Red Carpet Recap: Oscar Night Shoe Wins

 

Highly Acclaimed

The 84th annual Academy Awards came with its fair share of fan fair. Viola Davis wore her natural hair, Meryl Streep took home the gold, J-Lo had a quasi nip slip and then there was Angelina Jolie’s look-at-me leg. Still, the stand out moments for me were mostly below the ankles.

 

Best Actress winner, Meryl Streep, may have once been the “Devil” in Prada, but last night she looked like a goddess in her shimmering gold Lanvin gown and matching Salvatore Ferragamo Frangrance peep toes (a few pairs of the red satin rendition are still available at Luisaviaroma.com). Her look drew disapproval from lots of critics, but compared to her Golden Globes ensemble, I’d say it was a win.

 

Octavia Spencer, who won for Best Supporting Actress, was radiant in her Tadashi Shoji gown. It was so long it didn’t offer a peek at her shoes, but the word on the street is that she wore a pair of gold Linda sandals by Jimmy Choo.

 

Never one to shy away from bold hues, Best Actress nominee, Viola Davis was gorgeous in her green Vera Wang gown. The sweeping accordion pleats of the gown swept the floor, so I’ll have to take the Jimmy Choo crew’s word for it when they say she wore their Suki Sandals. It seems they’re not available for purchase presently, but here they are.

Wild Wednesday: Brian Atwood Mixie

 

In the Mix

 

If there’s a party or social gathering worth attending, you’re in the know about it. Chances are, you’ll be there working the room, and your ensemble will be the talk of the room. Give ‘em something to talk about in an attention-grabbing pair of snakeskin heels like Brian Atwood’s “Mixie”. With its 5 1/2 inch heel and 1 inch platform, you’ll have no choice but to strut, and the stud detailing gives them a devil-may-care edge. However, it’s the multicolored snakeskin and contrasting suede piping that makes them truly unique. They give new meaning to the term “mixed medium”.

 

While your shoes may give your like an extra edge, you’ll want to sip something this evening that’ll quickly take the edge off your mood. Try a Maker’s Mark Apple Manhattan. It’s a simple drink with a complex flavor, and it packs more than a slight punch.

Recipe:

2 parts Maker's Mark®

1 part Berentzen® Apple Liqueur

Shake with ice and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a granny smith apple wheel.

As I said, this drink will pack a punch, so sip slowly. Be the talk of the town for your wild sense of style, not your wild behavior.

 

Technorati Tags: Brian Atwood,Maker's Mark,bourbon cocktail recipe,snakeskin shoes

Shoe News: B Brian Atwood is Available Today!

 

B In It to Win It

I remember the excitement I felt when it was announced that Brian Atwood had a diffusion line in the works. They released sneak peeks at the heels or soles of the shoes to build the anticipation, and Footwear News occasionally made references. Today, the wait is over, and B by Brian Atwood is in stores. Their official launch partner is Saks, but the shoes (with retail prices of  $100 for flip flops, etc to $600 for boots) will also be available at other stores.

To celebrate the launch, Brian Atwood (@B_Atwood on twitter) is holding a tweetstakes, in which followers are invited retweet #bobsessed for a chance to win some of his favorite things, including Vosges chocolates, a Jo Malone Candle and a handwritten note. For a limited time, Saks will also offer this futuristic bracelet with any B Brian Atwood purchase.

Here’s a video showcasing more of the shoes:

Let’s see if Brian Atwood can “Justify my Love”

Technorati Tags: Brian Atwood,shoes,fashion,style,new releases,B Brian Atwood

Runway Recap: NYFW S/S 11 Favorites- Victoria Beckham, DKNY

Rose Bold

The fourth day of NYFW, designers' Spring/ Summer 2011 collections boasted bold reds and varying shades of teal... not to mention more white and soft tones. Oh, and there was a bit of denim, too. You know the drill by now, though. My eyes were on the models' toes, and my favorite shoes walked down the DKNY and Victoria Beckham runways.

Brian Atwood designed the platform pumps that accompanied Victoria Beckham's S/S '11 lineup to match the former Posh Spice's rose gold Rolex watch. While there were only two styles- one with an ankle strap, and one without- they never got boring. I love the neutrality of a rose gold shoe, too.

DKNY's collection featured vivd red, pink, blue and aqua shades. The shoes? Pointy d'orsay pumps with small contrasting platforms and ankle straps with bows at the back.

Shoe News: Brian Atwood's New, Lower-Priced Line B by Brian Atwood

Brian's New Bargain 

His name has become eponymous among celebrities like Rachel Zoe, Beyonce, Victoria Beckham and Cameron Diaz (probably via Rachel Zoe). Those who don't have the cushy budget to buy shoes with commas in the prices (or the hook ups to get sample sale invites) tend to ogle the unique color combinations and details of his designs on our favorite starlets, in the pages of fashion magazines and online via our favorite shoe blogs. However, due to a deal with Jones Apparel Group, the masses will soon be able to buy Brian Atwood shoes. The new line, B by Brian Atwood, set to launch in Fall 2011 (according to WWD), will have more of a downtown vibe and will be priced in the $200-500 range. 

After Carrie Bradshaw sported that studded lavender suede pair in Sex and the City (see the Shoes N Booze post on them), it only makes sense that someone got the bright idea to start a more accessible line. The good news is that this won't be a one-off line (like some other designers have done). Instead, it will have different inspirations and appeal to a different aesthetic, but it will "always have the same core values" as the original brand, said Atwood to WWD. In addition to the sky high heeled for which Atwood is known, the new line will also feature mid heels and flats. I can't wait to see what these shoes will look like!

12 Days of Christmas: Day 6- Feats of Graying

Gray Matter

On the Sixth Day of Christmas I hope the Shoe Fairy Brings to me:














































Six Pairs of Gray Shoes! Thigh high "New Davis" suede boots by Brian Atwood (available at Net-A-Porter) are an on-trend classic, and Cesare Paciotti's studded, belted knee boots (avialable at myprestigium.com) have bad-ass appeal. Oxford ankle boots in gray suede and leather by Neil Barrett (available at The Corner) are ruggedly preppy chic, and a pair of Sergio Rossi "Fishnet" booties- with an actual sequin fish on the front (from the SS/10 collection) add aquatic pizazz. Jeffery Campbell's "Michelle" gray suede pumps (available at Akira Chicago), with their unicorn heel and ruffles are uniquely versatile, and a metal platform and heel give Barbara Bui's "Choked Ankle" pumps (available at ShopBop.com) a polished look.
























Five Golden Rings! Actually, I'd prefer five pairs of golden shoes. Start with a pair of knee-high boots with sculpted heels, like Behnaz Kanani's "Delroba Gold" boots to go with jeans and sweaters. Then I'll take peep toed gold ankle boots, like Le Silla's limited edition "Mirror" booties and Max Kibardin's "Margot" fringed peep toes, to jazz up leggings or mini dresses (both available at Gregory's Shoes.) Also, a couple of pairs of gold pumps, like Diego Dolcini's metallic pointed pumps (available at FarFetch.com) and KG by Kurt Geiger's gold "Dolly" sequined pumps (available at KurtGeiger.com).



























Four Pairs of Feathered Footwear: Feathered and jeweled booties by Giuseppe Zanotti for Balmain (available at ShopBop.com), Jimmy Choo's "Mable" feather-adorned sandals (available at Saks Fifth Avenue), Bourne's "Hayden" satin peep toes (available at Lord & Taylor), "Carla" peacock feathered sandals by Martinez Valero (available at MartinezValero.com).
















Three "French" pumps... Well 3 pairs by prominent French designer, Roger Vivier.













2 Pairs of Yves Saint Laurent Imperiale boots that go over my knee.

And...
A pair of Nicholas Kirkwood Egypt platforms in purple alligator.

Fun Friday: Brian Atwood Jeweld Pumps & Grey Goose Starlight Cocktails

Twinkle, Little Star

It's been said that you're the life of the party, a diva, a character and a gem. Some have even whispered that your over-the-t0p personality borders on being too much. That doesn't bother you, though. You revel in your rock star personality (and tendencies). No matter what the calendar says, everyday is Friday to you. Someone like you must've been on Brian Atwood's mind when he designed these jeweled pumps. The hidden platform, almond toe and 5 inch stiletto heel are all simple enough, but the rainbow of tiny jewels make them impossible to miss (just like you.) They also fall right in line with the disco queen theme that's taken over fashion lately. If this shoe's for you, we don't need to tell you what to wear with it, but we'll suggest a simple party frock anyway.

What's a self-respecting star without her signature cocktail? And it (absolutely) MUST be made from ingredients that are tough to find, right? Well... you can call the Grey Goose Starlight your liquid costar. It's sweet, tangy and severely intoxicating (yes, we're still talking about the drink, not you.) Once you've got the bartender under your spell, tell him or her to mix Grey Goose Vodka, maraschino, POM Wonderful, passionfruit syrup and a little white grapefruit juice. Then, work your magic on the cutie at the other end of the bar... he'll have the bartender put your drinks on his tab. Just don't get greedy and drink too much... You may have a rock star personality, but you don't have the budget for Betty Ford.

Dream Come Shoe: Brian Atwood Sample Sale NY

Happy Hour for Heel Hoarders

If you're reading this, you probably shoe shop for sport, so, on June 10th strap on your favorite strutters and head to 20 West 36th Street between 5th and 6th Avenues, 6th Floor, NYC. It's open from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, but you'll probably want to get there early because we imagine there will be a line. Also, feel free to comment with your finds!

Shoe News: Jimmy Choo's a Red Carpet Winner at the Golden Globes

Here's to Lookin' at Choo, Kid...

Last night's Golden Globe Awards brought out the glam in the goddesses of the big and small screen. While the gowns were gorgeous, they were also relatively conservative. Our concern at Shoes & Booze, though, was (you guessed it) the shoes, and little of what we saw sent our hearts aflutter. Debra Messing, Elizabeth Banks, Taraji Henson, Madeline Zima, Cameron Diaz and Nancy O'Dell get thumbs up from us. Heidi Klum gets plenty of shoe points for her Christian Louboutins and loses lots of style points for the dress she wore with them. However, America Ferrera and Olivia Wilde stole the (shoe) show in their Jimmy Choos as far as we're concerned. America's champagne peep toed "Clue" slingback pumps (from the '09 Cruise collection & available at Saks) complimented her one-shoulder Oscar de la Renta gown exquisitely. Olivia's Reem Acra gown covered her metallic sandals (from the '09 Spring collection & available for pre-order at Saks) completely, but she was sweet enough to give us a peek.