LAP OF LUXURY WITH KAREN

16850 Jog Road, Delray Beach; 561-637-3856 ; Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday
through Saturday; lapofluxury withkaren.com.
Owner: Karen Grossman

Wow factor: If ever there was a pampered pet store fit for the likes of Paris Hilton, this is it. You can find everything from mosaic inlaid pet beds to Australian crystal collars and designer duds for doggie. What also makes this store stand out is the glass-enclosed grooming salon, which allows clients to see how the poochies are being handled. Grossman's husband, Lee, is knowledgeable and can explain the differences between types of leashes. (Buy the $45 Zip Lead for better control, he advises.)

Editor's picks: The pet furniture is elegant - with options such as the mosaic bed ($2,500) and chaises ($595-$795). But what really will blow you away is the selection of pet clothing with brand names such as For Pets Only from Italy and Ruff Ruff Couture. Expect to pay $225 for a cashmere sweater, $75 for a hoodie with a toy in the pocket and leather outfits with Chanel and Sgt. Pepper themes ($495-$550). And don't miss the crystal collars ($175-$450), bassinets in pink or blue ($150) and a huge selection of dog carriers, including a gold leather Chrombones with fringe ($1,100).

Design for less: At first, it may not seem like this is a shop for bargains, but you can find pet T-shirts ($20), cute squeaky chew toys shaped like passports and computers ($5-$20) and treat containers with the dog's image on the lid ($30).

Trivia: The five adorable long-haired dachshunds ages 4 to 10 in the company logo belong to the Grossmans and are often found wandering around the shop. Karen Grossman owned Karen's for People + Pets in New York City for about 30 years. The shop received the Robb Report's Best of the Best award in 2004. - C.V.S.

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