Tag Archives: nine west

Not your husband’s shoes

Posted on November 9, 2010 by msshoescocktails | 2 comments

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

2 Comments

Posted in shoes

Tagged fall 2010, j.crew, nine west, oxfords, trends

Farm-girl glamour

Posted on October 26, 2010 by msshoescocktails | 3 comments

Clearly, Ms. S&C is looking to glamourize farm life. (Or, maybe it is time for her to embrace her farm-girl roots?) First, she fell in love with this farm-girl chic look over on The Sartorialist. Then, she ran across these boots at Nine West (from the aptly named “Vintage American Collection”).

No, they are not authentic. They are not perfectly weathered from removing brush by the pond or hauling bales of hay. But, they are awesome, and she wants them. (Now, off to find the perfect utility coat to match!)

posted by Ms. S&C

3 Comments

Posted in shoes

Tagged boots, nine west

Summer Shoe Report Back

Posted on June 11, 2010 by missmojito | 1 comment

After scouring the Internet and a few fave shopping spots for the perfect pair of comfy summer flats, Miss Mojito opted for not one but three options. Apparently, I was on the hunt for neutrals: all of the latest additions to my shoe family are in shades of beige, brown, tan and bronze.

For super casual summer nights, I’ll look no further than this duel-tone pair of Nine West sandals (far left). I love the mixture of dark and light brown with the silver hardware, and they’re wonderfully comfy.

My second pick was a bit less successful on the comfort scale. I love the look of these Urban Outfitters gladiator sandals (center), but the back strap rubs the ankle in a most unfortunate manner. Band-aids are clearly in order to make these cute shoes tolerable.

And finally, we have the work-appropriate, metallic peep toe flats by Bandolino (right). I’m a huge fan of the coppery crackled finish. Since it’s hard to find a pair of flats with a sole that’s thick enough for true comfort, I snatched up this pair in a flash.

I can’t seem to put my cursor on close approximations of the Nine West and Bandolino pairs, but I found mine at DSW.

Now all I need is a fresh pedicure and I’m good to go! Happy summer shoe shopping to all!

Posted by Miss Mojito.

1 Comment

Posted in shoes

Tagged flats, nine west, sandals

Go-To Footwear: Exploring the Staple Shoe

Posted on December 11, 2009 by missmojito | 2 comments

Last week, we explored go-to cocktails: those superlative beverages that are full of flavor, come together in a flash and are perfect entertaining staples. This week, we’re applying the same concept to our footwear, and taking a look at staple shoes.

So what makes a shoe a staple?

The most obvious requirement for a staple shoe is versatility. You can wear it to work, you can wear it out on the weekends, you can wear it shopping. Heck, you could even wear it sleeping, were you to nod off for a bit of nap whilst wearing said shoes.
Staple shoes have some element of the classic about them. That doesn’t mean that they can’t have a unique detail. One of my favorite staple shoes, for example, is a classic black kitten heel with a very non-classic studded star pattern. But these aren’t trendy shoes – they can return to your wardrobe season after season, with a little help from your friendly cobbler.
I hate to say it, but a shoe won’t work it’s way into my staple wardrobe unless it’s reasonably comfortable. Obviously, this rules out some fantastic and much-loved four-inch heels.

The latest acquisition to my staple shoe collection is a fantastic charcoal riding boot. The riding boot is my winter go-to shoe thanks to its fashionable warmth. This particular version comes from Nine West’s Vintage America collection. I love the rough-cut edge at the top of the boot, and the brass detailing adds a nice touch to this wardrobe classic. You’ll find me in this staple boot at least several times a week this winter. (And check out the awesome discount over at NineWest.com!)

Miss Mojito wants to know: what constitutes a staple shoe in your wardrobe?

Posted by Miss Mojito.

2 Comments

Posted in shoes

Tagged boots, nine west, staple shoes

Getting Spoooooky

Posted on October 30, 2009 by missmojito | 1 comment

Ghosts, ghouls and goblins bring with them a host of exciting cocktail possibilities to usher in the spookiest of holidays. And with Halloween falling on a Saturday this year, those opportunities for celebrating are all the more plentiful.

Here are Miss Mojito’s thoughts on some festive cocktails that might help get you in the Halloween spirit.

Go Orange and Black: Mix orange curacao liqueur, white rum and lime; garnish with a licorice stick
Go Creepy: Take a nod from Yumsugar.com and mix up a terrifying batch of Eyeball Highballs.
Go Spooky: Mix espresso, orange vodka and coffee liqueur for a brooding, macabre and delicious martini.

Shoe-wise, I think something equally black and brooding is in order. Luckily, I came across these fantastic sandals at Nine West. The hardware toughens up the feminine shape. I’ve been eyeing this particular pair for a while now and am delighted to add them to my collection!

Posted by Miss Mojito.

1 Comment

Posted in cocktails, fall/winter cocktails, shoes, spirits, vodka, white rum

Tagged halloween, holidays, nine west

Unexpected Mixes

Posted on October 17, 2009 by missmojito | 4 comments

I do love a chance to sample a new cocktail menu, and last evening I did just that at a friend’s birthday celebration. Lemaire, the restaurant in the historic Jefferson Hotel, is something of a Richmond institution. But that institution recently received a facelift, complete with a posh new bar. Plenty of marble fills the space, along with modern glass chandeliers that look more like sleek lucite. It’s a chic and comfy spot for some post-work imbibing.

While I haven’t sampled the eats at Lemaire, I did partake in their delectable and creative cocktail menu. My pick was the new-to-me Lady Astor, which combines Patron Tequila, Woodford Reserve Bourbon, house-made grenadine, lime juice and agave. I was intrigued by the combo of tequila and bourbon, and the results were fairly delightful and even fruity. It takes its name from Nancy Langhorne Astor, who was the first lady elected to British parliament. According to the cocktail menu, “she was a complex lady, and we think this drink represents her well.” The mix of tequila and bourbon was certainly complex, but I might have a lighter hand on the sweet agave when I remake this cocktail at home.

I wore a pair of basic black booties for the evening’s festivities, but when I return I’ll go with something a bit more festive. And since the Lady Astor is an unexpected mix of bourbon and tequila, my pick is an unexpected mix, too. This fun print from Nine West does it for me: from a distance, the heel resembles a cheetah pattern while the toe looks a bit more floral. Call it complex or call it crazy, but I call it too cute.

Posted by Miss Mojito.

4 Comments

Posted in bourbon, shoes, spirits, tequila

Tagged good cocktails in richmond, lady astor, nine west

Dressing boldly (an update)

Posted on October 2, 2009 by msshoescocktails | 4 comments

About a month ago, Ms. S&C declared that the goal of her fall wardrobe was to dress boldly. In her original blog post, she highlighted a few trends that were catching her eye. Did she follow-through on her own advice? Yes, sort-of.

Below are some of her recent purchases. Obviously, there’s not a lot of bold color and flashy prints in this selection – with the exception of the bright cobalt clutch. She likes this sweet, satin bow clutch because it can brighten up a lot of outfits. She’ll take it out when she’s in distressed denim (or her new black denim), and when wearing the all-occasion black dress.

Biker chic accessories are a popular fall trend. Ms. S&C picked up this studded belt, which she’ll wear high-waisted over her numerous black and gray cardigans, to make them much more exciting.

clutch_belt

As for shoes – Ms. S&C recently tossed a pair of black, peep-toe pumps from Nine West. She’d had them for at least five years, probably longer, and they showed their years. Replacing them was a necessity. She spotted these Nine West platforms when researching suede shoes for a reader, and she loves them. Her first day wearing them — a lady stopped her in Starbucks to comment.

Ms. S&C has been toying with buying a pair of booties for awhile now. She didn’t want anything too flashy, as she plans to wear them with shorter-length skirts/dresses and colorful tights. And, she didn’t want to spend a lot of money. She thinks she satisfied both requirements with these Report Dylan ankle boots.

While Ms. S&C likes trends, she prefers classic items with a long shelf-life. Not purposely, this mentality has transferred over to cocktail preferences of late. The drink in her hand on Friday’s, after work? It was a Tom Collins over the summer. For the early fall, it’s been the classic martini — or more specifically, the original-pre-Prohibition martini, which is currently called the Fifty-Fifty Martini. Confused? It’s the martini with equal parts gin and equal parts vermouth. Why the extra vermouth? Read Jason Wilson’s, WaPo columnist, article “Stirrings of a Better Martini,” or this article from NYT’ Shaken and Stirred column. Vermouth is good in cocktails,people. Use it.

Since there are so many variations of the martini, I find it’s easiest just to tell the bartender what I want in it, and how I want it prepared. For example, tonight, I’ll simply say, “Martini with equal parts gin and vermouth, up, with a twist. And, a dash of orange bitters, if you got ’em.” Please.

posted by Ms. S&C

4 Comments

Posted in cocktails, gin, shoes

Tagged booties, fall 2009, martini, nine west, platforms

S&C advice column — my fall suede shoes

Posted on September 18, 2009 by msshoescocktails | 1 comment

Ms. S&C,

Me again, one of your most loyal followers! … I am seeing suede pumps everywhere now that we’re all in the “fall” mindset. …

Can you help me find a good fall colored suede pump for this season? I need it to go with a LOT of outfits, considering my dehydrated and parched discretionary budget!

Help!

Yours, KG

————————————-

Dear KG,

I’m loving suede shoes right now, including suede boots and booties. Really. I desperately want a pair (or pairs) for myself, and I’m finding too many options. I also need to be budget conscious (overspent at Anthropologie–and sadly, on too few items), so your question is a great one.

I don’t know about you, but I think I prefer suede shoes in warm neutral colors. Not sure why, but dark colored suede doesn’t work for me. Below are a few favorites I’ve come across. I think the tiered ruffled booties in nude ($69.95) are so adorable. They would look great with skirts and skinny jeans. I also really like the taupe rouched platforms ($69.95). They are both daytime and nighttime appropriate. I know they are open-toe too, but I’m not afraid to go open-toe year round these days. And, not to overdo it on the ruffles, but I like these suede boots in taupe ($79.95), and for one heck-of-a price.

If you are looking for a sexy statement shoe, how about these cut-out booties ($89.95)? They’re edgy, but not too extreme (except for the 4+ inch heel). If you’re looking for something more conservative, here are two other reliable brands with good options. The Ralph Lauren pumps ($98.00) are classic and come in a myriad of colors. The Nine West can’t-go-wrong peep-toe platforms ($89.00) are pretty great (I just wish they came in more colors–I want them in brown!).

Even if you do not choose any of the above, please report back when you make a decision on your fall suede shoes. I’d love to see them! Thanks so much for reading, and being one of our most loyal followers!

Happy shoe shopping,
Ms. S&C

posted by Ms. S&C

1 Comment

Posted in advice column, shoes

Tagged booties, fall 2009, nine west, peep-toe pumps, S&C advice column, suede shoes

Recession chic

Posted on October 29, 2008 by msshoescocktails | 4 comments

Out: the free-spending fashionista. In: the thrifty recessionista.

Recessionista is the newly coined term for a style maven on a budget. As a recessionista, you can justify your spending habits because discount brands are not only smart, they’re trendy. The New York Times’ article summed it up, by saying it “spins the economic downturn as an attractive retail trend.” I don’t know who’s responsible, but it is brilliant PR for retail, if you ask me.

Sigerson Morrison, Target, $39.99

I’m looking to exercise my inner recessionista. I think I’m going to cave and get a pair of booties. I’ve been utterly against them, thinking they’re too trendy, and won’t last after this season. Well, after seeing Gwyneth’s, and this pair of Sigerson Morrison’s my co-worker friend, Ana, picked up at Target, I want a pair. But, I don’t want to spend a lot of money (because, I won’t wear them a lot, and I still think the trend will only last one season, two tops).

Here are a few possibilities – any thoughts?

Nine West, Endless, $69.95

Aerosoles, Piperlime, $69.99

Jessica Simpson, DSW, $59.95

Worthington, JCPenney, $53.99

Twist, Payless, $34.99

4 Comments

Posted in shoes

Tagged bargains, booties, latest news in footwear, nine west

Feeling inspired

Posted on August 18, 2008 by msshoescocktails | 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?