Category Archives: shoes

These Shoes Are Made for Walkin’

Posted on May 7, 2010 by missmojito | Leave a comment

Now that days are hot and nights are warm, Miss Mojito has found more opportunities to make walking her preferred method of transportation. And with a long summer walk comes a need for some summer shoes that value fashion as much as comfort.

Miss Mojito is contemplating an investment in one of the following styles.

I love the tiny wedge on this gladiator-style sandal, and the neutral color will take me through many summer outfits.

This metallic open-toe pair by Seychelles is just dreamy.

My final pick is just a bit higher on the drama factor – and on the height factor. But I do believe that the wedge will make this pair suitable for walking.

How’s a girl to choose from these wedge-a-rific choices?

Posted by Miss Mojito.

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Tagged sandals, wedges

Fashion vs.

Posted on April 26, 2010 by msshoescocktails | 1 comment

We’ve all heard the whole fashion-as-a-work-of-art concept before. Is fashion more about something you want to look at, or something you want to wear? This season’s Project Runway finale was about fashion versus wearable clothing. Emilio and Mila created looks with commercial appeal (i.e. I could see them selling their designs at Macy’s). Yet, Seth Aaron designed a collection suited for the runway. And, in the end, it is fashion who wins.

Throughout the whole season Seth Aaron was consistent and created clothing that represented his design aesthetic. But, I never really loved his designs. Until the finale. Inspired by 1940s German Russian military, Seth Aaron’s collection had dresses! Belts! Printed tights! Textures! It was chic and polished, and like the judges’ said: grown-up.

Seth Aaron’s collection was all about fashion, but a lot of the items are wearable. I would *love* to wear any of his dresses. He found a way to mix his edginess with femininity, and I think it was a winning combination. For the shoe pairing, these yellow Louboutins complement his infusion of yellow plaid in the line — a great burst of color. And, I like these Kate Spade polka dot pumps, because they add to his theme of mixing prints. Way to go, Seth Aaron.

posted by Ms. S&C

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Tagged christian louboutin, kate spade, project runway shoe pairing, shoes I can't afford, yellow shoes

Project Run-off

Posted on April 21, 2010 by msshoescocktails | Leave a comment

Four designers and only three spots — who will get the Project Runway boot and who will move on to compete at New York Fashion Week?

There’s actually only two designers and one spot. Emilio and Seth Aaron are shoo-ins, so the competition is between Mod Mila and Jaunty Jay. But, before the run-off, Tim makes his pleasant-yet-awkward home visits. He visits Seth Aaron in Vancouver, Emilio in New York City, Mila in Los Angeles, and Jay in San Francisco. These visits are pleasant because it is Tim Gunn. Yet awkward because the contestants’ families are invited, and you get the feeling there’s bound to be some uncomfortable silences (and trampoline jumping according to Movie Line). Tim was pretty feisty during his travels and didn’t let any designer off the hook. He told Seth Aaron to re-conceptualize; he told Emilio that his clothes lacked sophistication and looked old; Mila’s collection looked conservative and matronly, and Jay’s was gimmicky student work. Ouch, ouch, ouch, and ouch.

I thought Mod Mila and Jaunty Jay pulled it together though. Mila was true to herself and designed a retro-inspired black and white collection. Jay created more interesting pieces, but his collection all together was less cohesive.

Highlights from Jay’s collection. The look on the right is my personal fave.
I love the red leggings, shin-guards, and fitted coat with the high collar.

Highlight’s from Mila’s collection. The designs themselves don’t stand out,
but her retro inspiration is enough to secure a spot in the finale.

For the shoe pairing, how about these wing tip oxfords from Steve Madden? The black and white menswear-inspired style works with all Mila’s designs (and likely everything in her own closet). Btw, Piperlime has oodles and oodles of oxfords to choose from. I definitely want a pair. Not sure I’m mod enough to pull off the black and white wing tips, but I want to…

posted by Ms. S&C

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Tagged oxfords, project runway shoe pairing

Circus act

Posted on April 15, 2010 by msshoescocktails | 1 comment

Five designers remain on Project Runway, and last week’s episode was a bit of a circus. Circus, as in Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey, the greatest show on earth, circus. Ringmaster himself, Tim Gunn, tried to carefully point out that the challenge was about creating fashion inspired by the circus, not a circus costume. It seemed most of the designers, with the exception of the one who won, ignored that distinction.

I thought all the designs were a complete sideshow compared to Emilio‘s glamorous striped and polka dot gown. I love the mixture of prints, and it was perfectly tailored, totally flattering – a definite show stopper.

For the shoe pairing, I really like the studded t-straps Emilio paired with the dress. Sticking with the edgy chic look, how about these studded platform Louboutins? Love the hint of the red from the signature sole. Another option, slightly lesser priced, are these tiny-studded strappy sandals from Nordstrom.

posted by Ms. S&C

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Tagged christian louboutin, project runway shoe pairing, shoes I can't afford

Fashion for a good cause

Posted on April 9, 2010 by msshoescocktails | 3 comments

Ms. S&C has a fondness for corporate do-gooders. She’s not so naive that she doesn’t realize that companies — who make social responsibility part of their mission — can make a profit from being just that. But, at least they’re doing something.

Some of her favorite products come from socially responsible companies. Newman’s Own, who makes her absolute favorite salad dressings in the world, donates all profits to charity.

Starbucks, who plays a crucial role in her morning routine, has made great strides in the areas of ethical sourcing, environmental stewardship and community involvement.

And most recently, she’s discovered TOMS Shoes, which was founded on a simple premise: with every pair you purchase, TOMS will give a pair of new shoes to a child in need. They call it One for One. And yesterday, was their Day Without Shoes, a cause to help spread awareness of the impact a simple pair of shoes can bring to a child’s life.

The TOMS classic style comes in many colors and prints. These Blue Sumatra Vegan Classics, with a cool textured print, are said to be made for discovery and adventure. They’re also made using sustainable materials. The upper material is made of hemp and recycled plastic bottles. And given that they are vegan, no animal products are used. As if you needed a reason to buy these comfortable funky flats, you now have several.

Ms. S&C wants to know: Who’s your favorite corporate do-gooder, and why?

posted by Ms. S&C

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Tagged comfortable shoes, corporate do-gooders, environmentally-friendly, for a good cause

Nothing But Drama

Posted on April 8, 2010 by missmojito | 2 comments

Drama was the name of the game for last week’s episode of Project Runway, which challenged designers to create a red-carpet gown for a post-pregnant Heidi Klum.

Dramatic Moment Number 1: Maya, one of my personal fave designers, decides to up and quit! This comes as a big shock to all parties involved this late in the game, and we’re all sad to see her go.

Dramatic Moment Number 2: Anthony comes back to take Maya’s place! After being ousted last week, Anthony makes a triumphant return.

Dramatic Moment Number 3: Heidi crowns not one but two winners. Emilio gets a nod for his coppery, shiny, strapless gown while Anthony gets kudos for his floor-length, flowing dress that very much resembles (in a very good way) a black and white cookie.

Not-So Dramatic Moment: Jonathan gets kicked off. Since he’s been on the chopping block for a number of weeks, it comes as no big shock, but I was a fan of his pretty and feminine designs.

In honor of Anthony’s return and his striking black-and-white design – which Jessica Alba will be sporting at a future event – I’ve picked out a couple of my fave black-and-white pumps for the shoe pairing.

Option number one is a classic, open-toe slingback from none other than Miss Kate Spade. Option number too is a trendier pump, with a graphic pattern and sleek platform. Both, please!

Posted by Miss Mojito.

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Tagged project runway shoe pairing

In full bloom

Posted on April 6, 2010 by msshoescocktails | Leave a comment

Ms. S&C recently spruced up her bedroom. She purchased this Porto Metal Bed from Crate and Barrel, splurged on a memory foam mattress, and completed her new bedding set with this Chinoiserie-inspired Audrey Duvet from Pottery Barn.

This gorgeous duvet is now a source of inspiration. A little bit Asian, a little bit 18th century European, I’m in love with the pattern of birds, butterflies, and blooming trees (not too mention the soothing colors). And, with Spring almost in full bloom, there was no better time to start with a fresh new look.

With the help of Polyvore, I can now mix and match some of my favorite Spring items. Yes, bedding has been combined with platform sandals from J.Crew, a shift dress from Banana Republic, and paired with a flute of champagne. They may be completely unrelated, but this collection makes me happy. And for the time being, if you need me, you can find me in bed. posted by Ms. S&C

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Tagged champagne goes with everything, j.crew, platforms, spring 2010

Fabricated

Posted on March 31, 2010 by msshoescocktails | Leave a comment

There are only seven designers left on Project Runway. Tensions are high. The competitions are fierce. (But, glad to see Anthony keep his good humor despite being sent home.)

Last week’s challenge had the contestants creating their own custom fabrics for a design. Truth be told, I didn’t *love* any of the designers’ fabrics. I much preferred guest judge, Vivienne Tam‘s butterfly prints. But, that’s the kind of girl I am (one with a butterfly tattoo, since age 18).

Emilio won with his “signature” graffitti print. I liked the concept. Edgy graffitti meets 1940’s French style. The design was inspired, but I just didn’t love his name-focused print.

Emilio wins the Project Runway fabric design challenge
with his signature graffitti print

For the shoe pairing, I’ve chosen some killer black pumps found over at Piperlime. On the Calvin Klein’s (left), the cutout and patent trim accent toughen up a classic peep toe. There are two pairs of Vince Camuto’s that are a good match. The scalloped textured peep toe (center), and the studded platforms (right), both complement the edgy graffitti style.

posted by Ms. S&C

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Tagged high heels, project runway shoe pairing

In the Neighborhood

Posted on March 25, 2010 by missmojito | 1 comment

Inspiration was the name of the game for last week’s episode of Project Runway. The designers paired off in teams of two to explore Manhattan and pull some inspiration from local neighborhoods, and were charged with creating a pair of outfits inspired by their assigned locale. I always like the inspiration challenge because it brings out the creative side in the designers.

Anthony and Maya pulled subtle inspiration from Chinatown. The geometric, origami patterns and color scheme hinted instead of screamed Chinatown, earning them the spot of runner-up.

Team Lower East Side was a mixed bag. Jay Nicolas’ ill-fitting pants-and-tank combo was a flop while Mila’s rocker-inspired look was a hit.

Amy’s been in the bottom two a bit too frequently for comfort, so we saw her demise coming with a peachy, voluminous top that, according to the judges, didn’t fit the bill for an Upper East Side ensemble. The judges panned her partner Jonathan’s intricate floor-length dress, but I thought the design was fun, unique and flattering.

Emilio and Seth Aaron received top honors for their chic, Harlem-infused designs. Emilio’s floor length, zip-up gown was the right mix of sophisticated and edgy, while Seth Aaron’s beautifully constructed jacket, pops of color and fantastic hat were totally covetable.