We were smitten as kittens to discover these super-chic Scandinavian pet beds from Felix & Milou.

Every now and then we spot something that really stands out as unique, wonderful and utterly gorgeous. Launched by Paris-based, Swedish designer Tove Jakobsson, Felix & Milou’s retro-inspired pet beds feature a hand-picked range of Scandinavian textile prints that will make the ultimate statement in your home and are the perfect place for a pooped pet to snooze in style.

Tove’s cat, Asta modelling the ‘Lumimarja’ Bed

Felix & Milou’s beautiful prints are hand picked by Tove from the archives of such designers as Erja Hirvi, Kerstin Boulounger and Göta Trägårdh, with motifs ranging from modern monochrome to fresh florals and chic cityscapes, all with the signature Scandi twist.

Asta luxuriating on Felix & Milou’s ‘ Apple’ Bed

“I was looking for good-sized pet bed with a retro twist, that would work well in a modern interior,” says Tove of her hunt for a beautiful bed for Asta, her recently adopted Chatreux. “It was too much to ask it would seem so I decided to make one myself.”

As a lover of all things vintage, Tove went on the hunt for just the right fabrics. With her smart Scandi sensibilities, she sourced a range of eclectic prints from well-known Swedish designers, that not only looked great but would be durable enough to withstand the claws of a cunning cat.

In true Scandinavian style, Felix & Milou beds are also simple to care for with a removable cover and perfectly plump inner cushion – both of which are machine washable.

Felix & Milou pet beds are the perfect size for cats and petit pooches, and are £75 each from www.styletails.com 

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For a good dose of the warm fuzzies, today we venture into the wonderful world of rodentia with Omlet’s latest launch – The Qute.

For pet lovers living busy, inner city lifestyles, the small, low maintenance cuteness of rodents are fast making then the furry friend of choice, which is why we squealed with glee at the latest launch from Omlet.

Makers of the iconic (and downright genius) Eglu chicken coop, as well as the revolutionary Beehaus (you can make your own honey don’t you know), have turned their attention to the humble hamster with the Qute – a clever, contemporary home for your mouse, gerbil or hamster, which not only looks super-stylish, but also takes less than a minute to clean.

Omlet’s Qute, with its modern design in simple sleek white, beautifully integrates little critters into a contemporary living space, even providing room on top for books and magazines. The clever design also allows owners to stow their pet safely upstairs while removing the drawer underneath for cleaning.

The Qute from Omlet starts at £119 from www.omlet.co.uk

Do you have a hamster?

What do you think of the design?

ST

Belgraves Hotel London

Boutique group, Thompson Hotels launch a pet friendly package at all their luxurious outposts, with a free upgrade to celebrate. 

LA, New York, Miami, London – jet-setting pets will be rubbing their paws together with glee at the launch of pet-friendly at all Thompson Hotels’ uber cool locations. With such iconic crash pads as the Roosevelt in Hollywood, Gild Hall in New York and London’s Belgraves, there’s no shortage of chic cities to explore with your four-legged friend.

Gild Hall Hotel, New York

Thompson’s Hotels’ pet package which launches next week will include all the creature comforts your furry friend would expect including pet food bowls, a toy, pet registration, “Pet In Room” signage on doors, and additional services such as grooming.

Roosevelt Hotel, Hollywood, Los Angeles

To celebrate the launch, Thompson Hotels are offering a free upgrade to one of their luxurious suites for owners booking the new pet package, plus a 4pm check out – always handy for pooped pooches recovering from some seriously thirst-enducing retail therapy.

Use the promo code PETS to book the package at any of the Thompson Hotels via their website: www.thompsonhotels.com 

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Oscar Isaac with Ulysses in a still from the Coen Brother’s Inside Llewyn Davis

Move over Uggie, the four-legged star of this year’s Cannes Film Festival is none other than a ginger tom cat.

Traditionally the territory of the canines of film, with its coveted Palm D’og Award now in its 12th year, this year’s Cannes Film Festival has been won over by the feisty feline  star of Inside Llewyn Davis, the latest offering from the Coen Brothers.

Inside Llewyn Davis, which stars Carey Mulligan, Justin Timberlake and Oscar Isaac opened in Cannes last night to huge critical acclaim. The film, which tells the story of a struggling folk artist (Oscar Isaac) in Greenwich Village, New York in 1961 has captivated audiences with its cat-shaped co-star. Playing the character of Ulysses, the clever kitty who appears throughout the film, thrilled critics with a series of daring escapes.

Director Joel Coen admitted at yesterday’s press conference that the feline star of Inside Llewyn Davis had saved the film from potential distaster. “The film doesn’t really have a plot. That concerned us at one point; that’s why we threw the cat in,” he joked.

Justin Timberlake who stars alongside Ulysses also claimed that the pampered puss had a large rider for cat food and littler.

Inside Llewyn Davis is now being tipped as the favourite for the prestigious Palm D’or. Coincidence? We think not!

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I’ll admit that the first time someone mentioned a puppy class to me, I thought – what a strange concept. Loads of excitable puppies running around and piddling everywhere, while their harassed owners look on in despair.

I’d also heard mixed reports on the approach of some trainers, with tales of one guy in Essex who opened his class to a room of new puppy owners, declaring “FIRST THINGS FIRST – You need to get it through your head that your dog does not love you and it never will but it WILL respect you DAMN IT!”

Clearly not put off by this quite frankly terrifying story, I asked around about some good local classes and was recommended to Louise from the Darling Dog Company, who hosts a class every Sunday morning (worst time ever to assert authority over your dog with a hangover mind you) at the Britannia Pub in Victoria Park.

George had only been with us a short few weeks before we started classes and we were very much still in the midst of the ‘GOD HELP US WHAT HAVE WE DONE!’  stage of puppy ownership. With that in mind, we were keen to get some useful hints and tips on raising him into an upstanding young man, whilst also being slightly scared that he may have one of his mental puppy moments in class, completely showing us up in front of a room full of people.

I’m delighted to say that Louise did not show up in full military costume with a cattle prod, and George completed the six week course (his certificate is in the post to prove it!)  with flying colours.

If you are thinking of getting a puppy or have recently taken home a puppy – here are 10 very good reasons to go to puppy class:

1. You will be reassured that your puppy is not the worst puppy in the class (or the world), unless of course your puppy is the worst in the class (or the world), in which case….RUN!
2. It’s great fun! Everyone in the class was very friendly and let’s be honest – a room full of playful puppies is quite a wondrous thing to behold.
3. It’s unbelievably helpful to listen to the trials and tribulations of other owners. Not only can you take away some very useful tips, you can also feel better about the fact that your dog is not the only one that’s clearly been possessed by the devil.
4. You can stop doing all the stupid counter-productive things that are not helping your puppy in any way.
5. You can laugh at your dog when they do amusing things like totally ignoring you and going to dig a hole in the corner of the beer garden during the class.
6. It’s excellent experience for your puppy – socialising them with other young pups of all shapes and sizes.
7. You can get a good grasp on the basics of dog behaviour, which will seem very obvious once you understand them.
8. Teaching your dog tricks in the comfort of your lounge room is great, but the real test comes when there are nine other furry four-legged distractions within playing distance.
9. You will learn a whole host of amazing little tips and tricks, like the best way to groom your dog without getting into a wrestling manoeuvre with the hair brush on the floor and how to get them to do the commando crawl (a particular favourite of George’s)
10. You will realise you are doing a good job after all and should therefore be rewarded with a glass of wine

You can find out more about puppy classes with Louise from the Darling Dog Company on their website: www.thedarlingdogcompany.co.uk

Did you take you dog to puppy class?

Did you think it was helpful?

Is your puppy an angel now?

ST + George

Ps. The beautiful photo of George above is thanks to the wonderful Helen Rosemier: www.helenrosemier.com

Jonathan with Chilli & Pepper, Columbia Road Flower Market, East London, Sunday 12th May 2013

It was a day for the mighty Miniature Schnauzers at Columbia Road Flower Market on Sunday. Jonathan was out and about with his dynamic doggy duo – Chilli and Pepper.

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See more Tail Hunter Street Style

StyleTails speaks to couture wallpaper designer, Claire Coles and her dainty little Dachshund Pickle. 

Defining the unique work of Claire Coles is somewhat of a challenge. The words; art, design, ethereal and otherworldly come to mind, although none fully capture the essence of her stunning pieces. From her West London studio, Claire creates one-off couture wallpapers and prints for a range of clients including the likes of Liberty and Perrier-Jouët, as well private commissions. StyleTails speaks to Claire and her dainty little Dachshund Pickle to find out more about her beautiful work.

Firstly, how did you get your start as a designer?

I studied Applied arts at Middlesex University and graduated in 2003. I was very fortunate to get some commissions directly from my degree show, one of which was a wallpaper display for Liberty. This gave me the confidence to start up my own business.

Your delicate prints and wallpapers are truly works of art. How would you describe your style and what goes into creating them?

I would say my style is ethereal, elegant and organic. I work by collaging papers with silk, leather and felts, and then freehand machine embroidering these materials together to create a range of surface patterns. I use the sewing machine as others would use a pen or pencil in a loose and fluid way.

What originally inspired you to work in this way and what do you think people love about it?

I have always liked the idea of creating something that captures reminiscence of the past but with a contemporary twist. Using embroidery in a loose way, I am trying to create patterns that appear to have grown to life themselves in a delicate and sensitive way. I think people are drawn to intricacy and handmade nature of my work.

You use a lot of floral motifs – are you inspired by flowers and if so, which are your favourite to work with?

Flowers are a predominant influence in my work, but I don’t really have a favourite. If anything I try and create florals that aren’t obviously recognisable, they are otherworldly.

Your work is inspired by patters in old textiles and wallpapers. Where do you source them?

I collect them from vintage markets, eBay and junk shops.

How long can a private wallpaper commission take to complete?  

Once we have decided on a pattern, it takes two to four weeks for production depending on the size of the room.

You recently worked with French champagne brand Perrier-Jouët (a personal favourite bubble of StyleTails) Can you tell us a little bit about the  collaboration and how it came about?  

I designed and produced three embroideries which were then adapted into surface patterns for a limited edition gift packaging. My inspiration for the works came from their Art Nouveau collection at the Maison Belle Epoque in Épernay and the aromas of the wines. I was contacted directly by the brand to work together, and have recently been invited to be part of their Art Salon.

You’ve worked on some amazing projects. Which are you most proud of? 

I love seeing my wallpaper being installed in someone’s home where is really comes to life, but my project with Perrier-Jouët has been my proudest collaboration so far.

Who would be your dream collaboration?  

I would love to produce a series of rugs, so The Rug Company would be great to work with.

What are you currently working on?

I am currently working on a new collection of wallpapers and panels which I will be launching at Decorex in London this September.

How did you come to own your Miniature Dachshund Pickle? 

I looked after a friend’s dog and I was so sad when I gave her back, so I contacted the breeder she came from and luckily they had one puppy left – it was meant to be.

What made you choose a Dachshund? 

I had a collection of quite a few dachshund objects form jewellery to ceramics and artworks before I got Pickle, so I’ve always been drawn to the breed.

What do you love about Dachshunds? 

I like their feisty nature, funny waddle and they are so charismatic

Pickle enjoying a power nap on her patchwork bed from East End Best Friend

Does she come to work with you at your studio in Notting Hill? 

She does, although she can be a little territorial. She is quite popular so we always get people popping in to see her. Plus, if I’m having a bit of a tough day its great to take time out and have a cuddle.

Can you see her inspiring your work? 

So far I haven’t used her as an inspiration but who knows I might start sewing sausage dogs on my wallpaper, or maybe not!

QUICKFIRE QUESTIONS – PICKLE

Describe yourself in three words?

Long. Petite. Regal

What’s your favourite treat? 

Bones but I’ll give anything a try

Your favourite dog-friendly places around Notting Hill? 

The Elgin in Maida Vale is good – they do great chorizo and serve Perrier-Jouët

Your most treasured possession

My blanket I love to burrow under

What inspires you? 

I love the countryside in Norfolk, great for squirrel hunting

What is your ideal holiday destination and why?

A beach holiday, I love sunbathing and picnics

When was the last time you cried? 

Last week. I didn’t want to sleep alone in my bed I cried until Claire gave in and I slept in her bed

Who is your ultimate style icon? 

Audrey Hepburn

You can see all of Claire’s beautiful work at www.clairecoles.co.uk

ST

Lucy and Pearl, Columbia Road Flower Market, East London, Sunday 12th May 2013

Tail Hunter is a sucker for a cute Summer polka dot, and when teamed with trainers and a Miniature Schnauzer, it’s just irresistible! Loving Lucy and her pretty pooch, Pearl at Columbia Road Flower Market on Sunday.

ST

We’ve been a bit obsessed with Waggo for a while now, and their fresh new Americana-inspired Spring collection has certainly got tails wagging.

Launched in 2011 by Regine Raab, playful Brooklyn-based label Waggo can always be relied on to inject some fun and fashion into their canine collections. Their new Spring range of beds, bowls, toys and accessories effortlessly draws on classic Americana and nautical themes, reminiscent of lazy days spent soaking up rays by the lake, playing fetch and looking generally cool.

Floats My Boat Buoy Dog Toy, £10

Stars, stripes and nautical shapes are given a bright pop of colour for this latest collection. Their bold and beautiful buoy toys, made from durable non-toxic rubber, are the perfect way to have some splish-splashin fun with your pup in the pool or at the beach.

Seeing Stars Dog Leashes, £14 -£16

Seeing Stars Dog Bowls, £11 – £14

For canines with a conscience, Waggo’s Seeing Stars collars and leads are made from recycled plastic bottles and also come in a range of contemporary colour options to suit their ever-changing moods.

And hard day’s play deserves a suitably stylish place for some kip, so Waggo’s nautical inspired Engineer Stripe beds made from super-soft Japanese fabric are the perfect place for a puppy power nap.

Engineer Stripe Circle Bed, £65 – £110

Do what any awesome person would do and shop the collection now – Waggo ship to the UK and Europe via their website: Waggo.com

ST

Roger and Millie, Columbia Road Flower Market, Sunday 12th May 2013

Roger and his one year old French Bulldog Millie taking in the sweet smells at Columbia Road Flower Market in East London.

ST