Some may think these black patent wedges are ordinary, perhaps even plain. Yes, perhaps they are perfectly ordinary.
J.Crew’s Martina Patent Wedges
Yet, some may think to call these black patent wedges a new classic. They are sleek and stylish, polished and comfortable. And they are mine.
Love means never having to live without J.Crew’s Edie Tote.
And never having to carry it without these lovely enamel bangles decorating your wrists.
And, of course, love means wearing these nautical stripe peep-toe pumps.
Happy Valentine’s Day from S&C!
posted by Ms. S&C
Posted in shoes
Tagged accessories, handbags, j.crew, peep-toe pumps, S&C wish list, valentines
What else is on the fall favorites list you wonder? Dresses! Flattering, comfortable, and versatile dresses. Garnet Hill’s Winnah Dress is a great example. It can be worn day or night. Made from jersey cotton, it is comfortable. And that twisted wrap-around-the-waist thingy make it is super flattering.
Garnet Hill also has a number of vintage looks that have caught Ms. S&C’s eye. The burnt orange floral dress is one of them. Or, the full skirt in the same print. Both can be dressed up with heels or dressed down with riding boots (like these already in Ms. S&C’s closet).
J.Crew is a spot where old school meets new school. This corduroy dress is an updated version of a classic. And we love updated versions of classics over here at S&C.
Ms. S&C wants to know: don’t be shy — what are some of your fall favorites?
posted by Ms. S&C
Posted in Uncategorized
Tagged fall 2011, garnet hill, j.crew, S&C outfits, S&C wish list, vintage looks
When Ms. S&C was on her way to work recently, a man walked by and said: “Your husband is going to be mad.” Ms. S&C, a little puzzled, responded: “I’m sorry. Excuse me?” The man said: “Your husband is going to be mad because you’re wearing his shoes.”
Ms. S&C was wearing these Frye oxfords during said encounter. There’s not much to say really: she loves them. Loves, loves, love them. Not only for the cognac color and the soft leather, but because they are the second most comfortable shoes she owns (the first being her Justin cowboy boots, which have a very similar structure). She has worn these oxfords with shorts, with mini skirts and with jeans. Now, she needs to find the perfect wide-leg, wool, camel-colored trousers. (If you spot some, alert her, will ya?).
And, in case you haven’t noticed, Mr.-you-should-try-another-line-that-is-more-charming, oxfords are everywhere. These J.Crew high-heel oxfords are another awesome example. The combo of the wool herringbone fabric and leather give them a funky, vintage appeal. Or, how about these cool, two-toned (and at a much better price) Nine West lace-ups in dark grey?
To complete Ms. S&C’s menswear look? Get the lady a whiskey, please.
posted by Ms. S&C
Can someone talk me out of these, please?
This J. Crew silk and wool dress isn’t perfect for fall, right? It probably wouldn’t look good with (black or brown) opaque tights and boots. It isn’t the grown-up glamour I talked about for my fall wardrobe. And, I’m sure it wouldn’t look good with my black booties, my new oxfords, or these Tory Burch riding boots.
I don’t need these quilted boots, do I? I mean, who wants this mixture of nylon and leather textures? And, who cares if they would look good with my skinny jeans and the plaid flannel shirt I just bought at Target? Plus, they wouldn’t go well with my brown corduroy mini… Oh, good grief.
Ms. S&C wants to know: What do you need her to talk you out of?
posted by Ms. S&C
Remember me? I’m Ms. Shoes & Cocktails. I used to blog more frequently about topics near and dear to my heart. While blogging inspiration inevitably ebbs and flows, I promise you this is just a small drought. It is summer after all.
If you are looking for some S&C-related reading material, can I recommend the following?
No longer preppy, the J.Crew look is now “a European in the United States.”
Here’s a great article from The New York Times Magazine about J.Crew’s new and improved transformation. It is now a brand that “twinkles with references to France and haute couture.” I also particularly enjoyed the description of their copywriting style as “distinctive J.Crew haikus.” A good example: these Raffia Rose Printed Peep Toes are described as, “Both sweet and sultry, these blushworthy peep toes ensure that summer romance isn’t just in the air but also on your feet.”
The Bloody Mary: nutritious and naughty, packed with vitamins and vice. A farm-to-table drink; a liquid salad.
The New York Times is the source of another fantastic article. This article by Frank Bruni, former restaurant critic for The Times, takes a look at how the Bloody Mary is changing for the better. How is it changing for the better? One restaurant in the East Village has a version called the “Chicago Matchbox,” and includes pickled Brussels sprouts, caper berries, white turnips, green beans and radishes. Also: some bartenders aren’t afraid to replace vodka as go-to spirit. Bruni goes on to say, “Tequila is perhaps vodka’s best bloody surrogate: its smokiness plays nicely with the flavor of tomato.”
I just want to go back to Paris.
Lastly, you want something that isn’t S&C related? Check out my new favorite blog, littlebrownpen. The author is a copywriter and photographer, and has the most beautiful photos of Paris I’ve ever seen. Seriously, I melt every time I look at them. I am so awestruck that I forget about all the places I’ve never visited, and I just want to go back to Paris. Check out this glorious sequence of Red and Green, and isn’t Violette a pretty word?
Mmm. Just what I needed. Now I’m inspired.
posted by Ms. S&C
Posted in alerts, cocktail-related, cocktails, shoes
Tagged j.crew, peep-toe pumps, S&C alerts, S&C reading material, seen elsewhere
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
Posted in shoes, Uncategorized
Tagged champagne goes with everything, j.crew, platforms, spring 2010
S&C brings you more sales alerts. This time from J.Crew. I cannot – repeat – cannot, buy more than one pair of shoes from this sale. But, I soooo want a pair of floral pumps for the spring. And those metallic flats, also with a bow! You know how much we LOVE bows over here. Alas, I think I have to be a bit practical and go with the patent flats in navy. I literally wore out my navy peep-toes from Nine West, so I need a replacement pair. That’s my excuse anyway. 
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 