Shoes & Cocktails

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

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

1 Comment

Posted in shoes

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

Bourbon drinking time

Posted on April 13, 2010 by msshoescocktails | 2 comments

With the Kentucky Derby right around the corner, (read this great article from NPR about how to throw a Kentucky Derby party), it seems right now is prime-bourbon-drinking-time.

Around this time last year, Miss Mojito visited New Orleans and shared her Pat O’Brien’s mint julep experience. Inspired by this, and the pretty fantastic weather we’ve been having (which means planting and playing in the yard), I present, with unbridled enthusiasm, the Bourbon Mojito. I like to think of it as the mint julep’s less intoxicating sister. It has similar ingredients, but the tartness of the citrus and the bubbliness of the seltzer make this a great, early Spring, sit out on the patio, with maybe even some dirt left under your fingernails, drinking companion.

The mint julep’s less intoxicating sister, the bourbon mojito.

Bourbon Mojito

Ingredients (for one cocktail):

1/2 lime, quartered (plus extra for garnish)
2 teaspoons sugar
1 full sprig of mint
2 oz bourbon
Soda water

Directions:

In a glass, muddle the lime, sugar, and mint until the sugar is dissolved. Add ice and bourbon. Stir well. Top with soda water. Garnish with lime.

Bonus Tip: Growing mint is perfect for a beginning gardener. It is hardy and fast-growing, and thrives in all kinds of conditions. But, it should be contained. Seriously, use a pot, because this lovely aromatic herb spreads quickly, and will take over your yard.

posted by Ms. S&C

2 Comments

Posted in bourbon, exclusive, fall/winter cocktails, spring/summer cocktails

Tagged bourbon mojito, s&c exclusive

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

3 Comments

Posted in shoes

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.

2 Comments

Posted in shoes

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

A Liquor-Free Cocktail

Posted on April 1, 2010 by missmojito | 5 comments

Miss Mojito recently returned from a short trip to the great commonwealth of Massachusetts, where the skies were blue, the seafood was plentiful, and the cocktails were a change of pace.

Massachusetts introduced me to a new concept: the 10-month liquor license. I can’t figure out the rhyme or reason, but some restaurants have two separate licenses: a 12-month license for wine, beer and cordials, and a 10-month license for liquor.

That means that the 10-month license holders have to get creative with their cocktail mixing for two months of the year. How do you make a liquor-free cocktail? Good question – and one that Massachusetts restaurants have tried to answer using their most imaginative mixology methods.

Wine or sparkling wine typically provide the base of these liquor-free cocktails, while club soda adds the fizz and fruit juice and cordials give some oomph to the flavor volume. Also known as liqueurs, cordials are sweetened spirits flavored with anything from fruits and herbs to roots and leaves. To make a cordial, you start with an alcoholic base – brandy, rum, or whisky, for example – which you then either distill, infuse, macerate or percolate to change the flavor profiles.

The kir would be a classic example of a liquor-free cocktail: white wine mixed with a dollop of creme de cassis, a sweet, blackcurrant flavored liqueur. (Sub champagne for the white wine and you have yourself a kir royale).

For a cocktail that’s a bit more modern and on-trend, look no further than Domaine de Canton, the ginger flavored liqueur. I’m thinking a mix of Cava, a healthy splash of Canton, a good squeeze of lime and some candied ginger for garnish would hit the spot.

Miss Mojito wants to know: What are your favorite cordials for cocktail mixing? And can anyone shed some light on the Massachusetts liquor licensing laws for me?

Posted by Miss Mojito.

5 Comments

Posted in cocktails

Tagged cordials, domaine de canton, kir

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

S&C reader mail–out of this world cocktails

Posted on March 30, 2010 by msshoescocktails | 2 comments

Ms. Shoes and Cocktails,

Long story, but my company is having an “Around the World” day where we have to pick a country/region/place, make food from that area, and then present it to a judge wearing an outfit representative of the area. My team has picked “Outer Space” for our theme. We’ll be making futuristic, astronaut-like food, and someone brought up the idea of a tang drink.

Might you have any ideas for a tang-inspired cocktail? Ideally we would serve it out of a punch bowl. We are also planning on making shot glasses out of ice (someone in the group has the appropriate molds to do so).

Would love to hear your thoughts.

Thank you!
LC

——————————————

Dear LC,

I love your workplace! First, mobile beer carts, now an “Around the World” day where cocktails will be served.

I’ve tried to find something out-of-this-world, given your team has chosen “Outer Space” as your theme. But, it’s been a challenge. In a good way.

I’ve seen this “Jupiter” drink in a few of my cocktail books. Not sure it can be turned into a “traditional” punch, but it looks pretty tasty (and, I know your affection for gin). Tang could certainly be substituted for the OJ. And, since it should be served in a chilled glass, an ice shot glass would be a great touch.

Jupiter Cocktail
(serves one)

1/2 oz Gin
1/4 oz French Vermouth (white/clear vermouth)
1 tablespoon Orange Juice
1 tablespoon Parfait Amour

Shake ingredients well over ice, strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

Another option that has significantly less ingredients, and much easier to prepare — how about tang and champagne? What do you think they call mimosas in outer space?

Please let me know what you decide!

Ms. S&C

——————————————

Update on the “Around the World” office party: LC’s team decided on tang mimosas, and really took their Outer Space theme to a whole other level. Check out their impressive menu. (I forgot to ask about what outfits they wore.)

Cocktail: Tang Mimosa
Main dish: Dehydrated steak and potatoes (Grass-fed Cabernet Sauvignon-marinated beef jerky with homemade potato chips)
Dessert: Fire in ice (Chipotle vanilla ice cream)
Chef’s gift: Whisky gums (Glenlivet whisky-flavored gummy candy)