Author Archives: msshoescocktails

Heating up

Posted on July 3, 2009 | Leave a comment

Summer has arrived. Temperatures are rising.The Fourth of July holiday is upon us. Fireworks. Beach vacations. Backyard barbeques. What shoes do you turn to for your warm weather wardrobe? Whether your footwear of choice is a sexy strappy sandal, an exotic espadrille, a casually chic thong, or a bold printed peep-toe, you can find them all in one rich color — red. Yes, things really are heating up.

Now, what to cool you off during these hot summer months? Check out The New York Times for suggestions on drinks and ingredients that are “Refreshing by Definition.” The S&C team also want to remind you of a few of our personal faves:

Frozen Sangria — Miss Mojito fixed this fun, fruity, frozen blend for daytime imbibing at the beach.
Berry Caipirinha — Ms. S&C made this bright and fruity cocktail with blackberries, but think of what you can do with fresh, ripe raspberries and peaches?
Basil Gimlet — Miss M muddled mint’s distant cousin in a gimlet, and after trying them herself, Ms. S&C concurs that aromatic basil is a great ingredient for summertime drinks.
Watermelon Lemonade — One of Ms. S&C’s favorites last summer, so hang tight for those plentiful watermelons to come.

S&C wants to know: What shoes are heating up your closet this summer? And, what are you drinking to cool off?

posted by Ms. S&C

Shoemakers

Posted on June 29, 2009 | 1 comment

The Washington Post Travel Section recently referred to Lynchburg, Va., as “fine and funky.” Bohemian even. This is not how Ms. S&C would have referred to her hometown — not the hometown where she grew up. Fourteen years later, she still wouldn’t exactly say it is “bohemian” or “funky” — it is Jerry-Falwell-conservative after all. No, it is not quite bohemian or funky, but it pretty close to “hip.” And it is definitely host to a growing number of hip places.

craddock-terry-hotel

Ms. S&C was in her hometown last weekend for a cousin’s wedding. While there, she ventured down to Main Street (an area she hasn’t visited in years), and was totally stoked. Yes, stoked. There was a street festival (Friday Cheers), and lots of new shops and restaurants.

One would expect to find an old-factory-turned-cool-establishment in Manhattan or Chicago, but not Lynchburg. That’s what is so exciting about the Craddock Terry Hotel.

The hotel, housed in what was once the Craddock Terry Shoe factory and a tobacco storage warehouse, is one of the cornerstones of a Main Street revitalization project. And, the place is gorgeous. Exposed wood beam ceilings, nine-foot tall windows, exposed brick and stone walls, decor accented with historical artifacts (read: old shoes!) — this turn of the century shoe factory has been transformed into a lovely boutique hotel.

Ms. S&C is always one to stop and read the historical marker, so here are some points of history on the Craddock Terry Company (once a thriving and important part of Lynchburg’s economy):

The company was at first a wholesaler of footwear. It had $311,465 in sales in 1889, and $1 million in sales 10 years later.
Craddock-Terry began making shoes at the turn of the century. It built a number of factories and warehouses in Southside Va., St. Louis, Mo., and Milwaukee, Wi.
The company hit hard times during the Great Depression and got rid of the plants outside of Va.
During the Depression, Craddock-Terry continued annual picnics for all employees and their families. The picnics included beauty pageants and sports contests.
Business picked up again during WWII, when Craddock-Terry made boots for soldiers.
Sales peaked in 1978. During the 1980s, foreign competition was credited for declining sales, so the company was sold and filed for bankruptcy in the late 1980s.

Ms. S&C stopped by the hotel for a quick tour and had a drink at their fine dining establishment, Shoemakers. She also got word of a number of other hip places down the street, including A+ martinis at Bull Branch. Ms. S&C spent the better part of her teenage years wanting to get out of Lynchburg, — now, she can’t wait to go back.

posted by Ms. S&C

1 Comment

Posted in shoes

Tagged history lesson, S&C on the road

Ms. S&C goes southernmost

Posted on June 16, 2009 | 4 comments

It has been a month since Ms. S&C returned from her Key West vacay, and she has finally gotten her act together to write a recap of her trip. This was not Ms. S&C’s first visit to the keys. It was her third, actually. Trip number one was Spring Break, sophomore year in college. Trip two was Spring Break, senior year. Trip three was with Mr. S&C, who’s never been there. It is safe to say this visit was different than the first two — but not that different.

People of all kinds visit Key West. Bikers, gays, hippies, retirees, frat boys, the girls-who-love-frat-boys, couples. And many of them visit with one thing in common — drinking. There may be some people-watching and site-seeing, conch fritters and key lime pie, but there is an awful lot of drinking. This heavy-imbibing eclectic mix reminds me a lot of New Orleans. You can call Duval Street the southernmost Bourbon Street.

marina

Ms. S&C had no choice but get used to drinking out of
plastic cups when in Key West

One thing that made this visit different from others: planning. When planning a trip, to Key West, or any other destination for that matter, Ms. S&C recommends you check out the usual suspects for travel ideas: the New York Times’ 36 Hours covers Key West; the Washington Post has several articles; and OpenTable helps with restaurant recommendations. Even with all these resources, nothing beats recommendations from friends (thanks, LC). And with that, Ms. S&C brings you her Guide to Key West.

(Note: Items with an * indicates that I recommend. Items with an * and in bold are the spots I highly recommend, and are the places I would 100% visit again. That means, you shouldn’t miss them if you find yourself there.)

DAY 1 – FRIDAY

Flew from D.C. to Miami (we got a really cheap flight–$325 for two, round-trip tickets).

Rented a car (splurged on a convertible b/c of cheap flight), and drove down Route 1. The drive takes longer than you think because you can only go about 40 mph. But, I drove from Virginia my previous two visits, so this 3 and a 1/2 hour trip was a breeze.

Checked in at Island City House*. This is a lovely, affordable inn with gorgeous gardens and a friendly staff. It has a nice pool, serves breakfast, and is an easy walk to Duval Street (and everywhere else). But, it is also far enough way that you escape the constant party-goers.

Swam a few laps in the pool, drank a few Red Stripes (I can’t resit the Jamaican lager when I’m someplace beachy), then hit the town.

Dinner at Seven Fish* – a tiny intimate spot that is a favorite of locals. Probably because it feels far away from the rowdy crowds of Duval Street. There’s a lot of fresh fish on the menu, and the dishes are well prepared. The key lime cheesecake should not be passed up.

801 Bourbon Bar – literally ran in this bar because of an unexpected thunderstorm. I’m sure I’ll see a drag show sometime in my life, but I wasn’t feeling it my first night in Key West. The show is apparently quite good, and the bar itself is fun with great dance music, but I wanted to be out on the town.

Green Parrot* – when googling “jukebox bars + Key West,” the Green Parrot was the top result. Mr. and Ms. S&C love bars with jukeboxes. This jukebox was good, but far too specialized with too much blues and jazz. The place also appears to have a loyal following of locals, again, probably because it is a few blocks off Duval.

DAY 2 – SATURDAY

Lunch at B.O.’s Fish Wagon* – this can’t be described any other way than an open-air shack. I was a little bit intimidated by the lady-with-a-big-personality taking our order, but the food is definitely worth it. Try the grilled fish sandwich and share an order of fries.

Toured the Hemingway House* – you should take the guided tour (our tour guide was a hoot). You’ll learn about Hemingway, his family, his cats, his work, the house (great architecture and art), and some Key West history. The house itself, and the pool, are amazing by the way.

Captain Tony’s Saloon* – known as the original Sloppy Joe’s and favorite bar of Ernest Hemingway. Not sure he would enjoy it as much today, but it is a great place for people-watching (saw a guy dressed as a pirate, with a live parrot on his shoulder). There’s a mixture of tourists and townies, and maybe a few people who drink for a living. There’s also a really fun (and talented) acoustic guitarist who plays a few days a week. Then, there’s the Pirates Punch, of course.

pirate_punch

Pirates Punch is a secret blend of Cockspur rum, gin and a tropical fruit mixture. Served in a souvenir cup that’s yours to keep.

Kelly’s Caribbean Bar and Grill* – Kelly, as in Kelly McGillis of Top Gun, has a casual, yet elegant eatery, with killer happy hour specials—three drinks for $8. Great margaritas.

Green Parrot, again.

Virgilio’s* – recommended by a local we met at Green Parrot. We skipped the martinis (a specialty) and dined on carpaccio, insalata mista and penne puttanesca. Waitress told us we could take our leftover wine “to go,” but we told her we couldn’t.

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4 Comments

Posted in cocktails, spring/summer cocktails

Tagged good cocktails in key west, jukebox bars, S&C on the road

S&C spotted–shoe museum

Posted on June 12, 2009 | 2 comments

Friends of S&C recently vacationed in Toronto, and visited a shoe museum. Yes, there’s a museum entirely devoted to shoes. And, why not?!?! The Bata Shoe Museum celebrates the style, function and history of footwear. There’s over 4,500 years of shoe history is on display. The museum’s collection ranges from Chinese bound foot shoes and ancient Egyptian sandals to chestnut-crushing clogs and glamourous platforms. In the “Footwear of Famous People” exhibit, you can see John Lennon’s “Beatle Boot” from the 1960’s, and Elton John’s platform boots circa 1973.

And how did Ms. S&C hear of her friends’ spectacular and surely stunning cultural experience? A good, old-fashioned postcard. Ms. S&C was practically euphoric when it arrived in the mail.

postcard-front

postcard-back

postcard from the Bata Shoe Museum in Toronto

Have you spotted something spectacular? Share it with S&C! If you are out and about and run across something awe-inspiring, inventive or delicious — email shoesandcocktails(at)yahoo(dot)com, or send us a TwitPic @shoescocktails. Or, a postcard!

posted by Ms. S&C

2 Comments

Posted in shoes, spotted

Tagged S&C spotted, vintage shoes

Get out and run

Posted on June 2, 2009 | 6 comments

Ms. S&C ran in her first 5K on Saturday and now she is all hot-to-trot over this running thing. Tomorrow, June 3, is the inaugural National Running Day. National Running Day is an initiative whereby many organizations within the running industry are joining forces to promote running as a healthy, easy, and accessible form of exercise.

A few months ago, Ms. S&C was looking to start a regular exercise regiment. Two things were important to her: (a) she didn’t want to spend a lot of money (i.e. no membership fees), and (b) she didn’t want to dedicate more than an hour or so of her day (i.e. no wasting time in traffic, dressing and undressing in a locker room, etc.). I guess you could say there was really only one thing that was important to her: she didn’t want to join a gym.

She started with a stationary bike in her basement. This was great. She could watch reruns of The Daily Show and Real Housewives of New York City. She could flip thru magazines and listen to iTunes. Then, she got bored. And spring came. She wanted to be outdoors, so she decided to go for a run.

–Okay, enough of the third person– I am by no means a natural or gifted athlete. When I started running, I couldn’t run a mile without stopping, cramping, and cursing. I even joked to a friend that I only ran when an upbeat song came on my iPod. After awhile, a half mile turned into a full mile, a full mile turned into two miles, and so on. Running, up to this point, was entirely a solitary activity, so a friend suggested I run in a race. When I crossed the finish line at the Maya Angelou See Forever 5K, and saw Mr. S&C (also there with the S&C family dog) cheering me on, I’ve never felt more exhilarated. So, if you are looking to start an exercise routine, Ms. S&C thinks you should get out and run. She’s never felt better. asics

P.S. You didn’t think I forgot about shoes did you? I recently went shopping for a new pair of running sneakers and the sales associate told me that Asics make the best running shoes around. Ms. S&C wants to know from all the runners out there: Do you have a fave running shoe? I would love to hear your recommendations!

posted by Ms. S&C

6 Comments

Posted in shoes

Tagged athletic footwear, running

So much and so little

Posted on May 26, 2009 | 3 comments

Ms. S&C has so much to share, but so little time to share it. Stay tuned for the S&C Guide to Key West (which will be heavily focused on the “C” side of S&C), sloe gin fizzes, agave margaritas, and sandals. We definitely need to discuss summer sandals. I want about 100 different pairs.

In the meantime, here are a couple of updates about my beloved topics:

Shoes – For my Key West vacay, I picked up a pair of studded, brown thongs from Zappos. I think they’re cool, in biker-chic kinda way. And, after wearing them all over the southernmost part of the U.S., I’m still a big fan.

Cocktails – I tweeted about Ms. S&C and Miss Mojito’s visit to PX, but wanted to share a few more details. It’s no secret that I have an affection for speakeasy-style bars. Yes, due in part to the glamour and secrecy around them, but the main reason is the cocktails. These establishments serve the most innovative drinks around, and PX is no exception. Before getting to the cocktails, here are a few housekeeping-type notes:

Make a reservation – you’ll likely not get in otherwise. And, a party of three is an ideal number in my opinion (Miss M’s big sis, LC, joined us). PX thankfully doesn’t overwhelm you with cocktail selections, but you’ll want to try e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g. Take two others and you’ll make significant dent in the menu.
Sit at the bar if possible – you really should watch the bartenders at work.
Be patient – the cocktails are referred to as “liquid art,” and they do take time.
Ask questions – there will be ingredients that you’ve never heard of, and it is okay to ask.

Here’s a sampling of the cocktails we tried:

Smoker’s Delight
Tobacco honey syrup, honeycomb, and Basil Hayden’s bourbon served in a martini glass.
S&C’s take: Very little smokey or tobacco-y flavor, which may have been the right thing to do, but I would have liked a little more. It also makes me want more bourbon in my life.

Big Ken’s Palomita
Don Julio Blanco tequila, Cointreau, sage tincture, grapefruit juice, and grapefruit soda served over ice with a salted rim.
S&C’s take: Good and very salty dog-ish.

Boris Karloff
House-made elderflower liqueur, Plymouth gin, kaffir lime, and eggwhite served in a martini glass.
S&C’s take: A lovely and elegant cocktail. Second favorite of the night.

Most Aggressive Fish in the Ocean
Cucumber, yuzu, mint, Cruzan rum, Hendrick’s gin, and eggwhite served in a martini glass.
S&C’s take: Interesting and good, but don’t have this and the Boris Karloff back-to-back (too much eggwhite-frothiness pour moi).

Champagne Cocktail
Cherry bitters, cherries, sugar, and Gruet.
S&C’s take: Sounds simple, but there was fire involved in the preparation. And, it was the favorite drink of the night.

posted by Ms. S&C

3 Comments

Posted in cocktails, shoes

Tagged good cocktails in DC, sandals, speakeasy-style

Bright, sunny, beautiful

Posted on May 15, 2009 | 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.

Photo from The Sartorialist, April 30, 2009

posted by Ms. S&C

S&C advice–a footwear conundrum

Posted on May 13, 2009 | Leave a comment

Ms. S&C:

I have a footwear dilemma and need some advice.

My husband’s co-worker is marrying into a prominent Virginia political family and the wedding will be held at their farm in early June. We have been invited for the occasion, which will undoubtedly be a fabulous, swanky affair filled with all the see-and-be-seen people in both Virginia and DC politics.

I must say, I have a smashing dress. The problem? The website says, and I quote: “Flat shoes are recommended since the majority of the location is on grass.” While my feet are already breathing a sigh of relief (think: no blisters after four hours on the dance floor), I’m perplexed when it comes to the idea of fashionable flats.

So, now what? Any suggestions on flats that can go with a cute, tea-length summery ensemble? (Of course, not too pricey since they might get caked with mud or grass stains.) Or, do I tone down the dress to parallel the flats? Help!

–Shoeless & Stumped, Alexandria, Va.

————————————-

Dear Shoeless & Stumped,

Every year before my organization’s annual convention, (when I know I’m going to be on my feet for hours upon hours), I find myself shoeless and stumped, and in need of fashionable flats. Thankfully, this category of shoes has exploded in recent years – so, there are options. Quite possibly too many options. Navigating the choices can be daunting and time-consuming. For your fabulous and swanky affair, here’s what I recommend you look for in a pair of flats.

Metallic – This may be the easiest way to dress up a pair of flats. Plus, gold and silver (or bronze) look good with almost any color scheme. Plus, plus – they are very easy to match with your accessories – a silver clutch bag or nice gold earrings equals a great outfit. These silver flats are from MIA and available in many colors at Endless for $69.95.

Patent – Another surefire way to dress up a pair of shoes. And, if the weather is not cooperating, shiny patent is easy to wipe clean.

Embellishment – Bows, beading or other embellishments on the toe can turn ordinary flats into fashionable flats. These patent bow flats are Anne Klein and available in a variety of colors at Endless for $79.00.

Prints – Obviously, print or floral shoes are out-of-the-question if you are wearing a printed dress. But, if you are wearing solid colors, printed shoes are so eye-catching. They can make a statement and one winning outfit. These summery floral flats are from Nine West and available at Piperlime for $59.00.

Lastly, you could wear a pair of wedges. I personally would have a hard time settling on flats, especially if I’m wearing a perfectly “smashing dress.” I just feel more comfortable with a little extra height. Wedges offer stability on grass, while giving you a polished look. Below are a few options that I really like. The braided t-straps are from Etienne Aigner and available in black or gold at Piperlime for $70.00. The peep-toe wedges are Bandolino and available in black, gold and turquoise(!) at Piperlime for $69.00. Yes, something else to consider…

Thanks so much for your note! Hope S&C has made the world of fashionable flats a little less perplexing. Have fun at the wedding!

Yours in shoes,
Ms. S&C

PS – I do hope you’ll report back on what shoes you wore, and dish about the wedding. Anonymously, of course.

posted by Ms. S&C

Want but can’t have

Posted on May 6, 2009 | 5 comments

For instance, these tie-dyed “Rita” pumps by Bettye Mueller, with a price tag of $375.00. Her “Sunny” cork wedges are pretty awesome too, but at the same want-but-can’t-have price. Both are available at simplysoles, who happens to be hosting a meet and greet/trunk show with the designer at their DC boutique today.

bettye-muller-tie-dye Ms. S&C wants to know: What do you want but can’t have? Share your desires below.

posted by Ms. S&C

5 Comments

Posted in shoes

Tagged bettye mueller, exotic print shoes, shoes I can't afford, spring 2009

Cake and punch

Posted on April 29, 2009 | 9 comments

The fun thing about going to a one year old’s birthday party is the party turns out to be one that’s really more for adults. Ms. S&C recently had the pleasure honor of fixing a punch for an adorable lad’s first birthday party. Said adorable lad also happens to be Miss Mojito’s nephew! While the pomegranate champagne punch was a crowd pleaser, the real hit of the party was this incredible rainbow-colored cake baked by the lad’s superstar mom, LC. LC tells me the rainbow cake was inspired by a number of blogs and recipe sites (Google rainbow cake and you’ll get oodles of results). But her cake and icing recipe came from Restaurant Eve’s Birthday Cake. Clever mom that she is, LC implemented the rainbow layering and colored coconut for the topping, rather than using plain old sprinkles.

bday-cake Spectacular rainbow colored birthday cake

For the punch: when asked to help make a cocktail for the party, I wanted something equally colorful and festive. Since we were serving a large crowd of 20-30 people, I knew that punch was the only practical option. I found a pomegranate rum punch recipe from Bon Appetit on Epicurious. I’ve always been a fan of pomegranate juice – the color and tartness make it a perfect mixer for cocktails. Not to mention all the health benefits. But, I’m not so much a fan of rum (which could be good in a fall/winter version), so I subbed champagne and white wine, and made a few other tweaks. The result was a bright, cheerful, and sparkling beverage that parents, and friends and family of parents, can enjoy.

pom-champagne-punch Pomegranate champagne punch with lime and mint

Pomegranate Champagne Punch

Ingredients:

Simple syrup
5 bottles chilled brut Champagne
2 bottles chilled white wine (Ms. S&C uses sauvignon blanc)
1 cup triple sec
3 cups pomegranate juice, (Ms. S&C prefers POM Wonderful)
4 limes, thinly sliced
Simple syrup, to taste
Pomegranate seeds (optional)
Fresh mint for garnish (optional)
1 ice block

Directions:

For the simple syrup: bring 1/2 cup water and 1/2 cup sugar to boil in small saucepan, stirring until sugar dissolves. Simmer 5 minutes. Cool syrup completely. Note: adding lime slices is always an option to infuse the syrup.

Combine Champagne, white wine, triple sec and pomegranate juice in punch bowl. Add syrup to sweeten to taste. Mix in lime slices, and pomegranate seeds. Add ice block to bowl. Garnish with mint.

posted by Ms. S&C

9 Comments

Posted in cocktails, fall/winter cocktails, spirits, spring/summer cocktails, wine

Tagged champagne goes with everything, infused simple syrup, pomegranate, punch