Our love affair with fantastic prints is showing no signs of letting up. Especially when we get emails from fave neighborhood boutique, The Shoe Hive, alerting us to new arrivals from Tibi’s fall collection. The bold graphic print, the patent leather heel — all I can think is — I.must.have.these.
I loved the Project Runway drag queen challenge. I loved the queens, who are so much more entertaining and so much more fun than the usual models (yawn). I loved the return of the beloved Chris March. And, I loved the much-talked-about, everybody’s-new-favorite-Tim-Gunn-line, said to the increasingly annoying Blayne, “It looks like a pterodactyl from a gay Jurassic Park.” Holla!
It was très difficult to find shoes spectacular enough to pair with these over-the-top designs. My favorite design of the night was Terri. Girl has a bit of an attitude and it shows in her clothes. Her designs always have many interesting elements, and her creation for Acid Betty was no exception. These multi-color gladiators definitely have some edge, but nothing can beat those platform boots (I love how one ties in with the stripes on the kimono-brilliant).
Joe’s Elvis-turns-Sailor outfit was the winning design. It may have been a little safe, but there’s no question Varla Jean Merman was loving it. I chose these round-toe platforms for her naughty nautical look.
As far as cocktails – definitely something with wasabi for Acid Betty (bloody mary, martini), and maraschino cherries for Varla.
Oh la la. More exotic prints. More colors. More fabrics. More textures. More, more, more.
These heels are Missoni, a company famous for its unique knitwear. Founded by Ottavio and Rosita Missoni in 1953, after a romance that began at the 1948 Olympics in London. Rosita was studying there and decided to take in some track and field events. Ottavio was a hurdles runner who also happened to design his team’s track uniforms. Fast forward to now – and a great selection of their patterned footwear over at Zappos. Keep a watchful eye because you can find these same multicolor pumps for less at one of my neighborhood boutiques, The Shoe Hive.
Another great thing about multicolor prints – they pretty much go with everything. Kind-of like champagne. I’m in love too.
Below are some of my latest finds in shoes, cocktails, and things related.
slideshow highlighting the top 50 styles that have stood the test of time. We’re talking about shoes that are timeless. Classics. Icons. Make sure you check out the photo captions and find out a little more about Converse All Stars, Dr. Martens, Timberlands, and Manolo Blahniks, of course.Shoes & Cocktails wants to know: What shoes/cocktails do you consider iconic? Post a comment below.
The Drink: Sangria blanca
There were several inspirations for this cocktail. Friends Jason and Amy recently introduced us to frozen grapes – a delightful and refreshing snack for the dogs days of summer. I knew immediately after trying those frozen nuggets that I would put them in a Sangria. Not only did I love the sweetness, I loved that they could be used as flavored ice cubes for a cocktail.
Then, my high school friend, Emily, emailed asking for a drink recommendation to serve adults at her one year old’s birthday barbeque. She said she would like to serve wine, or maybe champagne. Bingo.
I’ve been playing with variations of white wine sprizters all summer long, but surprisingly, I’ve never made Sangria. Sangria, a popular “wine punch” from Spain and Portugal, offers a lot of versatility. You can adjust for your own taste and use a variety of fruit, depending on what’s in season. Knowing that my farmers markets has the most incredible peaches and nectarines right now, they were given in this cocktail. 
The Ingredients/Recipe:
This version of Sangria blanca is a Shoes & Cocktails exclusive!
(Recipe is for two bottles of wine)
The Occasion:
Attention supper club friends! I am totally making this sangria for the next dinner party. Let’s hold it soon, while peaches are in their prime.
Whether you are planning your one year old’s birthday party, supper club, or you need to use the left-overs from your trip to the farmers market, look no further than Sangria blanca. This cocktail is light, refreshing, and quite a show-stopper. Which is why I plan on pairing it with these striking paisley print pumps.
The Shoes: My Paisley Peep-toe Pumps
I’ve had these Nine West pumps for almost three years, and I continue to get compliments. Strangers literally stop me on the street. The peep-toe pump is a tried and true design. And though I haven’t highlighted them yet, Nine West, continues to be my go-to brand for everyday shoes. They are affordable, decently well-made, and there’s always a good selection. The hint of raspberry goes perfectly with the Sangria, no?
posted by Ms. S&C
The latest Project Runway episode challenged the designers to dress Brooke Shields for her role in the TV show, Lipstick Jungle. I’ve never watched the show, but I kinda wanted to roll my eyes (again) at the shameless NBC cross-marketing machine. But, it turns out, I like Brooke Shields. She came off warm, down-to-earth, and I think I want to be friends with her. The designers, on the other hand, are ego-maniacs!
Despite their inflated opinions of themselves, there were some good designs. Korto does it again, along with partner Joe, on her ethnic-bohemian getup. Unfortunately, the dress couldn’t carry itself alone. Unless paired with some funky animal print shoes, like these from Dolce & Gabanna? Roar. I so wanted to pair the dress with the Christian Louboutin leopard haircalf platforms, but I resisted.
While I really like Jerrell’s use of textures, I wish I could take this outfit down a notch. I think Tim calls it “using your editing eye?” Get rid of the over-sized bag, sunglasses, and tone down that zebra-gold-trimmed belt (keep the zebra, save the gold accents for the shoes). The shoes in the gallery photo work, but I’d also consider these Tory Burch crocodile embossed slingbacks. Love the stacked heel and soft, patent leather peep-toe.
Finally, the winning design. I would love Keith and Kenley’s creation for myself. The layered, high-waisted skirt and flowy, floral top — I’m a big fan. I’d get rid of the scarf, and maybe all the dark accessories. That way, I can pop into my own pink Ferragamos.
Shoes and Cocktails would love to hear what you think about the designs, shoe pairings, and of course, what to drink! I think I see a martini in our future.
We all need something to aspire to. This Christian Louboutin python print is wicked cool. And wicked expensive. Sigh. S&C knows we have been heavy on the CL lately. We’re moving on. Grab the Perrier-Jouët.
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.
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)
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
Here are the latest headlines on shoes, cocktails, and things related.
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.)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.
Shoes & Cocktails 