DoggyStyle: On Dog Flair

 I barely realized this weekend will be our highlight of the summer where the community bands together to support ideas of equality and gay rights. With all the beads, boas, and colorful costumes, even our pooches seem out of place without some type of flair.
While our pooches have become old pros at wearing costumes, we've learned there are levels of 'dog flair' for all comfort levels. With all the people, noise, excitement and heat we do want to make sure the pooches are relaxed, here are some things we've learned:

Special Occasion Collars and Bandanas

These are tolerable for most any dog, and they still look festive! Former foster sweet Bessie Belle was known for her collar with matching flower, and we've written before about our bowtie collars.
We also love how our SociaBulls friend Stickers (who also happens to be a greeting card muse!) has really made an art out of wearing bandanas. She wears them daily, and has quite the collection, and shows how simple it is to add a bit of 'flair'.

Headbands

 We have found another quick and easy way to make a costume, without having your pooch wear a whole costume, is to use headbands. The pooches wear them behind their collar, and we secure it with a not too tight elastic or rubber band. We've picked up some flower headbands for Miss M in the little girls' department, and we've also used this technique for her halo on Halloween and huge bow for St. Patrick's Day.

Hats and Costumes

Since our pooches have had a lot of practice, they are actually able to wear hats and semi-costumes. We find little boys' hats are perfect for Mr. B, and we punch holes in the sides and secure them with elastic to stay on while he walks around town (here he is at last St Pats and in a fedora that matches E's). We buy Miss M little girl Halloween costumes that don't involve putting things over her arms and legs. She has this tutu (we've been stopped on the street by little girls saying they have the same outfit) and this little girls' fairy outfit during Halloween.

These are just some things that have worked for us. What are some other ways you've made your pooch festive during the holidays?
PS. In case you missed them:
Teaching Your Dog to Wear Costumes
How to Prepare to Take Your Pooch to a Parade