Free Shoes for YOU! Diba Back Down Wedge Giveaway

Love at First Flight

Here's a challenge: Let's say the guy you're dating just surprised you with a week-long trip to meet his parents. You're both against checked bag fees, though, so you have to carry on your luggage. He's mentioned quite a few times that his mother is quite the style stickler, and you really want to impress her. Also, he bought you a pair of Diba Back Down Wedge Sandals and would like you to travel in them because he thinks they're sexy, and he's sure they'll earn you style points with his mom. Oh, and you just realized that you need a new set of carry on luggage after a gate check gone bad. What would you wear with the shoes? What would your new carry on luggage look like? Go to www.luggage.com, and pick a set. Put the link in your comment. On Monday, I'll post pictures of the luggage you linked to, and take a poll on which set is the hautest. The winner will receive a pair of Diba Back Down Wedge Sandals in silver. Happy styling! *Oh... no immediate family members of the S&B team are eligible to win

(The process of choosing will be easier if you narrow it down to luggage sets or carry-on luggage... just a hint.)

Wear or Beware: Mihai Albu 12.2 Inch Heels

High Times

How tall is your highest heel? 4 inches? 5? Better yet, how high do you think you can go before toppling over or at least spraining an ankle? Romanian shoe architect, Mihai Albu, hopes you'll be able to go higher than 12 inches. He's banking on your ability to walk in 12.2 inch heels, to be exact (and pay $1525 for them). It's amazing the way the three platformed wedges are stacked- even if it's not all that attractive. If I had the extra money, I might be moved to purchase them as display pieces- but not to wear. Still, shoes are getting more and more ostentatious these days with their embellished heels, cutout wedges and stylistic quirks. What say you? Haute couture or hot mess? 

(Photo credit: Associated Press)

Sweet Sunday: Mother's Day in Gianmarco Lorenzi Satin Platforms

Mommy, Dearest...

You wipe runny noses, drive the carpool, sit through recitals and/ or wake up for midnight feedings. You do more in one day than many people do in a week, and like Victoria Beckham, you do most of it in towering stilettos. Today, you deserve flowers... not the kind that wither and die (and require effort on your part to keep alive), though. Instead, you're entitled to a floral pair of shoes. These satin Gianmarco Lorenzi platforms are like a corsage for your feet... and then some. With a needle thin 5.1 inch heel, 1.5 inch platform, they say you have no intentions of running around today. Instead, you'll strut, and the royal blue color, combined with the magenta and blue florettes will have all eyes on you.

Though you'd normally drink mimosas at brunch, replace them with Wild Hibiscus Sea Urchins today (recipe & image by Danielle Tatarin via inovision.ca). The name may sound odd, but there's nothing fishy about the taste of this cocktail made from Van Gogh Vodka, Campari, Hiram Walker Blue Curacao, lime juice, soda water, honey foam and Wild Hibiscus syrup. It'll be semi- sweet, a bit floral and a tad bit tart. Send the kids out with family members and sip away all day. Remember to hydrate, though, because tomorrow's back to the normal chaos.


Happy Mother's Day!


Yours Shoely, 


Me

Wear or Beware? Ernesto Esposito Multicolored Sandals

On the Bright Track

This summer, multicolored and mixed medium shoes are almost a wardrobe necessity. They're fun, and they can spice up the simplest of looks. However, is there a such thing as taking it too far? This "patchwork leopard peep toe" by Ernesto Esposito definitely approaches that border if there is. At first glance, I was turned off. However, the more I looked at them, the better they looked (maybe because I'm a sucker for 40's inspired styling- and metallic pink). What's your take? Would you dare to wear them? If so, with what?

Fun Friday: Happy New Year with

Here's to Dropping the Ball!

For many of us, 2009 was a helluva year. You took everything in stride, though, and in towering stilettos and pumped up platforms, at that. More than likely, New Years Eve and New Years Day have melded into one for you. It's also highly likely that you brought in 2010 wearing a pair of festive shoes that encapsulates the nights vibe, like these Bruno Frissoni beaded sandals. With their towering gold triple platform and vertiginous heels, you'll have a bird's eye view of all the night's action. The added bonus of the platform is the added comfort you need to dance and strut the night away. Then there's the HUGE ribbon bow at the ankle, which has all the pomp & circumstance that "Auld Lang Syne" deserves. Oh, and don't the accent beads remind you of champagne bubbles? The cool thing is that these work for those located in sandal-friendly locales AND for those who must don opaque tights (for an extra dose of fun, wear a brightly colored pair with your LBD).


Since New Year's Eve/ Day have basically blended into one long party, you have two options when it comes to drinking. You can swill something weak (which you will probably guzzle quickly because it tastes so good and get drunk more rapidly than you realize) or opt for something that tastes a bit stronger (and thereby forces you to sip more slowly. Either way, make sure it contains a bit of bubbly. Our vote goes to the "French 75" (recipe & image courtesy of Chow.com). Made with sugar, orange bitters, Bulldog Gin (or Clear Creek Brandy*) and chilled Argyle Sparkling Wine, it's fizzy and effervescent. Yet it's got a strong kick, regardless of whether yours is made with brandy or gin (StyleScrybe prefers brandy). Remember to drink responsibly, though, and to have a designated driver. Otherwise YOU may be the acquaintance who should be "forgot."

*Note: Named for a piece of WWI artillery, the French 75 was originally made with gin until it later became more popular to use brandy.