Category Archives: shoes

Heart’s Inspiration

Posted on February 12, 2009 by | 2 comments

My mother and I whipped up a batch of Cranberry Margaritas as our Christmas Eve pre-dinner drink. We liked them so much that we cranberrymargarita21repeated them again on Christmas day, and more recently for a Sunday evening get together. They’re tart and a tiny bit sweet, and they mix up quickly in a blender. Plus, they translate easily into a virgin-version for your pregnant sister-in-law (just add a bit more lime juice and a splash of OJ in place of the tequila and Cointreau)! Given their heart-toned hue, they make for a festive Valentine’s drink, too.

Cranberry Margarita
Recipe comes from cocktail.com

  • 1 1/4 cup cranberry juice
  • 1/2 cup sugar (Miss M recommends substantially less sugar – start with 1 Tbl and taste frequently)
  • 1 1/2 cup fresh frozen cranberries, rinsed (freeze on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper)
  • 3/4 cup fresh squeezed lime juice
  • 3/4 cup tequila
  • 1/2 cup Cointreau (orginal recipe calls for Grand Marnier, but Miss M recommends this substitute)
  • Ice

Mix together the first six ingredients. Pour half of mixture in the blender and fill rest with ice. Blend. Repeat with second half of mixture. Makes about two blender batches – which is enough to meet 4-6 people’s margarita desires, depending upon individual thirst levels.valentinesbandolino

For a romantic, flirtatious and Valentine’s inspired footwear choice, this floral suede pair by Bandolino is calling my name. And the coral patent sandals from Banana Republic bring a smile to my face. valentines1

My heart-toned picks might be a bit clichéd and traditional, but isn’t that the point of Valentine’s Day, anyways?

 

posted by Miss Mojito

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Be mine

Posted on February 10, 2009 by | 1 comment

Dear Mr. S&C,

Valentine’s Day is approaching — the day when lovers express their love with gifts of chocolates, flowers, homemade cards, and maybe even shoes? Ms. S&C tells me that you’ve been working like a madman over the past couple of months. I bet you haven’t had much time to think of a gift for your lovely wife? I seem to recall that last year you tried to order flowers on February 13, and the florist laughed at you? Perhaps I can help by offering a few recommendations?

These Giuseppe Zanotti floral pumps are pretty incredible — and a much better gift than a dozen roses. With the rounded toe and pleated detail — they are like a work of art.  Another option is this Noah Love Birds clutch. Bright red and love birds! It practically has Perfect. Valentine’s Day. Gift. written all over it.

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love-birds-clutch

Yours truly,
A Concerned Friend

posted by Ms. S&C

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S&C reader mail–sharing new shoes

Posted on January 30, 2009 by | Leave a comment

Ms. S&C loves, loves, loves to get mail from readers. Here’s a recent note that brought a huge smile to my face.

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Ms. S&C

This weekend in Baltimore with my mom I bought these shoes and they’re definitely an S&C-inspired purchase. I just wore them while folding the laundry and I’ve never looked so good doing chores. I jd-bootiesdefinitely can’t wear them to work- which I kind of love. They’re only for fun! I don’t think I’ve ever had such a high heel. I was figuring I’m not getting any younger and if I’m ever going to wear such crazy shoes, now is the time.

These aren’t the exact ones but they look like this except no side zip and plain black leather, not patent.

They haven’t been worn out of the house yet, and will only be viable for social occassions that aren’t likely to go all night or require being on feet the whole time. They’re definitely party shoes – guess I better throw a party soon!

Thanks for the inspiration!

xo
JD

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Oh JD, thanks so much for sharing your latest footwear addition! And, if you’re not throwing a party soon, maybe the mister can take you out? Or, meet a few friends for cocktails? You and these shoes deserve a night on the town!

posted by Ms. S&C

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My Latest Discoveries

Posted on January 29, 2009 by | 1 comment

Two recent finds in the worlds of both shoes and cocktails have Miss M all a flutter inside, and I was immediately eager to share them with the S&C readers.

While returning a belt to Anthropologie just last week, I came upon a stroke of luck: an Anthroanthro_maryjanes1pologie shoe sale! This is a rare event indeed. I’m a big fan of Anthro’s selection of footwear: it has a slightly vintage vibe, with unique picks that are difficult to find elsewhere. But the prices are far from palatable.

That’s why my heart sang when I spotted a small collection of shoes gathered under a beloved “Sale” sign. And it hit a high note when I met these peep-toe, blue and sliver suede t-strap pumps with a braid detail. Online, the originally $198 shoes are marked down to $99.95. But in-store, I snagged a pair in my size for $50! Oh joy, thy name is Lunar Puzzle Mary-Janes! So get yourself to the nearest Anthropolgie to take advantage of these crazy sales. My guess is that they’re most popular during the season-to-season transitions.

While Anthropologie is expanding my shoe arsenal, a new-to-me discovery is expanding my cocktail repertoire. I was excited to spy Q Tonic at my favorite local wine and cheese shop, River City Cellars. qtonic1Q Tonic is, according to their PR people anyway, “dedicated to making the world’s best tonic water.” Organic agave replaces sugar as their sweetener of choice.

I hope to conduct a tonic tasting this weekend and report back with a tonic-by-tonic comparison. In the meantime, I can’t wait to experiment with and adapt a few of the recipes found over at qtoniq.com. The Q-Cumber Fizz is at the top of my drinks-to-try list.


Q-Cumber Fizz
Developed for Q Tonic by bartender Jim Meehan. Serves one.

1.5 oz white tequila
3/4 oz fresh lime juice
1 oz fresh grapefruit juice
A dollop of Light Agave Nectar (Sweet Cactus Farms Organic)
3 cucumber wheels (2 muddled, 1 garnish)
1 oz Q tonic

  • Add the agave nectar, lime, grapefruit juice and 2 cucumber slices to a mixing glass and muddle.
  • Add the tequila and shake and strain into a fizz glass.
  • Top with 1 oz Q tonic and garnish with a cucumber wheel on the rim of the glass.

Do you have any new discoveries that you just can’t keep to yourself? Do share with the S&C crowd!

Posted by Miss Mojito

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S&C diversion–more funny stuff

Posted on January 24, 2009 by | Leave a comment

Advertising execs can’t get enough of the phenomenom beer-is-to-men-what-clothes/shoes-are-to-women. Last week, I shared the Goldstar Beer chart. Here’s a Heineken beer “freakout” ad that is sure to be a viral hit.  The video is in Dutch, which may make it that much more enjoyable. The language of beer is universal.

posted by Ms. S&C

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Winter White at the Inauguration

Posted on January 22, 2009 by | 2 comments

Michelle Obama and Mary J. Blige seemed to be of a similar mind in their selection of winter white ensembles foobamar the inaugural events. Mary J. paired those aforementioned astounding python boots with a creamy, big-buttoned coat and matching scarf, while the First Lady picked a simply stunning one-shoulder white Jason Wu number with some sort of tufted/pleated/floral detailing.

As far as footwear goes, though, white can be a bit more of a treacherous zone. It might bring up harsh memories of the creamy pumps you wore to your eighth grade graduation. Or the snazzy white loafers that Clark W. Griswald pulls out in National Lampoon’s Vacation. Or your brief stint as a go-go dancer. But I say throw those worries to the wind—especially here in my part of Virginia. In the absence of a blizzard, snow storm or even a flurry, I’m more than happy to turn to sources other than the sky to get my fix of a winter wonderland.boots1

I love the architectural-style detailing and the rounded toe of this “vintage white” pair by Seychelles.

And these pumps from Pour pumps1la Victoire over on Bluefly.com pair a lovely creamy upper with a shapely black heel.

Mrs. Obama’s lengthy dress prevents any peek of her footwear pick, so I can’t help but speculate. Now, the First Lady tends to shy away from any shoe higher than achristianlouboutin kitten heel. But this is a special occasion, and a special occasion calls for a statement shoe. These Christian Louboutins fit the bill and would complete the wintry look – but I’m undecided. Are they too busy for the gown? Is the 4.5-inch heel unreasonable for a full night of dancing? What would you pick to pair with the inaugural dress?

Such snow-inspired picks almost make me excited for the remaining cold days of winter. . . almost.

Posted by Miss Mojito

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We are one, indeed

Posted on January 21, 2009 by | 1 comment

What do the stars wear when they come to Washington, DC, to celebrate the inauguration of President Barack Obama?  Apparenty, wet leggings and Christian Louboutins are the hot items.  The shiny “wet” leggings look was practically designed for concert garb.  Beyonce and Shakira rocked them at HBO’s “We Are One” show at the Lincoln Memorial.  And, we could spot that signature red sole anywhere – Shakira and Mary J. Blige touted their Christian Louboutin boots while on stage.  Oprah’s a Louboutin fan too because she wore them during her Monday show at the Kennedy Center.  Though I can’t find a pic, trust me, it wasn’t the first time we’ve seen her in a pair.  I don’t think we’ll see the First Lady in either, but I know she won’t disappoint.

shakira-hbo-concert2

beyonce-hbo-concert

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P.S. Shoes and Cocktails wants to know:  If you went to an inaugural ball, we’d love to hear from you!  What did you wear?  What did you drink?  What did other people wear?  What did other people drink?  Details, please.

posted by Ms. S&C

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Killing the blues

Posted on January 19, 2009 by | 1 comment

I’ve said it before, woman cannot live on shoes alone.  This fact was made clearly evident when I ran across these silk rose covered clutches at Boden.  And pairing this gorgeous bag with these patent trimmed peep-toe slingbacks, and maybe this bow coat?  It is a positively swoon-worthy look.  Enough to kill my winter blues. Spring, where are you?

flower-clutch-brown1

boden-slingbacks

 

boden-slingbacks-redflower-clutch-red

posted by Ms. S&C

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New Year, New Shoes

Posted on January 7, 2009 by | 3 comments

Miss Mojito is excited to make her debut post on Shoes & Cocktails! It’s a new year for new beginnings. . . and new shoes. 2008 was a good year for me, shoe-wise. I discovered a couple of pairs of uber-comfy boots; added some patent flats to my footwear arsenal; and expanded my peep-toe possibilities.

But my hopes for 2009 are even greater. And with that in mind, I bring you the shoes that I hope-err, resolve-to buy in the next 12 months.

strappy_sandals1

Extreme Strappy Sandals

Straps are going crazy for spring, and I have my eye on this pair from Corso Como in platinum. The heel is towering, the straps are strapping – this is one hot pair of shoes.

Platform Pumps

purple_platforms

Although the trend isn’t new, it’s one I’ve been toying with for a while now. And despite the fact that these shoes will leave me a bit less steady than my regular pumps, this year I’m resolved to take the plunge and step up to the platform. I hope to take that step in this purple pair from BCBG, with an exotic animal print to spice things up.

Sculptural Booties

mustard_booties1

I joined the bootie bandwagon with a safe pair of black ankle boots last winter, but I hope to take it up a level with an extra burst of color this year. Since it’s not a trend that will likely stand the test of time, I’m not inclined to invest too much of my limited fashion income in this particular pair. But just look at this open-toed mustard version from Gwen Stefani’s line, L.A.M.B. The skinny high heel! The scale-like mini ruffles! If it weren’t for the $400+ price tag, it might be a match made in footwear heaven for Miss M and these very special booties.

Metallic Mary Janes

metallic_maryjanes

I love the slightly unconventional flair behind the pairing of the preppy MJ with the edgy crackled pewter. This t-strap version from Urban Outfitters is swoon-worthy.

A few more straps, a bit more height, a little more edge — for me, 2009 is about taking it up a notch style-wise, while taking it down a notch budget-wise. And even if these picks don’t pan out to be my actual purchases this year, at least they’re a starting point for inspiration! My 2009 budget will likely (okay, definitely) not allow me to purchase all that my heart desires, but a girl can dream, can’t she?

So with such lofty aspirations, I’m turning to a truly dream-inspiring cocktail. I came across this Golden Dream Cocktail over at the kitchn, where it’s described as an adult version of a Creamsicle. Yum. The perfect escape from reality. I’m hoping this dreamy and rich cocktail will help keep my shoe dreams alive.

Golden Dream Cocktail
Serves 2

  • 2 ounces Cointreau
  • 2 ounces Galliano liqueur
  • 2 ounces orange juice (fresh-squeezed, if possible)
  • 1 ounce light table cream

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker over ice, and shake vigorously. Strain into cocktail glasses and serve.


posted by Miss Mojito

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Year in review

Posted on December 30, 2008 by | Leave a comment

As we get ready for a new year, reflection is inevitable.  Of course every year brings some ups and downs, but those of us over here at S&C are an optimistic bunch.  We don’t have too many regrets.  After all, we’ve got a lot to be happy about — great family, good friends, our health, not too much economic misfortune.  Not to mention, this blog.  As we say goodbye to 2008, we leave you with a list of our favorites.

S&C 2008 Favoritesriding-boots

  • Favorite shoes:  Riding boots – so many colors, so many styles.  You can wear them with skinny jeans and tights.  Ms. S&C picked up a pair of really great patent leather ones and a pair of really, really cheap ones.  And, there are at least two more she’d like to have.
  • Favorite cocktail:  Black pepper gin rickey – gin has become Ms. S&C’s spirit of choice, and she can’t get over the combo of gin, lime and black pepper in this drink.  Message to Central: please put it back on the menu sometime in the new year.sangria
  • Favorite S&C-made cocktail:  Punches – Ms. S&C likes fixing cocktails for her friends, but a crowd of peeps can be intimidating and a ton of work.  Her sangrias and punches have been a life-saver.  And, she loves that they are so seasonal.
  • Favorite cocktail blog:  Since starting this whole blogging thing, the guys over at Scofflaws Den have been an inspiration. They are always up the latest cocktail trends, and they definitely know their way around the best bars in DC.
  • Favorite fashion blog:  another DC local, fashion is spinach is vintage-y, yet modern. We adore her personal style, and arespinachlong32 super happy that she’s joined Fashion Washington.
  • Favorite cocktail trend:  speakeasy-style cocktail bars – Hummingbird to Mars came and went during 2008, but fortunately, The Gibson has popped up as the new primo spot for innovative drinks and atmosphere.  Another trend that was a close second: election-themed cocktails, and we expect those to be revived, oh, sometime around Jan. 20.
  • Favorite fashion trend:  recession chic – while we do not dig the recession, we love the it-is-cool-to-be-cheap revolution, and we love bargains.

S&C wants to know: What are your 2008 favorites? Shoes, cocktails, or other — share a comment below!

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