The shoeniverse & spirits world: trends, tips, news, reviews, recipes, runway and red carpet recaps.
It's Memorial Day. That means no office, no meetings and a day spent hopping from one chic rooftop barbecue to to another. Let's not forget that the day isn't just about burgers and deviled eggs. It's for remembering those who risk life and limb for others, and we've still got plenty whose families pray for a safe return. You're one whose shoes do the talking for her, so instead of a yellow ribbon, don a sunny-hued pair of shoes. We suggest Shree Moni's gladiator-inspired Mona Lisa sandals in fimma yellow. The 4-inch heel and 1 inch platform mean they'll look good with your post-pigout-pooch-hiding maxi dress, and the gladiator styling- with metal brace at the shank- reminds you of soldiers near and far.
Jaunting from place to place can leave a girl a little parched. Citrus Refreshers (Recipe & image from theworldwidegourmet.com) will whet your palette (and look great with your shoes). You'll likely be fixing your own drinks today, so stop at a store and pick up enough candied ginger to last you a while. The recipe calls for Absolut Citron, Sparkling water, lime juice and candied ginger. It'll have a slightly spicy-tart flavor that's cooling but not so sweet that you'll gulp it down. Enjoy resposibly!
Hey shoelovers! We recently heard that Ruthie Davis will be offering a line of two-fer shoes next fall. Apparently, she realized a problem: sometimes we need to go from heels to flats in the blink of an eye without sacrificing style. Her answer was to design coordinating flats to go with her heels and then sell both for the price of one. She's calling them "Sushi Combos." (Yummy!) Oh, and they'll come with adorable graffiti print bag to carry them in. Oh, and the $698 to $798 price point will be noticeably lower than her normal $795 to $1295. No worries, though, she'll be using the same high-quality materials. The designs will just be less ornate. We haven't gotten our hands on any pics of the new line yet, so we figured we'd tempt you with a Sushi shoe from the current Summer '09 collection.
A vivid pair of shoes deserves a drink that's just as intense. If all eyes aren't on your feet tonight, they'll be on your drink, especially if you're sipping a P.I.N.K. Blackberry Martini (Image & recipe courtesy of P.I.N.K Vodka). The verdict's been out sometime on what ultra girly-looking cocktails say about a woman, but this one won't hurt your image at all. It combines P.I.N.K Vodka, blackberry brandy, Cointreau, a little cranberry juice, a splash of sour mix and a few blackberries, so it's not a "college girl" drink. Since you're all grown up now, you'll avoid joining the ranks of recent video scandal victims by drinking responsibly.
Many say the the dog of choice for the ultra-femme is a Pomeranian or perhaps a chihuahua. We at S&B recently stumbled across a reason to differ with that opinion. Enter, Mario Bologna's Bulldog pumps (available at Forzieri). The plum color of the patent pumps, combined with the proper plaid trim and the plastic bulldog (with rhinestone collar) accents, makes them playfully prim. The two-tone 4 inch metal stiletto heel adds an unexpected level of funk to the shoe, though. This shoe is a true reflection of your style and mood today. While you're always the perfect lady, you're also full of surprises, aren't you?
Giver your friends a little shocker when they hear you order a Cherry Bitch (excuse your language) tonight at happy hour (image & recipe courtesy of barnonedrinks.com). It's made with currant tea-infused Bulldog Gin, a few cherries, apple juice, a little simple syrup and dash of lime juice, so it doesn't have much bite. Still, enough of them will give you more than a proper buzz, so enjoy it responsibly.
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.Green Peace 
It's been one of those weeks so far, huh? It seems like everyone from your boss to your bff has decided to push your buttons, and you've let them all know about it. Now it's time to make amends... extend an olive branch of sorts. It's Fashion Week, though, so let your sartorial choices express your sentiment. Emanuel Ungaro's olive eelskin branch-heeled shoes - with their 5-inch branch shaped heel, peep toe, wide ankle strap and contrasting back zip closure- will show them you're not only sincere but also superbly stylish. Great with bare legs or with this season's opaque tights, they're a foolproof choice for transitioning into fall footwear.
A pair of shoes such as these calls for a cocktail that's just as rustically elegant and indulgent. Sashay into the most luxurious watering hole and see if the bartender can muster up a Truffle Margarita (Image courtesy of Ideas in Food). (He/she probably won't know how, so get your pen and pad ready). From the minds of Ideas in Food's Chefs Aki Kamozawa and H. Alexander Talbot, it combines Corazon Blanco Tequila (or other top shelf substitution) with a splash of maple syrup and truffle oil and is garnished with truffle slices and a lime wedge. This isn't a sweet drink, but simply having it in your hand means you're an intelligent imbiber.
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.
You're the A-type Alpha gal of your office. You know, the one who spends Sunday nights getting a head start on Monday's tasks. Kick your NY Fashion Week into high gear, and head to the "tents" in Stella McCartney's patent platform pump (available at Bergdorf Goodman). The nude patent faux leather and almond toe give them surprising versatility (you're ready at a moment's notice for whatever comes your way). However the thick wooden platform and 5-inch wedge heel, accented with antiqued silvertone plates, say you'll easily step over (or on) anyone who gets in your way. They're perfect with this season's wide leg pants.
Chances are there will be open bars at every event you attend, but who needs sponsored liquor when you have a killer expense account? Let the "little people" drink whatever's on tap for the night, and order an "Indulgence." (Make sure the bar back puts yours in a proper glass. Shots can be so un-chic). It's sweet and thick, but it packs a kick. If your request brings a question mark to his or her face, instruct the wonderful individual to layer De Kuyper's brown Creme de Cacao, Disaronno Amaretto and Amarula cream into a glass and into that exact order. If it's done without blending the layers, leave a great tip.
Do you know the best thing about Thursdays? They allow you to see the light at the end of the tunnel most people call their work week. These "Candy" pumps by Shoes for Lovely People (available at amazon.com), with their hint of brightness amid a dark backdrop, mirrors your mood today. The sexy black and purple pallette is tre' on-trend for fall footwear and says you're mysterious but playful. However, the 3 inch stacked wooden heel keeps them office appropriate. Before you leave work, swap your slacks for a short (but not too short) skirt, sex up your makeup, and head to the hottest after-work set you can find. Make sure the music's hot because they're so comfy you'll want to party like it's 1999!
Tonight you'll want a drink that has enough kick to make you kick it to the cutie over by the DJ booth. The Blackberry Collins is just for you. This drink combines DeKuyper Blackberry, lemon juice, sugar syrup, and soda water with Hendrick's Gin (the subtle notes of cucumber, rose petal and other botanicals make it the perfect mate for berry-flavored mixers). Dark, strong and sweet... it's the way to go for a late summer's night drink... or date (smile).
Have the past two days made you want to roar? When you step out tonight, there's no better way to free your inner predator than a pair of leopard print sandals. Betsey Johnson's Mackenzie d'Orsay stiletto pumps (available at Nordstrom) say there's no taming you. While the bold print puts your wild side on display, the metallic pink ruffle detail means you're equal parts girl and grrrrrr. Worn with a black wrap dress, ankle pants or another simple-but-sexy outfit of your choosing, this fierce pair of footwear will have suitors falling at your feet.
When the drink offers start pouring in, tell them you want an "Aman Snow Leopard". Conceived by star mixologist, John Gakuru, it combines Sagatiba Cachaca with amaretto. It's topped off with heavy cream and a little rose water to subdue some of the sweetness and garnished with a drizzle of espresso to add some kick. One of these will soothe the savage beast within, but don't have too many, though. It's easy go to from sex kitten to she-creature once all the inhibitions are gone, and nobody wants that.
Strand of pearls? Check! Nails painted a polite, neutral shade? Check! No one can tell you that you're not a lady. When you hit the bar tonight, you'll no doubt have on a pretty prim pair of pumps. Not sure which ones to wear? These bejeweled peep toed pretties from Giuseppe Zanotti (available at Neiman Marcus) scream refined femininity. Luxe crocodile-embossed leather will cradle your foot in buttery softness, and a cluster of jewels accenting the toe adds a little extra allure. They don't scream for attention, but ladies know it's better to be noticed than to attract stares, right?
Just be sure that while you sit atop your barstool with your ankles properly crossed (right over left, of course), you sip on something that's as sweet and sedate as you are. A cultured lady always goes for something classical, so opt for a "Mozart". Made simply by combining vodka (I suggest Chopin if you want to keep the theme going) with chocolate liqueur (Godiva, no doubt). I'm sure you'll remember to sip slowly so as not to overdo it. A heavy buzz is never becoming.
Though you may be excited that the weekend's arrived, there's something very calming about leaving the office on a Friday evening. It's as if you can feel the tension leave your shoulders as you shut down your computer, and the oxygen seems to flow more freely through your lungs once you step into two days of freedom. Now that you've re-centered, do a little foot feng shui. Paint the town red in a pair of green shoes. Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti's patent strappy stiletto sandals (available at eLuxury.com) are an eye catching way to say you've found your chi. If the symmetrical pattern of multiple straps with enamel buckles doesn't express your inner equilibrium, walking steadily on the 5 inch stiletto heel will prove you've got a strong sense of balance. They'll look great with fitted denim bermuda shorts or a sexy shirtdress.
Keep the good vibes flowing, and order a Zen Buddha at your bar of choice (get extra karma points for tipping generously). One of Zen Liqueur's signature cocktails, it's a combination of SKYY Citrus Vodka, orange juice, Blue Curacao and Zen Green Tea Liqueur. The first sip of this stuff is sweet salvation, and by the end of your drink you'll be one with all that is good in the world. Don't overdo it, though because too much off a good thing can easily turn into bad news when you're dealing with liquor.
After yesterday's storms in NY, today's sunny glow is as refreshing as a one of those new "Thin Mint" Blizzards from Dairy Queen. In the spirit of all things invigorating, embrace your effervescence today, and slip on your most enticing heels. This minty green "Fortuna" sandal by Georgina Goodman (available at ShopBop.com) makes the perfect indulgence. Supple kangaroo leather, wrap-around ankle tie straps, gold accents and a 4 inch mirrored split heel provide a delicate appeal with just a little edge.
Though these shoes are entirely intoxicating on their own, you H-A-V-E to take them out for a twirl and a drink. A mojito or mint julep will easily echo the charm of these heels, but aren't you tired of those already? Try something new, and spring for a Mint Summer Nightini. This one came courtesy of the folks at CocktailTimes and blends (and I quote) Stoli Blackberri, cucumber juice, simple syrup and muddled mint leaves. It's sweet, but crisp and is the ideal drink for an evening such as this.
The week's almost over, what shall you wear? A shoe with a heel that's barely there, of course. Sam Edelman's "Nova" (available at shop.com) proves your shoes can be at a low altitude but still high on style. While many think a shoe such as this is better saved for evening soirées, we at S&B say you can easily wear them during the day, especially with ankle-length jeans or pants. The peep toe and slingback make them fine for work (in less conservative environments), but the crackled gold finish and 2.75 inch heel say they're also perfect for play.
Whether you're wearing these sandals to happy hour or the hottest nightspot, you have to order a drink with the "Midas touch". Start with a shot of Goldschlager at your favorite dive bar (don't want everyone to see you drink like a coed), if you dare. If you've never had it, it tastes like Red Hots on acid. Then, at the bar du jour, request a Goldfinger. A combination of Goldschlager, Grand Marnier and ginger ale, it's a sweet, spicy way to kick your summer fun into high gear.
It's the last day of the week, and you're feeling quite festive. Treat your feet to a shoe bouquet, like this pair of anklewrap platforms from Stella McCartney (available at Intermix). Floral-printed canvas on a 5 inch pale wood heel says you're a free spirit, but you've got a discriminating eye for style. Great with this summer's maxi dresses, they add a breezy flair to whatever you wear.
In case you didn't know, Stella McCartney designs with the environment in mind. When you wear her shoes, it only makes sense to choose a drink that's equally Earth-friendly. Try the "Heavenly Hibiscus." From the eco-focused folks at American Feast, this drink blends Chopin Vodka (made from naturally grown potatoes), hibiscus syrup, Grand Marnier Cordon Rouge, lime juice and hibiscus syrup (made from hibiscus tea). While the syrup adds the purple tint and a floral flavor, it may be hard to find, so if your bartender doesn't have it you can do without.
One more day left in the work week- Woo Hoo! Feet a little tired from sporting stilettos? Give your toes a break from their woes, and throw on a pair of low heels. This can be a tough shoe group to pull off, but that's what "Almost There Thursday" is all about. This week, try some playful peep toed pumps, like "Compliments of the Chef" from Seychelles (available on Zappos.com). The 2.5 inch heel on this orange suede pump will keep you comfy, and the peek-a-boo straps on the side add a little zest. 
Lower heels mean higher voltage drinks. Run or skip to the bar (because your feet are so happy), and ask for a blood orange cosmopolitan. Make sure you ask the bartender to mix a little extra Ketel One Vodka with the Triple Sec, lime juice and blood orange juice. If they don't have blood orange juice, regular should suffice... it just won't match your shoes as well.
In perfect timing for a "Wild Wednesday" post (which is always about animal print or exotic skin shoes), Shoe Smitten sent in a picture of her Donald J Pliner "Gisa" Sandals (pictured right and available at Amazon.com) with a request for a drink pairing. These chestnut colored croc-look cuties have a utilitarian hippie feel. Yet, the four inch heel, rubber sole and pairing of suede with embossed leather make them at once sultry and sturdy. A woman who wears these is versatile and maybe a little unpredictable at times... and now that the first half of the work week is over, let the surprises ensue.
Get the party started with a "halfcast Russian". A creamy mixture of Van Gogh Vodka (or any other you prefer), coffee liqueur and cappuccino, it'll definitely give you the boost you need to get through the rest of the week. Go easy on this sauce, though because no one likes a bar busy body.
