Avoid female accompaniment embarrassment!

Guys, you know the drill all too well: maybe you've been dragged to the mall yet again, or maybe you're in a real "guy place" like Home Depot or a ballgame. And out of the clear blue sky, the woman you love so dearly asks that you do that most embarrassing of things -- hold her purse for her! Maybe she has to visit the ladies' room, or try on a dress, or guide a 747 onto the tarmac at the airstrip, save an elderly woman from an oncoming bus, or deliver your child.... Does it really matter? Of course not! The effect on your masculinity is very much like jumping into an ice-cold lake or going to a bridal fair. You're gonna need a testosterone patch to recover, bro.

However, we at the Dog House Garage Store have found a way to deal with this emasculating problem without the use of hormone therapy. Why not buy her a purse that you won't be ashamed to be left holding when you bump into your poker buddies? A purse that cleverly distracts men from the fact that it's a handbag (for cripes sake) by being made from car stuff!

We offer the line of Harvey's handbags, all made from seat-belt webbing! Seriously, in our store, the men spot them on the shelf as often as women, and their comments are always positive. In fact, one guy even looked a bit wistful, commenting that in Europe, men carry bags and this one would be really very cool (of course, his male buddies did seem to give him a bet more space after that). We do carry Harvey's wallets for men made of the same durable webbing. Think of it: a matching set of her purse and your wallet (you know that's where it will end up, anyway, along with your car keys, cell, and palm pilot, making "bulky butt" a trouser-look of the past)! Note: we offer the Harvey's line at our AACA Museum store only; no on-line sales for this product.

As an alternative, may we suggest and handbag made from recycled license plates? You'll enjoy that "big house" aura as you hang onto this one for the little lady! No one is likely to mess with you while you hang onto this bit of pop craftsmanship, and if some fool does, well, it's one hefty, durable piece of merchandise!

For the woman who insists on a more "uptown" look, we carry the jlouise line. Guys, these things are trimmed in diamond plate or automotive grill-like trim, and even come with a "title" identifying the year, "make," and "model" of the handbag! It's the garage look taken out for a night on the town. Guys are gonna look at you with beaucoup d'envy when you squire a lady toting one of these babies!

Remember, ain't no law that says you can't buy her a gift that addresses her fashion sense as well as your insecurity! Let the world know she's traveling with a real man!

The joys of consignment!

While most of us buy our die-cast car models new (and heaven knows we'd never discourage that!), there are times when the secondary market is a good option. Here at the Dog House Garage, we offer select automotive replicas for resale from private collectors. While not all of our models have the original packaging, all are in excellent condition.

Why would you consider buying a "previously owned" model?

• Perhaps there are "holes" in your collection that you'd like to fill and you're not particularly interested in saving boxes or documentation. For you, a bargain like our Franklin Mint '41 Continental in burgundy (priced at less than $76) can put a smile on your face.
• Once in a while, you may come across a very rare bird indeed on our shelves -- like the Danbury Mint Limited Edition '58 Packard Hawk that we currently have in stock.
• Perhaps you've been burned on an auction site or simply find the experience of bidding frustrating or time-consuming.

Or, perhaps you're thinning out your collection. If you have some high quality 1:18, 1:24, or other scale automotive replicas that you'd like to sell, consider placing them with the Dog House Garage. Please be aware that our standard seller's fee is 30%. If interested, contact markw@doghousegaragestore.com!

AUTOart Bugattis -- The evolution of a legend

Among automobile aficionados, the name Bugatti carries incredible cachet. From the racing past into the phoenix-like present, few makers have the ability to send the pulse pounding as does the Italian superstar!

AUTOart has a way of interpreting ultra-exclusive rides as 1:18-scale works of art, often delving into the world of European exotics. And while Aa's 1938 numbered edition Bugatti Atlantic and contemporary limited edition Veyron are separated by more than half a century of automotive styling and engineering, both have been reproduced as replicas that have a riveting presence on any collector's shelf!

Draped in sultry black with disk wheels, the '38 Atlantic is a masterpiece of French Curve styling. With it's rich tanned leather interior, the Atlantic features such incredible working features as pivoting door handles!

The Veyron, boasting contrasting tuxedo black and electric blue, is a mid-engined beast meant to scream down the road at incredible speeds! Again, Aa goes the distance in realism, especially in that marvelous engine bay!

Of course, AUTOart models are meant for the serious collector who wants only the best for his "stable" of unique automobiles. Stop in to the Dog House Garage when you're in Hershey and check out these show-stoppers, along with other choice offerings from the AUTOart line. Or, if you prefer, order from us on-line!