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
Prepare to be inundated with Ms. S&C’s fall wish list items. We’ll start with these suede sandstorm boots from Madewell. Can’t you imagine them with cropped skinny jeans, or bootcut denim, or corduroys, or colorful tights? They’ve been referred to as “wardrobe workhouses,” and that’s right. I want to wear them with everything.
Also on the list are these perfect penny loafers. (Can you tell that someone’s Madewell catalog arrived yesterday?) Ms. S&C has been crying for the resurgence of penny loafers for years now. Picture them with tweed, camel-colored wool skirts, plaid, and argyle socks. The wannabe British schoolgirl in me squeals with delight. (But do these oxfords need the competition?)
Ms. S&C wants to know: she’s started sharing her fall fashion favorites — what are yours?
posted by Ms. S&C
The OED Word of the Day — on the day before Valentine’s Day — was “heart-strings.” If heartstrings are meant to be pulled, here are a few things tugging at Ms. S&C’s.
Ms. S&C’s heart is aflutter over this adorable kissing birds ring from Juicy Couture. Apparently she has a thing for wearing small whimsical birds on her fingers, because she picked up a super cute owl ring before the Christmas holiday, and now wants this as part of her collection.
Ms. S&C is also coveting this lace print shirt from Sundance, which has a kind-of bohemian elegance. There are actually quite a few lovely, silk printed blouses over there, but this one is particularly très romantique and fitting for February 14th, don’t you think?
And it wouldn’t be a wish list — and it would be a Valentine’s Day wish list (those red soles!) — without a pair of Louboutin’s. Ms. S&C has already declared her recent affections for neutrals, and she would like to add this nude patent pump to the mix, pretty please.
Wherever your deepest affections lay on this day of love, we wish you a very Happy Valentine’s Day.
posted by Ms. S&C
Posted in shoes
Tagged christian louboutin, holidays, neutrals, patent leather, S&C wish list, valentines
Everyone is starting to get in the holiday spirit. Miss Mojito is filled with festiveness. Ms. S&C is on her way. But she’s making a quick stop in holiday party wonderland for a little bit, okay? She is going to pretend that against a backdrop of twinkling white lights and bright red poinsettias, she will be drinking a glass of sparkling wine and wearing this outfit.
The little black dress is Nanette Lepore‘s sleek and sophisticated little number, made a little bit sexy with those strappy back cutouts.
The clutch, found at Nordstrom, is an artful display of woven ribbons that compliment those strappy back cutouts on the dress quite nicely.
And the shoes — no one does holiday party shoes better — are Kate Spade‘s new york ‘guest’ slingbacks. That beautiful red bow adds a bright and cheery splash to the satin slingback.
An imaginary land full of wonders, don’t you think?
posted by Ms. S&C
Dear Mr. Louboutin,
I know you were just named Footwear News Person of the Year. I know you are a force to be reckoned with. I know you don’t need more people telling you how awesome you are. But you’re awesome. Your shoes are innovative, and glamorous, and edgy, and classic and original.
And this comment makes me like you even more “…my goal has always been to design pretty shoes and to see them on people who like them.”
And my goal is to see myself in these pretty glittery round toe pumps. They are something out of a fairy tale, wouldn’t you say?
Happy Holidays,
Ms. S&C
Last fall, Ms. S&C aspired to dress boldly. She wanted bright, rich colors and prints (paisley and polka dots were favorites). This year, she still wants color and prints — and a certain level of boldness — but also glamour.
Ms. S&C wants glamour in a grown-up way. She wants style that is charming, a little mysterious, a little adventurous, a little sexy, but also smart.
A good example: this floral dress from Anthropologie. When trying it on, Ms. S&C knew she was in love with this dress before she even headed to the full length mirror for a glimpse. The brilliant floral print, the ultra feminine neckline, the sculptural cap sleeves, the striking waistband: it is glamorous, it is flattering, it is work appropriate, and it is a great transition dress. Ms. S&C can wear it now with nude slingbacks (she already has!), and she can wear it in the fall with black tights and some simple black pumps.
Another favorite from Anthropologie is this Tracy Reese print dress. With a price tag slightly under $300, this is an aspirational buy. Again, we’ve got a funky print, combined with a great collar and delicate silver buttons. The classic design makes it feel grown-up, but the whimsical print and silk fabric makes it feel glamorous.
As for shoes, Ms. S&C already has shoes in her closet that work well with both dresses (her black platform peep-toes from last fall are certainly an option).
Anthropologie also has an incredibly unique footwear selection. You don’t need a great dress when wearing Anthropologie shoes — they are showstoppers unto themselves. Here are a few of Ms. S&C’s early favorites. Love the thicker-heel trend this season. Love that curry color on the peep-toes, that rose detail on the black pumps, and a pair of oxfords will be in my closet stat!
Ms. S&C wants to know: What fall trends do you like? What new items do you plan on having in your closet this season?
posted by Ms. S&C
Dear Valentine,
Of course there isn’t anything I want more than you (and, to not to wear snow boots for awhile). But, if you’re in need of gift-giving ideas for the woman you love on Valentine’s Day, here are a few suggestions.
The Kate Spade Gillian shoe is about the prettiest shoe I’ve come across in a long time. The ribbon detail and big bow at the top of a striking satin platform — they are so, so lovely. And, if you’re feeling extra generous, I’m pretty much in love with this flower clutch also. The bursting silk and chiffon petal blossoms are delicate, but would last a lot longer than real flowers. No need for chocolates and roses, I kinda have a V-day shoe-handbag-combo theme going on. 
Lots of love,
Ms. S&C
The special occasion shoe. Ms. S&C can’t think of a better category of shoes to be on her wish list. The special occasion shoe is the polar opposite of Miss Mojito’s staple shoe, as these shoes are typically more unique, not so versatile, and not one where comfort is expected. And, they’re probably overpriced. Despite these underwhelming selling points, they are so much fun — and, usually worn at fun occasions, no?
Ms. S&C currently has an affection for gold shoes, especially when they’re contrasted with black tights (it can be quite a contrast, but a spectacular one). Here are a few of her personal faves for upcoming holiday parties, New Year’s Eve, or any festive event.
There’s a reason why the Kate Spade (left) special occasion sandal is named “Glamour.” This suede sandal, detailed with a patent trim and a gorgeous, grosgrain ribbon laced through the gold chain-link t-strap, is so feminine and so lovely.
Jessica Simpson (center) has a simple, yet eye-catching, cracked metallic d’Orsay pump with a mary jane strap. This is the most versatile pair of the three picks, and more importantly, the most affordable.
And finally, who could resist this other brilliant Kate Spade (right) peep-toe? The metallic sequins and the oversized, sculpted bow on the slingback make it sexy, glamorous, and almost fairy tale-esque.
Ms. S&C wants to know: what special occasion shoes will you wear for holiday festivities? Or, what shoes are on your holiday wish list? Share in the comments below!
posted by Ms. S&C
Posted in shoes
Tagged holidays, jessica simpson, kate spade, metallic, S&C wish list, slingbacks, special occasion shoes, t-straps
The indulgence of a compiling a wish list is frivolous, yet hard to deny oneself — especially during the gift-giving season. Ms. S&C strongly encourages you to think of (and give something to) those less fortunate during the holiday season. However, if there was someone out there (wink, wink, Mr. S&C) who wanted to spoil a certain blond blogger during the holiday season — well, here’s an idea.
The Hour, a chic boutique located in Old Town Alexandria, specializes in modern and vintage cocktail ware. They also offer a selection of framed vintage cocktail advertisements and portraits of women (from the New York Evening Post, in wonderful 1950’s and 60’s garb). Below is one of their classy art pieces, that I adore. I’d also be happy with any of their other très stylish glassware collections. Any cocktail enthusiast would. Great place for gifts!
Vintage print that Ms. S&C adores, and is available at
The Hour in Old Town Alexandria
Happy Holidays from Shoes & Cocktails!
posted by Ms. S&C
Shoes & Cocktails 