Molly Each

She's got cash to burn on bling, but Paris Hilton's favorite accessory is a Chihuahua that answers to the name Tinkerbelle. Tink's Swarovski-studded accessories often match her owner's, and the trend of pimping your pooch doesn't end in Tinseltown.

"People live a certain lifestyle, and they want the same for their dogs," explains Bruce Haas, co-owner of Tails in the City, a dog boutique on Chicago's Gold Coast. Robin Tomb would agree. As owner of Pooch Hotel, an upscale, one-of-a-kind dog "spaw" and hotel, Tomb provides treatments like massages and facials, as well as deluxe accommodations, for boarded dogs. Haas and Tomb are experts on the needs of a modern Chicago canine, and as the weather warms up and pooches from Andersonville to Beverly prepare to hit the parks, they offer a few tips for making your dog the most fabulous hound at Montrose Beach.

1. Bring out the punk in your pooch. According to Haas, the trendiest dogs this summer will be rocking the punk look. From a skull-decorated tank to a tattoo-inspired hoodie (both by Pink Polka Dog) this spring's apparel will bring out the badass in your dog. Combine punk with another big trend--metallic accessories--and your dog might as well be strutting down the catwalk. "Gold, silver, platinum, bronze--all hot," says Haas. He especially likes gold or silver collars from Chrome Bones ($55-$85).

2. Keep your dog relaxed and pampered. Drop your dog off at the Pooch Hotel and Tomb and her team will give your dog the royal treatment. "The most popular treatments are the aromatherapy bath, `pawdicure,' pooch-berry facial and massages," Tomb says. But these treatments are hardly superfluous. A milk-bone bath ($40) will get your dog's coat super soft, and a good massage (ranging from fifteen-to-sixty minutes, and $25-$60) will relieve swollen joints and increase blood flow.

3. Think Beach. Haas says that doggy swimwear is one of the most popular products right now, which wouldn't surprise Tomb. "Our pool and treadmill are very popular in the summer. There are lots of dogs that want to have beach-ready bodies for their trips to Montrose!"

Tails in the City is located at One East Delaware Place, (312)649-0347, www.tailsinthecity.com. Pooch Hotel is located at 2228 North Clybourn, (773)661-0632, www.poochhotel.com.

(2007-03-20)

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