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Thursday, July 28, 2016

Shoe News: Giuseppe Zanotti Collaborates with JLo on Capsule Collection

Mami in Giuseps...




Footwear News announced yesterday that Jennifer Lopez will be teaming up with one of her favorite shoe designers on a limited-edition capsule collection of footwear and handbags for Spring '17. Slated for a January release, Giuseppe for Jennifer Lopez will feature open-toe booties, gladiator heels and a pair of wedge sneakers (just when we thought the wedge sneaker was completely out)— many embellished with jewels or in luxe materials. Prices for #GiuseppeXJennifer will range from $795- $1,995, and the collection will be available at high-end department stores and via Giuseppe Zanotti Design stores.



While there are a few images of the prototypes floating around the web, we can't wait to see the actual collection. Can you?

Wednesday, July 20, 2016

Booze Clues: 5 Fun Facts about Rum

Hey Sugar!


Yesterday, we introduced our #TIPsyTuesday series on Instagram, twitter and Facebook, where we share information, tips and fun facts about wine, spirits and cocktails. Having recently enjoyed a wonderful afternoon of complimentary Appleton Estate Rum cocktails and Caribbean cuisine at New York's Solomon & Kuff Rum Hall while learning about the history and future of one of Jamaica's key exports, we figured rum would make a great starting point. If you missed our posts, here are the tidbits of trivia we shared (plus a couple of extras).


Sugar Cane at Appleton Estate for TIPsyTuesday on Shoes N Booze

As many of us know, sugar became a major crop throughout the southern United States and Carribean. (Unfortunately, the sweet stuff was also a key component of the transatlantic slave trade.) 

Rum was currency- TipsyTuesday facts on Shoes N Booze

Throughout history, rum, gin, whisky and  American whiskey have been used as forms of payment, even until the early 1900s in some places. (We still work for booze sometimes here, hehe.) Rum, especially, has been used to pay sailors, soldiers, farmers, day laborers and sometimes even slaves.

The origin of rum- TipsyTuesday on Shoes N Booze


We must say this was a happy accident. Had it not happened, there would be no such thing as a daiquiri, a mojito or a piña colada (and that would basically ruin summer).

Rum terroir is a key flavor factor- TIPsyTuesday on ShoesNBooze

Very often, spirits are produced in areas with a large presence of limestone because the trace minerals in the water impart a fresh, slightly sweet taste. That, in turn, means the spirit will also have a more pleasant flavor.

1 ton of sugar makes 360 bottles of rum- TIPsyTuesday Shoes N Booze

The byproducts and waste are mostly used to further fuel operations at the estate to ensure a more eco-responsible production process.

Joy Spence of Appleton Estate with the new 50 Year Old blend

Joy Spence, seen here with the newly unveiled Appleton Estate 50 Year Old, is the Master Blender at Appleton Estate and is also the first woman to be appointed Master Blender in the world (#blackgirlmagic).

Oh... we got to blend our own bitters at the event. Our mixture is currently resting in a cool, dry place, but stay tuned to our Instagram to see if we did a good job or not, and in the meantime, if you're in New York be sure to stop by Solomon & Kuff.

Shoes N Booze made its own bitters

Tuesday, July 19, 2016

Quick Sips: A Cocktail Recipe for National Daiquiri Day

Daiquiri, Easy as 1-2-3

Today is National Daiquiri Day. Although at this point there are various flavors and iterations of Ernest Hemingway's favorite cocktail, we're toasting with the original. According to the folks at Bacardi, the daiquiri was created in 1898 in Cuba by Jennings Cox and then introduced to the U.S.A. by Rear Admiral Lucius W. Johnson in the early 1900s at the Army & Navy Club in Washington, DC. While the modern daiquiri is often served in slush form, especially in New Orleans, here's how you make the original:

The Original Bacardi Daiquiri for National Daiquiri Day on Shoes N Booze

The Original BACARDÍ® Daiquiri
INGREDIENTS:
3 parts BACARDÍ Superior
1 part freshly squeezed lime
1 part simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water boiled until sugar has been diluted.)

METHOD: 
Put all ingredients into a shaker.  Fill with half cubed ice and half crushed ice.  Shake vigorously until chilled.  Double strain into a coupe or rocks glass.

Thursday, July 14, 2016

5 Fave Shoes from Ivy Kirzhner's Fall 16 Collection

Stars and Strikes


Not long ago, at the opening of the Bird Robot Heart art exhibit at Ivy Kirzhner's New York studio, we had a chance to not only preview the designer's SS '17 pre-fall collection (which we're not allowed to share yet), but also get up close and personal with her AW '16 collection. Inspired largely by 80s rock & roll decadence — namely the special dose of magic found in David Bowie's Ziggy Stardust— the collection features gleaming hardware accents on designs that mix Inuit influence and urban style sensibilities. We're enjoying high summer, but with an eye on fall, here are the pairs that put a twinkle in our eyes.
Ivy Kirzhner Lightning Pump
Lightning
We love the yellow gold accent and rose gold heel on this studded "Lightning" pump. In red, it's just over-the-top enough for all types of chic shenanigans. ($495 at IvyKirzhner.com)

Ivy Kirzhner Crane thigh-high boot
Crane
This "Crane" boot? Simply put, it's sex on a stiletto heel– from the thigh-high silhouette in stretch-nappa leather to the gold grommets and lace-up look that nods ever so sensually to S&M. The open toe is just the place to show off that new hooker-red pedi. ($795 at IvyKirzhner.com)

Ivy Kirzhner Stardust Boot
Stardust
A galaxy of stars and studs dance on an over-the-knee suede boot, creating a showstopping tribute to David Bowie's larger-than-life performance style. We'd wear this "Stardust" boot every day if we could. OK... we would never wear the same shoes every day, but you get the point. ($995 on IvyKirzhner.com)

Ivy Kirzhner Swiss Bootie
Swiss
When the temps actually drop, sometimes it's tough to keep things haute... unless you have the "Swiss" wedge bootie. Wild hare fur juts from between western-inspired studded straps on an almond-toe boot with a rose gold plaque at the heel. These'll be perfect for weekend brunch. (Not yet available)

Ivy Kirzhner Aztrakhan Boot
Aztrakhan
If ever there was a shearling boot for us, the "Aztrakhan" is it. A hidden wedge, edgy straps and an over-the-knee silhouette atop a lug sole? Yes, please! We may have finally found the perfect boot to wear to JETS games. (Not yet available)

If this is your first time hearing of Ivy Kirzhner, it most definitely won't be your last. She's a fave of your favorite fashion editors, and her shoes have been spotted on Beyonce, Nastia Liukin and a host of other celebrities. Oh yeah... she only uses ethically-sourced materials, so there's also that.

Wednesday, July 6, 2016

World Kiss Day Wednesday: Charlotte Olympia Mules & Pink Limoncello Cocktails

Maybe we Could do the Twirl


In case you didn't know, July 6th is International Kissing Day, or World Kiss Day. Established in 2006, the day celebrates the act of puckering up simply for the enjoyment of it and not just as a prelude to more frisky pursuits. Like the kiss, cocktails and hot shoes often lead to... cheeky activities. However, here, we enjoy fancy footwear and fun drinks simply for what they are, and our fave place to put our lips is the rim of a cocktail glass. Here's how we suggest acknowledging this lip-inspired day.

On Your Feet: Charlotte Olympia "Kiss My Feet" Mules

Charlotte Olympia Pink Lip-strap sandals
Let's be honest, if you opened a kissing booth, you'd make enough cash to cover a year's worth of designer shoes. That's not your thing, though. Nonetheless, leave people wanting to kiss the ground you walk on in a playfully sexy shoe, like this satin mule from Charlotte Olympia's Kiss and Make Up Collection. In must-wear silhouette for this season, the "Kiss My Feet" sandal features a dainty stiletto heal and a puckered lip-inspired front strap. Keep your look sweet with a flared skirt and flirty off-the-shoulder top or add some edge with frayed skinny jeans and a deep-v tee.

In your Glass: A LiDestri Pink Limoncello Summer Fling 

LiDestri Pink Limoncello Summer Fling cocktail
The best summer flings start with amazing kisses, don't they? They're sweet, intense, refreshing and powerful... just like this cocktail LiDestri Pink Limoncello cocktail by Delissa Reinosa. Here's the recipe:

INGREDIENTS:
1 part LiDestri Pink Limoncello
1 part Whiskey
1 part Orange juice
Splash of Grenadine
Club Soda topper

METHOD
Build over ice in rocks glass. Garnish with slice of orange and cherry.

Remember, like a casual romance, a cocktail can leave you with some pretty bad after-effects if not handled responsibly. Please enjoy this and all drinks in moderation. XOXO!

Do you have fun plans for World Kiss Day? We'd love to know! In the meantime... some options for the perfect pout print:



*All images are courtesy images.

Saturday, July 2, 2016

Shoes Clues: What to Wear Where on the 4th

Because #Murica


Got plans for the Fourth? Of course you do. Do you know which shoes to wear? Not yet? We've got you covered. Whether you're headed to a street festival, backyard bbq, firework display with your boo or a pool party (where you may meet a new boo), there is a red, white, and/or blue shoe here for you.

Poolside Pretty




Melissa Shoes High Heel Jelly Sandal


Pool party footwear is often tough to figure out. You want a bit of elevation, but a stiletto often feels a bit overdone. Wedges are great, but will they be ok if (when) you get splashed? That's why Melissa is our go-to brand for situations such as these. They're all plastic... so you get the functionality of jellies, and the added bonus of trend-right style. This T-strap sandal will look great with with your bathing suit, and it'll still work when it's time to dance after sunset. $59.99 at Amazon.

Night-Right


Jessica Simpson Basanti Lace-up Sandal

Fireworks are great, but you're more a fan of the sparklers on bottle service at the club. We dig it. You can still rock a patriotic theme without going full out flag-clad. This high-impact Basanti Sandal from Jessica Simpson combines this season's key trends- fringe, tassels, a lace-up front and an intricate print. All you need now is a sexy white top and distressed cut-offs. $149 at Amazon.

BYOB BBQ at the Park


United Nude Platform Sport Sandal

Grass, dirt, the possibility of spilled food... what's a girl to do when she's headed to a barbecue in the park and doesn't want to endanger her favorite white kicks? We suggest this sport-inspired Rico X Tech neoprene flatform from United Nude. It's got enough lift to keep the grass from tickling your toes, and the ankle strap will keep you secure should you decide indulge in an ill-advised game of drunken kickball.

Herschel Supply Co red white and blue tote

If you're wondering about the best way to transport your drinks and snacks without a cooler, Herschel Supply Co just launched a new collection of bags and hats in collaboration with Coca Cola. Rendered in a fabric created from recycled plastic bottles and insulated with a cooler lining, the bags keep your drinks cool won't leak in the off chance of a spill. The Bamfield Tote pictured is $79.

Food Truck Festival Finery


Red white and blue gladiator sandal by Jeffrey Campbell

You filled up on your favorite uncle's BBQ sauce (on chicken and fish and basically everything) on Memorial Day, so you've opted to spend Independence Day at a nearby food truck festival. That means LOTS of walking, tasting and day drinking. Woot! This demi-wedge Burma sandal from Jeffrey Campbell ($85) is the perfect shoe for you. In a patriotic color theme and this season's must have gladiator silhouette, it'll go perfectly with that kitschy graphic tee and those frayed-hem jeans.

Beach Vibes


Holographic sport slides

The Fourth of July is as good an excuse as any for fun in the sun and sand. The shoes? Opt for a trippy slide like the Stargazer from Fly Jane. The faceted metallic front strap kinda channels the rockets' red glare, no? Plus they'll still look cool for the rest of the summer even when you're not at the beach. $24 at shopflyjane.com

Family Cook-out Fun


Reebok x Kendrick Lamar Classics


When was the last time you jumped rope with your nieces and cousins? Maybe the day will be the day. Better wear sneakers just in case. Reebok recently teamed up with Kendrick Lamar again to create a limited-edition sneaker that brings the issue of gang violence to the forefront or public consciousness. The new rendition of the The Classic Leather just happens to be red, white and blue. Oh... and they come in sizes for the whole family, so if you and bae are into matching... here ya go. $65 at Ruvilla.com


Because Sparklers

Sequined Red white blue Converses

Baby you're a firework, and you show it every chance you get. You might as well be a star in stripes, right? Even if you don't have huge plans, these sequined Chuck Taylors will add a dose of fun to your day. $89.99 at Amazon.

Whatever you do to celebrate please do so safely and responsibly. XOXO.

*All images courtesy images. Shoes N Booze is an amazon affiliate. Purchases made by clicking amazon links will result in commission to Shoes N Booze.