Don't Mess with Me Monday: Pura Lopez Pumps & Godiva Cocktails

Loafing Around

You've always been a go-getter. Remember high school? You were the one in class who actually did the extra credit, whether your grade really needed improvement or not. It was hard work, but it was nothing compared to what you do now to stay ahead. Admit it, you'd give anything to trade the office and Mac notebook for the classroom and marble ones. Well, you can't go back, but your feet can (sort of) in these sport green Pura Lopez "N253" Pumps (available at Nordstrom). With their penny loafer styling and 4 inch heel, they've got a sexy schoolgirl vibe that's perfect for this season's tailored prep school-inspired looks. (Check out the October issue of InStyle Magazine to for wardrobe suggestions.)

Take your taste buds back to school, too, with a Pumpernickel Cocktail (Image courtesy of avenuevine.com). Greg Best, star mixologist at Eugnene in Atlanta, combined Brut Champagne (your choice of brand) with Godiva Dark Chocolate Liqueur to make this one. The rich, tickly taste will remind you of the yummy sandwiches you used to eat for lunch. Ah, but it's so much nicer sipping this drink at a nice cafe bar than it was eating your sandwich in a noisy cafeteria, right? Plus, now the cool guys want you.

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.

Shoe News: ShoeHunting- the New Shoe Shopping Widget & Social Networking Community

ShoeHunting.com is Seventh Heaven for Shoelovers

S&B thanks Anna at ShoeSmitten for the heads up on this new e-spot. Basically, you go to the site, download the widget and join the community. Then, as you cruise the information superhighway in search of the perfect shoe, you bookmark candidates along the way. Like other sites, ShoeHunting allows members to keep track of and comment on each other's finds. Seriously, this place is like a support group for shoehounds (supporting the habit, not efforts to quit). StyleScrybe signed up right away and has started adding the shoes you see on this blog. I suggest you do too. That way, we can connect and share!

Don't Mess with Me Monday: Jonathan Kelsey Cleo Pumps & Remy Martin Cognac

Get it Bronzed

So... it's the first day of a new work week and of a new season. Doesn't it seem like the Summer's serenity gave way to Autumn's structure a little too quickly? Don't go getting all S.A.D., though. The best cure for an approaching case of Seasonal Affective Disorder (at least for us footwear fiends) is a new pair of high heels. Don't lament the transition. Celebrate instead with this pair of architecturally inspired bronze "Cleo" pumps by Jonathan Kelsey. Their pointy toe and approx. 4 inch heel, along with the diagonal strap will give you a Judy Jetson meets Jessica Rabbit kind of sex appeal. It's rare that a shoe's winks to the future blend seamlessly with subtle nods to the past, creating a very of-the-moment, no nonsense look.

One good thing about Fall is that it opens up your drink choices quite a bit (enter, dark liquor). During the summer we at S&B stick to white and light liquors because the dark ones make us feel a little too warm. Anyway, tonight, drink like the boys and order a "Dream". A combination of Remy Martin Cognac, Grand Marnier and a little Lucid Absinthe, this drink is sure to help you shake of a case of the "Mondays". Beware, though, if you're a lightweight you'll want to sip this and limit yourself to one, or else you may find yourself in a drunken nightmare.

Wild Wednesdays: Emanuel Ungaro Heels & Corazon Truffle Margarita

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.

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.

Don't Mess with Me Monday: Stella McCartney Platforms & Disaronno Indulgence

Nude at a High Altitude

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.

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)

Almost There Thursday: Lovely People Candy and Hendrick's Gin Collins

Purple Reign

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).


P.S.- the S&B team wishes Sherri (HairSugar.blogspot.com) a very happy birthday! With her long legs and 3-inch heel limit, she's the inspiration behind "Almost There Thursdays".