Sketchual Heeling: Our Fave Shoe Designers' Glass Slipper Sketches For Disney's Cinderella

Fairy Tales Do Come True

We've all seen the "Cinderella is proof that a pair of shoes can change your life" graphics ad nauseam by now.  As cliche as they've become, they continue to circulate because those of us who love shoes believe at least partially in the assertion. The simple sight of an amazing shoe can send our heart into overdrive, and if we catch a glimpse of a gorgeous sketch... le swoon. Disney apparently got the memo that we, indeed, believe in the life-transforming power of shoes. Consequently, to commemorate the upcoming live-action Cinderella movie, the foremost fairy tale purveyor has enlisted nine global luxury shoe designers to reimagine the (in)famous glass slipper. They really are the stuff of shoelover fantasies. Here they are:

Alexandre Birman

Salvatore Ferragamo

Jerome C. Rousseau

Jimmy Choo

Nicholas Kirkwood

Stuart Weitzman

René Caovilla

Paul Andrew

Charlotte Olympia

So. which is your favorite?

*Fine Print: Courtesy images.

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.

Fun Friday: Jimmy Choo Mira Sandal

 

Flora & Fauna

 

Winter’s chill has finally set in for most of us (to my chagrin), and though some are actually able to escape for resort season, others of us can only fantasize about warmer temps. Why not get a jump on spring with a blooming pair of shoes, like the Mira sandal from Jimmy Choo’s Spring 2012 collection ($2695 available for preorder at JimmyChoo.com). It’s corsaged ankle strap, leopard print vamp and 5.7 inch orange pin heel make it a walking party. Though you may not be able to wear it outside yet, There’s nothing wrong with a red carpet-themed house party, where everyone dresses like they’re in Southern California (and tries to guess who will win what on Sunday at the Golden Globes). You’ve never shyed away from all-eyes-on-you shin digs before… why not create your own?

 

In keeping with the Golden Globes theme, consider serving a cocktail inspired by one of the nominees, like the Lucid Supernatural Sip (the muse for which was FX’s American Horror Story, a nom for Best Television Series in the Drama category). Made with LUCID Absinthe, white crème de cocao, cocnut milk and black sambuca, it’s a creamy, sweet-but-tongue-tingling treat that’ll have you and your guests feeling festive. Keep in mind, though, that LUCID is 124 proof (62% alcohol by volume), so this drink is stronger than it may taste.

Recipe:

1 part LUCID®

1 part White Creme de Cocao

1 part Coconut Milk

Drizzle of Black Sambucca

Combine LUCID, White Creme de Cocao and Coconut Milk in a shaker filled with ice. Shake till Frothy and strain into a short rocks glass over ice. Drizzle Black Sambucca down the side of the glass until it floats on the bottom and diffuses through the cocktail.

Technorati Tags: Jimmy Choo,Sandals,red carpet,Golden Globes,cocktail,Lucid Absinthe,Absinthe,Cocktail Recipe,White Creme de Cocao,Sambucca
Blogger Labels: Jimmy Choo,Sandals,red carpet,Golden Globes,cocktail,Lucid Absinthe,Absinthe,Cocktail Recipe,White Creme de Cocao,Sambucca

Shoe News: Jimmy Choo Debuts 15th Anniversary Crystal Collection

Happy Birthday to Choo!

Jimmy Choo, a red carpet favorite among stars such as Angelina Jolie, Katy Perry, and Jennifer Anniston, is celebrating its 15th anniversary. To commemorate the occasion, creative director Tamara Mellon has designed the Crystal Collection, which is inspired by both her collection of vintage jewels and the original the original Jimmy Choos that set shoe lovers’ hearts aflutter. Since crystal is the traditional 15th anniversary gift, Project Crystal’s shoes shimmer and sparkle with jewels in various styles and sizes. You can’t buy the shoes yet, but you can get on the waiting list. S&B’s favorite is the Niagra (pictured above and available for $2495). However, the other shoes in the collection are nothing less than lovely. Here are a few more options. Which pair would you love to wear?

     

 

(Clockwise: Ciara, Marine, Zafira)

*Images via JimmyChoo.com

Technorati Tags: Jimmy Choos,Project Crystal,Designer Shoes

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.

Much Ado About Shoes: Kerry Rhodes' Jimmy Choo Fundraiser

Football Players, Footwear, Finery... Oh My!

A member of the S&B team recently attended a VIP event at the Jimmy Choo store in New Jersey's Mall at Short Hills. Hosted by NY Jets safety, Kerry Rhodes (Pictured left) and Miss USA, Kristen Dalton, the holiday shopping soiree was held to benefit the Kerry Rhodes Foundation. Attendees gnoshed on passed hors 'doeuvres (Chilean Sea Bass Mini Cakes, anyone?) and sipped "Rhodes Sunrises" (Ciroc, Nuvo and pineapple), while shopping to benefit a great cause. Power 105.1's DJ Kut kept shoppers' spirits high with great music and comical commentary. Oh... and let's not forget the dessert. There were passed tarts and chunks (not slices) of a beautifully decorated celebratory cake.

The highlight for us was, of course, Jimmy Choo's resort 2010 line. New takes on gladiator looks, metallic accents, fringes, animal prints and updates on Fall 2009's ubiquitous caged trend abounded... as did the sexy factor.

12 Days of Christmas: Day 4- Four Plumed Shoes

Fine Feathered Friends

On the Fourth Day of Christmas, I hope the Shoe Fairy brings to me:



























You can keep you Four Calling Birds... this shoelover would rather have feathered footwear! Feathered and jeweled booties by Giuseppe Zanotti for Balmain (available at ShopBop.com) will add a luxe touch a legging look or some black skinny jeans. Jimmy Choo's "Mable" feather-adorned sandals provide automatic glam, too (available at Saks Fifth Avenue). Bourne's "Hayden" satin peep toes with a jeweled feather accent are a great mix of old and new elegance. Whether worn with an LBD or a gown, they play nice with most looks (available at Lord & Taylor). Then there's the "Carla" by Martinez Valero. This peacock feathered sandal is an easy centerpiece for holiday looks and is a fun way to play up plumes (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.

Shoe News:Jimmy Choo, Project PEP and YOU

Put Some (Project) PEP in Your Step

Fact: After exposure to HIV, a person has 72 hours AT THE MOST to receive Post-exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) treatment for it to even be POSSIBLY effective. Basically, in HIV cases, PEP has been shown to help keep the virus from attaching to and attacking cells... meaning, it gives a person a greater chance of not getting the disease after exposure.

What does that have to do with shoes? Well, Jimmy Choo has partnered with the Elton John AIDS Foundation to launch the Project PEP collection, which supports the Simelela Rape Centre in Cape Town, South Africa. The Centre was set up in 2005 to provide victims of abuse with HIV preventative PEP medicine and to give them access to medical, counseling and legal support. Jimmy Choo will donate 25% of net sales from Project PEP (JimmyChoo_72 on twitter) to to the Elton John AIDS Foundation in hopes that the funds raised will enable the clinic to stay open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This way, more women will receive treatment within that crucial 72 hour period.

To raise awareness about Project Pep, Jimmy Choo has initiated the "You, Your Shoes and 72" photo competition. Entry is pretty simple. Just upload a photo HERE based on the aforementioned theme (and cross your fingers). The grand prize winner will receive 7 pairs of shoes and 2 bags from Jimmy Choo. However, more than 100 winners will be chosen to receive other exclusive prizes from the Project PEP collection, and many of the winning images will be displayed at the the Project PEP launch event at Selfridges London on October 29th and at other Project PEP events globally. Click here for additional info.

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.

Shoe News: Update- Wizard of Oz Ruby Slippers Collection Unveiled

Ain't Nothin' Like the Real Thing

A few weeks ago we informed you of the Wizard of Oz Ruby Slippers Collection, but we only had designers' sketches of the shoes to show you. As the official launch to NY Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, The collection was unveiled yesterday at Saks Fifth Avenue, and we thought you'd enjoy images of the real shoes. Here are our favorites. (Courtesy of Trendmill)