Quick Look becomes Cute Look!

We love reading your site suggestions on our feedback forum, and we’re doing our best to implement the changes you’ve been asking for!

Quite a few ModLovers were crazy about the new functionality of the site, but missed some of the classic ModCloth touches. We did too!

Our designers and developers did a great job adding Winston, our beloved pug, to the site – and we’re proud to announce this first to our awesome blog readers.

Next time you shop, make sure to use Quick Look and you’ll have your own Winston helping you browse! Add an item from Quick Look to your bag for an extra adorable surprise.

Let us know what you think.  And get ready for more site improvements to come!

By Guest Blogger Hannah:

Winston, as the ModCloth mascot, has always been in the public eye.  He’s a model.  He’s a muse.  Yes, he’s one talented man.  We’ve all known for years that this cutie is destined for fame.

Last week, Winston had his big break when he was featured on the weblog Cute Overload.  That’s right, ModCloth’s own Winston was noticed by the web’s highest authority on cuteness.  Now, Winston is officially a member of the A-list.  A for adorable that is.

We are happy to report that the critics received Winston with rave reviews.  “I want to eat him or snorgle him to death or at least squeeze him until we become one,” gurgled Squinty, a Cute Overload reader.  We understand, Squinty. Winston is simply irresistible.

Please excuse us now; we have to go fend off the paparazzi.

[Winston's most recent modeling work]

Happy Birthday, Winston!
Our favorite Pug turns five on Sunday, and we’re celebrating by helping you get to know him a little better.

Eric and Susan adopted Winston from a farm near Latrobe, PA.
“We drove out to see him and it was love at first sight! We brought him home that night and he’s been a part of our family ever since,” Susan told me. “We got Winston in 2004, so ModCloth had already been around for a little while, but pretty quickly it became clear that he needed to be the mascot. He’s just so handsome, how could we resist? Honestly, I just really liked taking pictures of him, and I wanted to share the cuteness.”

I sat down with Winston, and here’s what he had to say.

Read my interview with Winston.

[He was a candid interviewee]

ModCloth: How does it feel to be 5? (If you don’t mind talking about your age)
Winston: I feel wiser. I’ve learned so much about how the world works over the past five years… how to sit for a treat, how to scratch at the door to make it open, how to find that perfect spot in the grass to do my business. As you can imagine, all of this learning has made me very, very tired, so I always make sure to take a nap every hour or so. That’s how I stay so handsome.

MC: Do you have any canine fashion advice for the blog readers?
Winston: Sometimes it’s hard for me to find clothes that fit because of my unique proportions, but I can say this: neck rolls & curly tails are in – in a big way!

MC: What is your favorite snack & why?
Winston: That’s easy! Whatever the person I’m staring at is eating. I want that, and I want it now.

MC: How does a celebrity like yourself stay grounded?
Winston: I try my best to remember where I came from and enjoy the little things in life. As long as I have a full stomach and a lap to sleep on, I’ll be happy.

MC: Describe your typical day for us.
Winston: I’m usually rudely awakened by my brother, Blue the Dachshund, at some horrible hour, maybe around 8a.m.? You wouldn’t believe it, but I can sometimes be a bit of a grump in the mornings! I try to stay asleep in bed as long as possible, but sometimes I just can’t block out the racket.

Once I’m up, I eat my first bowl of dog food and do my best to beg for a bit of real human breakfast, though I rarely get it. Then, I go for a walk around the neighborhood to inspect every tree, pole, and unusually long blade of grass.

After that, it’s right off to the office! I like to sit on Eric’s lap during the car ride to bark at people on the sidewalk. Once I arrive, I run around to say hello to everyone and see if they have any food for me. I spend the rest of my day in and out of meetings, generally following Eric and Susan around to make sure they’re safe. I’m a guard dog, did you know that?

As I mentioned earlier, I also take plenty of little naps throughout the day. In fact, if I’m at the office for 8 hours, I probably spend 6 of them asleep. Sometimes I wake up to model for a photoshoot. Those days are always fun because I get extra treats.

Once my work is done, I spend of a bit of time visiting with my other dog friends at ModCloth: Penelope, Buckles, Iggy, Rad, Keith Richards & Reese. We all have a good time together, but just between you and me, I prefer the company of humans. The end of the day is pretty typical. Another walk, more barking, more tree inspection, then back to sleep!

MC: Do you have any big plans for the coming year?
Winston: I’d like to expand my modeling career – my fans are always demanding more! I’m also planning a few trips to the off-leash section of the dog park that I’m really excited about.

And yes, that is me talking to my dog like he’s a human. But don’t we all?

Even Winston wanted to come out and get some sun, although we had to put him in a box to keep him from chasing down cars on the street…

Sorry to disappoint, but he won’t actually be sent out with an order as a free gift. But you might get a cool bracelet or a pair of glittery earrings or a bright headband; we think the surprise is half the fun!

… he just looked so pensive. Maybe he’s pondering the meaning of life? Or… just thinking about where his next meal is coming from.

They’re so clean and soft now, I’m having a hard time doing anything but snuggling with them!

This was snapped by Joseph (our new photographer) while our model was changing outfits. Doesn’t he make a good holiday elf?

This is his favorite method of begging for treats – also known as the Winston Dance. It seems like the rolls of skin on his back help him balance; I’ve seen him stay on his hind legs for close to a minute. At least no one can say that he’s not cute AND talented!

It’s a Winston-Cake! And yes, he was scrumptious.