Don't Mess With Me Monday: President's Day in Jean Paul Gaultier Oxfords

In Total Command

You didn't have today off, did you? You're actually sitting at your desk and enviously reading your friends' Facebook and Twitter updates about how they're sleeping in or catching a movie... and wishing you could join them. Alas bills must be paid, and that shoe collection won't grow on its own (at least it's only a half day). Still, I pity the fool who crosses you today. Let them know you're not in a playful mood with a serious pair of oxfords, like these lace-up booties by Jean Paul Gaultier (available via Endless.com). The reverse spectator styling on the front, combined with the dark color palette of brown, black and blue says you mean business. It has a 4.5 inch heel with a .75 inch platform (only a 3.75 inch incline), so if you need to stomp your feet a little, it won't hurt too bad.

When the closing bell rings, and you grab a drink to toast the accomplishments of good ole George Washington and Honest Abe Lincoln, make it an El Presidente. While I've come across a few different ingredient lists for this drink, the one I liked best was listed on The Science of Drink (via Esquire). It combines white rum (we enjoy 10 Cane Rum), orange curacao (maybe try Hiram Walker), dry vermouth and a dash of grenadine. Yes, it's dark liquor season, but in the spirit of independence, you're free to drink as you please. Just don't drink too much. There's a huge difference between being head of state and a ward of the state. Got it?

Hugs & High Heels!

Yours Shoely,

StyleScrybe

Fun Friday: DSquared Patent Platform Booties

Bright Heights

Quite a few things happened this week that could easily bring your spirits down. There's the fact that folks in Haiti are still without necessities, and millions in the USA are still without jobs. Let's not EVEN get into whatever's happening in your personal life. However, there are things you can do, like donate money or supplies to a charitable organization (like Soles4Souls, Yele or the American Red Cross). Whatever you do, you've got to lift your spirits. You're little good to others if you're not OK, yourself (as they always say on flights, put your oxygen mask on before helping those in need). One way to brighten a day is a patent pair of booties in an electric shade, like these DSquared2 orange platform booties (available at LuisaViaRoma). A 6.25 inch pencil-thin heel and a platform almost 2 inches high will ensure that you rise above anything that might make you frown, and the vivid yet healing hue (bet you didn't know orange is the color of healing, vitality and endurance) will help you re-channel your energy (into keeping your balance, maybe?)

A tasty cocktail shared with friends tends to be another mood booster. Tonight at happy hour, order a Tequila Sunrise. While there are many variations, the one that really tickled our fancy was the one from the Fine Living Network. It combines Partida Reposado Tequila, orange juice and grenadine, with a cayenne, salt and sugar rim. That equals a really sweet drink with a spicy kick. However tasty it is, don't forget it's still tequila. We wouldn't want you doing the Pee Wee Herman atop a bar table in 6 inch heels, right?