Pages

Monday, December 27, 2010

Don’t Mess With Me Monday: Sam Edelman Winsford Booties

 

A Hot Toddie for a Haute Hottie

Sam Edelman Winsford ShoesNBoozeMother Nature gave some people a white Christmas this year, and dumped loads of snow on others just in time to screw with their Monday morning commutes. You’re not the type to let that stop your show, though. It’s a good thing shearling styling is a shoe staple this season. These Sam Edelman Winsford ankle boots (available via DNA Footwear for $209.99) are the perfect partner in the battle against the treacherous terrain and temperatures. The lug sole provides traction, and the 1.5 inch platform will keep the salt and grimy build up on the street from ruining your shoes. The 5 inch demi wedge heel might be a tough balancing act for some, but it’s a cake walk for you, and the fact that it’s a bit chunky only makes it better. Then there’s the clog-like detailing and furry ankle accent, which provide a rugged, yet cozy look.

Flor de Cana Hot Toddy Shoes N BoozeTonight when you wet your whistle, you’ll want to warm it, too. Chase the chill from your bones with a Spiced Hot Toddy made of spiced Flor de Caña Nicaraguan rum, boiling water butter and a cinnamon stick. It’s a smooth, soothing, slightly spicy way to end your day. Plus, the Flor de Caña is strong enough to keep your street cred with your drinking buddies. That means if you drink too many, you may be teetering on those 5 inch heels. Remember, there’s ice on the ground, and your backside definitely won’t enjoy a swift trip to a concrete kiss.

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Shoe News: How to Win Free Fergie Shoes on Shoehunting.com

 

Fergalicious for Free!

Fergie Shoes Giveaway ShoesNBooze

Like the shoes in the picture above? Want to get them for $FREE.99? Thanks to a limited time giveaway on shoelovers’ social network, Shoehunting.com, you can do just that. First sign in or sign up at Shoehunting.com.  Then comment on either the Fergie Blazing or the Fergie Lustin and share your comment via Facebook or Twitter. Lastly, “LIKE” Fergie Footwear on Facebook. Shoehunting.com will randomly select one winner to win both pairs of shoes. The giveaway ends December 16th, so get to clicking quickly! Go here for full details and rules.

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Shoe News: Jimmy Choo Debuts 15th Anniversary Crystal Collection

Happy Birthday to Choo!

Jimmy Choo Niagra SandalJimmy Choo, a red carpet favorite among stars such as Angelina Jolie, Katy Perry, and Jennifer Anniston, is celebrating its 15th anniversary. To commemorate the occasion, creative director Tamara Mellon has designed the Crystal Collection, which is inspired by both her collection of vintage jewels and the original the original Jimmy Choos that set shoe lovers’ hearts aflutter. Since crystal is the traditional 15th anniversary gift, Project Crystal’s shoes shimmer and sparkle with jewels in various styles and sizes. You can’t buy the shoes yet, but you can get on the waiting list. S&B’s favorite is the Niagra (pictured above and available for $2495). However, the other shoes in the collection are nothing less than lovely. Here are a few more options. Which pair would you love to wear?

Jimmy Choo Marine Sandal ShoesNBooze   Jimmy Choo Ciara ShoesNBooze  

 

Jimmy Choo Zafira ShoesNBooze

(Clockwise: Ciara, Marine, Zafira)

*Images via JimmyChoo.com

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

In it to Win It: How to Score $500 and a Night of Fun from Van Gogh Vodka

Cocktails, Confessions and a Celebrity Chef

VG BLUE - You UnbottledDo you remember playing Mad Libs as a kid? Were you good at it? Well, if you’ve held on to those skills, they can earn you and 24 of your friends an ultimate Girls’ Night In from Van Gogh Blue Vodka. Just visit the Van Gogh Blue Facebook fan page, become a fan and enter the “Cocktails and Confessions” contest. Here’s the fun part, you enter by filling in the blanks on a Mad Libs-like story about you and your friends. Entries will be judged on originality, humor and creativity, so get cheeky with it. The winner will receive a $500 American Express gift card and a night of fun and fine dining on food prepared by celebrity chef, Jon Ashton. Just promise to invite me if you win, OK? (This contest ends December 13th and is only open to US residents 21 years of age or older)

Monday, November 15, 2010

Shoes Clues: Where to Design your Own Shoes Online

Customizable Chaussures
I’ve recently noticed a number of sites that allow users to design and buy their own shoes (some sites will even allow others to buy the shoes you design, too). Though I haven’t created my own pair yet (but probably will soon), here are a few sites I’ve come across. 

Jen and Kim Cece ShoesNBoozeJen + Kim: You can either select from shoes they’ve already designed (like the CeCe sandal pictured), or choose the color, material and other details to individualize the look. Then contact the company with your request.(Some time ago, S&B featured their Melrose Pump Remember?). Prices start at $465.

Gala Darling Birthday Girl ShoesNBoozeJeff Silverman: This site’s mantra is “You desire it. We make it.” You can shop their collection (including the Birthday Girl, designed by Gala Darling, one of my fave bloggers), customize styles they’ve already designed or upload images and combine aspects of shoes you like to create your own design. Prices start at $100, and if other people buy a shoe you design, you get paid. 

Milk N Honey No Place Like Home ShoesNBoozeMilk & Honey: Shop their ready to wear collection (which includes the No Place Like Home Pump pictured) or design your own shoes. Start with a classic silhouette and select the color, material, accents and heel height to make a shoe all your own. It’s a little tough to know exactly what your shoe will look like, though, because the display heel height doesn’t change as you modify your design. Prices start around $200

nina Electra ShoesNBoozeNina Shoes: If you want to add your own touch to a fancy pair of satin shoes, this is the site for you. You can choose from a variety of colors, add jewels, select a heel height and add other customizations. (I played around and came up with this version of the Electra.) Prices start at $125.


There are plenty more DYO (design your own) shoe sites out there, I’m sure. Have you tried any of them? How was the outcome? I’ll let you know if I end up creating my own wearable masterpiece on any of these websites. 

Friday, November 12, 2010

Shoe News: Christian Louboutin’s Peace of Shoe

 

Walk in Peace

 

Christian Louboutin Peace of Shoe ShoesNBoozeAccording 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.

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Almost There Thursday- Veteran's Day Edition: Bronx Invince Able Booties


And Then A Hero Comes Along...

I have a cousin who's currently serving our country in Afghanistan. She's one of the strongest women I know (for more reasons than I'm willing or able to list here), and I not only appreciate her service to this country, but admire her. She's been through so much, and yet she keeps going, encouraging, supporting. Today's post is in honor of all veterans, but it's especially dedicated to her. It's almost time for her to come home, and I can't wait.

It may have seemed like a long week for many of us, but try comparing that to life in a war zone, across the world from the people you love most. You have to be mentally tough and emotionally... well I don't even know the word to describe what you'd need in that department. You learn to live without certain luxuries (my cousin's really looking forward to getting her hair done), and your life is in constant jeopardy. Still, my cousin is compassionate and fun-loving. When she's stateside, she's stylish and feminine... but also tough. This Invince Able bootie by Bronx (available via csnstores.com), with its ruggedly feminine appearance reminds me of her. The 3.5 inch heel is lower than what she'd wear for a night out, but it's comfortable, like her company. The distressed canvas, like her heart, has been through quite a bit, but that treatment is what makes it unique.

Tonight at happy hour, be sure to toast the past and present veterans who have put their lives on the line (and sometimes lost them) in service to our country. Drink a Chocolate Soldier (recipe & image via absolutdrinks.com) in their honor. It combines Remy Martin Cognac, dry vermouth, dark cacao liqueur and orange bitters for a cocktail that's slightly sweet, plenty strong and full of characters (just how I like a man in uniform). Be careful not to drink too many of these, though. Seriously, one girl can only take on but so many soldiers- even when there's chocolate involved.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Shoe News: Yotam Solomon’s BP Oil Spill Collection

 

Slick Chic

 

Yotam Solomon Moly Pump ShoesNBoozeYotam Solomon Selen Boot Shoes N Booze
















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.

Monday, November 8, 2010

Shoe News: Mel B. for ShoeDazzle.com

Adding Spice to the Dazzle

Former Spice Girl and DTWS contestant, Melanie Brown (F.K.A. Scary Spice, A.K.A. Mel B.) has joined an ever-growing list of celebrity guest designers for Kim Kardashian's online shoe shopping community, ShoeDazzle.com. The shoe, a nude pump with a bejeweled heel, was designed with with input from patients at the Children's Hospital of Los Angeles, who requested that they "go with everything" and be "soft and comfortable" on the inside. The shoes will be available in March 2011, and partial proceeds will go to the Children's Hospital of Los Angeles and Ronald McDonald House. Stay tuned for images closer to the release date.

*Info Source: Footwear News/ Photos via officialmelaniebrown.com

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Shoes Clues: Shoe Auction Site- If The Shoe Doesn't Fit


Sole! To the Highest Bidder

What do you do when you have too many shoes? I know... there really is no such thing. However, those who can't use their oven as extra storage space a' la Carrie Bradshaw and who don't have Mariah Carey cash to get shoe rooms built will eventually need to clear space for new shoes. Yes, you could donate them and hope the karma points add up to a financial windfall, or you could have a yard sale and watch skeevy strangers paw all over your Pradas and offer mere pennies in payment for them. However, there's another option: IfTheShoeDoesntFit.com. It's an online shoe auction website that makes it "easy and affordable to sell, swap and shop for shoes" (their words). I checked it out, and it's pretty cool (plus the game on there is addictive). Their fees are lower than a lot of other auction sites, and I think the swap option is unique.

I'm actually doing a bit of purging (and selling) these days- partially to make room for new goodies, and partially to bring in a few more bucks for holiday travels and shopping. I'll be auctioning off a few pairs of my shoes on IfTheShoeDoesntFit.com. So far I've only managed to take pictures of 3 pairs- none of which have been worn more than three times. (Selecting which shoes to let go and then photographing them is hardest part, right?) Clockwise: Unisa ballet flats, BCBG silver wedges, Joey O purple snake embossed sandals.





Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Wear or Beware? Kobi Levi Shoes

All Paws


 


Israeli shoe designer, Kobi Levi seems to take his cues from everything but the fashion world. With inspirations including bananas, pets, to slingshots, stepping on gum and NSFW images, his designs are unique to say the least. The question, though, is whether or not they're fashionable. Could you wear them? To where? With what?

Saturday, October 30, 2010

Booze Clues: What to Drink on Halloween- Belvedere Bloody Mary Martinis

Boo Day Boozing


Halloween is on a Sunday this year, and those have to work on Monday probably did their partying on Saturday (or get started early on Sunday). What's a Sunday without brunch, and while you may normally sip mimosas, today, try drinking on-theme. Regular Bloody Marys are a bit harsh for some, but Belvedere's Bloody Mary Martini is easier on the palate. Instead of the thick, peppery concoction we're used to, this drink consists of muddled cherry tomatoes, Belvedere Citrus Vodka, simple syrup and Tobasco (exact recipe & instructions on Belvedere.com). That also means you're more likely to consume it more quickly, so to test your soberness try saying this cocktail's name five times in front of a mirror. If you make it all the way through, you're good. Kidding. Enjoy responsibly. 


Friday, October 29, 2010

Fun Friday- BCA Month: Miss Mary Mac Breast Cancer Pumps


Pink Ribbon Special

With Breast Cancer Awareness Month drawing to a close, it's only right to shout your support from the rafters (or let your footwear do it for you). You've never been afraid of a little extra attention, so put on these pink ribbon print pumps by Miss Mary Mac. The pink sequined bow at the front and ribbon detail at the back give them a bit of sparkle & sizzle. Meanwhile, the 5 inch heel makes them a fun party shoe. Plus, the designer informed me that she donated partial proceeds from sales of this limited edition design to breast cancer research.


If you're going to wear pink ribbons on your feet, you might as well have a Pink Ribbon in your glass, too. Made with p.i.n.k. Vodka, Cointreau, cranberry juice, black currant juice and a splash of sour mix, it's a sweet-but-strong concoction. The caffeine and guarana in the vodka will give you the energy to party the night away. Just be careful not to have too many. A hyper drunk person isn't fun company. Plus, you're more likely to ruin your pretty shoes in an impaired state.

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Almost There Thursday: Lisa Wedges for Breast Cancer Awareness


Take it All in Stride

You've been on your feet quite a bit this week, and in towering heels. It almost seems like your feet are forming a Heels are Too Damn High Party. Keep things low key today in a pair of comfy wedges. If you opt for the Lisa Wedge from Atelier Shoes, you'll not only give your toes a treat, but aid in the fight against breast cancer. Designed to honor a woman who was taken away from her family by the horrible disease, fifty percent of the sale of each pair will go to breastcancer.org. It's a little more conservative that what's normally posted here, but isn't there something cute about that pink strap at the toe and pink BCA ribbon on the back? Plus, they were designed in honor of

This evening, when it's time to tipple, get warm and fuzzy with a Bosom Caresser.  It combines Remy Martin Cognac, milk, cherry brandy, an egg yolk and grenadine. That means it'll be a bit sweet, kinda creamy and very strong. They don't call it a Bosom Caresser for nothing; it's definitely not for the faint of palate.






Monday, October 25, 2010

Don't Mess with Me Monday- BCA Month: Beatrix Ong Avery


Straight Laced

You can hang with the boys without losing your girlish charm, and that's taken you pretty far, professionally and otherwise. Today, choose shoes that'll take you just as far, fashionably, like Beatrix Ong's Avery lace ups (available at farfetch.com).The sassy-meets-sweet combination of blush leather and black lace is de rigeur for Fall 2010, and the heel height of about 4.7 inches ups the vamp factor. Meanwhile, the styling is akin to that of a men's dress shoe, and masculine inspirations in women's fashion have become a mainstay.


You've been told you drink like one of the fellas, but you tend to draw the line at beer. While you're cheering your team to victory during Monday Night Football, let a Mike's Hard Pink Lemonade quench your thirst. It looks super girly, but it's got the same kick as the original version. Plus, you'll be supporting a company that's down for the cause. Having lost a member of the Mike's Hard family to breast cancer in 2009, the company donates $250,000 to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation annually. Please remember not to drink too many, or to drink them too fast. Malt beverages may lead to gas, and a lady who belches like a man is not sexy.

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Almost There Thursday: ShoeDazzle Beth Bootie


A Story of Strength

Your week's been tough, and you may need to pull strength from another source to finish it out. If you buy the "Beth" bootie from Shoe Dazzle (you know, Kim Kardashian's shoe shopping community site), you'll not only channel the inner strength of Breast Cancer survivor, Beth Martinez, but also help in the search for a cure to Breast Cancer. For the month of October, 10% of the sales from this chic faux suede bootie will go to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Their simple styling and moderate heel make them easy to wear with lots of looks, so their a great work-to-play shoe.


At happy hour tonight, an Absolut Bramble or two (or four) will relieve the tensions of the last four days so you can deal with the ones you encounter tomorrow. It combines Absolut Vodka, lemon juice, Creme de Mure (French blueberry liqueur), simple syrup and a blackberry garnish. It's sweet, complex and calming. However, as with all drinks, enjoy it in moderation.


Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Wild Wednesday- BCA Month: Senso Wilma Booties


Animal Instincts
You have an untamed heart, and it shows in all you do. Your approach to life- and fashion- is passionate, uninhibited and unique. That's why Senso's Willa booties (available at SoleStruck.com) are the shoes for you today. The fierce, fuchsia hue and cheetah print indicate your fun femininity and devil-may-care demeanor. Meanwhile, the 5 inch block heel and 1.5 inch platform connote a pretty high sense of self. These boots are so haute, they may have your prey chasing you tonight.

When it's time to toast this evening, make sure Samantha Jones' Community Service is in your glass. Inspired by and named after one of my favorite fictional Breast Cancer survivors, this cocktail combines X Rated Fusion Liqueur, Malibu Coconut Rum, pineapple juice, cherry juice and tonic. It's extremely sweet, and the taste of the alcohol will be virtually undetectable, but don't overindulge. Otherwise you'll seem more like Snooki than like a Sex and the City siren.

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Shoe News: Jerome Rousseau's TRON Legacy

Sci-Fi Fashion

The tech world and fashion world are constantly finding new ways to collaborate. Add a bit of Disney dust to the mix, and you've got the TRON: Legacy couture collection. A collaboration between Disney Consumer Products, Hayden Harnett, Rotenier, TomTom and Jerome Rousseau, it will feature limited edition high end shoes, jewelry and accessories inspired by the movie, which will hit theaters on December 17th. Rousseau's Quorra platform sandal (pictured above) was inspired by and named after the lead female character in the movie and will retail for about $795.


Source: Businesswire

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Heart and Sole: Shop the Shoebox for A Cure


Save Money, Save Lives


Tomorrow, from 10 AM to 8 PM ET, you'll save 20% on online and in-store purchases at the Shoe Box if you buy a Shop for a Cure ticket for $10. All proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to Komen Greater New York City. This is a great time to stock up on this season's clogs, platforms, utility booties and other trends.

Monday, October 4, 2010

Don't Mess with Me Monday- BCA Month: Jimmy Choo Fei Booties


Sheer Force

Some people had the day off in commemoration of the day Christopher Columbus accidentally "discovered" the new world. However, you're working... and working it in a serious pair of booties, like these "Fei" ankle boots by Jimmy Choo (available at Nordstrom). Slanted stripes and curves in snake-embossed leather overlay lavendar mesh to create a pattern that nods to your transparently complex personality. The 4.75 heel, slight platform and peep toe give a little sex appeal, and the light pink color not only shows your feminity, but also acknowledges Breast Cancer Awareness Month

This evening at happy hour, celebrate all those who are beating Breast Cancer by ordering a Chambord Flavored Vodka Martini. The easiest recipe we've featured here, it's simply made of chilled Chambord black raspberry flavored vodka.Through their "Pink Your Drink" program, Chambord donates money to the Breast Cancer Network of Strength.


Friday, October 1, 2010

Fun Friday- BCA Month: Bordello Teeze Pumps


B for Boobies

Today marks the first day of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I feel a bit of a twinge this time every year because Breast Cancer robbed me of two women whom I love dearly, and not long ago, it snatched away the sister of one of my close friends. My friend and I are not alone in our loss... there are way too many people with similar stories. However, there are also those with happier stories, stories of triumph and survival. I'd like to observe a moment of reflection for EVERYONE who has been affected in any way by Breast Cancer. In honor of them- and of my angels, Clara Abdul-Saboor and Suzanne Chopp- Shoes N Booze will only be doing pink shoe and drink pairings for the month of October. 

It's been a long week, and now you're being reminded how your boobs may play a serious part in your mortality. However, remember that a major component in Breast Cancer Awareness Month is the sense of hope it encourages. Embrace that hope by wearing a pair of sparkly pink pumps. (There's something magically hopeful about sparkles, isnt there?) These Bordello "Teeze" platform pumps (available via csnstores.com) will have all eyes on your feet when you party tonight. Their 5.75 inch heel and 1.75 inch platform will have you stepping high, and the fuchsia hue is deep and pretty, just like you. (Trivial bit: Beyonce wore these in her video for "Why Don't You Love Me?")

Tonight at the bar, make your drink of choice the Pinky Vodka Perfect Pair. Created by Natalie Bovis-Nelson (The Liquid Muse), it combines Pinky Vodka, pineapple juice, pomegranate juice, lime juice and simple syrup. It's a yummy cocktail, but the best part about it is the fact that Pinky Vodka will be donating a portion of the proceeds from every bottle sold during October to What a Pair's Breast Cancer Awareness efforts. Now, that doesn't mean it's your personal duty to consume a lot of these cocktails. Drinking too many will definitely take the fun out of your Friday... and Saturday.

Sunday, September 26, 2010

In it to Win it: How to get a Dream Job From Belvedere

When the Lush Life Pays Off...

If you read this blog, you definitely love shoes. Chances are you're also a fan of the hooch. Those of you who love vodka- more specifically- Belvedere Vodka, and are willing to prove it via a 60 second video should enter Belvedere's Dream Job Competition. As Chelsea Handler recently announced on Chelsea Lately, the winner will become Belve's Global Brand Ambassador. Basically, you get paid $100,000 to travel around the world and spread Belve cheer for a year. You and Claire Smith, Belvedere's Head of Spirit Creation and Mixology will attend events, showing clebrities, mixologists and other liquor lovers new ways to enjoy Belvedere. To enter, just upload your video to Belvedere's Facebook Contest Page. Oh... make sure it's interesting because you'll need votes from the public for a shot at the semi-finals. Good Luck!

Saturday, September 18, 2010

Runway Recap: London Fashion Week Favorites- Sass & Bide


Stepping Sassy

The Fashion Week frenzy has swept across The Pond and landed in London. Sass & Bide showed the most eye-catching shoes on the first day of London Fashion Week. The salmon pink heels with accented backs and patterned pumps and booties were hot!










Friday, September 17, 2010

Runway Recap: NYFW SS '11 Favorites- Daividelfin, Naeem Khan

 
El Fin

The closing day for New York Fashion Week presented pretty interesting choices in the shoe department. Davidelfin sent metallic and color blocked Christian Louboutins down the runway. Those, along with the platform sandals at Naeem Khan were among my favorites of the day.








Apparently there was a "no black" rule on the Davidelfin runway. Instead, the designer opted for navy, cobalt and teal. The androgynous clothes were excitingly conservative, and the Christian Louboutin platform pumps and booties were an apt accent. 







Naeem Khan chose to complete his looks with boots, booties and platform sandals. My eyes were immediately drawn to the patent sandals with contrasting platforms.