Wear or Beware? Chau Har Lee Shoes

What the Heel

We've seen pictures of Lady Gaga, Victoria Beckham and other style harbingers in heel-less shoes of towering heights by various designers. Well, here's an architecturally inspired pair I recently stumbled upon by Chau Har Lee. They've got the hidden platform and peep toe going for them (both seem to have become footwear favorites lately). They're also a neutral color. However, they're also a bit Judy Jetsonesque. Would/ Could you wear them? With what? To where?

Shoe News: Pour la Victoire & Kelsi Dagger Facebook Giveaways

Friendship has its Benefits

Two of my fave shoe brands, Pour la Victoire and Kelsi Dagger, are doing shoe giveaways via Facebook! See the images below for details (clicking them will take you to the brands' Facebook pages so you can "Like" them and enter). I'll be submitting my entries as soon as I can select a favorite pair (tough decision...). Good luck!

Don't Mess With Me Monday: Naughty Monkey

Going Ape

Mondays have a way of bringing out the crazy in all of us. Still, you manage to maintain some semblance of sanity. Let the loon in you show in shoes that are bananas (B-A-N-A-N-A-S). Blogger extraordinaire, Kitty Bradshaw, (who's seen her fair share of manic Mondays) submitted this pair of Naughty Monkey "Parade" sandals (available at Sissy in NY or via Amazon.com for $79.00). With their 4 inch polished cork-looking heel, side cut-outs and cheery yellow hue, they're definitely fun. However, the contrasting criss-cross straps add a little serious touch. Like you, though, they're super versatile and more neutral than they may seem. They'll go great with this season's military and safari inspired looks.

Toast the day's end with a "Bonbon of the Vanities" cocktail. According to the Intoxicologist, it combines Russian Standard Vodka, banana liqueur, peach liqueur, orange juice and grenadine. It'll be a tropically sweet way to cap off your crazy day. However, keep in mind that it's better to douse your sorrows than drown them. Too many may result in things going from tough to terrible. 

*P.S. If you have a pair of shoes for which you'd like a drink pairing, send an image and description. I'll be happy to hook you up.

Yours Shoely,

Me

-Cocktail Image Credit: The Intoxicologist Blog-

Wear or Beware? Acne Gemini Bootie

The Three Legged Shoe

Peep toes, ankle straps and a unique stiletto heel- sounds like the makings of a really hot shoe, right? Well, those words could also be used to describe the shoe boot above. However, I'll let you decide whether Acne's Gemini 1 Bootie from their S/S 2010 collection is haute couture or a hot mess. Would you pay $899 for them? Would you wear them?  If so, with what?

Wild Wednesday: Kathryn Amberleigh Zebra Print Pumps

Striped for the Picking

It's been said that you can always tell a zebra by its stripes. If that's true, most people will take one glance at you and see a wild streak. Just in case they don't notice, though, let a pair of animal print peep toed pumps set them straight. Kathryn Amberleigh's Zebra print pumps are the perfect accessory for navigating the concrete jungle. The cream and brown base has a calm air, but the sea foam leather accents add a bit of complexity. The best thing about this particular pair is their versatility. They'll easily go from work to play and can be worn with almost anything.

Get your "wild thing" on this evening while sipping a Green Eyes cocktail. It's a creamy, semi-sweet, tropical-tasting concoction of Midori Liqueur, Admiral Nelson Rum, coconut cream, lime juice and pineapple juice. I'm gonna suggest foregoing the pineapple garnish if you value your street cred, though. This drink is only 32 proof, so I'd say you can have a few. Just keep track of your straws or something so you don't get too wild.


Yours Shoely,

Me

Cutesy Tuesday: Matthew Williamson Satin Bow Shoes

Bow Chica Bow, Wow!

You enjoy wearing a nice strand of pearsl or two, but you're definitely not the type to clutch them at the idea of something naughty. Actually, you're more fun than your prim appearance would indicate. Give everyone a hint today in a pair of flirty shoes in a vivid hue- with huge bows if possible. A pair like these satin platform sandals ($810) from Matthew Williamson's Summer 2010 collection will definitely tip people off. The large, puffy bows at the ankles indicate a large dose of both femininity and whimsy, while the fuchsia color is a bit coy. Then, the 1 inch platform and 5.5 inch high heel provide a sexy boost. They'll look great with a tulip skirt (like Mango's Tulip Mini Skirt - available at S&B advertiser, Amazon.com).

If you're in the mood for a sweet drink this evening, opt for a Finlandia Vodka Mango Pomegranatini (photo & recipe via liquor.com). The name might be a tongue twister, but the combination of Finlandia Mango Vodka, pomegranate juice and Cointreau Orange Liqueur will be quite a treat for your taste buds. As you're enjoying the flavor, though, keep in mind that too many may actually have you slurring your speech or doing something that may make others clutch their pearls.

Don't Mess With Me Monday: Jil Sander Sculpted Pumps

Natural Strength

It's been said you have a quiet strength. You don't yell to get your point across or go out of your way to garner attention, yet you seldom go unnoticed. You're feeling a bit weary today, but you're resilient. A pair of shoes like this sculpted shoe by Jil Sander will pay homage to the fact that life's challenges only give you more character. The chiseled wood platform and slightly serrated edges of the upper give them a weather-worn look. However, the narrow, stilt-like metal heel is a testament to the balance between vulnerability and toughness. Still, the sandy color of the suede upper adds a softness to the shoes.

After work, when it's time to unwind and imbibe, ask the bartender for a Steel Helmet (photo & recipe by Colleen Graham of About.com). The combination of Effen Vodka, Kahlua Coffee Liqueur, milk and Galliano Liqueur has a flavor similar to a vanilla coffee milkshake. However, the hints of ginger and anise in the Galliano add a touch of spice. Just remember that too many Steel Helmets in your glass may leave you wishing you also had one for your head.

*P.S. If you like the idea of a wooden platform and an ankle strap, but you're not in love with the idea of spending $1,130 on a pair of shoes, check out Via Spiga's Odette Platform Sandal (available at S&B advertiser, Amazon.com).

Yours Shoely,

Me

Wear or Beware: Mihai Albu 12.2 Inch Heels

High Times

How tall is your highest heel? 4 inches? 5? Better yet, how high do you think you can go before toppling over or at least spraining an ankle? Romanian shoe architect, Mihai Albu, hopes you'll be able to go higher than 12 inches. He's banking on your ability to walk in 12.2 inch heels, to be exact (and pay $1525 for them). It's amazing the way the three platformed wedges are stacked- even if it's not all that attractive. If I had the extra money, I might be moved to purchase them as display pieces- but not to wear. Still, shoes are getting more and more ostentatious these days with their embellished heels, cutout wedges and stylistic quirks. What say you? Haute couture or hot mess? 

(Photo credit: Associated Press)

Sweet Sunday: Mother's Day in Gianmarco Lorenzi Satin Platforms

Mommy, Dearest...

You wipe runny noses, drive the carpool, sit through recitals and/ or wake up for midnight feedings. You do more in one day than many people do in a week, and like Victoria Beckham, you do most of it in towering stilettos. Today, you deserve flowers... not the kind that wither and die (and require effort on your part to keep alive), though. Instead, you're entitled to a floral pair of shoes. These satin Gianmarco Lorenzi platforms are like a corsage for your feet... and then some. With a needle thin 5.1 inch heel, 1.5 inch platform, they say you have no intentions of running around today. Instead, you'll strut, and the royal blue color, combined with the magenta and blue florettes will have all eyes on you.

Though you'd normally drink mimosas at brunch, replace them with Wild Hibiscus Sea Urchins today (recipe & image by Danielle Tatarin via inovision.ca). The name may sound odd, but there's nothing fishy about the taste of this cocktail made from Van Gogh Vodka, Campari, Hiram Walker Blue Curacao, lime juice, soda water, honey foam and Wild Hibiscus syrup. It'll be semi- sweet, a bit floral and a tad bit tart. Send the kids out with family members and sip away all day. Remember to hydrate, though, because tomorrow's back to the normal chaos.


Happy Mother's Day!


Yours Shoely, 


Me

Shoe News: DSW's Union Square Challenge

Love for Free

Here's the scoop: every Wednesday in May, DSW will give away 10 free pairs of shoes! You have to work for them, though, and you can only win if you're in NYC (and a Facebook fan of DSW). Each Wednesday during the Union Square Challenge, they'll ask you to find one of their posters in the 14th Street Union Square Terminal. Then you'll have to take a picture of yourself in front of it and post it to their Facebook wall. The first 10 people to post will get free shoes! (They'll go by the timestamp, so every second counts.) For more information, visit the official DSW website. (Image via the DSW Facebook Page)

Don't Mess With Me Monday: ASOS TOTAL Leather Gilly Shoes

Peachy Keen

No matter the weather, you're usually in pretty high spirits- even on Mondays. However, you know others aren't always so fortunate in the mood department. Remind everyone that things are dandy in a pair of happy-looking shoes, like the "Total" shoe boot from ASOS. With gilly-inspired laces, neutral tones and spectator styling, they have a serious air, but the bright peachy pop makes them fun.  Then, the 1 inch platform adds comfort, and the 5 inch stacked heel dresses them up.

This evening, when it's time to unwind, sip on a Corkscrew (recipe and image via ohgo.sh). It combines 10 Cane Rum, dry vermouth, creme de peche and lime juice to make a refreshingly sweet cocktail. The dry vermouth will add a little kick, though. Still, remember not to drink too many, or Tuesday's mood may not be so bright.