Category Archives: Uncategorized

Off to Prague

Posted on November 16, 2009 by | 1 Comment

pragueMs. S&C goes on the road — to Prague!

Attention loyal S&C readers, Ms. S&C will be taking a few days off (actually, more like a week and a half), as she and Mr. S&C are headed to Prague! We’ve got our trusty Rick Steve’s guide and the New York Times’ 36 Hours column, so we’re ready to explore one of Europe’s most beautiful cities (at least that’s what we’re told). What will we do while we’re there? Well, we’ll visit some castles, drink some a lot of Czech beer, look at Art Nouveau, and you know — just holiday.

While she’s gone, there may be an occasional Tweet or two (no promises, though). But, you’ll be in good hands with Miss Mojito. Miss M will be *live* blogging the season finale of Project Runway, on Thursday, Nov. 19th, so be sure to check it out! Live blogging is fun.

Na zdravi! (That’s “cheers” in Czech).

posted by Ms. S&C

→ 1 Comment

Posted in Uncategorized

Tagged

There’s style here

Posted on October 23, 2009 by | 2 Comments

A year ago, we welcomed Fashion Washington, DC’s new luxury fashion magazine from the Washington Post.

Earlier this week, Ms. S&C attended FW’s one year anniversary party at Masa 14, the new hot spot inFW-party Logan Circle. She was thrilled and totally flattered by the  invitation. She was slightly underwhelmed by the cocktails (Strawberry Lemonade was waaayyy too sweet), but the people-watching opportunity was first-rate.

In addition to being in the company of DC’s most fashionable crowd, Ms. S&C met the famous fashion photographer blogger (and now author), The Sartorialist. One of Ms. S&C’s greatest dreams in life is to be considered worthy of one of his photographs. His people-on-the-streets photos are a constant inspiration. They are really, really amazing.

book-signing

The Sartorialist signs a copy of his book for Ms. S&C
at FW’s one year anniversary party

You can check out a recap of the anniversary event on FW’s blog, Fashion District.  And, the Style Setter column in the FW magazine, has a great article on Scott Schuman (aka The Sartorialist).

So, how did DC do, style-wise? On The Sartorialist blog, Mr. Schuman said, “I expected great things in cities like London and Paris, but DC was a total surprise. What a great-looking and diverse crowd.”

posted by Ms. S&C

→ 2 Comments

Posted in Uncategorized

Tagged

In full disclosure

Posted on October 8, 2009 by | 3 Comments

In case there are S&C readers out there, who are on the up-and-up in regards to social media, blogging, advertising, and the like, Shoes & Cocktails would like you to know that we are not paid to blog. The FTC recently released new guidelines related to bloggers and advertisers, so we wanted to let you know that no products, brands or stores mentioned in our content are advertisements or paid promotions. We are (unfortunately) not paid to drink cocktails. We are (sadly) not paid to buy shoes online. And, therefore, we are certainly not paid to write glowing reviews of crappy drinks and ugly shoes. Nor, will we ever (write things that are misleading).

In full disclosure, we have, however, received free booze. In further disclosure, we’ve received a lot more booze than we’ve ever written about (much of the stuff they send us isn’t that good, and we’ve got standards, people). There have been two occasions in which we highlighted a specific brand of liquor that we received for free. One of those instances we disclosed (more or less); one we did not (but, in that instance, the booze was vodka, so it hardly counts).

There may be one glorious day when our shoes and cocktails budgets will be financed by advertisers, but we can promise you that we’ll never be at their mercy. If we are, we’ll tell you. Until then, please know that Ms. S&C and Miss Mojito do what we do because we love shoes, we love cocktails, and we think blogging is fun. Thanks for reading!

posted by Ms. S&C and Miss Mojito

→ 3 Comments

Posted in Uncategorized

Bright, sunny, beautiful

Posted on May 15, 2009 by | Leave a comment

Miss Mojito is in the Outer Banks, and Ms. S&C is headed to Key West. This can only mean one thing — cocktails beachside and poolside! Hooray for vacays!

As we sign off for a few days, S&C leaves you with one of the most beautiful photographs ever seen. It was taken by The Sartorialist in Sydney, Australia. Not sure what is more beautiful — the sky or the woman? The woman. The over-sized sunglasses, the colorful Missoni dress, those incredible boots. Set against the bright blue sky, the crisp blue water, and the gothic iron fence. You want to know what beauty is — you are looking at it.

sartorialistPhoto from The Sartorialist, April 30, 2009

posted by Ms. S&C

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Uncategorized

Tagged ,

An Occasion for Mocktails

Posted on May 8, 2009 by | 3 Comments

Miss Mojito has a confession to make: she has found herself a new favorite drink, and it is NOT a cocktail. The occasion: a baby shower for my sister-in-law (and soon-to-be-born niece). The drink: a fruity mocktail.

Jason Wilson provided the inspiration in his April 5 Washington Post article, “Taking Mocktails Seriously.”  The audience for the mocktail is a sizeable one, not limited solely to mothers-to-be. Imbibers on a budget might find themselves attracted to the mocktail’s relative affordability. Those on a diet might enjoy the favorable calorie count of the liquor-free libation. And others, like Miss Mojito, might just like the drink’s inherent refreshing tastiness!

We took our cues from Mr. Wilson and looked to his “Folic Fizz,” which he DSCN1088adapted from Natalie Bovis-Nelsen’s 2008 book, Preggatinis. We made a few alterations ourselves, and changed the name from the vitaminal-sounding “Folic Fizz” to “Cantaloupe Fizz.” We reduced the sweetness, added a mint garnish and made a big batch for a crowd. The end result is beyond refreshing, with an in-your-face cantaloupe flavor that’s enhanced by the tangy lime and fresh mint. And, for those so inclined, it would transition well to a true cocktail with a shot of gin!

Cantaloupe Fizz
Serves 15

  • 3 cantaloupes
  • 3 teaspoons superfine sugar
  • 8 ounces fresh lime juice
  • 6-7 strawberries
  • 15 ounces lime-flavored sparkling soda water
  • Ice
  • Mint

Cut cantaloupe into chunks and puree in food processor. Strain puree through a fine mesh sieve to extract cantaloupe juice (reserve the “pulp” for another use or discard). Mix cantaloupe juice, lime juice and sugar in a large pitcher. Thinly slice strawberries and add to mixture. Top with sparkling soda water. Serve over ice with a sprig of mint garnish.

Posted by Miss Mojito.

→ 3 Comments

Posted in Uncategorized

Tagged ,

A bit of this, a bit of that

Posted on March 25, 2009 by | 1 Comment

So, I’ve been in a bit of a blogging slump lately. Lacking inspiration. I’ve given up on the return of Project Runway. I still have an unopened bottle of Pisco at home. And, has time stopped? It seems like the transition to spring will never happen. I’m so tired of my winter clothes and shoes. I want spring and warmth. And, open-toe shoes and cocktails al fresco. Too much for a girl to ask?

You can  read more of Ms. S&C’s random and slightly inane thoughts over on Twitter, where one can share a little bit of this, and a little bit of that.

twitter_button3purple

  1. survived day one of two day liquid-only cleanse diet. but i would really like an eggroll.less than 20 seconds ago from web
  2. still has a lot to do this week and sadly most of it doesn’t involve shoes or cocktailsabout 4 hours ago from TwitterBerry
  3. Flight of the Conchords makes me want a glass of New Zealand sauvignon blanc9:22 PM Mar 23rd from web
  4. Thai food tonite and a drink called the Tom Yum Cocktail6:57 PM Mar 21st from TwitterBerry
  5. and how about a bees knees to go with that fringe? http://tinyurl.com/c33c5n12:40 PM Mar 20th from web
  6. our own Miss Mojito says fringe is in: http://tinyurl.com/c33c5n12:39 PM Mar 20th from web
  7. cherry blossom cocktails courtesy of @washingtonian9:17 AM Mar 20th from web
  8. maybe later, a cherry blossom cocktail to brighten my mood? http://www.washingtonian.co…9:17 AM Mar 20th from web
  9. this day is starting off exactly how I didn’t want it to. good grief.9:05 AM Mar 20th from web
  10. I know I’m desperate for spring attire, but this BR cape is only $100: http://tinyurl.com/dlwyrs4:55 PM Mar 19th from web
  11. first time on twitter today. and only been on facebook once. seems like I should have more work to show for it.4:16 PM Mar 19th from web
  12. having my first iced coffee of the year. thank you sun and 60 degree weather.2:07 PM Mar 18th from web
  13. is drinking a glass of prosecco. yes, on a tuesday. and yes, on st. patrick’s day.8:39 PM Mar 17th from web
  14. Is it cocktail hour yet? What a day.3:10 PM Mar 17th from TwitterBerry
  15. is green with envy: http://tinyurl.com/d9ea6m8:47 AM Mar 17th from web
  16. gossip girl does edith wharton. yes to the gilded age.7:41 PM Mar 16th from web
  17. never been to the District Sample Sale: http://www.districtsamplesa… — worth it?9:58 AM Mar 16th from web
  18. for crying out loud, Ms. S&C wants to wear Spring clothes!9:15 AM Mar 16th from web
  19. impromptu party with friends at my place until 2am. sometimes those are the best. and the worst.2:28 PM Mar 15th from web

posted by Ms. S&C

→ 1 Comment

Posted in Uncategorized

Change is afoot

Posted on January 7, 2009 by | 5 Comments

Shoes & Cocktails is so excited to announce that we have a new contributor to the blog!  Miss Mojito, or Miss M for short, will be joining the S&C enterprise as a regular blogger.

Ms. S&C has been considering changing things up and adding a fresh new perspective.  And, Miss Mojito is a perfect addition.  She is the younger sister of a dear friend, and she has the same funky, yet classy, personal style.  A few years ago when Ms. S&C was visiting Charlottesville, VA, and ran into Miss M, she was wearing an adorable pair of red cowboy boots, and recommended that we try a French 75 on the Downtown Mall (or, maybe it was a French 76–I hope I’m remembering this correctly).  Regardless, she was way ahead of the latest trends even then.

Miss Mojito currently lives and works in the Richmond, VA, area.  Her hobbies include writing, playing with her kitchen appliances, sampling new food and drinks, and dreaming of accessories.  Her favorite footwear trends include gem tones, sculptural shapes, boots, boots, and more boots (be still my heart!).  And as you might guess, Miss Mojito lives and breathes for that delightful Cuban cocktail from which she borrows her name.

Please join us in welcoming Miss Mojito!  We can’t wait to hear from you!

→ 5 Comments

Posted in Uncategorized

Tagged

It’s the thought that counts

Posted on December 15, 2008 by | 2 Comments

Have friends and family that you still need to shop for?  Don’t know what to buy for your work gift exchange?  Gift-giving has gotten oddly competitive and so out of hand, it is now an exhausting chore to give gifts.  You stress about spending too little, or too much, and then there’s the fear of your recipient going home saying, “What am I going to do with this?”  Gifts do require some thought and some amount of time and/or money.  But, Ms. S&C is here to help with some holiday gift ideas that should please a few and not bust your budget.

img_0048

  • The eco-friendly – pick up some organic fair-trade coffee, a coffee mug (I like these whimsical ones from Anthroplogie), plus a bottle of Bailey’s Irish Crème for good measure.
  • The wine pairing — there are plenty of great things to accompany a good bottle of wine.  (Don’t know what wine to choose?  Go to a wine store and they’ll be happy to make recommendations – just point them in the direction of red, white, dry, etc.)  Combine the wine with some fancy cheese, or another gourmet food item that compliments the flavors.  (Cheesetique is my favorite local cheese shop, and they are always great about helping navigate their large selections.)
  • The guy’s night out — combine a six-pack of his favorite beer (Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale is a great choice this time of the year), a deck of cards, and a set of poker chips.
  • The straight-up boozer — you can find plenty of add-ons to go with his/her favorite spirit:  fancy olives for the gin drinker, or a cigar for the gent that likes Scotch.
  • The pampering — there’s got to be a lady in your life that deserves some pampering.  Pick up a spa gift certificate, (SpaFinder.com gift certificates are accepted at a ton of salons across the country), and make it a pedicure package with nail polish and some luxurious foot cream (I love any of the lavender stuff over at L’Occitane).

S&C wants to know: Have other shoes and cocktails gift ideas?  Share your suggestions below!

→ 2 Comments

Posted in Uncategorized

Tagged ,

Under the weather

Posted on November 20, 2008 by | 2 Comments

Ms. S&C has not adjusted well to the bitter cold climate afflicting the Washington, DC area.  Thus, she has been moaning and groaning (and sniffling) her way through this week.  She has not had a cocktail in several days.  Instead, she’s consumed buckets and buckets of hot tea.  And, her only thought of shoes has been what can carry her from point A to point B with as little effort as possible.

But, she’s a glass half full kind-of a girl, so things are looking up.  She’s got a new episode of Top Chef and some black patent leather boots on the horizon.  And yes, she’s broken out those leg warmers, kids.

→ 2 Comments

Posted in Uncategorized

Cleaning out my closet

Posted on September 2, 2008 by | 7 Comments

I spent part of the Labor Day weekend attempting to bring order to my under-sized closet. For awhile now, my shoe storage has consisted of me lining them up in rows in front of my dresser, thus causing me to (a) trip over them when trying to access the dresser, (b) inadvertently push them underneath the dresser, (c) wipe off a layer of dog hair before wearing. And on more than one occasion, I’ve found a few of the dog’s tennis balls lying in my wedges.

After measuring my closet, I settled on this 12-pair shelving organizer from The Container Store. I would have loved the stackable cedar shoe racks, but alas, not enough room. I think I’ve somehow ended up with the smallest closet in America. Though slightly disappointed with the quality (particleboard after all), and realizing that I don’t have much room to grow, I’m pretty happy with the finished product. The good news is I do have one other closet in my bedroom. The bad news — what happens when my husband can no longer store his stuff in the guest bedroom closet?

→ 7 Comments

Posted in Uncategorized

Tagged