Author Archives: msshoescocktails

S&C spotted–vintage shoes

Posted on April 22, 2009 | Leave a comment

A friend visited New York City over the weekend and came home sharing pictures of a pretty awesome shoe display. These pictures inspired moi to start a new feature on the blog where readers can share their discoveries. Ala The Sartorialist‘s coverage of people-on-the-streets, but S&C-related. For now we’ll call it S&C Spotted.

So, the first edition of S&C Spotted brings you a window display of vintage shoes, including a spectacular pair of rhinestone peep-toes from Valentino. Don’t you love how the dominos are playfully scattered about? Makes you want to head to Monte Carlo, no? These shoes may be vintage, but you’ll be seeing more of this sparkly trend.

The display was spotted at one of the Housing Works Thrift Shops. Housing Works operates seven upscale shops in New York City, selling high-end vintage treasures for good causes. Even if you’re not in NYC, you can shop their shoes online. Choose from designers like Gucci, Marc Jacobs and Ferragamo at insanely low prices.

vintage-shoe-disply

vintage-shoes-1

Spotted! Vintage Gucci and Valentino Rhinestone Heels at a NYC Thrift Store.

Have you spotted something spectacular? Share it with S&C! Camera phones are ubiquitous these days, so 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. We’d love it!

posted by Ms. S&C

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S&C reader mail–cream colored pumps for spring

Posted on April 17, 2009 | 2 comments

Dear Ms. S&C,
I really want light beige or cream colored pumps for spring…I think they’re “in”? I just bought a navy blue dress, and I think this pair from Ralph Lauren will look good with it. I really want a pair of open-toe heels, but maybe I can save up for those later. What do you think?

jcrew-dressrl-platform

Many thanks,
KG

——————————————-

Dear KG,

I am so tempted to say look no further than these cream Ralph Lauren’s because I love the wooden platform and heel. And, I love that they are cream (very much “in” this spring). I also love the textured print (very sexy). I just love everything about them in general. They are great for work and great for the evening — great find all around! While I think they are the clear winner, here are a few other choices, just for kicks. Slingbacks, like these from Anne Klein, are a good choice for spring, if you can’t find a pair of open-toes. I also love neutral-toned patents. These from Endless have a stacked wooden heel, but no cool platform. Finally, an almost identical pair from Nine West. All très affordable.

ak-slingbackrestricted-pumpninewest-platforms

Happy spring!
Ms. S&C

P.S. Did I forget to mention how much I also love the cream shoes with the navy dress? That fun and flirty bow on the front — um, adorable. I have several items suited for navy shoes, but it is so hard to find attractive, stylish navy pumps. Perhaps I’ve found my alternative, n’est pas?

posted by Ms. S&C

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One fine muddle

Posted on April 13, 2009 | 6 comments

The nice folks over at Leblon recently shipped Ms. S&C a bottle of cachaça. Cachaça, as  you may already know, is the main spirit in latest and greatest muddled cocktail, the caipirinha. I’ve had cachaça, a sugar cane-derived spirit from Brazil, and caipirinhas before and really do find it a nice, less sweet, yet fun-because-it-is-muddled, alternative to the mojito. Especially if you are not in the mood for mint, and truth be told, I’m not always in the mood. (Of course, the mojito still reins supreme of muddled concoctions, Miss M!)

caiprihinas

Mr. and Ms. S&C’s blackberry and lime caipirinhas

Mr. and Ms. S&C found the perfect occasion to pop open their bottle of Leblon cachaça. After a gorgeous weekend of perfect Spring weather and back-breaking yardwork, I placed steaks marinated in chimichurri on the grill, and served up a his and her version of the caipirinha. His version was traditional with lime only; hers was bright and fruity with blackberries. Both were equally refreshing and delicious and highly recommended. As mentioned before, juicy limes and crushed ice go a long way in elevating cocktails. Additionally, you’ll want to shake the ingredients well to fully incorporate the sugar. Lastly, my second caipirinha is always better than the first because I use the leftover limes and blackberries from the first drink and just add more.

The Caipirinha
makes one cocktail

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon superfine granulated sugar
  • 1 lime quartered
  • Blackberries (optional, but recommend 6 or more)
  • 2 ounces cachaça, preferably Leblon
  • Seltzer water

Directions

  • In a mixing glass, sprinkle sugar over the limes (and blackberries)
  • Muddle together until sugar is dissolved and lime juice is released
  • Pour an almost-full old-fashioned glassful of crushed ice into the mixing glass
  • Add cachaça and shake well to incorporate
  • Pour mixture back into the old-fashioned glass
  • Top with seltzer water
  • Garnish with lime (and blackberries)

posted by Ms. S&C

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Posted in cachaca, cocktails, spirits, spring/summer cocktails

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Sapphire in the mud

Posted on April 7, 2009 | 4 comments

After reading Garlic and Sapphires for my book club, I’ve been craving Asian food like something intense. Ruth Reichl’s exploration of Japanese, Korean and Chinese restaurants, while restaurant critic of the New York Times, was remarkable and mouth-watering. While at the NYT, she was criticized for her time spent reviewing small, ethnic establishments, but I admire her attitude toward food — especially her view that she didn’t have to review restaurants just for rich people.

Desperate to satisfy my craving, friends and I tried Yechon over the weekend. Located in the suburbs of Washington, DC, in an area engulfed by strip malls, I knew ahead of time that looks would be deceiving. It did, however, meet every expectation of deliciousness. Truly a sapphire in the mud, whether that was T. S. Eliot’s intention for the phrase or not. For dinner, we shared the bul kalbi, beef short ribs marinated in chef’s special sauce. The meat was a little sweet and a little salty, and grilled right at the table. Wrap it in crisp lettuce with fiery cabbage kimchi and you wonder why you haven’t been eating this food all along. The bowls of panchan were plentiful, and maybe next time I’ll get the nerve to ask which each of them are. Like the kimchi, they are the cold dishes Korean restaurants offer with every meal.

And, what do you drink with a feast like this? White wine and lagers are the most fitting accompaniments. The food is spicy and flavorful and you’ll be happier with a refreshing beverage. Most of us drank Hite and Kirin, beers of Korea and Japan that taste just like American lagers Budweiser and Miller. We also tried Soju, a traditional Korean liquor similar to vodka but sweeter as it is distilled from sweet potatoes. Soju is served chilled and in shot glasses, and should be consumed in one gulp, preferably after toasting to good friends around the table.

korean-bevs

Our beverages at Yechon: Soju, Korean beer Hite
and Japanese beer Kirin

posted by Ms. S&C

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The men’s department

Posted on April 1, 2009 | 3 comments

Our closets, nor our back accounts, can handle more than one clotheshorse in the family, but Ms. S&C can count the number of shoes Mr. S&C owns on one hand. She thinks it is time that he freshen up his wardrobe a bit. And, of course, she is here to help! Here are some early footwear picks that she wishes he would go for.

millbrook-mocs

These leather driving mocs with contrast stitching are fairly understated, and look comfy, no? A good fit because Mr. S&C is also understated (in the best possible sense), and he sometimes has an aversion to laces.

sydney-shoes1

These boots, (I guess you would call them boots), are a little bit hipster and a little bit rugged. Not sure Mr. S&C would like to be described that way, but I think they are pretty awesome. sperry-slip-on

I love these timeless patchwork plaid slip-ons. But, I’m also a total sucker for infusing nautical preppiness every now and again. Mr. S&C, remember we’ve got a beach trip coming up — and again, no laces!

tassel-mocs

Tassel mocs are making a comeback says Footwear News. But Mr. S&C doesn’t don a three piece suit and cuff links too often, but if he did…

I’m not going to transform Mr. S&C’s footwear selection overnight. But, there’s one thing I know he won’t pass up — scotch and soda. I guess he prefers his cocktails like he prefers his shoes, sans embellishments.  He imbibes a variety of blended Scotch whiskeys, but recently he has become a friend of Johnnie Walker Black. Also a friend of Winston Churchill, coincidentally.

Scotch & Soda

  • Fill cocktail glass with ice
  • Pour in 2 ounces of blended scotch
  • Top with club soda
  • Garnish with a twist of lemon

posted by Ms. S&C

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A bit of this, a bit of that

Posted on March 25, 2009 | 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

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Green with envy

Posted on March 17, 2009 | 5 comments

Forget the parades, shamrocks, and leprechauns for your St. Patrick’s Day celebration. There are green shoes to be worn! And the variety is incredible — floral, t-strap, patent, snakeskin, flats, platforms, sneakers and rainboots. The strappy sandals are my personal faves. They are flirty and fun, and I can see them having a place in my spring wardrobe long after the Irish festivities are over. Quick reader quiz — who can spot the $1,000 pair and which are eco-friendly? Share your guess in the comments section.

lanvin

blue-floral

prada-sandal

patent-t-strap

rl-platform

slingback-sandal

sperry-top-sidereco-friendly-2blowfish-sherbert

conversesigerson-morrisondaisy-rainboot

As far as imbibing on this occasion, beer is traditionally the favorite. And, like shoes, there are more choices than you think.

1. Irish beer, such as Guinness or Harp

St. Patrick’s Day is the only day of the year when I’m tempted to drink a Guinness or a Harp or both. I like the half-and-half combo which yields a Black & Tan.

2. Green beer, as in beer that is the color green

Green beer, even on St. Patty’s Day, doesn’t really appeal to me, but I thoroughly enjoy that others consume it. In the event you ever want to mix up your own batch, Mix That Drink outlines, step-by-step, how to make this concoction.

3. Green beer, as in beer that is eco-friendlygreen-beer

Drinking beer is good for you and the environment. Well, not exactly. But it still sounds like a cause that many of us can get behind. The Sierra Club has a few recommendations for beers made by companies who are working to lighten their carbon footprint–Sierra Nevada and Brooklyn Brewery are included. This way you can drink green beer today and any other day.

Cheers!

posted by Ms. S&C

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S&C diversion–favorite things

Posted on March 11, 2009 | 9 comments

So, you’ve all likely seen, or at least heard about, Oprah’s Favorite Things segment. This is the annual show where she gives her studio guests her favorite products of the year. The gifts include anything from a high-definition TV to a book to a pair of shoes. And speaking of shoes, if you look at the list of products, since she started back in 2002, Oprah loves her some Ugg boots — they’ve made the list three times — and that’s with her skipping two years (in 2006, she gave everyone $1,000 cash to give-away; in 2008, she pared down the list considerably because of the sucky economy).

While hanging out at a friend’s birthday party over the weekend, this topic was much discussed. The question: if you could put together a basket of your ten favorite things, what would they be? A note: because you would be buying the products and giving them away, you may want to consider the item’s price tag (i.e. I love my iPod, but that’s not going in the basket).

Here’s my list:

  1. St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur (for a cocktail with champagne)
  2. Otis Redding album ( I would give fans Otis Blue, all others would get a “Best Of,” or maybe I’d make my own?)
  3. Lavender plant (my favorite scent in the world–for lotions, soaps, aromatherapy, and as a garnish in the St-Germain cocktail)
  4. Newman’s Own Olive Oil and Vinegar salad dressing (I’m really picky about salad dressing, and this is the.best.one.ever.)
  5. Joy of Cooking cookbook
  6. Yahtzee (discovered the fun of this game in college, and it continues)
  7. Silver bracelet from the Master Craftsman (love the handmade bracelets from this little shop in my college town)
  8. Pashmina (likely in black–that’s the one I wear around my office at least three days a week)
  9. Colgate battery-powered toothbrush (I’ve only had this for a few weeks, and it is my first experience with an electric toothbrush, but I don’t know how I could go back)
  10. Potbelly sandwich (seriously, I eat one a week, and you have to add the hot peppers)

Interesting that there are no shoes on my list. Maybe it is because I don’t own a pair of Uggs? Obviously, now that I’ve shared mine, Ms. S&C wants to know: What favorite things would you put in your basket?

posted by Ms. S&C

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Posted in spirits, st germain

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Spring forward

Posted on March 10, 2009 | Leave a comment

Spring is only a few weeks away. Is your closet ready? Ms. S&C is looking forward to the arrival of warmer weather, and here are a few trends she can’t pass up.

First up is the denim-rolled-above-the-ankles-look.  I’m as surprised as anyone that I like this look. It certainly does not mean I’m a fan of the slouchy tapered ankle trouser. These harem pants can’t possibly look good on anyone with hips, so no thanks. But, the baggy boyfriend cut or the skinny jean rolled above the ankle — I like how this style can work for many body types, and show off your impressive footwear.

jcrew-rolled-denim-picralph-lauren-skylarAnd by impressive footwear, I mean something like these wooden heels from Ralph Lauren. Miss M referred to this style as the “extreme strappy sandal” in her inaugural post. I love the woven leather detail and the platform. They could definitely be my statement shoe of the season.

Another footwear trend that is exploding — neutral-colored pumps. Nude is the new black, people. And when colors like stone, dust, blush and sand come in patent, even better. These conical heels, slingbacks and peep-toes pretty much sum it up.

jill-stuart-melanyjcrew-slingbacks1bettye-muller

Shoes & Cocktails wants to know: What are your “must haves” and “can’t stands” for the spring season? Share your thoughts below.

posted by Ms. S&C

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The winning cheftestant

Posted on March 5, 2009 | Leave a comment

I think I can speak for many of us when I say that last week’s Top Chef finale was a big disappointment. Carla practically self-destructed; Stefan’s food was described as soul-less; and that left Hosea winning season five.

The final challenge was, as Tom Colicchio phrased it, “cook us the best three-course meal of your life.” The surprise twist, because each episode needs at least one or two surprise twists, was allowing each cheftestant to choose a contestant from a previous season as their sous chef. Carla partnered with Casey, my favorite from season three. Stefan selected Marcel, who apparently has a lot of personality (read: a jerk), but I didn’t watch that season so I can’t really say. Hosea picked (picture me swooning) Richard Blais, the runner-up from last season, to assist him. I’ve actually had the pleasure of meeting Richard, albeit briefly, when I was in Atlanta last spring and I heart him. Heart him. Heart him.

The cheftestants served their three-course meals to a mixed bunch of musicians, restaurateurs and chefs at Commander’s Palace in New Orleans. Carla, poor Carla. Not sure how she was steered so wrong. She cooked her beef using a technique she’s never used, sous vide, and then forgot to lower the temperature of her soufflés. Stefan had a solid evening, cooking the best dish of the night — Pan Seared Squab, Braised Cabbage, Schupfnudeln, Foie Gras and Grape Jus. I guess he got some foie gras from Hosea after all. Stefan’s mistake was going the traditional route and cooking a three course meal that ended with a very average dessert, unfortunately.

In Hosea’s defense, his food overall looked like it was better and was thoughtfully prepared. He was probably Top Chef of the night, just not of the season. His Blackened Red Fish on Corn Cake with Creole Roumelade looked great. And, the Seared Scallop with Foie Gras on Pain Perou, Apple Preserves and Foie Gras Foam appeared delicious.

scallopfoiegras

Hosea’s Seared Scallop with Foie Gras on Pain Perou,
Apple Preserves and Foie Gras Foam

For the drink pairing: The classic accompaniment for foie gras is a Sauterne, a full-bodied, sweet white wine from Bordeaux that has a high acidity and therefore a good accompaniment for rich foods. It is also good for dessert or as an apertif. A Twitter friend recommended this one from Barton & Guestier. Described as supple and suave, with nice freshness on the palate and intense mouth flavors. Hootie-hoo!

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