbag? Designers like Judith Leiber definitely know their stuff and have pretty good taste but (in my opinion anyway) it's creations like this Peacock bag that remind me they're only human. I'm sure there are some people out there who think this bag (and all the other animal-shaped ones in the gallery below) are awesome and perfectly fashionable, but I'm not holding my breath to see Angelina Jolie or Reese Witherspoon carrying one on a red carpet anytime soon.
I will say that each bag in the collection is certainly beautiful to look at (especially the Polar Bear and the Owl) -- maybe they don't have to be actually worn but would make awesome collectors items instead? Peacock bag 6" x 5" x 2", $5295.
Decorating with animals is tricky (all too often it just comes off as tacky) but these crisp white porcelain creations from Rose and Radish may be the answer for those looking for a way to bring the beauty of nature indoors. This collection of porcelain wildlife figurines has all the usuals (i.e. lots of birds) plus a few unusuals like a goat and a hippopotamus. The hippo happens to be my favorite because he looks like he'd be really interesting, without being too bright or bold, sitting on a bookshelf. $1019
The World Wildlife Fund works around the world to protect endangered species, protect and restore endangered habitats, and deal with the ever-growing global challenges facing the environment. As with most charities you can always give the simple gift of a donation in your loved one's name, or with WWF it gets a little more fun and personalized when you adopt an endangered wild animal. For just $50 you get an adoption certificate, a photo of your chosen animal, and best of all an adorable coordinating plush toy. And with 80 species to choose from you can certainly personalize your gift, and even encourage the starting of an annual tradition and a collection of animals. Donate/order by December 17th for Christmas delivery.
I think a lot of people only consider getting an automatic pet feeder when planning a vacation, but they're actually pretty handy year round for keeping your pets on a regular eating schedule even if yours isn't. And the Perfect Pet Feeder was designed to do just that, or in their words it's meant to "feed your pet flawlessly, for a lifetime." How can you argue with that?
Made of stylishly shaped durable stainless steel, it's dishwasher safe and has battery back-up to keep things going smoothly in the event of a power outage. Programmable for up to 6 meals/snacks for 1 or 2 pets, this is just the thing to take some of the hectic stress out of your life (and your pets). I know my dog would love to know she doesn't have to wait for me to get up on Saturday morning before she gets breakfast! $699
This lamp would fit perfectly in a child's room, and brings to mind counting sheep as they go jumping through the clouds. Created by David Hupton and Yve Thelermont for Thelermont Hupton of Great Britain, this simple design was inspired by the balloon animals made by clowns at carnivals and parties -- now you can have one that not only lights up a room but also never deflates! It's frosted blown glass mounted on a silver finished steel stand and comes in just the one color and design. $385
Real pets can be a bit problematic if you have kids. Not only can it be challenging to have to clean up after more than one of them at a time, but it also takes a while for kids to learn how to handle themselves around animals. Sheep offer a way for kids to have a cuddly animal around without mess and without risking injury to either child or animal. Stocked at Thorsten Van Elten, these aren't live sheep, but wooden ones covered in real, soft sheepskin. They range in size from 45cm-80cm high, with prices from $340-$775 (£175 to £395).
To take any Halloween celebrations to the next level, you'll need to find some really killer decorations. Instead of searching to find natural-looking props at the party store, why not seek out something a bit more realistic? Skulls Unlimited has a bit selection of real ("natural") and cast bones, human and animal, rare and common. A hippopotamus skull ($2,400) would make a big impression and some little vampire bat skulls ($49) would fit the theme. For something really creepy, there is a human skull with bullet wounds in it, but a grab-bag of assorted animal bones could go a long way at a party.
If you really like exotic skins, than this is the handbag for you. This evening bag is made of stingray skin, so it is no coincidence that the bag is also shaped rather like a stingray with wide wings and a handle as the tail. Described as "eerily beautiful," it has a slightly pebbled surface and is both water and scratch resistant. It is small and only measures .5" x 4.5" x 4" and closes with a small toggle. Price: $190.
Here at Luxist, we are all for indulging our pets whenever possible, whether it means pampering them with a posh pet house or simply getting them a comfy bed, but things might be going a little too far - even for us - with these Elite Pet Havens. The havens are "virtual interactive outdoor environment[s] for your pet(s) inside your own home, and in limited space," which translates to an ultra-luxe zoo, of sorts. Options include temperature, scent, taste and touch controls, as well as numerous ways to virtually play with the real pet, incorporating the "the treadmill & moving pool components" to play games such as "fetch." You can also have "your pet's exercise program physiologically monitored by experts, remotely."
We'd rather spend the $50,000-$200,000 and landscape our yards until they are animal-friendly than create an artificial enviornment for use to observe them in, no matter how nice it is.
This Louis XV Pet Pavilion is only for animals who really deserve to live like kings. It is styled after an 18th century French commode (which we prefer to think of as just a little building, since it sounds a bit classier) and is hand-carved from mahogany and rosewood. It is liken with antique-style Newton Ferrers fabrics and the colors and patterns can be chosen to suit your own tastes. Customizations are available, if you need a larger or smaller bed than the 35" H x 27" W x 27" D standard, or simply prefer a custom finish. Price: $24,266.
It really is a dog's life in Miami. It's a city where people love their dogs so much that there is a 24-hour luxury department store for dogs only. The Dog Bar stocks just about everything you could want to get for a pet, from pet foods and chew toys to luxury pet beds and the latest in fashionable collars. Don't be surprised if you end up spotting a celebrity or two with their pets if you're in the store, but the focus is on the pets and the helpful staff will make sure that they are well taken care of while there and stylishly outfitted by the time they leave.
We've mentioned before that taxidermy is a surprisingly popular trend among city-dwellers apparently so desperate for contact with nature that they're content to put dead animals in their apartments. Of course, some refrain from using real animals, but Kate Moss has just bought into the trend with the purchase of a £4,000 piece called "To Every Seed his own Body" from British taxidermist Polly Morgan. The piece has a blue tit (a small bird) lying apparently dead on top of a prayer book, all under glass. It appears that the piece also has a tiny chandelier inside that can be lit via a cord strung through the bottom of the case.
Lobsters are already a popular luxury item at top restaurants, and usually diners can expect to pay something a bit about the market price per pound for that day. A $740 per pound lobster is in an entirely different league. Fortunately, if you splurge on this crustacean, you'll be able to enjoy it for more than a meal since it is made of glass. The lobster has silver antennae and was hand-formed to be as true to the look of a real lobster as possible by artist Taf Lebel Schaefer. It measures 11.75"x6.625". Price: $3,700.
One shows an owl perched on a tree during the day (orange) and one shows him at night (navy), but both of these Night Owl Baby Zoo Rugs have nightlights built into them. These rugs are 100% virgin wool and are colored with natural vegetable dyes, so they are durable, soft and safe to have around kids. The floor light runs on 3 AA batteries and matches the rugs' coloring. They're $500 each, but that seems like a small price to pay to alleviate fears of the monster under the bed. Think about it: to a child, whatever it costs to get rid of the boogieman is worth it. He's a scary guy.
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This Louis XV Pet Pavilion
