Heart and Sole: How to Shoe Shop & Help Beat Breast Cancer

Breast Cancer Awareness initiatives have attracted lots of controversy in recent years, especially the ones that donate partial sales of certain items to research organizations or charities. It's hard to sort through them all to find which ones are trustworthy. Members of the Shoes N Booze team have lost loved ones to Breast Cancer and have also gotten to keep loved ones who survived the disease thanks to research and new medical developments.  That said, we hope the following offers are good ones... plus you get cute shoes.

Nine West's 3 Ways to Support the Cause

Nine West teamed up with Fashion Targets Breast Cancer, the nonprofit division of the CFDA that strives to provide women with reliable health information and quality care to fight and prevent breast cancer. They provide 3 options:

1. Shop: Nine West will donate $25 to FTBC for every $125 you spend from October 15-21.
2. Upload: Nine West will donate $10 (toward their $275,000 goal) whenever you upload a pic of you wearing blue shoes to twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #9WFTBC.
3. DONATE

Unfortunately, Nine West's limited-edition blue suede NW♥FTBC pump is sold out online. Because there's no denying the importance of blue suede shoes. I mean, Elvis sang an entire anthem to them!

Shoes of Prey's Pink Hope

For every order of pink shoes made during the month of October, Shoes of Prey will donate $25 to Breast Cancer Awareness (Bright Pink in the US, Pink Hope in Australia and Breakthrough in the UK). The best part? The fact that YOU get to design your shoes. 

QVC Presents FFANY Shoes on Sale

Shop a specially curated selection of styles donated by some of your (and our) favorite designers (they're 50% off the suggested retail price), and 80% of the purchase price will go toward breast cancer research and education (Click here for the entire collection). Over the last 11 years, FFANY has donated $45 million to various research and care programs (click here for this year's beneficiaries).

Schutz Shoes "Pinktober" Pumps

When you purchase a pair of these hot pink nubuck Caiolea pumps (dubbed "Pinktober") during the month of October, Schutz will make a donation (they don't specify how much) to National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.  There aren't a lot of details on this one... shop at your own discretion.

We suggest doing a bit of your own research before choosing where to put your dollars. Your heart may be in the right place, but if you want your money to do more than feed your wardrobe, double check. 

Cutesy Tuesday- BCA Month: Milk and Honey Breast Cancer Awareness Shoe

 

Cutesy for A Cause

 

You’ve always been known for your compassion, and because you realize how many women are affected by Breast Cancer each year, the cause is near and dear to your heart (literally and figuratively). You’re also quite the girly girl, so it’s no surprise that pink is a staple color in your closet. Well, here’s a chance to put the two together. When you buy Milk & Honey’s Breast Cancer Awareness shoe, 100% of profits go to the Karen Dove Cabral Foundation, a not-for-profit foundation dedicated solely to helping young women with breast cancer as they struggle to coordinate the daily challenges of their treatment and their “real lives”. Designed by MarieClaire.com site director, Abby Gardner, the “Pretty in Pink” leather shoe has a raspberry suede 4 inch heel, half inch platform, cap toe and T-strap. They’re about as classically feminine as a work shoe can get.

Since you’re feeling prim today, sip a Pink Lady (image & recipe via The Hostess with The Mostess) at happy hour. Cocktails featuring egg whites and other classic ingredients are increasingly popular these days, so you may get a cool point or two from your bartender. If you happen to be placing your order with a newbie, sweetly instruct him or her to shake and strain 1.5 oz Beefeater Gin, 1 teaspoon grenadine, 1 teaspoon light cream and 1 whole egg white into a chilled cocktail glass. Don’t forget to wink when you tip.

 

Technorati Tags: Breast Cancer,pink shoes,pink cocktails,Milk and Honey Shoes,Marie Claire

Booze News: Betsey Johnson & Chambord Partner to Beat Breast Cancer

 

Hat Attack

 

 

 

 

 

It seems 2011 is the year of the hat. For the last few weeks we were all wondering who’d wear what topper to the Royal Wedding. Once the event occurred, the hats worn by attendees got as much media coverage as the newlyweds (see here and here). And now, with the Kentucky Derby only a few days away, our attention is once again turned upward. Chambord Liqueur and Betsey Johnson have teamed up to create three one of a kind signature Derby hats. Two will be auctioned off- one on BiddingforGood.com from April 26- May 7, with 100% of proceeds benefitting the National Breast Cancer Coalition, and the other on Chambord’s Facebook page. One lucky gal (or guy) will win the third. For more details and your chance to win, visit and “like” Chambord’s Facebook page.

If you’re not into Mint Juleps, but you still want a Derby-appropriate cocktail to sip while watching the big race, try a Chambord Fleur de Lis.

Ingredients: 3/4 oz Chambord Flavored Vodka, 3/4 oz Chambord Liqueur, 2 oz Lemonade, 1 oz, Cranberry Juice, squeeze Lemon

Method: Shake all ingredients with ice and pour into tall glass. Garnish with lemon twist.

Technorati Tags: Chambord Liqueur,Betsey Johnson,Kentuck Derby,Charity,Kentucky Derby Hats

Fun Friday- BCA Month: Miss Mary Mac Breast Cancer Pumps

Pink Ribbon Special

With Breast Cancer Awareness Month drawing to a close, it's only right to shout your support from the rafters (or let your footwear do it for you). You've never been afraid of a little extra attention, so put on these pink ribbon print pumps by Miss Mary Mac. The pink sequined bow at the front and ribbon detail at the back give them a bit of sparkle & sizzle. Meanwhile, the 5 inch heel makes them a fun party shoe. Plus, the designer informed me that she donated partial proceeds from sales of this limited edition design to breast cancer research.

If you're going to wear pink ribbons on your feet, you might as well have a Pink Ribbon in your glass, too. Made with p.i.n.k. Vodka, Cointreau, cranberry juice, black currant juice and a splash of sour mix, it's a sweet-but-strong concoction. The caffeine and guarana in the vodka will give you the energy to party the night away. Just be careful not to have too many. A hyper drunk person isn't fun company. Plus, you're more likely to ruin your pretty shoes in an impaired state.

Almost There Thursday: Lisa Wedges for Breast Cancer Awareness

Take it All in Stride

You've been on your feet quite a bit this week, and in towering heels. It almost seems like your feet are forming a Heels are Too Damn High Party. Keep things low key today in a pair of comfy wedges. If you opt for the Lisa Wedge from Atelier Shoes, you'll not only give your toes a treat, but aid in the fight against breast cancer. Designed to honor a woman who was taken away from her family by the horrible disease, fifty percent of the sale of each pair will go to breastcancer.org. It's a little more conservative that what's normally posted here, but isn't there something cute about that pink strap at the toe and pink BCA ribbon on the back? Plus, they were designed in honor of

This evening, when it's time to tipple, get warm and fuzzy with a Bosom Caresser.  It combines Remy Martin Cognac, milk, cherry brandy, an egg yolk and grenadine. That means it'll be a bit sweet, kinda creamy and very strong. They don't call it a Bosom Caresser for nothing; it's definitely not for the faint of palate.

Don't Mess with Me Monday- BCA Month: Beatrix Ong Avery

Straight Laced

You can hang with the boys without losing your girlish charm, and that's taken you pretty far, professionally and otherwise. Today, choose shoes that'll take you just as far, fashionably, like Beatrix Ong's Avery lace ups (available at farfetch.com).The sassy-meets-sweet combination of blush leather and black lace is de rigeur for Fall 2010, and the heel height of about 4.7 inches ups the vamp factor. Meanwhile, the styling is akin to that of a men's dress shoe, and masculine inspirations in women's fashion have become a mainstay.

You've been told you drink like one of the fellas, but you tend to draw the line at beer. While you're cheering your team to victory during Monday Night Football, let a Mike's Hard Pink Lemonade quench your thirst. It looks super girly, but it's got the same kick as the original version. Plus, you'll be supporting a company that's down for the cause. Having lost a member of the Mike's Hard family to breast cancer in 2009, the company donates $250,000 to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation annually. Please remember not to drink too many, or to drink them too fast. Malt beverages may lead to gas, and a lady who belches like a man is not sexy.

Almost There Thursday: ShoeDazzle Beth Bootie

A Story of Strength

Your week's been tough, and you may need to pull strength from another source to finish it out. If you buy the "Beth" bootie from Shoe Dazzle (you know, Kim Kardashian's shoe shopping community site), you'll not only channel the inner strength of Breast Cancer survivor, Beth Martinez, but also help in the search for a cure to Breast Cancer. For the month of October, 10% of the sales from this chic faux suede bootie will go to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Their simple styling and moderate heel make them easy to wear with lots of looks, so their a great work-to-play shoe.

At happy hour tonight, an Absolut Bramble or two (or four) will relieve the tensions of the last four days so you can deal with the ones you encounter tomorrow. It combines Absolut Vodka, lemon juice, Creme de Mure (French blueberry liqueur), simple syrup and a blackberry garnish. It's sweet, complex and calming. However, as with all drinks, enjoy it in moderation.

Wild Wednesday- BCA Month: Senso Wilma Booties

Animal Instincts

You have an untamed heart, and it shows in all you do. Your approach to life- and fashion- is passionate, uninhibited and unique. That's why Senso's Willa booties (available at SoleStruck.com) are the shoes for you today. The fierce, fuchsia hue and cheetah print indicate your fun femininity and devil-may-care demeanor. Meanwhile, the 5 inch block heel and 1.5 inch platform connote a pretty high sense of self. These boots are so haute, they may have your prey chasing you tonight.

When it's time to toast this evening, make sure Samantha Jones' Community Service is in your glass. Inspired by and named after one of my favorite fictional Breast Cancer survivors, this cocktail combines X Rated Fusion Liqueur, Malibu Coconut Rum, pineapple juice, cherry juice and tonic. It's extremely sweet, and the taste of the alcohol will be virtually undetectable, but don't overindulge. Otherwise you'll seem more like Snooki than like a Sex and the City siren.

Heart and Sole: Shop the Shoebox for A Cure

Save Money, Save Lives

Tomorrow, from 10 AM to 8 PM ET, you'll save 20% on online and in-store purchases at the Shoe Box if you buy a Shop for a Cure ticket for $10. All proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to Komen Greater New York City. This is a great time to stock up on this season's clogs, platforms, utility booties and other trends.

Don't Mess with Me Monday- BCA Month: Jimmy Choo Fei Booties

Sheer Force

Some people had the day off in commemoration of the day Christopher Columbus accidentally "discovered" the new world. However, you're working... and working it in a serious pair of booties, like these "Fei" ankle boots by Jimmy Choo (available at Nordstrom). Slanted stripes and curves in snake-embossed leather overlay lavendar mesh to create a pattern that nods to your transparently complex personality. The 4.75 heel, slight platform and peep toe give a little sex appeal, and the light pink color not only shows your feminity, but also acknowledges Breast Cancer Awareness Month. 

This evening at happy hour, celebrate all those who are beating Breast Cancer by ordering a Chambord Flavored Vodka Martini. The easiest recipe we've featured here, it's simply made of chilled Chambord black raspberry flavored vodka.Through their "Pink Your Drink" program, Chambord donates money to the Breast Cancer Network of Strength.

Fun Friday- BCA Month: Bordello Teeze Pumps

B for Boobies

Today marks the first day of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I feel a bit of a twinge this time every year because Breast Cancer robbed me of two women whom I love dearly, and not long ago, it snatched away the sister of one of my close friends. My friend and I are not alone in our loss... there are way too many people with similar stories. However, there are also those with happier stories, stories of triumph and survival. I'd like to observe a moment of reflection for EVERYONE who has been affected in any way by Breast Cancer. In honor of them- and of my angels, Clara Abdul-Saboor and Suzanne Chopp- Shoes N Booze will only be doing pink shoe and drink pairings for the month of October. 

It's been a long week, and now you're being reminded how your boobs may play a serious part in your mortality. However, remember that a major component in Breast Cancer Awareness Month is the sense of hope it encourages. Embrace that hope by wearing a pair of sparkly pink pumps. (There's something magically hopeful about sparkles, isnt there?) These Bordello "Teeze" platform pumps (available via csnstores.com) will have all eyes on your feet when you party tonight. Their 5.75 inch heel and 1.75 inch platform will have you stepping high, and the fuchsia hue is deep and pretty, just like you. (Trivial bit: Beyonce wore these in her video for "Why Don't You Love Me?")

Tonight at the bar, make your drink of choice the Pinky Vodka Perfect Pair. Created by Natalie Bovis-Nelson (The Liquid Muse), it combines Pinky Vodka, pineapple juice, pomegranate juice, lime juice and simple syrup. It's a yummy cocktail, but the best part about it is the fact that Pinky Vodka will be donating a portion of the proceeds from every bottle sold during October to What a Pair's Breast Cancer Awareness efforts. Now, that doesn't mean it's your personal duty to consume a lot of these cocktails. Drinking too many will definitely take the fun out of your Friday... and Saturday.