Trend Talk: The Snakeskin Booties Our Editors Want RN

Snake your Booties

We're smitten with all the snakeprint shoes out this season, especially the black and white (or cream) ones. What was once an affinity became more of an obsession when we gave you guys the scoop on   block-heel ankle boots Kristin Cavallari wore this summer. Now there are SO many more options. and they run the gamut from low to high and stiletto to block heeled--not to mention the embellishments. Here are a mere few of the pairs we're currently craving:

Just Bead It

A quintessential silhouette-- the pointed-toe, stiletto-heeled bootie-- now with an extra does of cool, thanks to metal beads along the sole. This "Worthy" ankle boot from Steve Madden (available via Amazon for $139.95)  complements ripped vintage jeans, a folkloric maxi dress or something sleek and metallic. The key is to play around with prints and proportions.

Have a Moment of Transparency

It's a boot. Or is it a sandal? It almost looks like both (although, we advise you not to call it a "Shandalboot," lest you cause a scandal by stealing Tracee Ellis Ross's term for her favorite Stella Hues boots). However, this "Snake Away" bootie from Nasty Gal ($70) is actually an ankle boot with a mesh front. Rock this style barefoot, or go wild with sparkly socks (and please show us if you do).

Find a Unique Angle

One thing is clear- the perspex trend in footwear is still holding strong. If you're not into maintaining your pedicure when it's chilly out, but you still want to dip your toe into the trend, consider this "Turnaround" bootie from Ego Shoes ($56.99). It's clear wedge gives it the illusion of a gravity-defying feat.

Try a Dab of Ranch

Western looks are everywhere at the moment, and we love this high-heel "Homage" to urban cowgirls everywhere from Jeffrey Campbell ($185). With a pointed toe, slanted block heel and elasticized gore for slipping on and off, it's a lotta bit country and a little bit rock and roll. But really, it makes us want to jam to "Pony" by Ginuwine.

Strap Up

When the day calls for flats, we fancy this buckled bootie by Qupid (Available via ASOS for $51). Small studs accent the straps for extra edge. Wear these now with kick-flare trousers and a turtle neck, then bring them back out for the grunge takeover that's headed our way.

Fun Friday- Taylor Says Pumps and Pomegranate Margaritas

Yours. Mine. Ours!!!

Say it with me... Let's claim it together. Armed with resolutions, mantras, new planners and refreshed goals, we're ready to take on this puzzling thing called life. Your NYE hangover has been cured just in time for the freakin' weekend. What better shoe to express your current mood than one like this James Pump by Taylor Says, with its crossword puzzle print and filled-in words like "moxie," "art" and "babe" (because you're a total babe, and you know it). Oh... that puzzle print covers the outsole, too. Yay.

Taylor Says James Pumps: available at heels.com
V-neck sweatshirt: available at hm.com 
Blank Denim Skinny Boyfriend Jeans: available at piperlime.com
"This is my year" quote: found on Pinterest. Linked to La Dolce Vita blog

There may not be a better drink than a margarita to welcome the weekend. Since it's a new year, we're all thinking healthier thoughts, so why not try one that includes a superfruit? This Pomegranate Margarita we found on the blog at Threadsence.com looks pretty tasty. It's a concoction by Jessica of How Sweet it Is. Here's the recipe:

Ingredients:

2 ounces Grand Marnier

1 1/2 ounces Tequila
2 ounces pomegranate juice
2 ounce lime juice
1 1/2 ounces simple syrup
coarse salt for the rim
lime + pomegranate arils for garnish

Directions:

For simple syrup: combine equal parts sugar and water, bring to a boil and let sugar dissolve, then turn off heat and let cool completely.

Rim the ridge of your glass with a lime wedge and dip in margarita salt. Fill the glass with ice. In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, grand marnier, pom juice, simple syrup and lime juice with ice, and shake for about 30 seconds. Pour over ice and squeeze in extra lime slices. Add some pomegranate arils for decoration.

Fine Print: courtesy photos. Cocktail image via Threadsence. 

Shoe Preview: 5 Faves from Carolinna Espinosa Spring '15

#ShoeFact: Carolinna Espinosa uses memory foam cushioning in each shoe. This is apparently a major component in the brand's quest to create "the perfect shoe that is eye-catching, comfortable and sophistacated all at once."  For Spring/ Summer 2015, the creative directors found inspiration in a variety of places, especially fashion's current obsession with flowers and luxe embellishments. The result is a refreshing collection of feminine styles with dynamic accents. I recently visited the showroom for a preview, and these styles made my want list:

The line of pearls down the heel of this "Arabia" pump makes it look professional without looking too practical (because I have an aversion to most practical shoes, but I realize the importance of owning a classic pump).

A cute skimmer is another must— especially if you live, work or play in a city like New York. The jeweled pearl accent on this flat reminds me of a vintage brooch. I'd love these with some camo or leopard print skinnies for a little edge.

I'm a huge fan of snakeskin shoes. And florals. This "Celie" sandal combines the two and adds an architectural bridge detail at the heel. The metallic slilver and monochromatic color palette make it incredibly versatile too.

Another take on monochrome, this "Sandra" pointed flat has a subtle zipper accent. I don't usually like zipper embellishments, but this one manages not to look cheesy.

I said it on IG, and I'll say it again... my allergies prevent me from really enjoying flowers in real life. However, I do appreciate them on a shoe, especially in bright, pretty colors. I'm also big on baubles, so the jewels on this "pepper" sandal drive it right up my alley.

These and the rest of the styles in the collection will be available in February 2015 at price points between $195 and $275. Stay tuned for drink pairings! Do you have a favorite among these? Let us know in the comments!

Fun Friday: Charlotte Olympia Greta Pumps

Halloween Hauteness

You may not be able to wear your entire costume to work today, but you can dress your feet up. Feel like your job's a prison? Could it be that you're always mediating coworker clashes? Well, whether you're feeling like a prisoner or a referee, a pair of black and white striped pumps will say it all. These Greta pumps by Charlotte Olympia (available at LouisaViaRoma.com) are the trick and the treat! The black suede and white patent leather stripes will work with various costume ideas (and your fave LBD or black ankle length slacks... or whatever you choose!) The 5.5 inch chunky heel and 1 inch platform simultaneously add whimsy, chic and sex appeal. Plus, platforms tend to be more conducive to long nights on your feet... and whether you're bar-hopping, partying or participating in a costumed parade this weekend, I know you're planning to be on your feet for quite a while.

Halloween on a Saturday means more celebrating, and this weekend let your drink of choice be a Coconut Scream (recipe and image from GlobalGourmet.com). A combination of Malibu Cocounut Rum, Stolichnaya Vodka, Hiram Walker Triple Sec and a little lime juice, it's strong enough to give you a good buzz but also pleasantly sweet. Please know when to blow the wistle on your consumption, though. Shoes & Booze team members will be too busy enjoying the festivities to come bail you out of jail for any lewd behavior. (At least you'll have on your prison stripes already, though, right?)

Wild Wednesday: Roger Vivier May Peep Toes

Fly Sky High

After today, you can officially start counting down to Friday. Yay! That means you're THAT much closer to letting your flighty side take over (and we know that's really your FAVORITE side). You've been a serious Susie for the last two days, and it's killing you. Take a flight of fancy dedicated to your freer side in some heels like these May peep toes by Roger Vivier (available at MyTheresa.com). (Feathers are VERY in fashion this season, and they're on EVERYTHING!) These plume-printed satin pretties on a 4.5 inch heels say you appreciate the simple things but enjoy exciting twists. Oh, let's not forget how they also work with the black and white trend that's so in this year, too.

Since your mind is in the clouds today, you should let a Vanilla Cloud (recipe and image courtesy of amountainofcrushedice.com) take your taste buds there too. It's a creamy-looking combination of Beefeater gin, fresh lime juice, vanilla bean syrup and a little bitter lemon soda. (Most bars won't have the vanilla syrup for which the recipe calls, but it should still work with a vanilla liqueur.) The flavor is smooth, but it's still strong enough to "lift" you. That said, mind your intake. We wouldn't want you flitting off into some dangerous situation.