Oh Canada! At last we’ve joined forces with you! Canadians can now order our Rescue Me totes from Poochalicious Doggy Boutique! Our totes have been shipping to Japan, Texas, The Philippines…you name it we’re everywhere!
Downunder Dog Designs generously sent Mr. Truffle a gorgeous tuxedo and two bow ties to wear to all of his red carpet events. I decided to put the tux on the KTLA Morning show so that everyone could see what a beautiful, couture Etsy designer Cheryl Keninger is. Here are some photos of the tux since the camera guy panned away while I was showing the tux on Mr. T
Mr. Truffle in a DUDDS tux! Thank you Cheryl!
Great quality.Two pearl buttons above the tails- gorgeous!
We’re busy getting ready for the California Gift Show next week. If you’re a buyer please come visit our booth at the LA Convention Center, South Hall July 22-25. We are thrilled to have been chosen for the gift show’s “Fresh Finds” and Look Book. We will be located in the pet gift section of South Hall Gift booth #2145. July 22-24th 9-6pm and July 25th 9am -4pm.
JCLA at Barks of Love adoption in Newport Beach, CA
We’ve been pleased to donate to Barks Of Love and participate in their continuing adoption events. If you are in the market for a dog please checkout our Facebook page where we post many adorable pooches and cats up for rescue. While you’re there please ‘Like’ our page so we can feel all warm and fuzzy, and don’t forget to post pics of your furbabies on our wall.
Another happy customer!
Last but not least I’m making the first samples of our new line. I’m designing a buttery soft faux leather purse with silver accents that you can carry your small dog in. This bag is my response to so many customer requests from covert pup owners. Some dog moms don’t want to advertise that they have a dog inside their purse, so I’ve developed a zip top purse without the pet silhouette applique on the outside. The purse flaunts our amazing signature micro mink in a new hue, and two organizational compartments on either side for your own things. Key clip, credit card slots, and plenty of pockets ensure that your stuff stays separate from your pooch and conveniently at your fingertips. The bag features much smaller silver paw feet at the bottom- a subtle detail that can be seen if you flip your purse over to show them off. The bag will be available in black, chocolate brown, and beige. Please ‘Like’ our FB page or sign up for our mailing list to find out when we launch this fab new line! Pictures are not yet available.
Valued Customers,
It has just come to our attention that the shopping cart is not letting you go all the way through. Oh joy!
Please email: Mailto:customercare@jclaboutique.com with your order details and your transaction will be processed immediately. Sorry for the inconvenience. We are working to solve the issue.
With Gratitude,
Jeanne and her sleeping animals.
Ironic. A sign in the hallway of KTLA news stage that read, "MAKING IT."
Well, I survived the KTLA Morning News segment! If you missed it, we’ll have a copy to post in the not too distant future so please check back often. I announced a big discount code on the Morning Show as a “thank you” to KTLA viewers for supporting animal rescue. The segment went by quickly and if you didn’t have a pen or a working brain in that second (I know I didn’t)…you missed it! The discount is good until Mother’s Day- this coming Sunday. It’s the perfect gift for mothers of furbabies, AND human babies. As you can see in our Youtube video, it’s a darn good diaper bag. This week you can get a Rescue Me tote for a mere $139 when you type in this code at checkout: KTLA
BEHIND THE SCENES DISH. (You know you want it!)
I was contacted by the producer of the segment and invited to be a part of their Give Pets A Chance- Royal Edition. I was immediately charmed by the idea. Her concept was to get 3 English breed rescue dogs, dress them in royal finery, and show lots of doggie bling. I told her I was happy to donate a free Rescue Me Tote to whoever adopted a dog that day.
The producer asked me to contact some rescues to see if they had English breed dogs. I was a bit surprised that she asked ME to do this but, because of the cause, I felt it was no problem to lend a hand. I contacted 15 rescues that day, Facebooked, and Tweeted…to no avail. You see, being picky about the breed of a rescue dog to fit a news segment theme is not very well recieved. Most of the rescues didn’t know what an “English dog” was.
It was also becoming clear that I couldn’t reserve 3 English dogs for a segment the following week because these dogs need to be available for adoption, not on hold. The West LA shelter agreed to hold 3 dogs two days before the show.
I alerted the producer of the challenges she would be facing with getting specifically English breed dogs, reserving them, and getting them fitted for the show. I found one English setter for her to approve. She asked that I find all the dogs at the same shelter. We ended up losing that dog by the time it was approved. She told me to try other shelters, find the royal dog bling, and get the dogs fitted. No English dogs, no show.
It was now crystal clear to me that I was the only one responsible for this concept materializing! I’m new to the news world. As an actor I show up and do my job. As a bag designer I thought I would show up and help get these dogs adopted by donating my bags. Now I had to decide whether or not to walk away or take on the responsibility of putting together this segment. I don’t know what posessed me, but I decided to give it my best shot.
Fast forward to 2 days before the show. I get a call from the West LA shelter informing me that the supervisor will NOT approve holding the dogs therefore I must wait until the night before to secure the dogs. This would be fine if I did not have to fit the dogs for tuxedos! I informed the producer of this new developement and was comforted with an email that said: Find the dogs at another shelter. We can’t do a segment without English dogs.
Cut to Jeanne having a mini meltdown. As I told the producer, I’m a bag designer (who also has a business to run). What she was asking me to do was not my area of expertise. Well, the verdict seemed to be: Tough!
I contacted the Beverly Hills Mutt Club as they were awaiting the sizes of the dogs. They were lending me the doggie finery and bling for the segment. I tell them that I will not have the sizes because I will not know what dogs I’m getting in advance. The owner suggests that we put the tuxedos on doggie mannequins. Fine. Brilliant. I can only do what I can do at this point because dogs are not like books that you can check out at the library!
The night before I am organizing doggie bling, going over the doggie bling price list, prepping my bags, thinking about how I’m going to squeeze in all 3 elements I’m presenting in one minute and 30 seconds, working with web admin so that the website is ready for KTLA viewers, and waiting for an email with the bios of the dogs…because- surprise! I’M the one who is announcing the dogs as well! The doggie bios never arrive in my inbox. I sleep for one luxurious hour. To top it off I’m on day 8 of my cleanse- I have only been ingesting lemonade for 8 days.
KTLA News Stage entrance in Hollywood
At KTLA I arrive hoping that at least an anchor, a dog, anyone… will be interviewing me. There are a few segments being shot at the same time so there is a lot of chaos, ducking, shushing, etc. going on. Kathy Ireland is taping a segment about something she’s selling as we are two feet away trying not to pop up in the background of her shot. Enter… Crouching Jeanne, hidden tote bag. Meanwhile, Mr. Truffle has somehow… been released from his leash. There is no dressing room or trailer like when I’m acting. There is no rehearsal. Its a free for all.
There are two English dogs hopefully in transit from the West LA shelter as I set up the table of bling.
Starting to set up the table of royal wedding bling
There is no room for my Rescue Me totes and they are asking me to take the hanging stand off of the table as it is casting a shadow on the more important products. I was told not to bring my display rack, but I brought it just in case.
It’s time to grow a pair. I set my rack up. Come hell or high water, my bags will appear in this segment, properly displayed, after the lengths I’ve gone to to satisfy the “requirements” of this segment.
Truflle guarding the table so mommy won't cry
I’ve also decided to use Mr. Truffle as a model because he is the only dog I’m sure is ok with wearing a tux and guaranteed to be availabe for the shoot! LOL.
The producer flinches at Mr. Truffle when she meets him and tells me I can’t use my dog. I tell her I’m going to, and I’ll make it clear he’s not up for adoption.
Airtime comes very quickly. There is a 5 minute warning and I’m handed the bios of the dogs. With 3 people talking to me at once, I put a tuxedo on Mr. Truffle while the sound guy tries to find a place to clip a battery pack to my dress. 3-2-1… We’re live.
The whole thing went by in a flash. I focused on looking awake, being positive, remembering the cause behind all of this chaos, and getting all of the info. demaded of me out- quickly and concisely.
13 week old Milo meets 9 month old Mr. Truffle Having Fun while the adults have a cow...
Afterwards, people came out from the sound stage to admire my bags. We packed up as quickly as we could. The Beverly
We should all be having this much fun!
Truffle & adoptee Milo squeeze in a playdate.
Hills Mutt Club needed their inventory back before the store opened.
I had orders from New York and the Philippines from the day before to tend to before I could take a nap. Done and done.
I finally settle down to watch the segment on the DVR. Miraculously, it does not look as frenetic, rushed, and tumultuous as it felt.
I hope I did something good for the dogs that day. Well, you can’t say I didn’t try! At the very least I learned a good lesson about standing up for myself.
Wimpy is so not ‘haute’.
Smiles,
Jeanne, Truffle, Doodle, Tweety, and her backbone.
Ask no more! See JCLA Rescue Me totes in action on YouTube! I’ve never posted anything on YouTube…well technically a sweet soul posted this FOR me, but I’m so happy to show you exactly how many ways our totes can be utilized. Please take a look at this labor of love and comment!
Oh and I should be in bed because I’m going to be on KTLA news morning show with the Rescue Me totes. It’s a royal wedding pet adoption theme! I’ve rounded up rescue dogs, royal bling, and am donating a bag to each person who adopts our Royal Rescues on the show. Check out today’s (Friday’s) KTLA Morning show! I’ll also be announcing a hefty coupon code for online customers!
Easter was great for me despite having to attend a champagne brunch while on a cleanse. (There’s never a convenient time to abstain from eating, is there?) The food looked delicious and the event itself was to benefit Ruff Rescue.
I’m very proud of myself for holding ‘fast’ to my commitment. Ha, ha. Here I am on my 5th day of consuming nothing but good ‘ol Master Cleanse lemonade! I feel peaceful, clear, light, and very focused. Not many people follow through with their commitments. If I fell into that trap, Rescue Me totes would not exist.
Everyone is sending us photos! We just received a candid photo of a tote we donated to the silent auction for the Washington Humane Society gala.
JCLA's Doggie Style tote donation at DC's Fashion for Paws.
JCLA donated hundreds of discount certificates along with this Doggie Style Rescue Me tote to benefit the Washington Humane Society. The event raised over $500,000 that night and we are proud to have been a contributor!
Guess what? A little kangaroo told me that JCLA is officially ‘haute’ down under! GlitzyPawz is our new Rescue Me tote distributor in Australia! Not to be outdone, (and strangely in alphabetical order) Austria’s Shop4littleDogs joined our family of retailers just days later.
Haute diggity dog! We love receiving customer photos and comments on our Facebook wall! Check out Samantha in our Doggie Style Rescue Me tote!
Samantha is one 'haute' dog in our Doggie Style tote!
“Thanks Jeanne! Samantha Loves her Jeanne Chinn tote. This is the only bag I have found that she is happy to stay in and that fits a Dachshund. She likes sleeping in there and hates getting out. This tote looks like a dachshund too.:)) Thanks for making my fur baby happy. We both love it.” Cheryl (D.U.D.D.S doggie clothing/ accessory designer)
A couple weekends ago, JCLA made it’s first appearance at the Orange County pet fair! A mere 40,000 animal lovers attend this event in a weekend! Our customers said (after scouring the massive show) that we had the best bag- hands down! Quite a compliment considering it’s the world’s largest pet expo!
We were excited to present our first tote accessory at this show. Our custom support cushion completely sold out! People bought the waterproof cushion to place under the lining for their pets. Those purchasing the tote as a purse also took one home. They felt it added a nice structure to the canvas shell. It’s great when an idea comes to fruition.
Mr. Truffle had the time of his life with all the attention, dogs, treats, and gifts. Yep, he s-wagged his way home with a new neck tie, a T-shirt that read: “Bitches Love Me”, and his favorite Stella & Chewy’s freeze dried dinners!
Here are some photos from customers at the show:
OC Pet Fair customer loves the Te Quiero Chihuahua tote
Happy customer shows us how much her pup loves her new tote!
More photos @: http://tinyurl.com/5syazby
Coton pups snuggle away!
After the Orange County pet fair, our Facebook wall received another photo from a happy customer. It couldn’t be cuter!
“Love my New Yorkie bag I bought today the the OC Pet Expo! Bluebell Babies love this new bag, they think its “haute” for sure! We love to snuggle in our fabulous new bag!!!!!!- Susan Medley Hallums and the Bluebell Bunch”
A couple of weeks ago, it came to my attention that Kelly Osbourne was toting around her black Pomeranian in a JCLA creation. After further investigation, it turns out she owns the white ‘Doggie Style’ tote!
'Doggie Style' Rescue Me tote (in white) owned by Kelly Osbourne
Today, I was pleasantly surprised to receive an email with a quote from Kelly:
“My dog Sid loves his new JCLA Rescue Me pet tote. Normally he hates dog carriers, but he’ll jump into this one as soon as he sees me grab it! Best of all — JCLA donates to animal rescue!” -Kelly Osbourne
America was introduced to Kelly on the reality show, The Osbournes, and since then she has proven to be much more than an icon’s daughter.
Kelly stole our hearts on Dancing With the Stars, then wowed us with her new fit bod. Today, she’s morphed into a hilarious fashion commentator on E!’s Fashion Police with Joan Rivers. I LOL’d at their review of the Oscar dresses!
Once known for her high profile cover of Madonna’s song, “Papa Don’t Preach,” Kelly brings it full circle as the new spokesmodel for Madonna & Lourdes’ Material Girl fashions. I’m so happy for Kelly’s success and tickled pink that my designs meet her and Sid’s sassy seal of approval.
Thank you for taking the time to deliver such kind words of support Kelly! You’re a class act indeed.
If Hallmark, and every retailer in the country, hasn’t shoved it down your throat already…let me be the first to remind you that Valentine’s Day is around the corner. 🙂 Muahahaha!
I was in Blue Jam Cafe when I overheard two waitresses commiserating, “I’m getting all these e-mails about having a ‘ROMANTIC’ Valentine’s day. Obnoxious sales on flowers, diamonds, and sexy lingerie! Feh!! Makes me feel like crap.” I wanted to give them a hug.
The one true love who will never cheat on us, hurt our feelings, lie, or make us feel alone in a relationship? Our pets of course! For Mr. Truffle, Doodle, & Tweety every day is Valentine’s Day. They’re all about love, all the time.
Mr. T
Doodle
When I founded JCLA, my mission was to return the unconditional love we receive from our pets. I named each bag with a sassy nod towards love: Te Quiero Chihuahua, I Love New Yorkie, Flirty Feline, and Doggie Style.
When you carry a Rescue Me tote people know right away that they are in the presence of an animal lover. Without any introduction, they know you have a big heart. After all, you’ve purchased a product that donates to animal rescue organizations. And if you’ve chosen to put your furry friend inside that tote, they know that you love to spoil your pup because of all the love and joy he/she has given you.
KTLA's Wendy Burch pampers her Sophy in a Doggie Style tote
If you are one of the lucky ones who receives undconditional love from a human being (it could happen! ha ha), show that special animal lover in your life that you support what she is passionate about.
V-day heaps on the pressure to buy romantic gifts….when we may not be ready to. Avoid the stress, misunderstandings, buying the wrong sized lingerie, and busting your bank account. Skip eating that “romantic” dinner at 11pm. because you… work for a living and didn’t make reservations in January! Our totes are definitely original, cheaper than diamonds, longer lasting than roses, and won’t melt OR make your loved one fat!
So that’s my subtle suggestion for your V-day shopping blues. Pick up a Rescue Me tote (in pink, red,or white) for your pooch, yourself, your super mom, or when you’re just not ready to buy that ring. 😛
To sweeten the pot, you’ll receive a juicy discount code when you sign up for our newsletter. It comes maybe once a month (there’s a joke in there… but I’ll skip it.) We provide fast, friendly customer service and free shipping within the US.
Happy V-day!
Jeanne, Mr. Truflle, Doodle, & Tweety
(Tweety’s publicist refused to release her photo for this post. We are continuing talks.)
A charm-ing gift arrived in the mail for me and Mr. T.
DorSand Designs (created by Doreen Disbro of Doggies & Stuff ) makes sweet dog collar inspired bracelets called Collarettes. Please excuse my amateur photography!
Collarettes: Chihuahua charm and Bone charm.
Doreen sent one for Mr. Truffle to use as a collar, which he needs ‘cuz everyone tries to steal him. 🙂 And if that weren’t enough she sent one for me to wear as a bracelet! The fact that the collar is adjustable is purr-fect for me because my wrist is always too small for most jewelery. I also appreciate that the collar fabric is of very high quality.
Mr.T looks so cute in his (see how he gives it to the camera! what a ham!)
Mr. Truffle in his Collarette
Charming chihuahua
My Collarette as a bracelet
I can’t wear much jewelery when I audition so in that case, I pop it on my keychain. If I get lost, people know to return me to Mr. Truffle;P Both heart shaped tags are engraved with his name. There are so many varieties of cute charms and collar styles to mix and match. I think this will make a sweet pet memorial gift for Valentines Day!
Thank you Doreen for this precious and thoughtful gift. We love them!
What we love evern more is that for every breed specific sterling silver charm you purchase, 25% will go to that local breed’s rescue. Please support your rescues. In addition, she donates an overall 25% of her profits to local 501 (c) (3) pet charities on a quarterly basis. Just a couple more reasons why tails are wagging everywhere.
“At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.” — Albert Schweitzer
Support and encouragement are treasures in life. I do my best to provide this for as many people as possible. I want to start off the New Year by thanking all of you: my family,friends, my treasured customers, brick and mortar stores, online stores, rescue organizations, factories, freight forwarders, and bloggers for the contributions you’ve made to making my dream a reality. You’ve listened to me ramble on about my vision and encouraged me during the roughest of times. You know who you are!
Last, but not least, a special BIG thank you to my LA “All Stars” who roll up their sleeves without a complaint and do whatever needs to be done to make JCLA what it is today: Efren Alvarez, David Grispino, James Yamamoto, Mario Guzman, & Maya Hillman. I am nothing without you, my incredible team.
“Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, worn or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace and gratitude.” — Denis Waitley
May 2011 bring us much joy, inspiration, and love.
I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season! We sure did. Check out our FB pics of the Howliday Jingle Bones benefit we sponsored. Mr. T and I were interviewed on the red carpet by Fox News about JCLA totes and the importance of adopting from our over-crowded shelters.
Interviewed by Fox 11 News on the red carpet
Giggy & Lisa Vanderpump from Beverly Hills Housewives
With all of the fabulous people, dogs, and Stella Chewy’s treats present…this may very well have been the best night of Mr. Truffle’s life! Dog lover, Tori Spelling, snagged one of our pink Rescue Me Totes from this event as we all happily raised money for SPCA LA. 🙂
Word continues to spread about JCLA. Yesterday we received an inquiry from a boutique all the way out in Peru. Pretty cool! We are aiming for wold domination after all. :p
Enjoying Te Quiero Chihuahua with Mr. Truffle
What do you think about cushion inserts for the Rescue Me Totes? They would be made out of a thick “egg crate” foam and covered with vinyl. The cushion would be placed at the bottom of the bag, underneath the lining to provide more comfort and stability for those toting their pups (especially useful for larger dogs.)
These inserts would be sold seperately. Mr. T thinks all pups would LOVE it! Please comment below and tell me: 1) If you would buy this accessory and 2) For what price?
It’s been a glorious few days back in LA without traffic!
Appreciating LA's beauty photo by Actress Julia Parker
Everyone is starting to come back from vacation, but it has been great getting to my destinations in 15 minutes vs. the usual hour +++!
If I don’t talk to you before…happy 2011!! Whatever you do this New Year’s eve, be safe.
What you are saying hello to in 2011? Being on time? Adopting a new rescue animal? Pursuing your passion? A new Rescue Me tote? (LOL) Making more “me” time or “we” time? Bathing your pup more regularly? (Mr. T takes showers now!) Being more present?
What are you saying goodbye to in 2011? Smoking? Being a doormat? Fleas & ticks? Clutter? Toxic people? A few unwanted pounds? A unsatisfactory work situatuion? Heidi Montag?
Well for now, I’m saying goodbye to you. Until the next blog, that is!
‘Doggie Style’ Meets Syle Icon
A couple of weeks ago, it came to my attention that Kelly Osbourne was toting around her black Pomeranian in a JCLA creation. After further investigation, it turns out she owns the white ‘Doggie Style’ tote!
'Doggie Style' Rescue Me tote (in white) owned by Kelly Osbourne
Today, I was pleasantly surprised to receive an email with a quote from Kelly:
“My dog Sid loves his new JCLA Rescue Me pet tote. Normally he hates dog carriers, but he’ll jump into this one as soon as he sees me grab it! Best of all — JCLA donates to animal rescue!” -Kelly Osbourne
America was introduced to Kelly on the reality show, The Osbournes, and since then she has proven to be much more than an icon’s daughter.
Kelly stole our hearts on Dancing With the Stars, then wowed us with her new fit bod. Today, she’s morphed into a hilarious fashion commentator on E!’s Fashion Police with Joan Rivers. I LOL’d at their review of the Oscar dresses!
Once known for her high profile cover of Madonna’s song, “Papa Don’t Preach,” Kelly brings it full
circle as the new spokesmodel for Madonna & Lourdes’ Material Girl fashions. I’m so happy for Kelly’s success and tickled pink that my designs meet her and Sid’s sassy seal of approval.
Thank you for taking the time to deliver such kind words of support Kelly! You’re a class act indeed.
PS. You’ve never looked hotter!