Cheers to a Cause: Negroni Week

Did you know that Negroni Week starts tomorrow? For the third consecutive year, Imbibe Magazine and Campari are joining forces to raise money for charities around the world while also celebrating a popular cocktail. June 1 - June 7 participating restaurants and bars will donate $1 from the sale of every negroni or negroni-themed item to a charity of their choice. Campari will also donate $10,000 to the charity chosen by the bar or restaurant that raises the most money.

If you've never had a negroni, it has a strong flavor that's a little sweet, a little bitter (like grapefruit) and a bit spicy. It's often consumed as an aperitif, but it can be enjoyed anytime. This year, there are There are more than 3000 participating locations across the country with some pretty creative options available, like Negroni Popcorn (Perbacco, SF), Negroni Creamsicle Ice Cream (Tipsy Scoop, NY) and Negroni Mignonette with oysters (Cockscomb, SF).

For a complete listing of participating locations check HERE.

While you decide which item you'll try first, here's how you make a basic Negroni (via Imbibe Magazine):

INGREDIENTS

1 oz. gin
1 oz. Campari
1 oz. sweet vermouth

METHOD

Stir ingredients in a mixing glass with ice, strain into a chilled cocktail glass (or ice-filled double rocks glass) and garnish with orange peel. 

Heart and Sole: How to Shoe Shop & Help Beat Breast Cancer

Breast Cancer Awareness initiatives have attracted lots of controversy in recent years, especially the ones that donate partial sales of certain items to research organizations or charities. It's hard to sort through them all to find which ones are trustworthy. Members of the Shoes N Booze team have lost loved ones to Breast Cancer and have also gotten to keep loved ones who survived the disease thanks to research and new medical developments.  That said, we hope the following offers are good ones... plus you get cute shoes.

Nine West's 3 Ways to Support the Cause

Nine West teamed up with Fashion Targets Breast Cancer, the nonprofit division of the CFDA that strives to provide women with reliable health information and quality care to fight and prevent breast cancer. They provide 3 options:

1. Shop: Nine West will donate $25 to FTBC for every $125 you spend from October 15-21.
2. Upload: Nine West will donate $10 (toward their $275,000 goal) whenever you upload a pic of you wearing blue shoes to twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #9WFTBC.
3. DONATE

Unfortunately, Nine West's limited-edition blue suede NW♥FTBC pump is sold out online. Because there's no denying the importance of blue suede shoes. I mean, Elvis sang an entire anthem to them!

Shoes of Prey's Pink Hope

For every order of pink shoes made during the month of October, Shoes of Prey will donate $25 to Breast Cancer Awareness (Bright Pink in the US, Pink Hope in Australia and Breakthrough in the UK). The best part? The fact that YOU get to design your shoes. 

QVC Presents FFANY Shoes on Sale

Shop a specially curated selection of styles donated by some of your (and our) favorite designers (they're 50% off the suggested retail price), and 80% of the purchase price will go toward breast cancer research and education (Click here for the entire collection). Over the last 11 years, FFANY has donated $45 million to various research and care programs (click here for this year's beneficiaries).

Schutz Shoes "Pinktober" Pumps

When you purchase a pair of these hot pink nubuck Caiolea pumps (dubbed "Pinktober") during the month of October, Schutz will make a donation (they don't specify how much) to National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.  There aren't a lot of details on this one... shop at your own discretion.

We suggest doing a bit of your own research before choosing where to put your dollars. Your heart may be in the right place, but if you want your money to do more than feed your wardrobe, double check. 

Guest Post- Cheers to a Cause: Juanes & Hard Rock Cafe

Juanes Partners with Hard Rock Cafe to Benefit Fundacion Mi Sangre
—by Claudia Mora, founder of #LOEXL

Claudia & Juanes

Hard Rock International recently announced that Colombian music sensation, Juanes is the newest partner in their Artist Spotlight Merchandise series. Proceeds from the sale of his specially-designed limited edition tees will benefit his Fundacion Mi Sangre, a non-profit organization in Colombia that promotes youth empowerment and positive social change, using music and art as the tools for creating visible, lasting social transformation.

I had the opportunity to attend the press conference in New York City, where attendees were shown a tear-jerking video about Fundacion Mi Sangre and the children it helps. (I don't know if there was a dry eye in the room.) The highlight, though, was when Juanes, the first all-Spanish language Latin artist in the series, appeared on the stage (I heart him!). He's donated performance memorabilia to be displayed at Hard Rock locations, and he explained why each piece was important to him. The pants in the picture above (with my Jeffrey Campbell pumps) were from one of his early performances and were my favorite item.

Juanes also introduced his limited-edition tees— a navy blue one for women with a pink and blue design and a black one with men with a neon green and blue design (both available for $26 at various Hard Rock locations and www.hardrock.com). I'm partial to the men's tee... possibly because it pairs perfectly with a mojito (or three).

Hard Rock's Magical Mystery Mojito
3/4 oz Monin Cucumber Syrup
8-10 Mint Leaves
1 1/2 oz Hendrick's Gin
1/2 oz St. Germaine Elderflower Liqueur
1 oz Lime Juice
Splash Sierra Mist
Garnish: Mint Sprig and Cucumber Spear

Muddle mint and cucumber syrup. Add gin, elderflower and lime juice and shake with ice. Pour into glass then top with Sierra Mist, mint sprig and cucumber spear.

Because this is Shoes N Booze, I can't forget a shoe pairing. This iridescent "Flavia" pump by Latin shoe designer, Alejandro Ingelmo gets my vote. Just make a few adjustments to the men's tee to give it a feminine look (like cutting in a v-neck) and throw on your favorite jeans.

As the founder of The League of Extraordinary Latinas, an organization created to inspire and empower young Latina women, it really touches my heart when artists such as Juanes use their platform for such amazing causes. Cheers to this outstanding individual who is changing the world, starting with his (and my) country, Colombia.

I hope you had a Happy Hispanic Heritage Month!

Heart & Sole: Garcelle Beauvais x ShoeDazzle to Help Erase MS

 

Multiple Sclerosis affects close to two million Americans, primarily between the ages of 20 and 40, and at almost three times as many women as men. Nancy Davis, who was diagnosed with MS in 1993, founded the Nancy Davis Foundation for Multiple Sclerosis in an effort to treat and eventually cure the chronic, often disabling disease that attacks the central nervous system. This year, ShoeDazzle is partnering with with the foundation for the second time, and actress Garcelle Beauvais has signed on as a celebrity guest designer. Available exclusively on ShoeDazzle.com on May 14th for $39.95 with 100% of profits going to the Nancy Davis Foundation, the “Ms. Glam” wedge is in Spring 2012’s hottest hue (which also happens to be the official color of Multiple Sclerosis Awareness). As part of the “Orange You Happy to Erase MS” campaign, “Ms. Glam” will be among other orange products by popular designers featured in the Shop to Erase MS Collection. Also, ShoeDazzle will make an additional $5 donation for each new client who joins the site using the special code “MSGLAM” between May 14th and June 14th. I actually have two friends living thriving with MS, so I’m really happy to share this opportunity to not only get in step with one of this season’s biggest trends, but also help fund research to cure this disease.

 

Technorati Tags: Orange platform wedges,Orange shoes,shop for a cause,Garcelle Beauvais for Shoe Dazzle,ShoeDazzle,Help Erase MS,Multiple Sclerosis Awareness,Nancy Davis Foundation for Multiple Sclerosis,ShoeDazzle celebrity guest designer,Glam shoes,Spring 2012 Orange Trend,Shoe Stylist,MSGLAM

Blogger Labels: Orange platform wedges,Orange shoes,shop for a cause,Garcelle Beauvais for Shoe Dazzle,ShoeDazzle,Help Erase MS,Multiple Sclerosis Awareness,Nancy Davis Foundation for Multiple Sclerosis,ShoeDazzle celebrity guest designer,Glam shoes,Spring 2012 Orange Trend,Shoe Stylist,MSGLAM

Booze News: Betsey Johnson & Chambord Partner to Beat Breast Cancer

 

Hat Attack

 

 

 

 

 

It seems 2011 is the year of the hat. For the last few weeks we were all wondering who’d wear what topper to the Royal Wedding. Once the event occurred, the hats worn by attendees got as much media coverage as the newlyweds (see here and here). And now, with the Kentucky Derby only a few days away, our attention is once again turned upward. Chambord Liqueur and Betsey Johnson have teamed up to create three one of a kind signature Derby hats. Two will be auctioned off- one on BiddingforGood.com from April 26- May 7, with 100% of proceeds benefitting the National Breast Cancer Coalition, and the other on Chambord’s Facebook page. One lucky gal (or guy) will win the third. For more details and your chance to win, visit and “like” Chambord’s Facebook page.

If you’re not into Mint Juleps, but you still want a Derby-appropriate cocktail to sip while watching the big race, try a Chambord Fleur de Lis.

Ingredients: 3/4 oz Chambord Flavored Vodka, 3/4 oz Chambord Liqueur, 2 oz Lemonade, 1 oz, Cranberry Juice, squeeze Lemon

Method: Shake all ingredients with ice and pour into tall glass. Garnish with lemon twist.

Technorati Tags: Chambord Liqueur,Betsey Johnson,Kentuck Derby,Charity,Kentucky Derby Hats

Heart and Sole: Jenny McCarthy & ShoeDazzle Partner to Help Children with Autism

 

Fearless Fashion

In honor of Autism Awareness Month, ShoeDazzle has partnered with Jenny McCarthy for its “Celebrity Shoe Design Program for Charity.” McCarthy’s design, the “Fearless” shoe, will be available exclusively on ShoeDazzle.com as of Thursday, April 21 with all profits from its sale going to Generation Rescue. An organization dedicated to recovery and support for children with autism, Generation Rescue provides families in need with guidance on ways to directly improve their quality of life. McCarthy, whose son, Evan, was diagnosed with Autism in 2005, serves as the president of Generation Rescue and has written a book about the cause.

The “Fearless” pump, with it’s studs, sky high heel and tall platform has a tough, yet versatile look. “We all need to be fearless in our lives- whether it’s standing up for a meaningful cause or just being bold in our fashion choices,” says McCarthy. Here’s to hoping most of my readers do both! FYI- ShoeDazzle will also donate $5 to Generation Rescue for each new client that joins the community and uses the code “JENNY” between April 1 and May 10. 

Technorati Tags: Jenny McCarthy,ShoeDazzle,Charity,Celebrity fashion

Booze News: Belvedere Vodka x (RED)™

 

On the RED Team

Belvedere Vodka has joined forces with (RED)^TM for (BELVEDERE)^RED. Starting this coming holiday season, they’ll release a specially designed bottle, and half the proceeds from its sales will go to The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. The partnership will be celebrated tomorrow night with a pre-Grammys event featuring a live performance by Usher (the celebrity ambassador for the initiative) and an installation by critically acclaimed artist, Carsten Holler. (BELVEDERE)^RED will be available as of September 2011.

Technorati Tags: Belvedere Vodka,Product RED,The Global Fund,HIV,AIDS,charity

Shoe News: Christian Louboutin’s Peace of Shoe

 

Walk in Peace

 

According to Footwear News, Christian Louboutin is releasing a limited edition style silk satin peep toed platforms called Peace of Shoe. Proceeds from the sale of the shoes, of which only 33 pairs were made, will go to the Grameen Foundation and benefit its microfinance program that provides poor people with access to loans that enable them to start and run small businesses.

The shoes come in three colorways, each to be sold in a different one of Louboutin’s U.S. stores. The champagne color will be offered in New York, the lavender in Miami and the pink in Los Angeles. Each shoe is numbered and signed my Mr. Louboutin himself, and they’ll retail for $1495.

Technorati Tags: Christian Louboutin Shoes,limited edition shoes,fashion for charity

Shoe News: Yotam Solomon’s BP Oil Spill Collection

 

Slick Chic

 

From April to September of this year, many of us watched news footage of crude oil flowing into the Gulf of Mexico from a damaged deep sea oil well. Fishermen lost their livelihoods, and seaside businesses were forced to close. There was a miles-wide slick in the ocean, and marine life was damaged to extents, the depths of which we still don’t know. Now that the damaged well has been capped, much of the news hype has curtailed. However, that region is still in dire need of help.


Though the plight of the Gulf Coast may have faded into the background of the collective conscious, Yotam Solomon’s Spring 2011 BP Oil Spill Collection aims not only to bring more awareness to the cause, but to also raise funds. The line, which consists of both footwear and ready to wear apparel (The Selen bootie and and Moly pump are pictured) . “I created from inspiration around the Gulf of Mexico oil spill, as this is a major event in our decade- and even century,” said the designer. Pieces were influenced by the sights of oil slicked feathers, dead fish and other images.

Proceeds from sales of the BP Oil Spill collection will be given to Defenders of Wildlife and Natural Resources Defense Council because of their efforts in aiding the Gulf’s recovery.

Technorati Tags: shoes,Spring 2011 fashion,BP Oil Spill,Gulf of Mexico,Yotam Solomon,fashion for charity

Help and Heeling: Soles4Souls 1 Million Pair Promise to Haiti

When disaster strikes- as it did almost two weeks ago in Port-Au-Prince, Haiti- I often find it difficult to write, especially about high end shoes and yummy drinks. I watch the news and see stories of struggle, death destruction... of help and of hope. There's this "what can I do" feeling, coupled with "how can I blog about indulgences when so many are going without?" Well, I share info with my readers on how they can help... and I try to let a slick pair of stilts lift all our spirits. That said, I have some info for you directly from Soles4Souls. The Nashville based non-profit has committed to providing 1 million pairs of shoes for relief efforts in Haiti and has already distributed thousands of "family relief packages" containing food, water, medical supplies, cleaning products, baby products, clothes and shoes. In addition, they will continue to provide aid throughout 2010- even after the cameras have left and the twitter trending topics have ceased. I'll definitely be sending in some of my barely or never-worn sneakers and flats (plus those of family and friends) and hope you will too! (This is one instance where I don't think heels are appropriate) To find out how you can help, visit www.giveshoes.org.

*Update: Jessica Simpson and some of her celebrity friends have joined the relief efforts with an online video that can be seen at 50Kshoes.com. You can also make donations via that site.

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.

Shoe News: Ugg Austrailia's Seventh Annual Art and Sole Auction

These Boots were Made for Bidding



We at S&B love to see shoe designers collaborate for the greater good of others. While we don't often wear (or blog about) shoes that aren't high heeled and super sexy, we're making an exception for UGG Australia's Seventh Annual Art & Sole Auction. Held from December 1-14, the auction features UGG boots uniquely decorated by some of fashion and footwear's biggest boldfaced names. Betsey Johnson (whose pink UGGs- pictured- had the highest bid when we checked late Sunday night), Giuseppe Zanotti, (Project Runway alum) Christian Siriano and Stuart Weitzman were among the designers who gussied up a pair of the ubiquitous boots. All proceeds raised will go to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Bidding is hosted by Charity Folks and ends at 3 PM EST, so hurry up and get clicking!