S&C alerts–shoe icons, shrubs

Posted on August 19, 2008 by | 1 comment

Below are some of my latest finds in shoes, cocktails, and things related.

  • S&C is a big fan of lists, rankings, critics’ picks, recaps, etc. Footwear News has another great 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.
  • Be on the lookout for shrubs the next time you are ordering specialty cocktails. They are all over the cocktail/mixology blogs these days. Everyone is realizing that fresh, local produce (in this case, fruit) has a place in drinks too. Shrub is a vinegary fruit syrup that was commonly prepared and drunk during the colonial times. To make your own homemade shrub, bring 1 cup white or champagne vinegar, 1 cup sugar, 2 pints fresh berries, and up to a half cup of water to a boil. Stir. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Strain and bottle. My good friend, JD, just gave me a bottle of raspberry shrub prepared locally in PA — glad that I now have some good uses for it. Here are a few recipes worth checking out:
    • A Dash of Bitters recently made a Cabana Shrub using Cabana Cachaça and raspberry shrub syrup, and blueberry-gooseberry syrup.
    • The Cocktail Chronicles made Apple Bramble Buck with blackberry shrub.

Shoes & Cocktails wants to know: What shoes/cocktails do you consider iconic? Post a comment below.

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Feeling inspired

Posted on August 18, 2008 by | 5 comments

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)

  • Prepare night before – frozen grapes (freeze 2 large handfuls of seedless, white grapes)
  • Prepare at least 3 hours in advance (can be up to 24 hours in advance) – slice 2 peaches and/or nectarines in wedges
  • Slice 1 lemon in whole slices, then quarter
  • Place peaches and lemons in pitcher or carafe, add 2 bottles of white wine (preferably a Spanish white or another dry white wine)
  • Refrigerate for several hours, to allow time for the fruit flavors to blend with wine
  • Add frozen grapes to carafe, and stir
  • Add raspberries, and any remaining grapes, to individual glasses
  • Pour white wine and top with seltzer water (note: it can be very tricky to pour and get an adequate mixture of fruit in each glass; recommend that you pour the wine first and then spoon in fruit mixture)

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

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Animal instinct

Posted on August 15, 2008 by | Leave a comment

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.

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Femme fatale

Posted on August 14, 2008 by | Leave a comment

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.

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Summer in a cup

Posted on August 13, 2008 by | 1 comment

Stop what you are doing and immediately check out today’s Washington Post Food Section – the Tomato Issue. They have unveiled the winners of their annual Top Tomato Contest, and made my heart swoon. While the recipe for Bloody Mary Tomato Mousse! was not an entry in the contest (appears in The Gastronomer column), I just know it is a winner.

This beautiful layered concoction has made my heart skip a beat. I can’t think straight. I’m at a loss for words, and I have no idea what shoes I would wear with it.

Summary, recipe ingredients, and directions are here. Fresh ripe tomatoes, lemon, hot pepper sauce, vodka — all my faves. I may even add the basil oil that appears in a separate recipe. While it seems a little time intensive, I am certain it is worth it. I was going to make white wine sangria this weekend, but plans may have very well changed.

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Star spangled

Posted on August 12, 2008 by | Leave a comment

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.

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Song of the summer

Posted on August 6, 2008 by | 5 comments

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)

  • Cut ½ of a small watermelon into large chunks (do yourself a favor and get a seedless melon)
  • Puree in a blender, then strain into a pitcher (you should have enough liquid for a 3 to 1 alcohol ratio)
  • Add juice of two lemons
  • Add 3 or 4 shots vodka, preferably Absolut Citron
  • Mix well, then pour over ice
  • Garnish with fresh basil

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

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S&C alerts–fish, florals, features

Posted on August 5, 2008 by | 4 comments

Here are the latest headlines on shoes, cocktails, and things related.

  • S&C said fish pedicures were all the rage! Even NPR has picked up on those flesh-eating skin specialists, and reported that Yvonne Salon has had over 6,000 customers try the treatment. The customers appear happy and the fish are staying well fed. They have apparently doubled in size over the past few months on the steady supply of human skin.
  • You heard it here — floral prints are huge! Over at Footwear News you can 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.)
  • GQ features the 20 best cocktails in America and where to go find them. It looks like you’ll need to travel to Louisville, KY, for the best Manhattan and Block Island, RI, for the best gin and tonic.

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.

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Such great heights

Posted on August 2, 2008 by | 1 comment

Project Runway brings us more adventures in fashion design with the New York City nightlife inspired challenge. Also known as the I’m-not sure-the-right-person-won-or-the-right-person-went-home-and-what-the-heck-does-Sandra-Bernhard-have-to-do-with-fashion episode.

Anyway, let’s get to the designs, and more importantly, the shoe pairings! I liked Kenley’s dress and shoe pairing over in the PR photo gallery. The bright green peep-toes are a good match with her bold printed fabric. Because I’m still digging Miss Portman’s eco-friendly shoe collection, I’ll also suggest these purple beauties with the chiffon pompom. Adorable.

My favorite design was Leanne’s layered skirt. I’m not crazy about the shoe pairing in the gallery photo, so I’m offering up these replacements. You may see them again in a future post titled “shoes I can’t afford, but would die for.” If she is going to insist on wearing the large gold necklace with this outfit, how about pairing these gold Jimmy Choo’s? High shine, high style, and just plain high (with a 4 ¾ inch heel!). Or, if you want a pair of shoes more beautiful, more perfect than anything else in the entire world, go for these Christian Louboutin’s. These high-fashion picks deserve an equally glamorous drink. A Bellini perhaps?

posted by Ms. S&C

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Nibbling away

Posted on July 31, 2008 by | 8 comments

Because S&C cares about shoes, she cares about feet.  I’m personally overdue for a pedicure, and I know that if I’m hopping into those Gisella sandals soon, these puppies need some work.  A friend passed on WUSA9’s segment about an unorthodox pedicure method that is all the rage.  Yvonne’s Hair Salon in Alexandria, VA, offers the same flesh-eating fish pedicure as seen on Ugly Betty (episode where Wilhelmina discovers that Daniel Mead’s father finds soft feet irresistible and she goes to the extreme).  Anyway, these tiny but hungry Garra Rufa, or “Doctor Fish,” eat the dead skin off your feet in about a half hour, leaving them silky smooth.

AP

Photo:AP

The Telegraph in the UK also reported the story, indicating that these toothless fish nibble away at dead skin but leave healthy flesh untouched.  And, advocates say it is a natural alternative to using the potentially unsanitary razors, clipper or pumice stone.

Shoes & Cocktails wants to know: natural, or going too far?

 

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