Sketchual Heeling: Shoe Illustrations by Achraf Amiri

Drawn to Conclusion

These tongue in cheek shoe illustrations by Achraf Amiri speak volumes.

*For the artist's thoughts on popular perfumes and their bottles, check out his blog.

Shoe Review: New York Fashion Week Fall 2010

Love on the Run(way)

The fashion world converged on New York from February 11-18 to see what everyone in the know will wear come Fall 2010. Designers found various ways to fashionably interpret the current global financial climate and sartorially lift spirits during New York Fashion Week. My focus, though, was on the shoes. I usually dread the coming cold season (especially when there's STILL snow on the ground), but some designers gave me something to look forward to. Here's a sampling of what caught my eye:

Christian Louboutin's designs for 3.1 Phillip Lim featured details galore: layered kilties, grommets, tassels and buckles. There was supple suede, metallic leather, luxe velvet and contrasting combinations of textures. The forest green peep toes with the double ankle strap were my personal favorites. I see them with fishnets and plaid skirts... not too short, but also somewhat playful.





Calvin Klein took more of a pared down, but toughened-up approach. Simple mary janes and ankle boots got the urban warrior treatment with metal platforms and lug soles. During the winter, it's often difficult to find footwear that's both chic and durable. For Fall 2010, Calvin will be my go-to guy. These ankle boots will look great with a pencil skirt/ dress and opaque tights or a pair of cropped skinny pants.

Opulent accents with pops of deep red and mustard ruled the Carolina Herrera runway. Her shoes were demure and decadently decorated with 3-D sueded jewels. They're so serious that there's almost something fun about them. However, they should only be worn with the most ladylike of attire. The mustard/ deep red combination in the pair pictured called out to me. They could easily be the focal point of an ensemble, requiring only a simple shift dress to complement them.



It was all about exotic skins and metallic leather treatments at Donna Karan. However, she kept things simple, showing ankle boots, updated mary janes and sandals in varying shades of black, bronze and gray with elastic gore detailing. I'm most likely to wear the ostrich ankle boots with patent and elastic side gore shown here. They're simple and versatile, but the ostrich leather luxes them up, and the stilt-height heel is right up my alley. 

A favorite among the swank set, Oscar de la Renta opted for a color palette of regal purple, gold, red, deep blue and teal. The clothes were a nod to the "Dynasty" days, but the shoes were timeless. Tassels, jeweled embellishments and straps accented classic platform pumps, knee boots and ankle boots. The funkiest look was probably a pair of purple suede platform pumps with copper piping and back tassels affixed to a copper strip. They're definitely not a "wear with everything" pair, but they'll add a royal touch to a skirt suit or pants look. Those sparkly tights are a winner too!




Rodarte went a bit wacky, combining textures, fabrics, colors and styles into a fashion hodge podge that somehow worked amazigly, and Nicholas Kirkwood's shoes for the collection were a veritable icing on the chaotic cake. Oxfords with sandal toes, ankle wraps and heels that resemble melted wax may sound a bit odd. But I was in love at first glance. Shoes like these aren't for the faint of foot (or fashion), though. They're best worn with an abundant dose of confidence and an outfit that says "I care not what you think..."

Fur, calf hair and suede on peep toes, ankle boots, wedge pumps and ankle strap heels made Thakoon's show a game of hide and seek. In some instances fox fur peeked from inside a peep toe, lace up bootie. In others, calf hair wedge pumps were accented by a puff of fur at the toe. I can see myself in the peep toe booties with the metallic underlay. They're simple enough to go with almost anything, but the metallic accent adds a unique touch.


Stay tuned for my picks from London, Paris and Milan! In the meantime, what were some of your favorites from New York Fashion Week? Who's designs totally turned you off?


(Images via Style.com and Elle.com)

Shoe News: The Red Pump Project Promotes AIDS Awareness

We're Rocking our Red Pumps Today!

Did you know that March 10th is National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day? In it's honor, Shoes & Booze is participating in the Red Pump Project, which is a campaign to raise awareness about the effects of HIV/AIDS on women and girls (if you noticed a lot of women in red pumps today, it's probably due in part to RPP). Whether directly or indirectly, HIV/AIDS affects millions of people, including our team, so this is an important cause. There were events throughout the country today, but some will be ongoing, so check out the National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awarness Day schedule to see what's happening in your area. We also strongly suggest that you visit and subscribe to the Red Pump Project's blog for information and statistics. By the way, have you been tested? If not, it's about that time. Know your status! In the meantime, what do you think of StyleScrybe's red pumps?

Just for Kicks... Goldstar Beer Ad

We Must be On To Something...

An S&B twitter friend, Jilibean0306, sent us this link because it reminded her of our blog. It's great, and amazingly it's partly the premise upon which this blog was built so we HAD to share...

Almost There Thursday: Celine Rubber Boots & Navan Vanilla Drinks

'Snow Stopping You Now!

Mother Nature isn't your friend today if you live in the northeastern or mid-wetstern regions of the US. It's ubearably cold, and there are forecasts of snow. You can't miss work because of a little inclement weather, though. Wave "buh-bye" to the bad weather blahs and slip your feet into a warm, comfy pair of rubber boots. Just make sure they're brightly colored and super stylish, like the 36402 mid-heeled rubber boots from Celine (available and on sale at Zappos.com). The orange accents and classic Celine logo will contrast the snowy, slushy backdrop, and the 3.25 inch heel is low enough to keep your balance, but high enough to let everyone know that cold and snow can't cramp your style.

You'll want something toasty to drink tonight, so whether you brave the weather to visit your favorite bar or hang indoors, let Mike Moore's Vanilla B & B warm you up. This drink was concocted by Vancouver's Mike Moore, and the recipe and images are courtesy of City Food Magazine. (Photo by Heather Goldsworthy) The combination of heated Navan Vanilla Cognac and Benedictine will not only knock of today's chills, but it'll also help quiet that slight cough you seem to have developed.

Wild Wednesday: Charlotte Olympia Ophelia Pumps and

Hot Spot

You're the exotic one who makes hearts "sang" and "everythang... groovy". Whether at work or at play, your vibrant, unique style stands out. You find the funkiest stuff wear it like no other. These Charlotte Olympia"Ophelia" pumps (Available at Net-a-Porter) are sure to elicit plenty of admiring glances and cat calls. If they hyena spotted pony hair doesn't get 'em, the hot pink silk covered 5 inch heel and trim just might. Put it all together with a red ankle tie and one inch covered platform, and it makes for a shoe that says you like to keep things exciting. Here's a challenge: wear them with an outfit that's not all black, tan or hot pink.

Another challenge will be to walk straight after your shoes have mesmerized men into buying you a few "Swazi Freezes." From the "Absolut Bartender", this fall-friendly (pun on the word fall) drink combines peach brandy with Capertif (you can subsitute bitters) and Rye Whiskey. It has a smooth, sweet/sour taste, but be prepared for that warm feeling in your chest when you sip this one.

Cutesy Tuesday: Le Silla Studded Pumps & Imperia Martini

Going Gray

Miss "Lady", what are you made of? Sugar and spice... a little naughty and maybe a few spikes? At first sight, you're straight-laced, classy and a bit conservative. We all know there's more to you than that. You've got a little edge and it shows, especially in these ankle strap patent peep toe pumps from Le Silla. The gray hue, peep toe and ankle strap hint at highbrow style, but the double row of pyramid studs on the heel say there's a little nonconformist in you yet.

As I'm sure you know, it's Fashion Week in New York. Whether you're in the Big Apple or not, toast the occasion with a "Lady of the Evening" (image courtesy of Imperia). It's served at the Bryant Park Hotel's Cellar Bar for $25, but you may be able to score one at your area's swankiest spot. Just let the bartender know it's a standard martini made with Imperia Vodka and a cucumber and caviar float.

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)