Shoe Sleuth: 5 Cool Sneaker Suggestions for a Hot Mom

A woman named Elise recently sent a request via the Shoes N Booze Facebook page asking for help finding cool, colorful sneakers to wear causally. She prefers the look of a certain brand but has found the quality of the actual sneakers to be sub-par. Consequently, she's on the hunt for a pair that will not only hold up to her daily commute, but also to chasing her young son around. Slip-on sneakers might be the 'IT' style of spring '14, but she prefers a lace-up running sneaker with a retro vibe, and her max price is $125. Here's what we found:

Nike Air Pegasus '83*

The Nike Air Pegasus '83 ($75 via Amazon.com) is easy to pair with almost anything, thanks to its gray color, and pops of bright orange and fuchsia keep it fun and season-right. Plus, the darker coloration is great for a mom because it'a a little tougher for stains to show. 

New Balance 501 

This New Balance 501 Retro sneaker ($59.45 via shoebuy.com) keeps you in step with Pantone's color of 2014- Radiant Orchid. Granted, that's not the color listed for this shoe, but it looks close enough, no?

Le Coq Sportif Eclat

The light color of this Le Coq Sportif Eclat sneaker ($122.32 via ASOS.com) means you'll have to keep a Tide stick or wipes on hand at all times (you do that anyway, don't you?). But c'mon... they're Le Coq Sportif! The ultimate in 80s cool and totally worth the trouble.

Saucony Shadow Original

Berry blue and bright pink are a vivid combination on this Saucony Shadow Original ($48.00 via Saucony.com). With it's thicker sole, it may not be the most versatile sneaker, but it's a great bet for a day spent running errands. 

Gola Running Sneaker

This Gola running sneaker ($69.00 via YOOX.com) makes the perfect wear-with-all because of its sleeker look. Turquoise, gray and white with a dash of pink keep the sneaker feminine without being over-the-top girly.

Elise, hopefully one of these suggestions is a step in the right direction.

*Shoes N Booze is an Amazon.com affiliate. 

Booze Clues: National Margarita Day- 5 Takes on the Festive Cocktail

Print by Vintagraphy

I bet you thought National Margarita Day was on May 5th (Cinco de Mayo!), but it's actually today, and it honors Jmmy Buffet's Margaritaville. Since it's Saturday, you'll likely indulge in a spirited beverage or two (ok, five) this evening. If margaritas weren't already on your agenda, they should be now- but PLEASE make sure there's no sour mix in them. From the classic version to more intriguing interpretations, there's a margarita for everyone.

Cointreau Classic Margarita

Cointreau's Classic Margarita
2 oz. Blanco tequila
1 oz. Cointreau
1 oz. Lime juice


Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass and add ice. Shake and strain into a margarita glass. Garnish with a lime wheel and salt.

Milagro Veracruzana Pineapple Margarita

The Veracruzana Pineapple Margarita

2 parts Milagro Reposado Tequila

¾ part Agave Nectar

1 part Fresh Lime Juice

4 Pineapple Chunks

2 Basil Leaves

Muddle pineapple and basil leaves in a Boston shaker. Add remaining ingredients and shake vigorously with ice. Strain into a rocks glass with fresh ice. Garnish cocktail with pineapple and basil.

Partida Ruby Margarita

Partida RUBY MARGARITA 

1 ½ oz Partida Reposado Tequila

1 ½ oz Fresh Ruby Red Grapefruit juice

½ oz Cointreau

½ oz Fresh squeezed lemon juice

½ oz French Cassis. 

Shake the first 4 ingredients in a shaker with ice. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Dribble the ½ oz French Cassis down the inside of the glass so it will settle at the bottom.

Hearts & Tarts Margarita

Hearts & Tarts Margarita

1 Jalapeño Slice

1 1/2 oz. El Silencio Mezcal

3/4 oz. Passionfruit Syrup

3/4 oz. Orange Curaçao

3/4 oz. Fresh Lime Juice

In a mixing glass, with a muddler press a jalapeño slice. Add rest of ingredients, add ice and shake. Strain over fresh ice into a rocks glass. Garnish with a lime wedge.

*Created by Marcos Tello of LA's Tart Restaurant

*If you're not into tequila AT ALL, try: 

The Camus-rita

The Camus-rita 

2 oz. CAMUS VS  Elegance cognac
1 oz. lime juice
1 oz. orange juice
1 oz. triple sec

Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into glass, garnish with slime of lime.

Shoes Clues- 5 Shoes to heart on Valentine's day

Because Shoe Girls Wear Their Hearts on Their Feet...

Ah, Valentine's Day... those who've been pierced by Cupid's arrow exchange gifts, go on dates and generally tend to up the romance quotient. If you're among those the chubby cherub overlooked, you can still make it a day about love- for yourself, for family and friends or for life in general. Either way, show the world that big, beautiful heart of yours via a pair of sick kicks.  

Alexander McQueen Pump via bluefly.com

A fierce animal print pump- especially when worn as a neutral- will always up the style ante of your look. The heart cutout on this pony hair peep toe by Alexander McQueen (currently on sale at bluefly.com) makes it a sweet take on a style staple, and the hidden platform means you can dance all night.

Add caption

If your style is more retro-inspired, this suede "Haute Hearts" pump by Seychelles (available at shopplasticland.com) is for you. The cone heel and high vamp nod to the 40s, but the raspberry and red color combination is very now. Wondering what to wear with this shoe? An LBD is your easiest bet, but a ladylike midi skirt will also work well, especially if you're going from office to outing.

Delphine Pump by Charlotte Olympia

Everyone knows that rule about white shoes before Memorial Day is outdated, right? That said, pulling off a white pump during the cold months isn't for the faint of style. If you've got the chops, rock a heart-accented platform pump, like the "Delphine" by Charlotte Olympia. I'd wear these with torn jeans and a graphic tee or cool sweatshirt- to avoid a toothache-sweet look.

Alice + Olivia Gigi Pump

Feeling extra feminine? A heart-printed d'orsay pump, like Alice and Olivia's Gigi, is a very girly way to go. In grossgrain ribbon, this one is better for warmer locations, and it'll look adorable with cropped pants or a flared midi skirt.

ShoeDazzle Love Pump

Nothing sets hearts ablaze like a shiny lipstick-red pump, like the "Love" by ShoeDazzle. Heart cutouts add whimsy without taking away from the sexiness, and the small platform provides extra support. If you're single, this shoe is a great way to say your heart is open for business *wink.

**BONUS PICK
All the single ladies!!! I recently found the most perfect graphic tee EVER!

Tee Via Intermixonline.com

Booze Clues: Why Whiskey is a Winter Winner

Have A Whiskey Print via BentonParkPrints on Etsy

My friends often say I drink like an old man during fall and winter because I prefer to sip whiskey neat when the temps drop. However, Master of Whiskey, Gina Unverferth sees it differently. As one of the top women in whiskey, she'll quickly tell you that a predilection for the robust flavor or the grain-based spirit is not mutually exclusive of a penchant for wearing heels and lip gloss. There is a reason behind the thought that whiskey sipping is a man's sport, though. "Because of the temperance movement and whiskey being served in brothels, women started getting a bad wrap when associated with whiskey," says Unverferth.


I recently had the opportunity to talk whiskey with Gina while she whipped up a Manitoba, one of her favorite cocktails featuring Crown Royal Maple Finish. (Recipe is at the bottom of this post.) Since Polar Vortex has descended upon us, I figured this is the perfect time to share what I learned. 

Gina building a Manitoba

S&B: What originally drew you to whiskey, and what keeps you coming back for more?

GU: I first fell in love with whiskey as a tap dancer, with post show toasts with fellow dancers, musicians, and crew.  From there, I started developing my palate and continue to love finding new liquids that I'm in love with.

S&B: Why is whiskey so great for chilly weather sipping?

GU: Whiskey has many warm notes on the nose and palate.  From a toasted nuttiness to rich toffee and vanilla to a smokiness – all great flavors on a cold day!

S&B: What type of whiskey is the best to try for a novice- especially a female novice?

GU: I would start with a smooth bourbon as it tends to be sweeter because it is corn based. From there, one can explore whether they want something spicier, smokier, or what flavor profile they are searching for.

S&B: I’m sure Shoes N Booze readers would love a few tips. Based on flavor preference, what would you suggest as a whiskey entry point?

GU: A.      Sweet drinks: Old Fashioned    

B.      Bitter and smooth: Manhattan

C.      Something warm: Hot Irish Punch (Hot Toddy)

D.      Bright and Fresh: Whiskey Smash

S&B: What are 3 types of whiskey a home bar needs, and what brand do you suggest?

GU: A.      Bourbon: Bulleit Bourbon

B.      Rye: George Dickel Rye Whiskey

C.      Scotch: Oban or Johnnie Walker Platinum

MANITOBA

·         1 1/2 oz Crown Royal Maple Finish Whisky

·         3/4 oz Lemon Juice

·         1/2 oz Simple Syrup

·         top with Ginger Beer

Shake & strain into a highball glass. Garnish with a lemon wedge.