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Thursday, July 31, 2008

Almost There Thursday: Seychelles Shoes and Ketel One

Orange You Glad?

One more day left in the work week- Woo Hoo! Feet a little tired from sporting stilettos? Give your toes a break from their woes, and throw on a pair of low heels. This can be a tough shoe group to pull off, but that's what "Almost There Thursday" is all about. This week, try some playful peep toed pumps, like "Compliments of the Chef" from Seychelles (available on Zappos.com). The 2.5 inch heel on this orange suede pump will keep you comfy, and the peek-a-boo straps on the side add a little zest.

Lower heels mean higher voltage drinks. Run or skip to the bar (because your feet are so happy), and ask for a blood orange cosmopolitan. Make sure you ask the bartender to mix a little extra Ketel One Vodka with the Triple Sec, lime juice and blood orange juice. If they don't have blood orange juice, regular should suffice... it just won't match your shoes as well.

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Wild Wednesday: Donald J Pliner and Van Gogh

Croc and Roll (Reader Request)

In perfect timing for a "Wild Wednesday" post (which is always about animal print or exotic skin shoes), Shoe Smitten sent in a picture of her Donald J Pliner "Gisa" Sandals (pictured right and available at Amazon.com) with a request for a drink pairing. These chestnut colored croc-look cuties have a utilitarian hippie feel. Yet, the four inch heel, rubber sole and pairing of suede with embossed leather make them at once sultry and sturdy. A woman who wears these is versatile and maybe a little unpredictable at times... and now that the first half of the work week is over, let the surprises ensue.

Get the party started with a "halfcast Russian". A creamy mixture of Van Gogh Vodka (or any other you prefer), coffee liqueur and cappuccino, it'll definitely give you the boost you need to get through the rest of the week. Go easy on this sauce, though because no one likes a bar busy body.

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Cutesy Tuesday: Missoni Sandals and Hendricks Gin

Take a Bow

You're the fun, flirty one in your group, preferring floaty dresses to pencil skirts and pops of color over neutral tones. No shade flaunts your femininity and flair the way fuchsia does, so before you head to happy hour slip on this pair of Missoni platform peep toed pumps (available at DJ Premium). Made from the softest suede and sporting a 4- inch heel with a huge Missoni signature knit bow, these slingbacks are as precious as they are sexy.


Sugary pieces of foot candy such as these call for a drink that's just as sweet. I suggest nibbling the corner of your bottom lip and then asking your bartender for a "pink perfection." Recommended by my personal mixologist, Lyani Powers, it calls for Hendricks Gin (or any high quality brand) mixed with apricot brandy, lemon juice, grenadine and sugar syrup. Remember to sip responsibly, though, because overdoing it can lead to spills on your impossible-to-clean shoes.

Monday, July 28, 2008

Don't Mess with Me Monday: Corso Como Shoes and Casa Noble Cocktails

Mellow? Hell No!

It's another manic Monday, and you barely felt like leaving your bed this morning. A hot pair of yellow(ish) shoes adds a little sun to even the grumpiest disposition, and Corso Como's mustard Violet oxfords (available at Piperlime.com) do it with a professional edge. The "shootie" is here to stay, it seems, so let these gel-padded 3 inchers take you from the boardroom to the bar in chic comfort. Not sure what one wears with mustard colored shoes? Try linen pants.

When you arrive at your favorite watering hole, square your shoulders, look the barback straight in the eye and assertively ask for an "Executive Sunrise" (minus the cherry or orange garnish). A combination of Casa Noble (or your favorite) tequila, orange juice and creme de cassis, it'll have you walking on sunshine in no time. Don't overdo it, though, because we all know too much sunshine will leave you all sore and scorched.

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Shoe News: Designers Revamp Dorothy's Ruby Slippers

Get Me Those Slippers!

If when you were a little girl you wanted ruby slippers like the ones Dorothy wore in The Wizard of Oz, raise your hand. You may be able to bid on a pair very soon. Seventy years after the original Swarovski-studded ones sent the Wicked Witch into a tizzy, Warner Bros Consumer Products and Crystallized Swarovski Elements are paying homage by inviting boldface names in the shoe industry to create their own renditions.

According to tipsters at WSAToday, The Wizard of Oz Ruby Slipper Collection will be designed by such notables as (in alphabetical order) A. Testoni, Abaete, Alberta Ferretti, Betsey Johnson (sketch pictured), Botkier, Christian Louboutin, Diane von Furstenberg, Giuseppe Zanotti, Jimmy Choo (sketch pictured), L.A.M.B. by Gwen Stefani, Lisa Pliner, Manolo Blahnik, Moschino, Oscar de la Renta, Roger Vivier, Sergio Rossi, Stuart Weitzman, Tibi and Tuleh. They've been given full creative license and all the Swarovski crystals they need to create a shoe any modern-day Dorothy would be proud to wear. The collection will eventually be auctioned off, and proceeds will go to the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation.

The Wizard of Oz Ruby Slipper Collection will be officially unveiled on Sept 4 at an in-store gala benefiting the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation and its annual Kids for Kids Family Carnival in the Saks Fifth Avenue windows and 10022-SHOE and will be displayed there for one week. That event will kick off Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in NY, and as of Sept. 5th the collection will also be on display at an installation at the Bryant Park Tents. The Collection will also be shown during Miami Art Week, which coincides with Art Basel Miami Beach from Dec. 4-8. Additional viewings are also planned throughout next year before the Wizard of Oz Ruby Slipper Collection is auctioned at a gala event next fall.

Wild Wednesday: Dolce & Gabbana with De Kuyper's

Let's go Crazy

You've made it halfway through the week without losing it, so you've earned the right to let your hair down and let it all hang out for a night. Strut your stuff and show off your wild side with a pair of delectable Dolce & Gabbana strappy snakeskin high heeled sandals (available at eLuxury.com). With a 4.5" stacked wooden heel and thin straps in colors galore, they're a sexy way to put your toes on show. These showstoppers are surprisingly versatile, though, so they'll go with everything from your most demure khaki pencil skirt to your hottest wear-if-you-dare mini.

Know this: you can't don fierce footwear and sip a corny cocktail. Opt instead for something with a little bite. The Purple Hooter- which mixes vodka with De Kuyper raspberry liquor and a little lime juice- will not only get a giggle when you order it, but will also put you in party mode. It doesn't hurt that it kinda matches your shoes too.

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Cutesy Tuesday: Hale Bob High Heels and Bulldog Gin

Made You Blush

Nothing says pretty like a pair of pink pumps. Remember, though, cute doesn't have to be "kiddie". The 4 inch heel, iridescent metallic finish, thin instep strap and rhinestone button detail give Hale Bob's "Billie" mary jane peep toed pumps (from Shoes.com) the proper mix of sugar and spice. Perfect with your favorite jeans and tank or slinky summer dress, they say "I'm a lady in the streets, but I keep my shoes on in the boudoir." When you saunter up to the bar in these sweet stilettos, though, make sure you smile, bat your lashes and say please as you order the most scrumptious cocktail your mind can muster.

Sipping a sweet "Maiden's Blush" will give your look the cocktail complement it needs and your tongue the polite greeting it deserves. According to the mix-meisters at TopCocktailRecipes.com, this dulcet drink calls for gin (I recommend Bulldog brand), grenadine, Triple Sec and a dash of lemon juice. A word to the wise... gin can sneak up on you, especially when you can't really taste it. Know your limit, because no matter how prim your shoes, there's nothing ladylike about slurred speech and stumbling.

Sunday, July 6, 2008

Don't Mess with Me Monday: No Shots in the Dark with Dsquared and Patron

Lovely, Dark and Deep...

Pop quiz: How do you cope with "don't mess with me" days? If you're reading this, my guess is you wear a pair of "don't mess with me" shoes. With gilded "teeth" accenting the shank, platform and 5 and a half inch heel, these DSQUARED2 peep toed pumps say you're a force to be reckoned with. Be aware, though, that with these on your feet, you must have a seeeerious drink in hand...

Patron doesn't play or pull any punches, and the XO Cafe version seems to scream power. This smooth concoction blends fine coffee with "ultra premium" (according to their website) tequila, creating a muy perfecto potable. Please don't take shots with this one. Instead, savor it as you strut around your favorite night spot or eye the sophisticated stranger across the bar .



Tuesday, July 1, 2008

Cutesy Tuesday: Fourth of July Fun


Red, White & New


It's officially Summertime, and since a holiday weekend is approaching, I'd say for most of us the living is easy. Whether you're headed to a Fourth of July backyard bbq or out for a night on the town to celebrate Independence Day, these adorably girlish Betsey Johnson "Molly" peep (avail. at endless.com)toes are a fashionable, yet relatively comfortable way to enjoy the festivities. The thick wooden 4.5 inch high heel and sturdy 1.5 inch platform will keep you balanced, and the pretty polka dot bow adds just a touch of innocence. When you wear shoes as summery and feminine as these, be sure to ask the bartender for a drink that's just as fun.

My suggestion is the Rangpur Strawberry Crush. From the minds of the mixologists at bar.com, this cocktail combines the smooth bite of Tanqueray Rangpur Gin with the succulent sweetness of fresh strawberries and fizzy tickle of lemon/lime soda. Pop an American Flag stirrer in there, and you're as patriotic as apple pie. (I do find it a bit tongue in cheek to drink a british liquor to celebrate the day this country gained independence, but it's all in good fun)