Category Archives: shoes

Around the horn

Posted on December 11, 2008 by | Leave a comment

This has been a busy week for Ms. S&C.  She recuperated from her birthday celebration, attended the Holiday Cocktails seminar, organized by the Museum of the American Cocktail (details and recipes coming soon!), and now she’s getting ready for a quick trip to Philadelphia (let her know if you have any bar/cocktail lounge recommendations!).

While she works on her S&C gift ideas and holiday drinks, here are some blogtastic posts from her blogroll friends.katespadeshoes

  • Check out what Ms. Spinach calls the Cutest.Shoes.Ever, from Kate Spade.  Yes, please, indeed!  That cobalt blue is stunning.  Kate also has a fantastic matching clutch.
  • Ms. Dekan DC has a countdown clock to Free Shipping Day.  Still need to buy a few holiday gifts?  On Thursday, December 18, many of our favorite retailers will have free shipping offers, with guaranteed delivery by Christmas Eve.
  • Metrocurean highlighted the “lunch crush” deal happening over at Penn Quarter’s Proof.  It is only offered in the bar and lounge; nevertheless, a $12 lunch (entrée and a glass of wine) in this neighborhood is for the recession-friendly budget.
  • Up.All.Night.  A Jigger of Blog announced that the D.C. Council approved legislation allowing bars, nightclubs and restaurants in the District, to serve alcohol until 5 a.m., from January 17-20, for Inauguration festivities.  Good thing I have Inauguration Day off.

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Light as a feather

Posted on December 4, 2008 by | 1 comment

feather-shoes

One likes a feather in a cap, why not on a shoe?  Feathers and other exotic embellishments are an emerging trend in footwear.  Tibi spread their wings and designed a couple of beauties.  Fashion Washington currently features the glorious plumage in their “Lush Life” section, which is where I found these make-me-weak-in-the-knees black pumps.  They scream, “Wear me with a little black dress!”  However, Mr. S&C would scream when he saw what it did to our bank account.  Details over at The Little Shoebox.

An equally gorgeous pair are these satin fuchsia sling-backs I saw at The Shoe Hive (although, The Little Shoebox has them in green — yes, please!).  If any of my craftier friends and readers would like to give it a try, this looks like a perfect do-it-yourself project.  And, Ms. S&C would gladly test them out on the town for you.  I think I could stop traffic.  Va va voom.tibi-shoes1posted by Ms. S&C

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Recession fierce

Posted on December 3, 2008 by | Leave a comment

The it-is-cool-to-be-cheap revolution continues!

Christian Siriano, winner of Project Runway Season Four, just announced a deal with Payless ShoeSource, reports the New York Post.

“I’m so excited to design and create with such an amazing brand that is all about fashion and trend but, most importantly, is also about affordability,” Christian said in a statement Monday.  He also went on to say, “I can’t wait to see how they will take the high-end shoes and bags I’m designing for the runway and turn them into pieces that everyone can buy.  I’m all about the runway and the sidewalks!”

His line of low-price shoes and handbags will debut at New York Fashion Week in February, and will be available in Payless stores and Payless.com in the Fall of 2009.  The designs are expected to range in price from $25-$45.

christian-siriano

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Shop@lunch

Posted on November 25, 2008 by | Leave a comment

cyber_monday2

Skip the lines.  Beat the crowds.  Take care of your holiday shopping at lunch!

Shop.org and Cybermonday.com are holding the third annual Shop@Lunch event on Monday, December 1.  Washington, DC locals are invited to shop online and enjoy a free lunch at the Hard Rock Café.  Make plans to attend, and just tell your boss that you’ll be out helping the economy for an hour or two.  Here are the dets:

WHO: Shop@Lunch is presented by Shop.org and Cybermonday.com, a one-stop shop for holiday shopping

WHAT: Shop@Lunch is a celebration of Cyber Monday, the ceremonial kick-off of the online holiday shopping season

WHEN: Monday, December 1, 11:00 am until 2:00 pm (the Monday after Thanksgiving)

WHERE: Hard Rock Café, 999 E. Street, NW, Washington, DC – the entire top level is reserved

WHY: The event includes:

  • FREE lunch (a pasta station, a salad station, and lots of other “real” food)
  • A chance to WIN one of 89 $50 gift cards that will be raffled off from Macys.com, Borders, eBags, Golfsmith.com and many other e-tailers
  • Merchandise raffles of jewelry, sporting goods, and electronics
  • FREE wi-fi
  • 50 laptops for online shopping use
  • A chance to be interviewed for local TV news (though you can always refuse)

RSVP: RSVPs are NOT required.  However, you can see who else is planning to attend and RSVP at Facebook.  Ms. S&C will be there in an official work capacity, not in a Shoes & Cocktail alter ego capacity, but she’d love for you to stop by and say hi nonetheless.

CAN’T ATTEND? You can still take advantage of Cyber Monday deals!  And, when you shop through Cybermonday.com, proceeds go to the Ray M. Greenly Scholarship Fund.  Here are a few shoe and cocktail-related items we’ve scouted out:

  • For the athlete – check out deals from Nike Store and Finish Line
  • For the outdoorsy – browse special offers from North Face, Cabela’s and Land’s End
  • For the wine lover – shop My Wines Direct, or glassware from Williams Sonoma and Crate & Barrel
  • Plus, other bargains from Zappos, Overstock, Target and Saks

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Paint it black

Posted on November 21, 2008 by | Leave a comment

Black.patent.leather.  When I’m wearing it, I feel like my style rating doubles automatically.  You can be sleek and sophisticated one minute, yet urban chic another.  I’m not sure I would have sought out black patent leather riding boots if I had not seen my friend Ana with a very cool pair from Zara.  I went on a mission and found my own pair at Piperlime.  After several wears, I’m still swooning over them.  They are quite possibly my favorite purchase of the season.  They are perfect for my metro commute (before switching to heels at work).  They are waterproof.  They are warm (microfur lining).  They are comfortable.  They are perfect for skinny jeans on the weekend.  They are perfect for a football game.  Perfect.  Perfect.  Perfect. 

black_patent_boots

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Decisions, decisions

Posted on November 12, 2008 by | Leave a comment

S&C brings you more sales alerts.  This time from J.Crew.  I cannot – repeat – cannot, buy more than one pair of shoes from this sale. But, I soooo want a pair of floral pumps for the spring.  And those metallic flats, also with a bow!  You know how much we LOVE bows over here.  Alas, I think I have to be a bit practical and go with the patent flats in navy.  I literally wore out my navy peep-toes from Nine West, so I need a replacement pair.  That’s my excuse anyway. jcrew_floral2

jcrew_florajcrew_flatsjcrew_patent

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F&F discounts

Posted on November 10, 2008 by | 6 comments

It’s time for the “friends and family” rewards at some of our favorite retailers.  The holiday season will be here before you know it, and given the tough economy, we all need to save where we can.  S&C will post coupons, discounts, and other bargains as we find ’em!  Happy shopping!

  • GAP, Banana Republic, Old Navy, Piperlime
    November 13 – 16, 2008
    30% off, plus 5% of the amount you spend goes to charity
    S&C recommended! The “Get and Give” program means you get huge savings, plus you give 5%, of the amount you spend, to a good cause.  Piperlime has cool search categories for shoes, such as:  Rachel Zoe’s picks, reviewer favorites, and real steals.  They also do the free shipping and free returns deal.
  • DSW
    November 10 – 12, 2008
    $10 off any $50 purchase, plus free shipping
  • Bloomingdales
    Online Only: November 10 – 11, 2008
    Online and In-Store: November 12 – 16, 2008
    20% off all regular and sale-priced purchases
  • Endless
    Save 20% when ordering two pairs of boots, plus free overnight shipping
    S&C recommended! Order a pair of boots for yourself and gift a pair.  And, the no-hassle shipping policy means you get your items immediately and returns are e-a-s-y.

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Coming soon

Posted on November 6, 2008 by | Leave a comment

Ms. S&C has been swamped.  And, in a constant state of euphoria from the presidential election.  But don’t you worry, we’ve been out and about collecting ideas for the blog, so stay tuned for:

• Notes from a seminar on Hotel Bar Cocktails
• Cocktails from Wolfgang Puck’s The Source
• More budget-friendly shoes

In the meantime, here are a few of our most recent and most popular posts – in case you missed them.

  • It’s cool to be cheap – read about the recession chic movement.  And, check out these boots, with a stunning price tag, from Target.
  • Fall is in full swing.  If you’re looking for ideas on what to drink during my favorite season, check out our Fall Cocktails: an autumnal punch, pumpkin beer, and more.

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Recession chic

Posted on October 29, 2008 by | 4 comments

Out: the free-spending fashionista.  In: the thrifty recessionista.

Recessionista is the newly coined term for a style maven on a budget.  As a recessionista, you can justify your spending habits because discount brands are not only smart, they’re trendy.  The New York Times’ article summed it up, by saying it “spins the economic downturn as an attractive retail trend.”  I don’t know who’s responsible, but it is brilliant PR for retail, if you ask me.

Sigerson Morrison, Target, $39.99

I’m looking to exercise my inner recessionista.  I think I’m going to cave and get a pair of booties.  I’ve been utterly against them, thinking they’re too trendy, and won’t last after this season.  Well, after seeing Gwyneth’s, and this pair of Sigerson Morrison’s my co-worker friend, Ana, picked up at Target, I want a pair.  But, I don’t want to spend a lot of money (because, I won’t wear them a lot, and I still think the trend will only last one season, two tops).

Here are a few possibilities – any thoughts?

Nine West, Endless, $69.95

Aerosoles, Piperlime, $69.99

Aerosoles, Piperlime, $69.99

Jessica Simpson, DSW, $59.95

Jessica Simpson, DSW, $59.95

Worthington, JCPenney, $53.99

Worthington, JCPenney, $53.99

Twist, Payless, $34.99

Twist, Payless, $34.99

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S&C diversion–having it all

Posted on October 28, 2008 by | 6 comments

Gwyneth Paltrow, by the looks of it, has it all.  Gorgeous, glamorous, wealthy, married to a rock star.  She wants to add lifestyle advisor to the list, so she has recently launched GOOP, a website/newsletter/soon-to-be media empire, where she can share her collection of experiences, thoughts, and ideas about what makes life good.  Some people have big problems with this.  Google it and you’ll find a trillion hits, along with too many ridiculous comments.  I guess people think she is trying to rub our noses in her good fortune.  Cynical people.  I’m personally not offended.  I like her style and think she has good taste.  And, I like hearing about new stuff, so I signed up.

We’re assuming the name, GOOP, is a combination of Ms. Paltrow’s initials and the word good.  The website seems to be a work-in-progress, but is organized into six categories: Make, Go, Get, Do, Be, See.  We’re also assuming that each of these categories will eventually be filled with content from her newsletters?  So far, the emails have covered London hotels, restaurants, and pubs (Go), buckwheat and banana pancakes (Make), and my fave so far, an article about fashion and personal style (Get).  Here’s a snippet:

“Ah, fashion… the fun frivolity that can really cheer a girl up… The key to it is realizing what works on you personally. At some point I figured out that following trends is not always the way to go, you have to know what works on your body and have confidence (not always easy) that what is flattering is fashionable.”

Not hard to figure out what I like so much — the boots are awesome.  She even makes me want a pair of booties.

You can sign up for the newsletters online, but it doesn’t look like you can view old issues.  If anyone is interested, I’ve saved three or four, so send me a note and I’ll forward them along.

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