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Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Cutesy Tuesday: Topshop Sindy Sandals

 

Hot Pink

TopShop Sindy Sandal ShoesNBoozeInspired by fashion from years gone by, you have timeless style, Polly Proper, and your shoe wardrobe shows it. Today, nod to the 1940s with a pair of classic pin-up-inspired peep toe sandals, like the Sindy by Topshop. The big satin polka dot bow conjures thoughts of a more innocent time, and the peep toe is sweetly sexy. Yet the 5 inch heel vamps them up to the current millenium. These pumps call for a pencil skirt, but they’ll also make a pretty pairing for your favorite jeans (rolled up, of course). Also don’t be scared to wear them with a lavender hoop skirt.

Tyku Superfruit Martini Shoes N Booze

When it’s time to slip off your white gloves and sip a spirit or two, you can’t get more classic than a martini. You like your drinks a little sweet, though, so try a TY-KU Superfruit Martini. With a wink, ask your bartender to mix 1 oz TY-KU Soju, 1 oz TY-KU Liqueur and a splash of cranberry juice. It’s less than 100 calories, so you’ll be able to keep that waistline trim. Oh, and though you may not taste a lot of alcohol, TY-KU is a bit of a prowler. It sneaks up on you, so stay ladylike and sip slowly.

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Spot- Light NYC: Pranna’s New Cocktail Menu

 

The Spice of…

033I recently attended an invite-only tasting for Pranna’s (79 Madison Ave, Manhattan) new Summer cocktail menu. Inspired by the Southeast Asian-influenced menu at the restaurant, cocktail consultant, Raphael Reyes created a lineup that infuses fresh ingredients and flavors from far-off places. There’s a little something for everyone, from cocktail connoisseurs to casual imbibers.

Those who are into sweet drinks will enjoy:

022Bison Leaves- Thai basil, fresh lemon juice, fresh pineapple, Hibiscus, Veev Acai Spirit, Zubrowka Vodka

Full bodied, but refreshing, this concoction’s fruity and floral flavors pretty much mask the taste of the alcohol. You definitely know it’s in there, though. The finish has almost a twinge of a licorice taste. All in all, it’s tasty and plays well with spicy dishes.

 

If you’re more of the crisp drink type, I suggest:

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Silver Obha- Shiso, yuzu juice, fresh lemon juice, fresh pineapple juice, agave nectar, Partida Tequila

The first word that comes to mind with this one is refreshing. It’s flavor is citrusy, summery and perfect for a hot afternoon… oh and it’s got quite a kick.

 

 

 

 

Prefer to taste the liquor in your cocktail? Try:

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Spiked Rabbit- Sage, agave nectar, lime juice, fresh carrot juice, yellow chartreuse, Combier Triple Sec, Milagro Silver Tequila

Don’t let the fact that it contains carrot juice scare you away. This cocktail is really delicious and slightly spicy. Still, it’s pretty light, so it’ll leave enough room for their falafel balls (YUM).

 

 

 

When you’re in the mood to sip something really spicy, order:

Pranna_Cocktails-18

Irish Kampai- Angostura Bitters, maple syrup, Benedictine, Yamazaki Whiskey, Michael Collins Whiskey

The most “manly” of the drinks I sampled, it’s strong, pronounced flavor is also quite pleasant. Ladies, if you want to impress the guys at the bar with your sipping savvy… order this one.

 

 

The best advice I can give you is to go and look at the entire menu (see it online here). You may see something appetizing that I didn’t mention here… if you do, please come back and recommend it to your fellow readers. I only listed 4 of 13, AND they have virgin drinks, too.

*NOTE: Irish Kampai photo by Abigail Ekue

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Cutesy Tuesday: Summer Solstice in Tabitha Simmons Striped Silk Sandals

 

Haute & Sweet

Tabitha Simmons Striped Silk Sandal ShoesNBoozeToday marks the official start of Summer, and far be it from you to not let your shoes reflect the occasion. Step out in something super summery, like a pair of seersucker sandals. These striped silk ones by Tabitha Simmons (available at MyTheresa.com) may feature a more luxe fabric than the southern summertime favorite, but they give off the same feeling of country club chic. The ruffle detail makes them southern belle-sweet, but the color combination and 4.5 inch heel spice them up. Wear them with khaki mid-length shorts and a white shirt for urban appeal, or pair them with a feminine frock and keep things cute.

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The fact that it’s the longest day of the year gives you plenty of time for outdoor sipping. I suggest starting off with something cool, slightly sweet and somewhat spicy, like the Partida Southern Heat. All-natural and made from 100% blue agave, Partida Tequila has a smooth flavor that provides the perfect base for the other ingredients. Plus any drink containing tequila says you’re ready for lots of summer fun. The spiciness of this cocktail, though, also says you’re a tough cookie. Just remember that you want to maintain enough composure to keep your pretty shoes in good condition… and that tequila is a bit stronger than some other spirits.

Recipe:

1.5 oz Partida Blanco Tequila

¾ oz Cointeau

1 oz fresh-squeezed lime juice

6 slices of cucumber skinned

2 to 3 slices of jalapeno

¼ oz simple syrup

Method:

In a mixing glass muddle the cucumber, jalapeno, lime juice and simple syrup. Add the ice, Partido Blanco Tequila and Cointreau. Shake and strain into an Old-Fashioned glass and garnish with cucumber slices.

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Much Ado about Shoes: FFANY June 2011

 

ffany01For shoe lovers such as moi, the FFANY Shoe Expo is like a style-savvy friend with whom we only chat every few months. When we do get together, however, it’s always a blast. Plus, she’s in the know and shares the inside scoop (but only if she trusts you). This year, many brands were wary of letting people take pictures (thanks to style thieves). However, I thoroughly enjoyed checking out some of my favorite brands’ interpretations of shoe trends for this and upcoming seasons. Here’s what I spied with my shoe-lusting eye (WARNING: Long post ahead):

Demure for Sure

In the coming season, things will stay pretty prim. With their bows, ankle straps and dainty details, ladylike looks balance out the rock-glam and menswear inspired looks that have dominated lately.(Clockwise: C-Label’s Arnie-2 (blue) and Peyton-12 (pink), ankle strap print sandal by Candela, Sandal with sparkly strap by Schutz)

C Label Arnie Shoes N Booze

C Label Peyton 12 ShoesNBooze

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Twinkle Toes

The sparkly shoe trend also seems to be sticking around for a while. You may remember a past post featuring Bordello Teeze  pump… Well lately, lots of brands have been offering slightly toned-down and smoothed out alternatives, and glam gals like me can’t get enough. (Left to right: Miss Me Vibe-2 pump, Charles David ankle strap glitter pump)

Miss Me Vibe-2 ShoesNBooze

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Fringe Binge

We’ve seen fringed footwear here and there lately, but for Fall 2011, it’s going to be in full force. (left to right: C-Label Dainty-5, Luichiny High Life.)

063C Label Dainty 5 Shoes n Booze 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stepping it Up

We’ve been walking tall for quite some time in platform peep toes, pumps and other styles. In the last couple of seasons, designers have kicked it up a notch with double platforms and semi-strippertastic styles. Shoe Fairy, I’ll take these, please! (Clockwise: Leopard lace up bootie by N.Y.L.A., Brea T-strap by Francheska, Tara tan tied sandal by Fever Shoes, Green Suede pump by Pour la Victoire, Tasha fuchsia sandal by Fever Shoes.)

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Block Party

Color blocking is HUGE for Summer 2011 and will continue to keep things fun in the coming seasons. (Clockwise: Color block ankle boot and multi-color sandal by Luichiny, Color block pumps, blue/ black platforms, pink/ red platforms from Charles by Charles David, pink/ orange pumps from Kelsi Dagger, blue/ green pumps by Schutz)

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Horse Play

The perfect luxe touch for fall, pony hair adds extra personality and texture to some of the upcoming season’s most chic styles. (Clockwise: black ankle boot by Luichiny, lace up booties by Pour la Victoire, splatter-look bootie by Plomo, Leopard print d’orsay pump by Charles David.

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Had enough? Want more? (I’ve still got a few waiting in the wings.. Think crazy wedges, snakeskin and ultra brights by brands like Jefferey Campbell, Schutz and Butter shoes.) Have a question about when/ where you can buy a pair you’ve seen here? Let me know!

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Booze News: Liquor.com’s First Ever NYC Cocktail Week

 

NYC Cocktail WeekCocktail connoisseurs, start your engines. Tomorrow marks the beginning of the first ever New York City Cocktail Week, presented by Liquor.com. Guests at some of the city’s hottest restaurants, including Red Rooster and 1534, will be able to purchase two drinks and one dish for $20.11 (wondering if it’ll be $20.12 next year). Proceeds will benefit City Harvest and The Museum of the American Cocktail (a place I MUST visit one day).

If you’re not in the New York area, but want to try a couple of the cocktails at home, take a crack at making one of these:

No Mames

Don Julio No Mames

Ingredients:
1½ ounces Don Julio Reposado Tequila
1 ounce Bärenjäger Honey Liqueur
3/4 ounce Fresh Lime Juice
½ ounce Pink Grapefruit Juice
3 sprays of St. Elizabeth Allspice Dram

Directions: Take chilled cocktail glass and apply the chipotle salt on half of the rim and spray the allspice dram inside. Put the rest of the ingredients into a mixing glass. Add large, cold ice and shake vigorously for 6 seconds. Strain into the prepared cocktail glass.

Pimm’s Cup

Pimm's Cup

Ingredients
2 ounces Pimm’s No 1
3/4 ounce Cointreau
3/4 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
3 thin cucumber wheels
6-7 fresh mint leaves
1 ounce ginger ale

Directions: Pour Pimm’s, Cointreau and lime juice into a Collins glass. Add cucumbers and mint. Fill with large cold ice and cover glass with a small shaker top. Shake briefly and top off with ginger ale.

Participating Restaurants:

1534, Death & Company, Daddy-O, Pranna, Employees Only, Fort Defiance, La Biblioteca de Tequila, Lani Kai, Macao Trading Co., Red Rooster, Respite, The Rum House, Rye, Vandaag, Pegu Club and Ward III.

For additional information, click here.

Saturday, June 4, 2011

Booze Book Review: Cosmo’s Official Cocktail Book

 

Sipping Sexy

Cosmo's Official Cocktail BookNot long ago, I was watching Today with Kathy Lee & Hoda (as I do almost every morning), and they were sampling drinks from COSMO’S OFFICIAL COCKTAIL BOOK: The Sexiest Drinks for Every Occasion (prepared by some of the sexiest bartenders in New York- see video HERE). As I envied their morning swill, I also made a mental note to purchase the book However, I didn’t have to. I was sent a complimentary copy to review!

Cosmo's Official Cocktail Book IndexI often refer to Cosmopolitan Magazine’s online drink guides for cocktails to pair with the shoes you see on this blog, and this book is a compilation of  their readers’ favorites. The first thing I noticed upon opening it was the Cocktail Recipe Visual Index. If you’re planning a party with a color theme, or want to remember the name of a drink that matches your new hot pink platforms, this feature makes it easy. In addition, it’s categorized by liquor type. I wish it was also indexed by occasion/ season, but that’s just because I’m spoiled. However, the recipes are broken down into six chapters, based on whether a drink is flirty, fun, fabulous, romantic, sweetly seductive or “What A Guy Wants.” Plus, there are cool tips and trivia throughout. For instance, some cocktail recipe pages also feature “Hook Him Hints,” while others include conversation starters or cool facts.

Cosmo's Official Cocktail Book QuizCOSMO’S OFFICIAL COCKTAIL BOOK also includes quick, fun quizzes (it wouldn’t be Cosmo without the quiz, right?). Upon taking them, you’ll find out whether you’re a “Hell Raiser” or “Party Pooper, ”Flirt Fanatic” or “Flirt Averse”, a “Way Brave Babe” or “Shrinking Violet.” If I had my druthers, each “type” would be matched with an example cocktail or two, but the quizzes were still fun to take. I’m sure everyone can guess where StyleScrybe rated.

Cosmo's Official Cocktail Book CourseThen there’s the “Cocktail Crash Course” toward the end of the book, which puts lots of useful information into digest form. From which glasses to use with which cocktail types, to a metric conversion chart and a Q & A with Belvedere Vodka’s head of Mixology, Claire Smith, this chapter may have your friends thinking you’ve taken a bartending course (or studied Shoes N Booze from day 1). You know how you look at drink recipes in restaurants sometimes and wonder WTH bitters are? Well the “Liquors Worth a Shot” section answers that question and more.

I’d say this book is worth its weight in rim sugar. Plus it looks great on your in-home bar. Whether you’re hosting a girls’ night in, pregaming before the club or trying to score big with a new beau, you’ll find something suitable in COSMO’S OFFICIAL COCKTAIL BOOK.

*NOTE: Photos, information and images Reprinted with permission from Cosmo’s Official Cocktail Book, by the Editors of Cosmopolitan Magazine, copyright 2011, Hearst Books.