furry feathered friends

You've seen our motley crew of pups and kittys, but today we'd like to introduce a more unconventional pet. Being allergic to dogs and cats, BC Footwear president Sari had to get a little creative when finding pets for her kids. Their extended family includes a turtle named Toby and three chickens, Rocky, Wilson and Arfur. Sari's son Aku answered our burning questions about their flock of feathered friends.

Names: Rocky, Wilson & Arfur

Ages: Rocky is 18 months old and the silkie sisters (Wilson and Arfur) are a few months younger.

Breed: Rocky's breed is buff orphington and she is pretty much a regular chicken, but special to me. Wilson & Arfur are silkies with hair instead of feathers. They are not suppose to get wet as they get easily sick. They are pretty special. They have dark blue bones and flesh and 5 toes, instead of 4. In Asia, they are considered delicatessen due to their dark blue meat. I would never eat them.

Is there a story behind how you got your chickens? I have always wanted pets, but my mom is allergic to hairy animals so we cannot have anything inside the house. I got my first chickens when I was 6 years old and I have loved them ever since. We have had more of them but some got eaten by coyotes and raccoons.

Likes: They love to dig in the dirt (that's how they clean themselves of any bugs.. They also love to search for bugs and insects for a snack.

Dislikes: They are scared of any loud noise and really don't like any type of ball, especially when we play soccer or baseball in our yard.

Favorite places to hang out: Under bushes and in the dirt.

Favorite treat: Watermelon

What the best thing about having chickens? They lay eggs for us and get rid of bugs and overgrown grass.

How would you describe the chickens' personal styles? Rocky is the boss and wherever she goes, the silkie sisters follow. The silkies are like fashion models and like to show off.

Thanks, Aku!

daily happenings

We hope everyone enjoys their holiday weekend! As a farewell, here's a peek at what we've been up to. You can follow all our daily happenings on Instagram.

Scatterbrain is the perfect thing to pair with our favorite pastel denim // Eagle Eyes wedges styled by awesome boutique Libby Story // Our customer service manager rocking the menswear trend with this sweet ribbon bow // Afternoon ice cream break #treatyourself // Candy colored assortment of It's A Cinch // A favorite Gemma Correll drawing // Homemade cupcakes for an office baby shower. Congrats to our Social Media Manager! // Vintage shopping with our shoe designer

Furry Friends

Today Kitty gives us the low down on her furry friend B-Gong. Although he can be intimidating at first, with his wolf-like features and large size, in reality B-Gong is a real sweet heart. It's impossible not to love him. See for yourself.

Name: B-Gong

Age: 6

Breed: Chow mix

Is there a story behind B-Gong's name? 

My sister and I couldn't decide on a name, but on the day we brought him home, my dad was sitting on the couch and called out "B-Gong!" The dog turned to acknowledge, so my dad decided that would be his name. My dad always had this running joke of how he called his friends B-Gong as a kid. The name's Chinese and is a funny way of calling someone an old man or Grandpa.

Likes: Morning walks in the park, chasing birds, basking in the sunshine, beef jerky, and playing fetch with his collection of toys.

Dislikes: Fireworks, lawnmowers, the mailman, and cats.

What are his favorite places to hang out? 

On the grass in the backyard and all over the house, wherever he can be near someone in the family.

What are his favorite treats? 

Pork bones from my mom's cooking, and rice.

What's the best thing about having your pet? 

B-Gong's my workout buddy; we walk and jog in the park everyday. He's definitely made my family more active and is great company to have, especially for my parents who are retired.

Who is B-Gong's best friend? 

My dad. B-Gong will follow him everywhere. It's probably because my dad's always feeding him treats on the side.

How would you describe B-Gong's personal style? 

He looks like a wolf...so I'd say wild and rugged.

furry friends

Today our art director Jessica gives us the low down on her tiny sidekick Fidel. This 12 pound lady killer can regularly be seen around the BC Footwear offices working hard between naps and snack breaks.

Name: Fidel

Breed: Chihuahua & Jack Russell terrier mix (at least that's what the dog DNA test told us)

Age: 7 

Is there a story behind the name Fidel? 
I got Fidel right before taking a trip to Cuba. I was watching a documentary on Fidel Castro when my boyfriend at the time emailed me a photo of Fidel, saying he had found a puppy for me. It was love at first sight, and I thought it would be hilarious to name a tiny dog after one of history's most notorious dictators. And sure enough, the name suits him, because he's totally in charge.

Likes: Food, naps in the sun, getting rubs, going on hikes and other outdoor adventures.

Dislikes: Garbage trucks and other loud noises, being left alone.

Where are his favorite places to hang out? 

Beachwood Canyon dog park (it's huge and grassy with a view of the Hollywood sign), Malibu dog beach, wherever me or my boyfriend are.

What are his favorite treats? 

Scrambled eggs, carrots, edamame, watermelon, and the Nathan's Hot Dog treats that our sales rep Helen brings into the office for him.

Does Fidel have a best friend? 

His cousin Bernard, a Maltese. Bernard lives in Montana, so they only get to see each other once a year for our annual visit out there, but those two tiny guys spend days hunting squirrels, deer and birds together. (They've never caught anything, but that doesn't keep them from trying!)

What's the best thing about having your pup? 

It's impossible to be in a bad mood when he's around. A bad day is instantly made brighter as soon as I see his funny little face.

How would you describe Fidel's personal style? 

He's a gentleman prankster and has been called the George Clooney of dogs. He's polished and well-groomed, but not a pretty boy. He's got a rugged side to him.

daily happenings

Here's a peek at what we've been up to this week. You can follow our daily happenings right here on Instagram.

Scenes from our NYC visit / Our "Ruffle" wedges are the perfect pedal pushes for Ride Your Bike to Work Day / Our friends Alexys and Camille looking stylish when they came to visit our LA showroom / Top buns at our web shoot / California Love / Our customer service rep rocking some fancy rings / "Goes To Show Ya" sandals in a candy colored assortment / Behind the scenes on our web shoot

furry friends

Coconut is the feline friend of Jamie, who works in our Purchasing Department. Coconut is a true lady who enjoys the finer things in life, such as a good hairbrushing every day. Coconut finds her patience tested by her annoying little brother, Bananas, but like the lady she is, Coconut weathers any storm with grace and poise. Jamie gave us a glimpse into Coconut's inner thoughts.

Name: Coconut

Age: 7-ish

Is there a story behind your pet's name?

The rescue I adopted her from gave the her the name Coconut.

Likes: Luggage, snacks, catnip, having her hair brushed, chasing bugs.

Dislikes: Being fed late, the vacuum, going to the groomers.

What are Coconut's favorite places to hang out?

The sofa, in/on suitcases & purses, in the sun, hiding in clothes in the closet.

What is her favorite treat?

Rotisserie chicken – she will try to steal it off your plate if you turn your back!

What's the best thing about having a furry friend?

She is always waiting for me when I get home.

Who is your pet's best friend?

Me – she is not keen on other cats.

How would you describe Coconut's personal style?

Fluffy princess.

furry friends

This week, Senior Shoe Designer Miranda tells all about her fancy feline friend Ruby.

Age: 9

Breed: Royal kitty bloodline.

Is there a story behind Ruby's name?

It was clear when I met her that she was a special sparkly jewel of a kitty.

Likes: Picnics (food), the spa (rolling in the dirt and then cleaning herself all day), holding court (making neighborhood friends), entertaining (she cuddles up to all visitors).

Dislikes: Sharing the spotlight.

What are her favorite places to hang out?

Sunny spots, my pillow (while I'm sleeping on it), my laptop (while I'm using it), piles of clean laundry (argh!)

Favorite treat: Rotisserie chicken and tuna. She also likes garbanzo beans, it's very strange.

What's the best thing about having a furry friend?

Her sassy kitty ways brighten each and every homecoming.

How would you describe Ruby's personal style?

Ladylike, yet she knows how to party!

furry friends

Customer Service Representative Adrienne has one of the most enviable wardrobes in the office. So it's no surprise that her pooch, Lucy, also demonstrates killer style.

Age: She'll be 3 in June

What kind of dog is Lucy? Tibetan Terrier.

Likes: Being photographed, playing tag (you’ll always be “it”), snacks, new toys, and car rides (if she is going somewhere fun).

Dislikes: Fireworks, mugs, cardboard boxes, people wearing hats/hoods, and car rides (if she is going to the groomer or vet).

Where are her favorite places to hang out?
The kitchen because that’s where all the food is, in her crate when she wants alone time, and near the living room window to watch the world outside.

What's her favorite treat?
Anything she can get into her mouth, but goes crazy for french fries.

What's the best thing about having a furry friend?
Coming home to a wagging tail. No matter what, she is always happy to see me when I get home.

How would you describe Lucy's personal style?
Californian quirk

furry friends

The girls in our office aren't the only ones who have style to spare. Our crop of furry friends each have a unique look all their own. We're taking this opportunity to introduce you to a new member of our extended family every week, starting with the unofficial BC Footwear mascot, Miss Gladys.

Claudia, our Customer Service Manager, dishes on her English Bulldog, Miss Gladys Bouvier (Miss Gladys for short).

Age: She'll be 5 in June

Is there a story behind the name Miss Gladys?

I like names that sound old lady-ish, so I was set on Gladys. A friend (and now god-mother to her) was joking and pretending to call for her and called out "Miss Gladys Bouvier, you get back here." It was spot on. Plus, she's a true lady like Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy and Marge Bouvier Simpson, so it was perfect.

Likes: Chewing, sleeping, eating, laying her jowls on people.

Dislikes: Oh man, so many things. Skateboards, shopping carts, people on bikes...ok basically anything on wheels. Oh yea, also boxes.

Where are her favorite places to hang out?

In bed, a patch of sun, in between me and my boyfriend.

What's her favorite treat?

Paul Newman Peanut Butter treats. Also, she ate a McRib once and nearly lost her mind. (I know...it's awful.) So, if she was writing this list, that would have to be #1. McRibs.

What's the best thing about having your pup?

Having a little buddy to go on adventures with!

Who is your pup's best friend?

Milo Marie (a portly pug) and Penny (my niece's beautiful rescue pup).

How would you describe Miss Gladys's personal style?

Ladylike with a side of street.

Let's Talk Style: Vintage Shopping with Leah Salimbene

BC Footwear shoe designer Leah Salimbene is our go-to source for all things style. We spent an afternoon with her at one of our favorite LA shopping spots, Shareen Vintage. This hidden gem on the outskirts of downtown is filled to the brim with vintage clothing and accessories, and it's a one-stop shop for everything from a crazy sparkly party dress to a sophisticated vintage ensemble. Leah gave us a quick run down on her fashion must-haves.