Author Archives: msshoescocktails

Star spangled

Posted on August 12, 2008 | Leave a comment

Project Runway brought us a perfectly timed Olympic design challenge. The cynic in me was initially worried that this blatant NBC-affiliated, cross-marketing contest would turn out lame, but instead, I was pleasantly surprised.

I salute the top two designs. Korto’s high-waisted, floor-skimming linen pants are perfection and define cool. If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a thousand times – linen, especially white linen, is the fabric for summer. As for the shoes, I think these firey red Gucci’s are a great match. The classic design and gold crest detail represent prestige and good taste.

 

 

 

 

 

I also love Terri’s multi-textured ensemble. The blazer and scarf patterns combined with the tuxedo-style pants are part of a winning red, white, and blue collection. And it is one that I can’t resist pairing with the signature red soles of Christian Louboutin. These satin, strappy, peep-toe, halter slingbacks bring yet another textured element into the mix.

 

 

 

 

 

What should the ladies drink in these shoes? Albeit a tad unrefined, I can’t think of anything more appropriate than a classic American lager given the occasion.

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Song of the summer

Posted on August 6, 2008 | 5 comments

The Drink: Watermelon Lemonade

No self-respecting cocktail enthusiast can go through the summer season without using watermelon in a delicious beverage. The bright color and watery texture are ideal components for drinks. Martinis, margaritas, sangria – you can’t go wrong with this ingredient!

 

 

 

The Ingredients/Recipe:

This version of Watermelon Lemonade is a Shoes & Cocktails exclusive! And, it is actually quite good minus the booze, if you want to go that route.

(Recipe makes 3-4 drinks)

  • Cut ½ of a small watermelon into large chunks (do yourself a favor and get a seedless melon)
  • Puree in a blender, then strain into a pitcher (you should have enough liquid for a 3 to 1 alcohol ratio)
  • Add juice of two lemons
  • Add 3 or 4 shots vodka, preferably Absolut Citron
  • Mix well, then pour over ice
  • Garnish with fresh basil

Modifications: I generally prefer things tart rather than sweet. If this recipe is too tart for your liking, I recommend adding more watermelon, or 1 to 2 ounces of triple sec, Cointreau, or some other form of simple syrup. You can also garnish with mint, and/or lemon or watermelon wedges. I prefer basil because it is growing outside my backdoor, and nothing beats that smell in the summer!

Bonus tip: Here’s another perfect opportunity for using flavored ice cubes. Pour watermelon puree into your ice tray and freeze.

The Occasion:

Summer is a very important time for one’s social agenda. Picnics, backyard barbeques, trips to the lake, the beach – there are endless opportunities for enjoying cocktails with friends. I say, download these summer hits to your IPod, fire up the grill, slip on any number of yellow shoes because they will perfectly accessorize the watermelon cocktail in your hand.

The Shoes: Yellow Shoes

Yellow shoes are this season’s hot item for your warm weather wardrobe. Practically every brand has its own version; there are so many choices and so many styles. I personally like my friend LC’s shown below because (a) the quilting texture is unique, (b) they are wedges (and we all know the benefits of wearing wedges for those summer outdoor activities), and (c) check out the super-cool clear wedge heel. Great find!

 

posted by Ms. S&C

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Posted in cocktails, exclusive, S&C categories, shoes, spirits, spring/summer cocktails, vodka

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S&C alerts–fish, florals, features

Posted on August 5, 2008 | 4 comments

Here are the latest headlines on shoes, cocktails, and things related.

  • S&C said fish pedicures were all the rage! Even NPR has picked up on those flesh-eating skin specialists, and reported that Yvonne Salon has had over 6,000 customers try the treatment. The customers appear happy and the fish are staying well fed. They have apparently doubled in size over the past few months on the steady supply of human skin.
  • You heard it here — floral prints are huge! Over at Footwear News you can check out the garden party that is Spring ’09. Precious petals, rosette embellishments, vibrant colors…View the slide show of beautiful, beautiful shoes. I wish I could snag a picture of those Beverly Feldman floral-print slingbacks. Instead, get a head start on next year’s fashion-forward styles over at Endless, like these by Guess. (Note: there not paying me highlight them–I just really like their selection.)
  • GQ features the 20 best cocktails in America and where to go find them. It looks like you’ll need to travel to Louisville, KY, for the best Manhattan and Block Island, RI, for the best gin and tonic.

Shoes & Cocktails wants to know: I’m thinking about adding an advice column to the blog. Readers can email with questions like: “How do I justify an exorbitant price tag on the shoes I love?” -or- “I’m hosting supper club, what cocktail do I serve, that all guests would like?” -or- “And, what shoes do I wear?” What do you think? If you’d like to see it, post a comment below.

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Such great heights

Posted on August 2, 2008 | 1 comment

Project Runway brings us more adventures in fashion design with the New York City nightlife inspired challenge. Also known as the I’m-not sure-the-right-person-won-or-the-right-person-went-home-and-what-the-heck-does-Sandra-Bernhard-have-to-do-with-fashion episode.

Anyway, let’s get to the designs, and more importantly, the shoe pairings! I liked Kenley’s dress and shoe pairing over in the PR photo gallery. The bright green peep-toes are a good match with her bold printed fabric. Because I’m still digging Miss Portman’s eco-friendly shoe collection, I’ll also suggest these purple beauties with the chiffon pompom. Adorable.

My favorite design was Leanne’s layered skirt. I’m not crazy about the shoe pairing in the gallery photo, so I’m offering up these replacements. You may see them again in a future post titled “shoes I can’t afford, but would die for.” If she is going to insist on wearing the large gold necklace with this outfit, how about pairing these gold Jimmy Choo’s? High shine, high style, and just plain high (with a 4 ¾ inch heel!). Or, if you want a pair of shoes more beautiful, more perfect than anything else in the entire world, go for these Christian Louboutin’s. These high-fashion picks deserve an equally glamorous drink. A Bellini perhaps?

posted by Ms. S&C

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Nibbling away

Posted on July 31, 2008 | 8 comments

Because S&C cares about shoes, she cares about feet.  I’m personally overdue for a pedicure, and I know that if I’m hopping into those Gisella sandals soon, these puppies need some work.  A friend passed on WUSA9’s segment about an unorthodox pedicure method that is all the rage.  Yvonne’s Hair Salon in Alexandria, VA, offers the same flesh-eating fish pedicure as seen on Ugly Betty (episode where Wilhelmina discovers that Daniel Mead’s father finds soft feet irresistible and she goes to the extreme).  Anyway, these tiny but hungry Garra Rufa, or “Doctor Fish,” eat the dead skin off your feet in about a half hour, leaving them silky smooth.

AP

Photo:AP

The Telegraph in the UK also reported the story, indicating that these toothless fish nibble away at dead skin but leave healthy flesh untouched.  And, advocates say it is a natural alternative to using the potentially unsanitary razors, clipper or pumice stone.

Shoes & Cocktails wants to know: natural, or going too far?

 

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The beach bum

Posted on July 30, 2008 | 6 comments

The Drink: Sea Breeze

Erase any preconceived notions you have about fruity cocktails. Fruity drinks are not just for girls, or those with undeveloped palates, and they are definitely not just for drinking out of cheap plastic cups at the beach.

The Sea Breeze, like its sister cocktails the Bay Breeze and Cape Cod, is an often overlooked drink. You’re thinking vodka, juice – been there, done that, like when I was sixteen. Well, I say you should give this super refreshing and deliciously tart cocktail another chance. The mixture of fresh citrus and happy color make it a perfect companion on a summer day, beach or no beach. And, the balance of fruit juice to vodka means that you won’t wipe you out after you’ve had just one. So, don’t feel bad about two. Okay, three.

The Occasion:

Whether you are seaside, poolside, lakeside, or yardside, pull out your white linen skirt, grab your straw hat, and infuse some color by slipping on a pair of super cute sandals like the ones below.

The Shoes: Sandals

Nothing says summer footware like sandals. And, there’s so much variety: T-straps, ankle-straps, gladiators, or slides. I picked up these pretty little things in black over at Endless.com. Now, I’m so regretting I didn’t get them in green. The patent-like sheen on the straps and the cork-like insole means a little comfort, but a lot of fancy.

The Ingredients/Recipe:

We all know that the fresher the ingredients, the better the taste. Consider buying fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice, or juice them yourself.

  • Fill cocktail glass with ice
  • Mix 2 parts vodka, 3 parts cranberry juice, 2 parts grapefruit juice, and squeeze half a lime (my addition for extra tartness)
  • Garnish with a lime wedge or grapefruit slice

Here’s a bonus tip: add color and fun into your drink by using flavored ice cubes. The ones below are made with lemon and lime zest. All you do is zest citrus fruit (orange works too), add to your ice tray, add water and freeze.

Shoes & Cocktails wants to know: what’s your summer favorite? Shoes or cocktails. Make a comment below.

posted by Ms. S&C

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Posted in cocktails, shoes, spirits, spring/summer cocktails, vodka

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Social consciousness looks good on you

Posted on July 27, 2008 | 6 comments

Naturally, Shoes & Cocktails is a big fan of Project Runway. In episode 2, also known as the models-shop-for-their-own-environmentally-friendly-fabric-and-almost-everyone -ends-up-with-the-same-ugly-brown-fabric-challenge, Natalie Portman was guest judge. If you haven’t already taken a look, check out Miss Portman’s vegan shoe line over at Té Casan. They are not as budget-friendly as they are good for the environment, but they are as elegant as her. And keep in mind that 100% of the proceeds will go to various non-profit organizations dedicated to environmental preservation and animal rights. If I was tasked with pairing shoes from the collection, I’d choose these lovely reds for Suede’s winning design. And, give the lady a glass of champagne!

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Bitter pink insanity!

Posted on July 26, 2008 | 2 comments

The Shoes: My Pink Ferragamos

Bitterly insane is exactly what I would be if I didn’t own these shoes. They are by far the most elegant (and expensive) shoes in my closet. Lucky for moi, I didn’t pay a dime for them (another shout-out to LC). They are classic and timeless. They are Ferragamos.

Italian designer, Salvatore Ferragamo, was a pioneer of fashion. Born in 1898, he had already made his first pair of shoes at that age of nine. From a family of poor farmers, who couldn’t afford to buy shoes for his sisters’ first communion, Ferragamo borrowed materials from the local cobbler and made their shoes, rather than facing the same of seeing them wear clogs to church.

Ferragamo’s talent and genius ascended him to Hollywood and he earned a reputation for being a “shoemaker to the stars.” Though my research is inconclusive, it appears he designed Dorothy’s ruby slippers in the Wizard of Oz, and he’s credited with inventing the wedge(!) in 1938, for Judy Garland. His most famous invention was the cork wedge, which paved the way for platforms. He was a visionary and an inspiration, and now, my obsession.

The Occasion:

The shoes are fitted for the red carpet and the streets of Paris. For me, they mean I have an absolute go-to item for any cocktail party, fancy dinner, or event where I want to stand out. If it is a party I’m hosting? Bring on the bruschetta, antipasto, caponata, and this unique pre-dinner cocktail.

The Drink: Negroni

I can’t get enough of the old-school cocktails. The Negroni is a perfect match because of its sublime color, because it is Italian, and because it is made with Campari. The Negroni was invented in Florence in 1919, at Caffe Casoni, because Count Camillo Negroni added gin to his favorite drink, the Americano. Campari, the notable ingredient, is definitely an acquired taste, and is probably better known for their vintage posters. It is a grand aperitif.

The Ingredients/Recipe:

I’ve altered the original recipe slightly by adding extra sweet vermouth and extra orange. I definitely recommend this version for first-timers. The bitterness is like nothing you’ve ever tasted.

  • Fill cocktail glass with ice
  • Combine 1 part gin, 1 part Campari, 1 part sweet vermouth (be generous), and fresh squeezed orange juice (to taste) in an ice filled shaker
  • Shake until well chilled and strain into glass
  • Garnish with orange slice

Cin cin!

posted by Ms. S&C

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Posted in campari, cocktails, gin, shoes, spirits, sweet vermouth

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Cool as a cucumber

Posted on July 25, 2008 | 13 comments

The Drink: Pimm’s Cup

My friend, LC, is an inspiration in so many ways, but her latest contribution to making my life my enjoyable was introducing me to the drink Pimm’s Cup. This British-bred concoction is fresh and tasty, and definitely an old-school classic. Made with an obscure liqueur, with a flavor similar to a spiced gin, this drink is perfect for an occasion when you’d like something to take the edge off, but you don’t want to get hammered. That’s why it rules the leisurely brunch scene and is a staple at Wimbledon. It looks like iced tea, so it’s a natural thirst-quencher and a perfect match for outdoor activities.

The Occasion:

While I’m likely not heading to Wimbledon next year, and horse-racing season is over, there’s still a time and place for Pimm’s Cup. Hosting a brunch? Playing lawn games? Or, how about – the sun’s out, I don’t have any plans, let’s call some friends, sit out on the patio and play cards?

The Shoes: Wedges

These shoes speak outdoors. I’m a big fan of heels, but you don’t want heels sinking into the lawn. And, heels can sometimes come off a little severe with a summer dress or the ultimate summer fabric, linen. Wedges provide comfort and stability whether you’re headed to Gold Cup, playing croquet, or if you’re like me and just want a light cocktail in the afternoon.

The Ingredients/Recipe:

Fill cocktail glass with ice

Mix 1 part Pimm’s Cup No. 1 with 2 parts seltzer (preferably lemon or lime)

Stir lightly

Garnish with cucumber and lemon

Enjoy!

posted by Ms. S&C

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About this blog

Posted on July 24, 2008 | 5 comments

I love shoes and I love cocktails.

I’m one of those people that use clothing to say something about myself. I’m not artistic, I can’t paint or sing or play an instrument. I’m not writing the great American novel any time soon. I can’t even get the New Yorker to choose my captions for their cartoon contests. And, I’m not super clever or witty, (though I think I am after a few cocktails!).

Back in college, I remember my husband (who cares zero about what he wears) telling a co-worker, at the bar where we both worked, that he thought I had great style. I was flattered. He still tells me, and I’m still flattered. Maybe I have some image issues, I don’t know. I just know that I like clothes and I want to look my best. This somehow brings me to shoes. I think shoes are the #1 accessory. You can make a great argument that its handbags, but I’m still going with shoes – you always have them on. On a day when I’m not sure what to wear and nothing seems to be working, I can slip on a black dress or black trousers, pop on my gold mary jane peep toes or my animal print pumps, and I’ve still got a great outfit.

Now for cocktails – like shoes, there’s one for every occasion. White wine spritzers for that afternoon wedding, manhattans on that early fall night. Margaritas with Mexican food, Cabernet with your steak. Cocktail hour may be my favorite time of the day. Work is over, and there’s nothing better than relaxing and chatting with friends, over a drink. I love that almost every Friday, my husband and I meet at our neighborhood bar to toast to the weekend. Before the bartenders knew our names, we were called the scotch and martini couple.

So, why a blog? Well, I’m going to be presumptuous and assume there people out there that a) may want to read about shoes and cocktails at the same time, and b) may actually like what I say about them both. Third, it’s kinda cool to interact with others that have the same interests. If you’ve found a great pair of shoes – share them! If you make a great cocktail, or have a fave restaurant or bar for cocktails – I’d love to hear it!

I’ll leave you with this picture that’s hanging in my office. It was purchased before I dreamed up this blog idea. Serendipity?

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