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Sunday, May 31, 2015

Cheers to a Cause: Negroni Week



Negroni Week Description- drink for your cause


Did you know that Negroni Week starts tomorrow? For the third consecutive year, Imbibe Magazine and Campari are joining forces to raise money for charities around the world while also celebrating a popular cocktail. June 1 - June 7 participating restaurants and bars will donate $1 from the sale of every negroni or negroni-themed item to a charity of their choice. Campari will also donate $10,000 to the charity chosen by the bar or restaurant that raises the most money.

If you've never had a negroni, it has a strong flavor that's a little sweet, a little bitter (like grapefruit) and a bit spicy. It's often consumed as an aperitif, but it can be enjoyed anytime. This year, there are There are more than 3000 participating locations across the country with some pretty creative options available, like Negroni Popcorn (Perbacco, SF), Negroni Creamsicle Ice Cream (Tipsy Scoop, NY) and Negroni Mignonette with oysters (Cockscomb, SF).

For a complete listing of participating locations check HERE.

While you decide which item you'll try first, here's how you make a basic Negroni (via Imbibe Magazine):

Classic Campari Negroni Ccktail

INGREDIENTS
1 oz. gin
1 oz. Campari
1 oz. sweet vermouth

METHOD
Stir ingredients in a mixing glass with ice, strain into a chilled cocktail glass (or ice-filled double rocks glass) and garnish with orange peel. 

Saturday, May 30, 2015

Shoes Clues: 5 Comfort Sandals We Actually Wanna Wear

Walk This Way


Dear Reader,

I've never been a fan of sensible shoes as a category, however I've always loved certain styles that fall under that umbrella (Sebago boat shoes, Bass Weejuns and Bucs and Dr. Scholls Original Sandals). When normcore became an actual fashion term, and Birkenstocks became de riguer, I feared it was a bad omen. To my surprise, the movement has lead to some pretty cool takes on what I like to call "the granny sandal." Now that the weather has gotten walk-around friendly, here are a few choices that look AND feel great on casual days:

Dr. Scholls Original Sandals- Metallic

Dr Scholls Silver Classic Platform Sandal

As stated above, I've loved classic Dr. Scholls sandals since childhood. What you may or may not know is that I am also a magpie. So this shiny silver flat definitely put a twinkle in my eye. Bonus points for the "anatomical footbed." ($88.00 at Lord & Taylor)


Vionic Tatian Sandal- Leopard


Vionic orthotic leopard comfort sandal


Vionic shoes feature podiatrist-designed "Orthaheel Technology" that helps realign the feet to the proper position after wearing heels and shoes with no arch support. Luckily, for us, this jeweled leopard print calf-hair sandal manages not to look like an orthotic sandal. ($119.95 at Vionicshoes.com)


Worishofer 251 Sandal- Iridescent


Worishofer metallic slide sandal


Previously only seen on members of the geritol generation, Worishofer sandals earned their cool cred a year or two ago when celebs like Maggie Gylenhal and Kiersten Dunst were spotted wearing them. They didn't make their way onto my want list, though, until they appeared in metallic purple (which is now in my closet) and iridescent pink (which is on this summer's to-buy list). ($59.99 at Amazon.com)


Crowne Comforteur Brilliant Sandal- Snake


snakeprint thong comfort sandal

Gladiator-inspired with chunky straps, this sandal by Crowne Comforteur lives up to its name. It's casual, versatile and it has a specially-made footbed that cradles the arch and cups the heel. This might be the perfect city-walking shoe. ($119.95 at lorisshoes.com)


Matt Bernson Love Sandal- Gold


Matt Berson metallic thong sandal

A simple silhouette. A memory foam insole. This metallic thong sandal from Matt Bernson is way more refined than a regular flip-flop. Yet, it would still work with jeans or cutoffs. Grab & pack it for vacation. Wear it all summer. ($139.00 at MattBernson.com)


Which pair could you see yourself wearing, and where will your comfy-cool sandals take you this weekend?

Yours Shoely,

Nafeesa (StyleScrybe)

*Courtesy images. Shoes N Booze is an Amazon affiliate and earns commission on purchases made via links on this blog.

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Shoes N Booze News: Co-hosting the Limelight Shops Anniversary Party

Party! Party! Party!




See a familiar face (or at least a familiar logo) in the flyer above? Yup, Shoes N Booze founder/ editor, Nafeesa Saboor (AKA StyleScrybe) will be cohosting the Keds x Shwinn 1 year anniversary party for the Limelight Shops in NYC. She'll be joined by Aileen Olmedo of The Style Boro, Sonia Evers of The Not Vanilla, Johnnybell Sanches of NY Trendy Moms and Lynn Do of Neckbreakin' Style. We hear there will be opportunities to win cool stuf, lots of shopping and drinks courtesy of Skinnygirl. Hope to see you there! Click HERE to score your invite.

Tuesday, May 26, 2015

For your Boozy Book Club: You Deserve a Drink by Mamrie Hart

You Deserve It


You Deserve a Drink by Mamrie Hart


When the introduction to a book informs you that said book has a written-in drinking game, you know you're in for trouble... and a good time. Youtube star and avid drinker, Mamrie Hart's "You Deserve a Drink: Boozy Misadventures and Tales of Debauchery" (released today by Plume Books and available at Amazon.com for $12.57) clearly takes its title seriously. Before delving into the collection of drinking and hangover stories, readers are instructed to take a drink whenever Hart references an old television show, talks about a food product that could be purchased at 7-Eleven or uses a slang term for a reproductive organ (consider yourself warned. She does a good amount of all three). Additionally, each tale comes with its own cocktail recipe. (Either take small sips, or be prepared for drunkenness around page 12.)  Here are our top 5 reasons to start  a boozy book club and make YDAD your first book to read (in no particular order and typed while sipping a bloody mary):


  1. The lesson in Chapter 1: After a drunken night leads to a chipped tooth and a life wake-up call. Hart comes to the hard realization that hard-partying friends may not be her best bet. "Sometimes, the person you've got to protect yourself from the most is yourself."
  2. Topless Tuesdays: Mamrie had always wanted to start some kind of club. After any failures, she finally got it right in college with Topless Tuesdays. They eventually had their own official membership acceptance protocol. First thing about this: a club that encourages a liberation from social constructs is crazy cool. Second, the idea of a group of folks gathering once a week to enjoy the act of learnign something new is totally kick-ass.
  3. The writing is pun-in-a-million. (Mamrie, we hope we did you proud with that one.) Seriously, though, if you love a good pun the way the SNB squad does, you will get a kick (or 5) out of this book. Seriously... all types of pun envy over here. Mamrie Hart is the queen of puns.
  4. Quickshots!: No complex cocktail recipes. Only instructions to take a reader's-choice shot- straight and a few abbreviated anecdotes. Call it drinkers' digest.
  5. No need to read in sequential order. Seriously, with this book you can jump around. (90s music reference. Pretend I'm talking about TV and take a drink!) Since the stories aren't in sequential order, you (and your book club) can litterally skip from chapter 1 to chapter 10 and back to chapter 4 (depending on what cocktail ingredients are readily available on when you meet on Topless Tuesday). See what we did there?
Now that you have our top 5 reasons, please excuse us while we chat with Mamrie for a bit.

Mamrie, first off, we can't wait until we can swap troll stories with you... actually we can't wait until we actually have trolls instead of just spammers. (You're nobody 'til somebody hates on you, right? Secondly, do we drink when there are references to old movies as well as old TV shows? Lastly, in the first "Quickshots" chapter, you instruct us to take a shot, and then two lines down, you insert a trigger word. For that, dear friend, we are tempted to affectionately call you a trigger word. All jokes aside, dear, thanks for sharing your debacles with us. They help us see we're not alone, and if we keep a sense of humor about things, they might just turn into a dope ass book.

Monday, May 25, 2015

Memorial Monday: Converse All Star Wedges & Tequila Cabeza Cocktails

A Toast to Fallen Soldiers

Barbecues, parties, drinks and the unofficial start of summer. These are the things that come to mind when many people think of Memorial Day. How many stop to consider that the holiday was actually created to honor those died while serving in our armed forces? No matter one's opinions about war and this country's practices therein, I hope you'll take a moment and express gratitude to those who have perished so that you and I may enjoy those freedoms and privileges we do have. Now... what to wear and drink today.

On Your Feet:


Converse Chuck Taylor Wedge Sneakers

It's the last day of the long weekend, and you're probably ready to go pretty low-key. Nonetheless, there are day parties and rooftop celebrations to attend. Flats? No. Wedge sneakers are the move... even better if they look patriotic like this Chuck Taylor All Star Lux sneaker by Converse ($70.00 at Converse.com)

In Your Glass:


Tequila Cabeza red El Diablo Cocktail

It is possible to be grateful for soldiers and their sacrifices while believing that war is something of the devil. So today, when it's time to have a drink, have an El Diablo

El Diablo


INGREDIENTS:
13⁄4 oz Tequila Cabeza
3⁄4 oz crème de cassis de Dijon
1⁄2 oz fresh lime juice
1 oz ginger beer
1 lime wheel, for garnish

METHOD:
Build the drink in a collins glass over ice. Pour the tequila, lime juice and ginger beer and finish with crème de cassis. Garnish with a lime wheel.

Sunday, May 24, 2015

Booze Clues: 5 Cocktails to Serve at Your Memorial Day BBQ

To Long Weekends...


You're the one in your crew who always knows what to drink (because you read this blog, of course). That's why you're in charge of cocktails at today's barbecue. If you're still wondering what will wow the crowd, here are a few suggestions. From sweet, girly drinks to complex ones that even the guys will love, we have you covered.

Sandra Lee Cocktail Time Strawberry Lemonade (Makes 1 cocktail)


Sandra Lee Cocktail Time for Memorial Day


INGREDIENTS 
Ice cubes
2 ounces strawberry lemonade
1 ounce ginger ale
Sliced lemons
Sliced strawberries

METHOD 
In a small mason jar, combine Sandra Lee Cocktail TimeTMKey Lime Margarita, strawberry lemonade, 1 ounce ginger ale, sliced lemons, ice, and sliced strawberries.


Basil Hayden's Spiced Blueberry Punch 

Created by Debbi Peek (Louisville, KY) (Recipe serves 4-5)

Basil Hayden's Bourbon Memorial Day Cocktail


INGREDIENTS
4 parts Basil Hayden's® Bourbon
8 parts Blueberry Juice
8 parts Passion Fruit Juice
Sparkling Wine or Club Soda
15-20 Fresh Mint Leaves
1 bag Frozen Blueberries, for ice ring 

METHOD
Add Basil Hayden’s® Bourbon, blueberry juice, passion fruit juice and mint leaves to a medium sized punch bowl and stir. Add blueberry ice ring*. (See recipe below.) Serve in a cocktail glass and top with club soda or sparkling wine. 
*Blueberry Ice RingFreeze one bag of frozen blueberries with water in a bundt cake pan.Dip frozen ring into hot water for a few seconds to unmold.Place in punch bowl with blueberry side up.


Deleón Platinum Pina


Deleon Platinum Tequila Memorial Day Cocktail


INGREDIENTS
1 oz. fresh pineapple juice
½ oz. fresh lime juice
1 dash of jalapeño syrup

METHOD 
Shake and strain over the rocks in a rocks glass. Garnish with a slice of jalapeño.


Knob Creek Rye Blackhawk


Knob Creek Rye Memorial Day Cocktail


INGREDIENTS
2 parts Knob Creek® Rye Whiskey
1 part DeKuyper® Sloe Gin
1 maraschino cherry for garnish

METHOD
In a mixing glass half-filled with ice cubes, combine the whiskey and gin. Stir and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a cherry.

Captain Morgan Palomaloha

(serves 1)

Capain Morgain Grapefruit Rum cocktail for Memorial Day


INGREDIENTS
1.5 oz. Captain Morgan Grapefruit Rum
Juice of ½ lime
Grapefruit soda to top

METHOD 
Fill tall glass with ice. Pour in Captain Morgan Grapefruit Rum, lime juice and grapefruit soda. Garnish with grapefruit wedge.

Saturday, May 23, 2015

Shoes Clues: Wear These to Memorial Day Barbecues

Jelly. No Roll.


You've got your Memorial Weekend barbecue schedule lined up perfectly so that you get this friend's divine bbq chicken right when it comes off the grill and that friend's delicious pie before her greedy relatives arrive. You also know where to be as the sun starts setting (because that's when #baewatch starts). Here's the question, though: what are you wearing on your feet? Flats are cool, but do you REALLY want to blend in THAT much? If you wear heels, and it turns out that you're walking in grass or near a pool, it could spell disaster (ankle roll, anyone?). Enter the wedge sandal (and its cousin, the chunky heel) — sturdy, versatile, and just the right ratio of laid-back to glammed-up. If you opt for jellies, it's even better... think spilled sauce, splashed drinks and possibly puddles near the pool. Here are a few we're crushing on this weekend:

Steve Madden x Iggy Azalea Hi Top Jelly Sandal


Steve Madden x Iggy Azalea Hi Top Jelly Sandal

Whether you're channeling 90s cool or rocking a festival-inspired look, this jelly sandal is the option for you. The heel is 4.5 inches, but there's a 1 inch platform, so your foot is at an incline that allows for nimble steps. ($109.95 at Amazon.com)

BCBGeneration Casper Wedge Sandal


Wedge Sport Sandal Steps up the style of Tevas

Going for a patriotic look? A red shoe makes a great finisher, and this one ups the ante of the ubiquitous sport sandal trend. (Teva, who?) Yeah, it has a 4.9 inch heel and a 1 inch platform, but it also has grips on the sole to ensure steady steps. ($89.99 at macys.com until 5/25, after which they're back up to $110.00)


United Nude Apollo Hi Wedge Sandal


United Nude mixed-media wedge sandal

If you're into modern minimalism, this sandal captures your aesthetic perfectly with its futuristic vibe. You may want to reserve this option for locations with paved surfaces, though, because the 2.2 inch platform can make it a little more difficult to steady your steps on uneven turf. On the other hand, that platform almost neutralizes the 5 inch heel, making this shoe a stand-all-day, dance-all-night style. ($239.00 at unitednude.com)

Bamboo Jelly Wedge Sandal 


Bamboo Jelly wedge sandal

Punctuate your look with a bit of shimmer in this glittery gold sandal. The coolest thing about it? The glitter won't rub off because it's embedded in the rubber. The simple styling of this wedge means you can dress it up with something frilly or go lowkey with cut-offs and a tee. I don't see nothin' wrong with a little up & shine, do you? ($21.99 and available in lots of other colors at amazon.com)

Melissa Flip Sandal


Melissa rubber wedge sandal

Mostly matte with a little shine and an architectural look, this semi-wedge is probably the most grown-up option. For a chill vibe, wear with cuffed jeans. For something more refined, slip into your favorite maxi dress. ($77.50 at Melissa.com)

What will you be wearing on your feet this weekend?

Friday, May 22, 2015

Fun Friday: Becki Coakley Sandals & a Cute Cosmo

... And Red Allover


On Your Feet: 


Red Cutout Sandal with Ankle Strap

Happy Memorial Weekend! Let's all take a moment to pause in gratitude to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Now, let's talk about what shoes you'll be wearing tonight when it's time to step out. I say celebrate the unofficial start of summer in a pair of hot red sandals. Strappy on one side, and solid on the other, this Tanaia hybrid sandal by Becki Coakley ($575 and available HERE) is the perfect style to signal changing seasons. The 4-inch stiletto heel complements those calf muscles you've been working on, and the dainty ankle strap has a great elongating effect.

In Your Glass: 



When it's time to toast the end of yet another week, sip something strong and sweet. If you normally drink the classic Cosmopolitan, maybe this time order your spirits by name at the bar (or select something new for your pregame session). This version features One80 Vodka, a small-batch corn-based spirit produced in Denver, CO (and of which Becki Coakley is the co-founder). Here's the recipe:

INGREDIENTS
2 ounces of One80 Vodka
1 ounce of Combier (orange flavored liqueur)
1 ounce of peach schnapps
3 ounces of cranberry juice
½ ounce of lime juice
Ice

METHOD
Pour One80 VodkaCombier, cranberry juice, lime juice into a cocktail shaker over ice. Roll the shaker gently for 20 seconds. Do not shake- this will cause the mixture to froth. Strain into a chilled martini glass.

Saturday, May 16, 2015

Beauty & Booze: Hairstyle & Cocktail Pairings by Ursula Stephen

Let's Go Through the Motions *Sponsored Post


Your Saturday schedule: boozy brunch, a disco nap, prep, primp and then hit the streets. While you're deciding which killer heels you'll wear and whether you want your look to be flirty, fierce or a bit of both, pregame with a cocktail or two. Whether you're feeling spicy and feisty, fun and fearless or polished and pretty, the Style & Create collection from Motions Hair can help you achieve the look you want. Celebrity stylist and Motions brand ambassador, Ursula Stephen has provided tips for tasty sips and flawless dos.

Ursula Stephen's hair style tips and cocktail pairings

Which cocktail do you like to sip while you get glam? (If you're using motions, post a pic on Instagram & use the hashtag #DoYou)

Wednesday, May 6, 2015

Guest Post: Claudia Mora Reviews "From Stilettos to the Stock Exchange"

The Right Steps


Here at Shoes N Booze, we're all about women following their dreams and creating not only the businesses, but also the lives they desire. With that in mind, I invited one of my favorite serial entrepreneurs, Claudia Mora, to review a complimentary copy of Foot Petals founder, Tina Aldatz's new book, From Stilettos to the Stock Exchange: Inside the Life of a Serial Entrepreneur. Mora was hooked at first glance, so much so that she read it twice just to make sure she absorbed all the personal lessons and business tips possible. "Not only does Tina give us an in-depth, front row seat to the trials and tribulations she has endured in her personal life, she also gives us the big sister, business mentor, 'learn from my mistakes' inside scoop on how to start and run a business," says the pubilicist, salon owner and leader of the League of Extraordinary Latinas.

From Stilettos to the Stock Exchange Book Cover


 Here are her top five takeaways from the 164-page tome. 
  1. Never let  your current situation dictate your future. — Tina Aldatz grew up with a law-breaking, drug-addicted father and an alcoholic mother who never seemed to stay in one place long enough to build stable friendships. Nonetheless, Tina turned her life around in a way most would think impossible. Throughout her journey to success one thing remained, her love and loyalty to her family. Never holding any grudges or resent for her parents' issues, she remained the rock for her family and still managed to navigate the journey to success. Ms. Aldatz said it best - "I cannot express enough how one must not be deterred by the hand life deals them, as even the most unpromising spread still has the potential of winning the game if it is played right." With hard work, dedication, determination and most importantly, self confidence, anything is possible.
  2. There really is always a silver lining. Find it. — At a young age, Tina was at the beach with her family. Playfully running after her aunt, Tina's feet sunk into the scorching sand and she ended up with third degree burns and was wheelchair bound for six months. Because of her resulting sensitive foot soles, Tina was a huge consumer of insoles for her shoes. She had a separate pair for each pair of heels she owned. One day, on a date, her insoles slipped out and her date exclaimed 'Ewwww'. Indeed, these insoles were tragic looking. That very night, Tina came up with the idea that would change her life forever and make her a millionaire... Foot Petals. You might not understand the reasoning behind some of the events in your life right away, but at some point along your journey, you realize why they happened.
  3. Bartering in Business is Smart Business. — Tina knew she was onto something big but lacked a budget and had already spent her start-up money on production, this is where she learned the art of bartering. Tina used her resources and relationships to barter the services she needed. A friend of hers was starting up her own boutique PR firm but didn't have a place to stay. Tina offered her a rent free living in return for PR for Foot Petals. She offered 5 percent of her company to her graphic designer in return for her services. Tina knew her company would be successful, so losing a bit in the beginning meant nothing to her. In business, you sometimes need to lose, to win. Tina always envisioned the bigger picture.
  4. Mother knows best... most of the time. — Tina's mother wasn't necessarily the best role model for a child to have, but one thing she did do was instill a certain confidence in Tina that would help her throughout her life. Her mother always made sure to tell her: "You are smart. You are pretty. You can do what others do, but better." Tina carried these words with her and truly believed them. She understood that confidence is key, and along with resilience and determination, nothing could (or did) get in the way of Tina accomplishing her goals. In business, a confident person controls the room, the confidence exudes from your person and you are automatically trusted. Tina's confidence in herself and her business saved Foot Petals from failing when she took a flight to Remington Corporation and secured a partnership with the production company. She said in the book, "I have exactly negative $332 to my name. I haven't been paid in six months. I have taken care of three family members, including my father. For the past three weeks, I've lived on beans, rice and tortillas. Sometimes tequila... There is nothing that I wouldn't do to make this company a success."
  5. Tequila - The Latina Entrepreneurs drink of choice. — The go-to celebration drink for Tina, and quite honestly, for myself is Tequila! Tina celebrated the "Grade A" Self Magazine review with Tequila, the partnership with Remington Corporation with Tequila and created a company culture with Tequila, she introduced Margarita Fridays to the Foot Petals team. It is truly important to celebrate your successes and the team that supports you toward them. Why not with Tequila?!
From Stilettos to the Stock Exchange: Inside the Life of a Serial Entrepreneur was recently released by Apparel Insiders Publishing. Click HERE to purchase a copy. 

What's your favorite drink for celebrating successes? What's one main phrase your repeat to yourself during tough times?

Tuesday, May 5, 2015

Booze Clues: 5 Cinco de Mayo Sippers

Party! Fiesta! Forever! 


It's Cinco de Mayo, which has basically become "Cinco de Drinko" in the US. (FYI: Cinco de Mayo does NOT commemorate Mexico's Independence. Instead, it celebrates the Mexican army's unlikely 1862 defeat of French forces at the Battle of Puebla.) While some will enjoy drinks at their favorite bars, others will keep things a little more lowkey and toast at home.  If you're among the latter group, here are some drinks you might want to try (don't worry. They're not all margaritas):

Riazul Plata “Nuevo Manhattan” – created by Leo Robitschek



INGREDIENTS:
½ oz Punt e Mes

METHOD:
Stir and Strain into a coupe


Victory- Available at Toca Madera, Hollywood:



INGREDIENTS:
Throw 10-12 leaves of fresh mint in highball
.75oz lime juice 
.25 simple syrup

METHOD:
Build ingredients in tin. Shake and strain into highball. Top off with ice. Add four dashes of the chile arbol infused Peychaud bitters. Garnish with mint sprig. 

Petal Pistol from Lock & Key Social Drinkery (Named the best margarita in LA)



INGREDIENTS:
1oz Blanco tequila
.5oz hibiscus infused apple jack
.75 lime
.25 simple syrup
1 dash Aztec chocolate bitters

METHOD:
Salt the rim of a rocks glass. Build ingredients over Tajun Ice.

For those counting calories: 


Parrot Bay Margarita with Coconut Water



Refrigerate can of Parrot Bay Margarita. Serve over ice. (150 calories)


2 Skinny Drunks Classic Margarita



INGREDIENTS:
1 Ounce Premium Tequila

METHOD:
Shake ingredients with ice. Pour over ice into a rocks glass. Garnish with a lime.