The shoeniverse & spirits world: trends, tips, news, reviews, recipes, runway and red carpet recaps.
Drawing Attention
I can’t get enough of Giuseppe Zanotti shoes. They’re sexy, fun, unique and still quite classy. I also adore designer shoe sketches, so I feel compelled to share when awesome illustrations cross my computer screen. What do you think of these works of art from the Spring 2012 collection?
Technorati Tags: Spring 2012 shoes,shoe sketches,Giuseppe Zanotti,illustrations
Deck the Heels…
As the holidays approach, friends friends and family often say something to the effect of “what do you want for Christmas? I can’t afford to buy the shoes you like so pick something else.” I’m sure other shoe minded women hear similar statements, so I’m hoping this little list will give the elves in our lives some guidance. Since it’s Cyber Monday, quite a few are available online.
1. Kurt Adler Shoe Ornaments
When I spotted them on AHAlife, I immediately fell in love. These mini ornaments look like shoes I’d actually wear! Plus, once they’ve completed their stint on the tree, they make great desk décor. Check out the KurtAdler.com for more styles and where-to-buy information.
2. A Shoe Coffee Table Book
IT’s hard to go wrong with a beautiful coffee table book. I’ll never forget how happy I was when I opened the copy of Blahnik by Boman: Shoes, Photographs, Conversation my mom bought me a couple of Christmases ago, and ended up under the tree for me, it would be a perfect addition to my budding collection. If you’re putting this book on your list, make sure you’re on Santa’s “nice” list, though.
3. Shoe Playing Cards
4. Shoe- themed Glassware
You’re here, so chances are you like both haute heels and cool drinks. Toast to both at once with a cocktail glass like this "Love Shoes & Cocktails!" Martini Glass. You’ll never mix your glass up with your friend’s again at girls’ night in.
5. Shoe Clips
New heels may be a tall order, but that doesn’t mean you can’t upgrade your shoe wardrobe this Christmas. Shoe clips- like these from Tisha Mae’s Trinkets (available via Accessory Remix)- are an easy way to add extra pizazz to shoes you already own. Give your favorite black pumps an on-trend punch with houndstooth, or add an old school touch with a retro-inspired bow.
Cheers to Being Thankful
Whether you’re traveling to see your family or hosting the big dinner at your house, you’ll probably be washing down your dinner with a cocktail or two. Here’s a handy little guide that’s sure to have the perfect drink for you.
Herradura Thanksgiving Margarita (tart, tangy)
1.5 oz. Herradura Reposado Tequila
2 oz. Cranberry Juice
1 oz. Fresh Lime Juice
.5 oz. Honey Syrup
Add all ingredients into shaker filled with ice and shake vigorously. Strain into an Old Fashioned glass with ice. Garnish with a sprinkle of cranberries (fresh or dried)
*By Mark Drew
Russian Standard Thanksgiving in Russia (somewhat sweet, but nutty)
1 ½ oz. Russian Standard Vodka
¾ oz. Pumpkin puree
½ oz. Frangelico Hazelnut liqueur
½ oz. Lime juice
¼ oz. Agave nectar
Rim glass with graham cracker crust or top with a seasonal fruit. Shake and double strain into cocktail glass and garnish with nutmeg.
*by Duane Fernandez, Jr. of Entwine Bar in New York
Belvedere Smoky Martini (strong and smooth)
2 oz Belvedere Vodka
Dash liquorice bitters
Stir Belvedere over ice and strain into a smoked dust* coated glass. Drop a dash of the bitters into glass and serve.
To make smoked dust:
Gently toast a piece of white bread with a blow torch. Once the bread starts to go dark brown (not burnt), crumble the bread and pound with a pestle and mortar.
*By Claire Smith
Tequila Avion Harvest Moon (sweet, almost creamy)
1 ½ parts Tequila Avión Aňejo
1 part Apple Flavored Liquor
¼ part Pear Juice
Splash of Egg White
Dash of Fresh Lemon
Pinch of Ground Cinnamon
In a shaker add all ingredients over ice then shake and strain. Harvest Moon can be served either straight up or on the rocks and garnish with a thinly sliced pear.
Toasty Toddy (strong, sweet)
1.5oz Dewar’s White Label
1oz Disaronno
1 Bar spoon of honey
.75oz Lemon Juice
3-4oz Hot Water
1 Cinnamon Stick Cracked
In a mixing glass add one cracked cinnamon stick, lemon juice, bar spoon of honey, Disaronno, Dewar’s White Label and 2 oz of Hot Water. Stir contents until honey has properly dissolved. Pour contents into toddy glass or wine goblet. Add 1or 2 more ounces of hot water, and garnish with a twist of lemon oil on top
*by Willy Shine of 1534 in New York
Technorati Tags: Booze,cocktail,Herradura Reposado,Margarita,Tequila,Russian Standard Vodka,Vodka,Frangelico,Belvedere Vodka,Martini,Tequila Avion,Aňejo,Dewar's,Disaronno,Cocktails
Whip it Good
When Smirnoff Vodka sent the bottle of their new Fluffed Marshmallow vodka to try, they also sent one of their Whipped Cream flavor. Consequently, my review crew and I tried both on the same day. Here's what happened when we tried Smirnoff Whipped Cream vodka.
The Sip…
The Shot…
The Mix…
The Verdict: Smirnoff Whipped Cream is pretty darn yummy. It has a bit more bite than the Fluffed Marshmallow, but it’s still quite sweet. It’s a good shooter but a great vodka to mix. Though I like the flavor of the Fluffed Marshmallow more, I appreciate that the Whipped Cream provided a little more warmth going down.
Again, special thanks to Claudia Mora of Matrix Public Relations, Enovia Bedford of Accessory Remix and the folks at DV Depot. Also, Erika, I appreciate you taking a little break from fashion styling to be our bartender.
