WELCOME SUMMER 2024 FROM "THE POODLES OF PARK AVENUE" BY KAREN-CHERIE COGANE!
KAREN-CHERIE COGANE
![KAREN-CHERIE COGANE]()
KAREN-CHERIE COGANE
CREATOR OF "THE POODLES OF PARK AVENUE"/PUBLISHED BOOK WRITER, STORY AUTHOR, SCRIPT WRITER & POET- ALL AGES FICTION & NON-FICTION: ADULT, YA, TEEN, AND MG - ANIMAL RIGHTS & ARTS ADVOCATE
Rewind to June 20: “It’s the Park Avenue poodle, Simone, and I’m thrilled that Summer, my favorite season of the year is now here!
Hooray! It starts today!
Summer inspires me -- Read on, and you will see!
Majestic blue is the sky, and the graceful birds soar very high.
Gaze at the expansive trees, and revel in a flowing summer breeze..
The sun shines bright, and the stars sparkle at night.
I love the feeling of the warm air, and I see beauty eveywhere.
I am mesmerized by the moon, and roses are in full bloom. Fragrant lilacs and lavender make me swoon.
Peonies, lilies, marigolds, sunflowers, hydrangeas, and daisies . . . Blooms have emerged like crazy.
The manicured tulips on Park Avenue, groomed for all to view, maked me feel renewed. How about you?
And who can forget the gorgeous gardenia? Never underestimate the power of a flower.
The little buds that have opened up are appreciated by people and pups.
Gardens and green grass grows, and sometimes tickle my poodle paws and toes.
Nature’s glory abounds and its wonder surrounds.
Everything smells fresh -- It is simply the best.
We promenade on the Upper East Side, where Frank always shows me off with much pride. My daily walks are longer in stride.
Human walk with a bounce to their step and more pep.
Kids are off from school and can’t wait to go to camp and the pool.
Hooray, more time to play during the longer days!
As we gallivant in the Big Apple, Frank, my dog walker, lets me sip some Snapple. I enjoy the Summer flavors of iced Perrier and freshly made lemonade, which brightens my day. I’m a canine, it’s true, but I like summer drinks, just like you.
My bacon treats have extra spice, which is nice. Frank gives me them before my lunch and din.
And I’m telling that what would Summer be without juicy watermelon? I feel quite merry when mom throws in a mix of berries. She scoops out the fruit and makes watermelon balls that are enjoyed by us all.
Love peaches and the Long Island beaches!
Green smoothies ones take center stage and are the rage. Kale is the vegetable du jour. Mixed with other flavors, like lemon, they taste better. It’s just good for you, and to Grace, that will do.
Yahoo! We love lunching and sitting at outdoor tables at our fave, Café Beaucoup. I’m talking about Frank, me, Ricardo, my poodle beau, and the nutty Chihuahua, Mojito. Coq au vin, filet mignon, or veal, make a great meal. Add Cherries Jubilee, souffle, or Crepes Suzette, and je suis the happiest poodle yet! May not actually be for canines, but scrumptious French food suits me fine!
Our live-in chef and Ricardo’s owner, Jorge, makes gourmet dishes for us at home, in addition to my steak bone. He always tries something new. He now makes sushi and sashimi for dad, mom, Ricardo, and poodle me. Handsome Jorge is a born creator. Do you want to date him? Girls should be lining up at our door! Who could ask for anything more?
We look at the displays galore in the posh Manhattan stores. Love window shopping and boutique hopping!
Mommy purchases a lot online, which is also fine.
We don’t have to wear coats, and for this, I will gloat.
Speaking as a fashion maven, a Summer wardrobe I’m a craving.
Grace bought me crochet, lace and eyelet cotton frocks, so I am the most decked-out dog on the block!. My mom’s chic style shows, and she gives me matching hair bows. Sometimes our outfits coordinate for our promenading dates.
Whatever suits Grace’s in-the-moment mood, she has a ‘Red Carpet’ attitude. She can put together a gorgeous outfit in one, two, three. Wonder if she gets that from me? Could very well be!
Not to be conceited, but poodles rule!
Mommy tells me the current trends and I relay them to Frank’s I-Phone.
And now for the Summer 2024 clothing and accessory updates, which are great.
Here are the human fashion delights for day and night:
1. Capris – also known as the mid-length short. You can wear these stylish garments to the office or going out.
2. Pajamas – As strange as it sounds, pajamas are not just for bedtime anymore. If casual is your thing, try boxers, linen shirts, or even briefs when going out. You might get a couple of ‘looks,’ but just say: ‘These are on trend!’
3. Asymmetrical clothes – Try one-shoulder or asymmetrical tops to add interest, or one-shoulder dresses.
4. Crochet adds panache to your wardrobe. Think crochet maxi dresses, mini skirts, crochet crop tanks with matching skirts.
5. Rosettes – Statement-making and oversized rosettes are such a pretty touch to fashion, dresses,tops, shoes, and belts. l You name it -- Hooray for flowers!
6. Blouses often show your shoulders. Prints are in, and styles, and colors are bolder.
7. The LWD – little white dress – is a perfect ode to Summer and brightens up any day. At a garden party or a special occasion, you and your outfit will get a lot of praising. Or great for when you go out for dinner, since the LWD is a winner!
8. Eyelet is a great addition to any piece. It speaks femininity.
9. Grace says not to forget about lace. For sure, it’s sexy and not usually demure.
10. Beach slacks are all over the racks. Stripes, solids, floral, polka dots, or Ikat designs are fine.
11. I must confess that there’s nothing like a dress. Slip into a flowing maxi dress or a midi, and add a jaunty straw hat, and you’ll be all that. Hand on the waist, a little hip out, and your head held high, my, oh, my! Yes, here’s to the summer pose, and then, who knows?
12. Updated tie dye catch the eye.
13. Always remember the power of red. Males look twice –it reminds them of spice.
14. I also want to share that ruffles, pastels, and rainbow hues are everywhere.
15. Aqua, turquoise, and sea glass colors for summer is always popular for hers. The hues are tranquil as can be and reminds us of the sea.
16. Sneakers are slip on or laced, vivid solids, or pastels. Some are flat, while others are platform. They’re updated with appliques, glitter and designs. Expect your comfy feet to be happily decorated. Skechers makes many cute sneaks.
17. Jeans have frays, glitter, appliques, two tones, or long fringe on hems for women. Natch, denim jackets often match.
18. And as for matched sets, they’re the best yet. When your top and bottom, either slacks, or skirts match, it’s one and done. Time to have fun! For an evening on the town or a night in, it’s a win-win!
19. You can decide if you want to step into raffia wedges or flats, tie up espadrilles, open-toed sandals, or put on slides.
20. And what about the platforms that reigned in the 70’s? They’re back in the 2024!
21. Jumpsuits are front and center. All you have to do is put it on! Cropped or long, they undeniably belong.
22. Pima cotton has become the 'it' fabric. Just ask Isaac, Mizrahi that is, the fashion wiz. He’s on QVC, which means a lot to mom and me. His upscale clothes are reasonable but oh, so stylish.
23. Dresses with big slits are a hit. Legs are revealed with much appeal.
24. Pants come in many varieties to please: capris, pedal pushers, ankle or full length, bell bottoms, cargos, skinny, or wide. They have definitely hit their stride.
25. Cool off wearing shorts or skorts. In solids and plaids-- Wear them, and you’ll be glad. Think Bermudas or pedal pushers, and you’ll be a real looker.
26. Animal and camo prints are still ‘in.’ The new versions are often bright with bigger designs, as featured on HSN: Iman’s line.
27. Cropped cardigans keep you warm on balmy nights and look out-of-sight.
28. Blouses often reveal your shoulders. In many styles, and colors are bolder.
29. Flounces and uneven hems reign on shirts and skirts and highlight gams.
30. High and low continues to be the way to go. Tops, short in front and long in back, are right on track.
31. Tees and tanks range from scoop neck, square, V-neck, bateau, or crew. It’s up to you. They come in many tropical and floral prints, stripes, ditsy patterns, polka dots, and so on. Wear them with vivid or muted skirts, shorts, or slacks.
32. Raffia is popular on shoes, pocketbooks, totes, and belts. It speaks Summer.
33. Poplin in dresses and skirts is definitely ‘in.’
34. Bathing suits are beyond cute. Many have textured fabrics, and are solid hues, or lively prints. Tugless one pieces, swim dresses, strapless one piece suits, tankinis, and bikinis are on trend.
35. If you lounge on the couch, why be a fashion slouch? Rest assured, leisure clothes for indoors do not bore. Dress in light pants and its coordinated upper mate, and you will feel great. You can step outside to walk the dog or get your mail, and your style will prevail.
36. Pantone’s color of the year, ‘Peach Fuzz,’ is here! It is nurturing and gentle, a peach shade that reminds us to care for ourselves and each other, and to relax. ‘Peach Fuzz’ can be paired with brown, tan, blush, navy, and much more. Wear it in the city or at the shore.
37. Dresses or tops with properly placed cut-outs are what it’s all about. Showing some skin is in.
38. Shirt dresses are so on trend for Summer 2024. They are feminine, classy, and stylish at the same time. They come in a pastels and brights, for work days and fun nights.
Summer blockbusters have arrived. Cool off in a theater while you watch a rom-com, drama, or animation. Such cinematic jubilation.
But on lazy, rainy days, popcorn and binging shows at home, as in old or new flicks do the trick. Or catch up on a Net Flix series, documentary, or film that you have missed.
According to Grace, my very own beauty guru, here’s some striking Summer 2024 looks for you:
When you stroke on some lip gloss, think feminine lady boss. Maybe coated with argan oil, coconut oil, or honey, your lips feel like they’ve been to a spa. Ahh.
Lip plumping gloss made with cinnamon or peppermint really accentuates your lips.
Put on lip oil to soothe and nourish your lips. The new ones by Tarte and Mally are not greasy, and they’re easy-peasy.
You might prefer lips a la matte, shiny, in a balm, or lipstick that stays all day. Do it your own way.
Matching your lip color to your blush color is on trend. Think pink or peach on your pout and your cheeks.
Select shades of gold, bronze,or nude to exude the natural Summer attitude. It is surely shore-ly.
Or instead, you can’t go wrong with a striking lip of bright pink or red. Be amazing and brazen!
In anticipation of a dazzling night, brush on bronzer, blush, and illuminator, and do a cheekbone highlight.
Blush that is applied high on the cheekbone is a Summer tip.
Dab striking eyeshadow, maybe in shades of amethyst, green, blue, pink, gold, peach, or rose gold. Come on, be bold.
Coat your lashes with mascara in black, purple, or blue. Perhaps you want a little more curl? Maybe longer lashes? Fuller ones? Experiment with different hues and types. Put it on your bottom lashes and top, and your eyes will pop. Then flutter, and men will melt like butter. Try Benefit’s ‘Rollerlash’ mascara for curl and Benefit’s ‘Bad Girl Bang’ for length and fullness. Too Faced ‘Better Than Sex’ makes your lashes so dramatic, and ‘They’re Real’ by Benefit has overall mascara appeal.
I have an admission: Eyeliner definitely gives your peepers definition.
So, line your eyes with black, purple, bronze, or blue, and yahoo! Why not try a thin liner and give your eyes a sultry winged tip? Or opt for Kajol liner like Laura Geller’s liners, that are thicker and stay, and might last all day. Dramatic at night or subtle during the day. Do your peepers your way.
Eyebrows are definitely not over-rated, and can’t be underestimated. If you don’t have a defined brow, don’t fret. Brow pencils, stencils, and brow mascaras are the best yet. Why not go for Benefit’s ‘Gimme Brow’ for some brow wow?
Yes, you can take your cues from a fashion book but be imaginative and creative with your look.
Your style will get raves and make waves.
Our Summer fun has just begun.
During the week, Ricardo and I romp in Central Park and frolic on a lark. Catching balls thrown by Frank or fetching sticks, to Ricardo it’s take your pick. Sometimes I just watch my beau in all his glory.
Mojito is scolded often, and relegated to Frank’s lap, or takes a nap. The naughty Chihuahua has such an annoying and shrill bow-wow. On a whim, he joins in or does yaps and silly multiple spins.
Hooray! It’s time to get away on Friday.
Bye, bye, NYC, it’s the Hamptons for me!
More of my Summer thoughts:
On our way there, I love smelling the fresh Long Island air. I feel like a Hollywood star, since Roland, our driver, takes the fam, Ricardo, Jorge, and me there in a very big limo car. I stick my head out the window and munch on yummy snacks. Yup, it’s time to kick back. The people sip champagne, and Grace lets me taste. Wouldn’t want it to go to waste. After all, I’m a poodle, originally from France.
At our Amagansett house I relax, but when the weekend is over, we go back.
I miss the city, but Long Island sure is pretty. The saltwater, the green grass, the trees, and the sand . . . Why, it is simply grand!
And the expansive landscape suits Raymond and Grace. We do have many rooms in our penthouse on Park Avenue, and what a great view!
But there is something special about the shore scenery and all the greenery.
When we get out of town my parents S-L-O-W down.
Watching the colorful sunset and sipping Mimosas on the deck . . . Or a Martini or Margarita for my sophisticated Grace Raymond, and Jorge, senors and senorita . . .
Grace loves green olives. She is such a classy lass and says she likes how olives float and look in the glass.
Bouquets of freshly picked flowers permeate our rooms for hours.
Raymond and Grace act chill, and robins, and bluebirds perch on my bedroom windowsill. But when I talk to the birds, they do not seem to understand my words. But I love how they chirp and sing melodies that are lovely to me.
The Long Island ducks paddle and quack and refreshing water trickles on my back. The mallard and his wife seem to have a good life. Their cute little ones follow behind and do not seem to mind.
Sea gulls and sea shells are swell -- Say that three times fast!
And it is so cool to swim the doggie paddle in my pool.
The crickets at night calm even the most uptight.
The beautiful beach is within a paw’s reach. The soft sand against my poodle hair is beyond compare.
My fave is jumping into the smaller waves. A splash here and there -- Atlantic Ocean salt water is everywhere.
I’m a Manhattan poodle who is East End on the weekends.
Love the scent of a just mowed lawn, and sometimes I wake up at dawn.
Ricardo holds me in his paws/arms, since he has that poodle charm.
In my bedroom I smell the a.m. coffee brewing, and I zoom! As in running into the kitchen, wanting some wake-up caffeine. Jorge grinds the beans, and the aroma is great, I mean. So, why can’t pooches have it? Hello, we need a morning java jolt before we bolt.
Jorge makes us a big breakfast, fruit on top of fluffy pancakes or waffles. Or we get French toast stuffed with berries. And make no mistakes, Jorge even makes French crepes for breakfast.Then there’s real bacon, and I’m not mistaken!
Freshly baked cinnamon buns coated with warm vanilla icing are mighty enticing. Mommy, Grace gives me a sizable portion.
I may not go fishing, but I must get my nutrition.
My amour and I play during the day, saunter in the morning sun, or take a run.
I feel so free and have been known to catch a Frisbee.
Mom and I wear floppy hats, and protective sunscreen, which gives my white coat a sheen.
My shorter summer hair does make me feel bare, but Ricardo admires my svelte shape.
Grace likes to read on the beach in her lounge chair, and when single guys walk by, boy, do they stare! She is clad in a striking one-piece maillot, stylish two piece, or a bikini that is teeny-weeny.
When daddy comes by to say hi, mom often puts on a cover-up. This I know, since I’m her smart pup. Grace wants to appear more demure, for sure.
I accompany Grace sometimes on the beach, and she says I am her best accessory. Yes, that’s poodle me!
To dad I thank since he barbecues Wagyu burgers, rib eyes, and franks. He carefully grills, trying to avoid spills.
I hope I am not rude bit I sneak in extra food. Even though I’m discreet, I devour a lot of meat. Then I realize I’ve had too much to eat! I just can’t resist juicy steak.
Raymond’s a terrific hamburger flipper and a super skipper. Daddy’s the captain of our boat, and I really like to float, in my built-in pool, that is. I’m just like a carefree kid.
When my dad unwinds here, I have even seen him sipping a beer! Granted the brew is usually from Europe, but, hey pop, what’s up? It’s New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, the best champagne, French Nouveau Beaujolais, California Cabernet, or Chablis, usually for the father of me.
He often puts his laptop down now that we are out of town. Bien sur, he e-mails and texts he checks. But he used to trade his Blackberry for blueberries. Now he’s got a state-of-the-art I-Phone. But he still eats the ripe fruit like they are going out of style, and that makes mom and me smile.
Dad’s pals Zoom, use Skype, or stop by, since they have Hamptons houses nearby. My father is a VIP finance guy. Raymond is a bigwig, so his job is still on his mind, but he is calm and kind.
Grace works it in fetching miniskirts. She adds flirty tops and when casual, cute flip-flops. Or she puts on strappy heels and maxi dresses and tosses her wavy golden tresses. Her hair smells like the beach, and she bites into a ripe peach.
She dabs on some perfectly placed French perfume, and va-va-voom, it is alluring mommy in the room.
Grace slithers over to daddy to get him in an affectionate mood. He might be preoccupied, but my mother has other things on her mind.
Or she’ll put on some jazz and do a little Razz-Ma-Tazz.
Grace’s sultry moves do the trick. You get the pic.
Raymond gets distracted and attracted. He gives mom a tender embrace. Then come hugs and kisses for my human Mr. and Mrs..
Sauntering on to the terrace, my parents look their most blissful yet, as they view each other and the summer sunset. Ah, the slow dance -- the precursor to romance. Pop gives mommy a dip and a spin, and let the evening spell begin.
Soon I follow suit with a poodle scoot, do a quick snoop, but I just want the scoop. Nosy? I just love seeing them cozy. And innocent moi, looking? Well, I just want to know what's cooking, in the romance department, that is. I mean, I’m their poodle kid. Mom laughs and tells me sweetly to go inside. She takes it in stride.
I am proud of my pappy, and mommy looks so happy.
Can’t you tell? Summer is casting its spell.
Ricardo and me are sort of like ‘Grease’s’ Danny and Sandy. Isn’t it dandy? Let’s see: Think about the 1950’s. I can wear a pink poodle skirt, pink bows, and Ricardo can slick back his black hair. Do we dare?
My doting boyfriend, one of a kind, says I am always on his mind. How lucky could a caniche be? Translation: That ‘poodle’ is me!
When Ricardo and I snuggle on summer nights, everything is more than right. I forget about time, and the ambience is sublime. Hugs and kisses, and soothing words, the sweetest I’ve ever heard.
The beautiful scent of gardenias and roses enhance romance. Ricardo utters: ‘Simone, how about a dance?’ We sway as the gorgeous music plays.
Even my Chihuahua Big Apple walking partner, Mojito, seems more at ease. Is it the warm breeze or from eating biscuits that Frank gives him that are made from CBD?
Frank would like Mojito to always be mellow, instead of an incorrigible fella. For a tiny Chihuahua, he has got a agitating bow-wow.
When we stroll in the NYC, Mojito says I am very pretty and witty. He dreams of my being his girl, even though he knows I have Ricardo.
Wish I was just Mojito’s summer crush, but nothing such. He is just too much. He wants me all-year round - - says that I am the best dog he has found!
Then he gushes over Lexi, my Sheepdog BFF, and says we’re both top contenders.
But, beware! The Chihuahua’s delusions don’t stop there! Yes, he envisions a huge harem with Lexi as his Number One and me as his Number Two wife. Keep dreaming, Mojito, and get a real life! Find a dog already, even if she is not a steady.
Mojito is like a little kid in a candy store -- He wants doggies galore!
It’s no exaggeration that he has a crazy imagination!
Thank goodness, in the summer, the Chihuahua stays in NYC. To Mojito: ‘Are you expecting a Hamptons’ invite from me?’ Better nont have a fit, but don’t count on it.
Frank did bring Mojito to our Amagansett digs, unexpectedly, once, but the difficult Chihuahua has not come since. Could it be he’s such a calm and agreeable Chihuahua guy? Frank said maybe we could give Mojito another Hamptons try. But I ask: ‘Why?’
Our dog walker is tired of the canine’s antics when walking, since Mojito does not stop balking.
Naturally, I can’t blame Mojito for desiring Lexi and poodle me, but I’m content as can be.
These Summer days are the best of all, and I feel a zillion feet tall!
Happy, safe, and a healthy Summer to everyone!
Here’s hoping that the best of everything is yet to come and that you have a lot of Summer fun!
Ete Heureux!
Now it's a wrap, and it is time for my relaxing Summer nap!
Written by: Simone, THE Park Avenue poodle, helped by Karen-Cherie Cogane