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
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
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.
For a shoe pairing, I’d continue the color-popping theme and go with this burst of blue and silver from Seychelles.
Posted by Miss Mojito.
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
Posted in advice column, shoes
Tagged booties, fall 2009, nine west, peep-toe pumps, S&C advice column, suede shoes
The first few episodes of Project Runway are always a bit hard for me to jump right in to. There are so many designers, and we only get to hear the critique of about half of them. It isn’t until episode four or five, at least, that I start to develop favorites. So one thing that I like about this season is that, at MyLifetime.com, you can view videos of the extended judging, as well as more footage of Tim Gunn’s critiques! So far, this is one benefit that Lifetime has over Bravo. Now, on with the show.
Here’s a quick recap of highlights (and spoilers!) from last week’s episode, the Pregnancy Challenge, with guest host Rebecca Romijn.
Shirin’s winning design in Project Runway’s Pregnancy Challenge episode
Clearly, the shoe pairing for the winning outfit should be one that values comfort asmuch as fashion, keeping 
mom-to-be in mind. I’ve heard a lot about Cole Haan‘s collaboration with Nike for a shoe line that marries comfort and fashion – at a price. These peep-toe pumps, with a Mary Jane styling and cushioning in the heel and forefront, would be the perfect partner for Shirin’s gown – but at $275, they’re definitely an investment piece!
Posted by Miss Mojito.
Spring is only a few weeks away. Is your closet ready? Ms. S&C is looking forward to the arrival of warmer weather, and here are a few trends she can’t pass up.
First up is the denim-rolled-above-the-ankles-look. I’m as surprised as anyone that I like this look. It certainly does not mean I’m a fan of the slouchy tapered ankle trouser. These harem pants can’t possibly look good on anyone with hips, so no thanks. But, the baggy boyfriend cut or the skinny jean rolled above the ankle — I like how this style can work for many body types, and show off your impressive footwear.
And by impressive footwear, I mean something like these wooden heels from Ralph Lauren. Miss M referred to this style as the “extreme strappy sandal” in her inaugural post. I love the woven leather detail and the platform. They could definitely be my statement shoe of the season.
Another footwear trend that is exploding — neutral-colored pumps. Nude is the new black, people. And when colors like stone, dust, blush and sand come in patent, even better. These conical heels, slingbacks and peep-toes pretty much sum it up.
Shoes & Cocktails wants to know: What are your “must haves” and “can’t stands” for the spring season? Share your thoughts below.
posted by Ms. S&C
Posted in shoes
Tagged conical heel, high heels, peep-toe pumps, sandals, slingbacks, spring 2009
I’ve finally had time to sit down and take a look at the Washington Post’s new luxury fashion magazine, Fashion Washington, which launched in mid-September. While it covers fashion totally and utterly out.of.my.price.range, it is pretty to look at, and I love the DC focus (see “Style Setters” and “Scene Stealers” sections, and website has PDF available for download).
The inaugural issue ran a story on Monica Favela George, a DC-based shoe designer, who is behind the Gigi Favela brand (named after her daughter). In the article, she talks about designing walkable heels, or what she calls “action shoes.” She insists that anything over 3 inches needs a platform in the front. And, nothing over 3 ½ inches will allow you to fully strut your stuff.
Her design influences and inspiration come from architecture and American pop culture, which may explain these “fur bombs.” (Btw, the website won’t even list a price – you have to call!)
These studded white gold peep-toes seem much more reasonable. I do like.
Her goal is to design highly wearable shoes and boots that women love. Unfortunately, few can afford. But — those peep-toes were marked down severely, so we’ll keep checking back.
Posted in shoes
Tagged gigi favela, high heels, peep-toe pumps, seen elsewhere, shoes I can't afford
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)
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
Shoes & Cocktails 