This economic crisis is making everyone more budget conscious, including Shoes & Cocktails. While we were totally coveting those riding boots we shared from Anthropologie, and we were pining for the Tory Burch Jackson boots, we couldn’t justify the extravagant purchases. Gone are the days of gleeful over-spending! But, that doesn’t mean we won’t shop at all. We’ve exercised prudence and settled on these very cool Mossimo boots from Target, at a jaw-dropping price of $35!
We bring the fifth season of Project Runway to a close, as Leanimal is crowned champion. Regretfully, we admit that we were underwhelmed by the finale. Our first bone to pick – why do they insist on making us watch the model audition? While certain models may give designers an advantage, the models do not speak. We don’t get to know them, nor do we want to. They are b-o-r-i-n-g. And secondly, why was Tim Gunn the special guest judge? J Lo bailed because of a mysterious foot injury. Um, okay. How exactly is sitting in a chair, looking at, and talking about clothes too strenuous on her foot? So, Project Runway’s replacement was Tim Gunn. Tim Gunn, really? Yes, we love Tim Gunn. Everyone loves Tim Gunn. He is adorable and caring and sensitive – but, really? PR couldn’t find anyone else? (The conspiracy theorist in us thinks this is further evidence that Bravo is trying to sabotage the future of PR, since it is moving to Lifetime.) Whatevs. Let’s get to the shoe pairing.
Believe it or not, we’ve gone the whole season without pairing any Manolos with the winning designs. Given that Mr. Blahnik is an extraordinary craftsman and he continues, with his own hands, to perfect every design and prototype of every shoe that bears his name, he is our footwear designer of choice this week.
Leanne’s collection – Everyone else seems to call those sculptural elements “petals,” but we call them “waves,” given her designs were inspired by water and movement and all. Her collection is highly original and très elegant, but we wish it wasn’t so “controlled,” if that makes sense. And, we would have liked a few more color variations. Nevertheless, we adore these stunning “Preppi” ankle strap sandals with this outfit. Check out the alternate view on Barney’s website to see the print on the back. They rock.
Kenley’s collection – She surprised us. And, we surprised ourselves because we liked her designs the best. The “copycat” accusation reared its ugly head again, but we loved all of the whimsical designs and colors; we even like the rope trim! We’ve paired these “Sedaraby” heels with the fun, full tulle skirt, but they would be an excellent match with a few other outfits as well.
Korto’s collection – We love Korto more than we loved her designs. We so appreciate that she knows how to dress different body types, and we love that she infuses her heritage in her designs. But overall, we thought her collection lacked the glamour present in the other designers’ collections. We like glamour. A lot of her dresses had a playful quality, and we like the strappy, metallic “Spart” with this one.
While we weren’t wowed by this season, we’re an optimistic bunch over here at S&C. Season 6 is currently in production, rumored to split time between NYC and LA, and has promised some very A-list celebrities as guest judges. We’ll stay tuned.
Posted in shoes
Tagged exotic print shoes, fashion pioneers, manolo blahnik, project runway shoe pairing
Project Runway is down to the last three designers – and it will be an all female finale! Just like S&C predicted (well, sort-of — until our anti-Kenley raid had us hoping Jerell would knock her off). But, Kenley brought it this week and Jerell didn’t. So, hooray for the ladies!
This last episode before Bryant Park had Tim Gunn making home visits and giving us glimpses of the designers’ lives. Korto’s family was the sweetest (did you see that spread they laid out for him?), and what a lovely woodsy studio she has. Tim visited Leanimal in Portland; they went on a bike ride, and he was so awkward and cute. Jerell showed us more of his sensitive side when Tim visited his family in LA. Kenley, the last visit, didn’t exactly lay out the welcome mat, but seemed happy to see him nonetheless.
We didn’t see too much of the designers’ collections because this show was all about the wedding dresses and the surprise bridesmaid design challenge. Both Jerell and Korto had over-worked wedding gowns and uninspired bridesmaid dresses. Jerell went too far with the grunge-glam look, so it was the end of the road for him. We wish you the best, Jerell! Kenley and Leanne had the top designs.
Kenley’s feathery gown is awesome, and we love the whimsical hat (reminds us of SJP at the SATC premier in London). For extra whimsy, we’re pairing these green Christian Louboutin satin slingbacks with the oversized bow.
Leanne’s wedding dress, and collection, was inspired by water and movement. Nina Garcia was right on when she described it as “modern and dreamy.” We’re pairing these gold Valentino’s because the bow reminds us of the sculptural elements in her designs. They’re not the same Valentino’s as last week, but similiar. In case you haven’t noticed, we LOVE bows.
I’ve finally had time to sit down and take a look at the Washington Post’s new luxury fashion magazine, Fashion Washington, which launched in mid-September. While it covers fashion totally and utterly out.of.my.price.range, it is pretty to look at, and I love the DC focus (see “Style Setters” and “Scene Stealers” sections, and website has PDF available for download).
The inaugural issue ran a story on Monica Favela George, a DC-based shoe designer, who is behind the Gigi Favela brand (named after her daughter). In the article, she talks about designing walkable heels, or what she calls “action shoes.” She insists that anything over 3 inches needs a platform in the front. And, nothing over 3 ½ inches will allow you to fully strut your stuff.
Her design influences and inspiration come from architecture and American pop culture, which may explain these “fur bombs.” (Btw, the website won’t even list a price – you have to call!)
These studded white gold peep-toes seem much more reasonable. I do like.
Her goal is to design highly wearable shoes and boots that women love. Unfortunately, few can afford. But — those peep-toes were marked down severely, so we’ll keep checking back.
Posted in shoes
Tagged gigi favela, high heels, peep-toe pumps, seen elsewhere, shoes I can't afford
What do you get when you combine bratwurst, sauerkraut, spaetzle, perfect fall weather, and lots of beer? Oktoberfest! The world’s largest festival, concluded this weekend in Munich, Germany.
Fortunately, the rest of the world also likes to celebrate the Bavarian way of life. Not only do we enjoy dining on traditional German delicacies, we love German beer. Many breweries now offer their own seasonal Oktoberfest beer to commemorate the arrival of fall. This rich malty lager, amber in color, usually has hints of caramel and toffee. Hops are added for bitterness, and to balance the sweetness of the barley. This style of beer is often referred to as “Marzen,” because the beer is brewed in March, stored cold through the summer, and ready to drink at the arrival in autumn.
Oktoberfest originated with the marriage of a Bavarian prince in October 1810. Citizens of Munich were invited to attend the festivities to celebrate the royal event. Horse races marked the close of the event, and gave rise to the tradition of the Oktoberfest. Subsequent years added an Agricultural Show, designed to boost Bavarian agriculture. Visitors were able to quench their thirst at small beer stands, which grew to beer tents and halls. Today, the Oktoberfest attracts over six million visitors from around the world.
S&C Oktoberfest Favorites: Brooklyn Brewery, Spaten, and Sam Adams
And, what shoes are appropriate for this occasion? Many German designers seem to follow the same philosophy — premium quality, best workmanship, and comfort. That’s what you’ll find in Birkenstock and Josef Seibel’s collections.
Prost!
posted by Ms. S&C
Posted in beer, fall/winter cocktails, shoes, spirits
Tagged drinking during the day, fall 2008, shoes and drinks for every occasion
We are getting close to crowning the next Project Runway winner. The last episode challenged the designers to create an evening gown inspired by flowers found in the New York Botanical Garden.
Let’s start with the winners:
Jerell – The only guy remaining so he plays with fruit and bobble head dolls back at the hotel to keep himself company. He also leads the let’s-throw-Kenley-to-the-wolves-pack. He wins the challenge, but his dress is not without its problems (the bust, hemline, wrinkles). I do like that it is a kind-of funky eveningwear look. Most of his clothes seem wearable, but still have an edge. So, we’re pairing these Christian Louboutin pewter pumps – aptly named “Scissor Girl,” for the cross-band and stud detail.
Leanimal – She loses a bit of her confidence this week. Maybe it was repercussions from that near bee sting. She still manages to pull off the next best dress. Her soft, flowy, lavender gown is quite lovely. Also lovely are these shimmery Valentino pumps with the side bow. I heart bows.
And, the losers:
Korto – She designs a super-flattering silhouette (she always does), but goes overboard with the bright fabrics, and why oh why did she use that lace?
Kenley – It is too exhausting to continue with the Kenley-attitude-bashing. We’re done with that. And her reptilian dress.
Episode concludes with tears galore – everyone is an emotional wreck – but, it is all for not because no one gets auf’d.
Ms. S&C is back from her vacay. Sigh. While we re-adjust to the rhythm of the daily grind, we’re gonna start back short and sweet with the PR recap.
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The last Project Runway episode challenged the designers to design for a music genre, and design an outfit for one of the other remaining contestants. This episode was all Korto – and – all Kenley. Korto was the one in key. She came through with a win, she had fun with her country look, and – the best part – she totally busted on Kenley for interrupting her and Leanne’s pow-wow. This was just the beginning of everyone bustin’ on Kenley. Even Tim Gunn had a few things to say about Miss K’s attitude. Which stinks, frankly. And her hip-hop outfit — way off-note.
So, there was plenty of drama and a few theatrics (Leanimal’s rap–no, no, no.). But, let’s be honest – as fun as the idea was, the designs were all a bit costumey.
Starting with the pop tart — we think these studded purple pumps are a better match for Jerell’s outfit. They tie in with the tiny vest and that sparkly bra thing. And LL, they would show you a lot of leg, since more skin is what you were looking for.
Hard core. The least costumey of them all, Korto did an awesome job with this look, especially the jeans. But, when we think punk rock — combat boots. Period.
Ms. S&C will be taking a few days off. We’re headed to Rehoboth Beach, DE, for a short vacay and a much needed reprieve. We’ve already researched some great places for cocktails, including Dogfish Head Brewery. And since it will likely be raining while we are there, a shopping trip to the outlets may be on the agenda. Nevertheless, expect a full report when we get back.
In the meantime, here are a few of our favorite and/or our most popular posts during our first three months — in case you missed them.
cartoons, and let us know which is your favorite.Talk to you to next week. À bientôt!
I finally got around to watching the Coco Chanel movie that premiered on Lifetime recently. Yes, I said Lifetime (the soon to be channel of Project Runway). Yes, it did star Shirley MacLaine. And yes, I thought the movie was quite good.
The life of Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel was a rags-to-riches story. From an orphan to a dressmaker’s assistant, to a hat maker to an entrepreneur, to a legendary fashion icon. And throughout it all, she was always a rebel. She was quoted as saying, “In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different.” In the early 20th century, she was not afraid to dress women, including herself, in trousers and comfortable fashions, using simple textiles such as jersey. And, no one could make black and white look so good. Her designs have tremendous staying power. They are classic, timeless – they are Chanel.
When the Chanel Two-Tone Shoe celebrated its 50th Anniversary, Elle.com issued a special report on the shoe with an incredible photo gallery. The Chanel label is full of iconic emblems, and the ballet flat is yet another reminder from Ms. Chanel that chic and comfortable are an option.
Last week’s Project Runway episode challenged the designers to help makeover recent college graduates and get them ready for the working world. Jerell strung together another win, making it two in a row, Suede lives for another week, and Kenley is going to need some larger hair pieces because her head gets bigger every week. Meow.
Let’s get right down to business. Our choice for the shoe pairing is J.Crew. It feels collegiate, and the fall collection is fabulous.
Jerell is meddling with our hope for an all female finale, but we like his geek-to-chic transformation. The high-waisted pencil skirt, satin top, and long cardigan are a great look. To break up the solid prints, let’s pair it with a glossy animal print. And, I’ll take the whole outfit for my own fall wardrobe, thank you.
Kenley initially dissed Tim’s suggestion that she remove some of the excess tulle at the bottom of her mini-me look. Recognizing that you do not diss Tim Gunn, she went ahead and changed it. It may be a little matchy-matchy, but we’re going with these modernized Mary Jane heels, to compliment the pale pink belt.
Korto – we love Korto. She minds her own business, and cranks out good designs every week. This outfit is not our favorite of hers, but we’ve paired it with one of our favorite pumps. We love the contrast of the wood heel with the shiny patent leather, and think it pairs nicely with the natural-looking fabric of the blazer.
And, check out all the fun colors!
We have high hopes for the next episode where LL Cool J is a guest judge — woo hoo!
Shoes & Cocktails 