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Thursday, September 25, 2014

Here's to Winning: STLTO Wine's Taryn Rose Shopping Spree Sweepstakes

Dear Reader,

Yes you. Here's how you can win shoes, luggage or a designer watch. STLTO Wine recently launched a sweepstakes with shoe designer, Taryn Rose and apparel and accessories designer, Adrienne Vittadini. The grand prize winner will receive a shopping spree for ten pairs of Taryn Rose shoes, first runner up will be awarded an Adrienne Vittadini Luggage set and the next 10 runners up will win Adrienne Vittadini watches.  To enter and/or learn more, click the image below or visit STLTOWINE.com.

STLTO Wine Sweepstakes to win Taryn Rose Shoes or Adrienne Vittadini luggage or watches

I may not be able to enter with you, but I can sip while you click. I'm all about a wine that pays such fitting tribute to shoes and one of Italy's biggest contributions to my favorite accessory. That said, I sure hope you wine, I mean win.

Yours Shoely,

Ms. Shoes N Booze

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Runway Recap: Our 5 Favorite #SS15 Shoes from #LFW

London Fashion Week is a wrap for this season, and the excitement has moved on to Milan. The shoes presented on the RTW runways indicate that Spring 2015 will be have London's style set choosing between dainty, chunky and sporty. And then there were the wild ones... those were our favorites. One of these seasons, someone from Shoes N Booze will get to the shows across the Atlantic, but this time, we had to live vicariously through our social media feeds.

Sophia Webster

Sophia Webster Shoes London Fashion Week SS15
Image via Instagram/ @metrogypsie

Sophia Webster shoes are our spirit animal. No matter the season, she delights with bright colors, whimsical touches and an ultra-feminine aesthetic. Her SS15 collection, "Jungle is Massive" took a cue from all things untamed— and somehow added a cute factor. We're in absolute awe!

Nicholas Kirkwood for Roksanda

Image via Instagram/ @Imgcube
Roksanda Ilincic chose brooklyn-based sculptor, Julia Dault's work as her muse for Spring '15. (Every season, she draws inspiration from the work of an artist, so at the end of this show, she informed her audience before anyone had the chance to ask who it was.) Bold colors and geometric details characterized both the clothes and the shoes, which were a collaboration with Nicholas Kirkwood (a Shoes N Booze fave). We fell in love with the slightly curved heels and contrasting brights on these sandals.


House of Holland

 House of Holland Shoe SS15
Image via Instagram/ @house_of_holland

During the 70s, rock groupies were influencers in their own right, and Henry Holland paid homage to them with is Spring 2015 collection. The pieces on his runway evoked words like gogo-glam and flower power. This sandal sums up both concepts in one step with its petal-like back, iridescent trim and tasseled ties.

Toga

 Toga RTW Shoes LFW SS15
Image via fellow blogger,  chriSTYLEball

"I create for a complex woman who can only live in chaos"— Toga's designer, Yasuko Furuta. Uh yea, that pretty much sums up the Shoes N Booze crew. No wonder we loved the shoes from her Spring 2015 ready-to-wear collection so much. These architectural sandals with their PLV inserts, multi-level wedge heels and color blocking are just the right amount of crazy.


Rupert Sanderson for Antonio Berardi 

 Rupert Sanderson for Antonio Berardi SS15 shoes LFW
Image via Instagram/ @bitsnbits


Antonion Berardi found inspiration for Spring '15 in the film The Flowers of War.  This translated into dresses, etc. in prints that referenced the refracted light of stained glass windows in a church. The shoes, a collaboration with Rupert Sanderson, were a literal interpretation— at least this pair was, with it's metallic straps and floral appliques. We think they're beautiful.

What about you? Did you have any favorites from London Fashion Week that we didn't mention? If they make it to production, maybe we can pair them with a cocktail once the season gets here.


Friday, September 12, 2014

Runway Recap: Our 5 Favorite #SS15 shoes from #NYFW

New York Fashion Week has come to an end, and Spring/ Summer 2015 has a head-spinning variety of styles in store. There were so many shows and so many shoes (as always). We're simultaneously catching our breath from all the amzing pieces and trying to keep up with the coverage of London Fashion Week, but we managed to find our top #NYFW picks. 


Christian Siriano NYFW shoes for Spring 2015
Image via instagram/ @csiriano
The Project Runway alum said in his notes that he drew inspiration for this collection from the multidimensional glass sculptures of Australian sculptor Sergio Redegalli. We think these shoes are the stuff of fairy tales, especially the silver iridescent pair at the top center and the white mules with the mint green perspex heels. 


J. Crew SS15 NYFW shoes
Image via twitter/ @thewallgroup

Inspirations for the apparel at the J. Crew Spring 2015 RTW presentation ran the gamut from sports to stars to South American textiles, resulting in a collection that that epitomized elevated cool. The shoes were gorgeous. This iridescent sandal, with its dainty heel and slender straps, took our breath away. We're coveting the entire collection, though.

Monique Lhuillier

 Monique Lhuillier Spring 2015 Shoe
Image via tumblr/ @allegoryofvanity

A favorite among the red carpet crowd, Monique Lhuillier, recalled a recent trip to Harbour Island in the Bahamas for her Spring 2105 collection. She was moved by the blush and lilac tones, and she was inspired by the reflective, rippling water. Consequently, most of her had an element of sparkle or shimmer (and then there were those effervescent pink dresses). The shoes shined as well. This clear-heeled gold sandal is on our must-get list.  

Marissa Webb

 Ivy Kirzhner shoes for Marissa Webb NYFW
Image via Instagram/ @ivykirzhner

According to her instagram, Marissa Webb's shoes didn't arrive in time for her presentation. As a result, Ivy Kirzhner's (already-available-online yay!) footwear marched down the runway with her collection— a mash-up of tough, sweet and easy that will likely gain traction with the street style set. This particular pair— studded gladiator sandal with cutouts, lots of hardware and a dash of cowgirl inspiration— reminded us of Xena, one of our favorite on-screen tough chicks.

Kate Spade New York

 Kate Spade Spring 2015 shoes
Image via Insgagram/ @secondcitystyle

An ode to the outdoors, Kate Spade's Spring 2015 collection was a sartorial invitation to "Escape the Ordinary." (Ya know, the cubicle, the constant staring at screens, the concrete jungle...) Leisure-in-spirit clothing was complemented by quirky accessories and easy, wear-all-day shoes. This lace-up sandal, with its block heel and dotted cutout pattern, has us fantasizing about dining alfresco on a sunny afternoon.

We bet you had your own favorites from the New York shows... We'd love to know what they were (so that maybe we can pair them with great cocktails once the season arrives). 

Friday, September 5, 2014

Booze Clues: 5 Easy Tips- How to Host a Fab Fall Brunch

Lifestyle and entertaining expert Limor Suss
Entertaining and Lifestyle expert, Limor Suss. 
Summer is the season for al fresco brunching, but as we approach Autumn, what's a girl to do with her Saturday and Sunday afternoons (especially if she's not into football)? We say get a little more personal and host a brunch for a few friends at home. Entertaining expert, Limor Suss, has provided us with 5 quick tips to get you started.

Of course, for us, the focal point of brunch (once you've selected your shoes) is liberal libations. Suss suggests keeping it simple by making a punch so that you can spend your time chatting with friends instead of constantly shaking or blending drinks. Since we're entering the fall season, something with a hint of cinnamon, like this Pinnacle Vodka cocktail, is a great idea. 


The Pinnacle Cinnabon Brunchy Punch

Pinnacle Cinnabon Brunchy Punch on Shoes N Booze

1 part Pinnacle® Cinnabon® Vodka
1 part Orange juice 
1⁄2 part Cranberry Juice 
1⁄2 part club soda 
Mix ingredients in a large punch bowl. Garnish with lemon wheels and cherries.



Stumped on which shoes to wear? We suggest wearing a casual wedge, like this Leighann sandal by Nine West. Since it's suede, it's the perfect transitional shoe. Plus, it'll add simple sophistication to jeans or a maxi dress. 

Suss' other tips: 
  • Give Your Brunch a Theme: With summer coming to an end and autumn almost upon us, a fall themed brunch is the perfect way to welcome the new season. Incorporate fall flavors (think: apples, pomegranates, pumpkins) and festive decor in rich colors (lots of red, gold and orange!)
  • Make a Menu that’s Easy to Serve: The last thing you want to do is ‘made-to-order’ omelets, or a dish that will have you running to and from the kitchen all day. Give yourself a break and serve a few dishes either on a buffet table or family style. Prep as much in advance as possible so you can spend time with your guests and enjoy the brunch.
  • Add Cute Touches Where You Can: I love to serve food in themed dishware. It adds another level of whimsy into whatever you’re serving. If it’s a smaller brunch, splurge on a nice set of themed dishware that can be used all season long.
  • Use Food That Doubles as Decor: Buy squash and pumpkins and hallow them out. Fill them up with olives, nuts ... whatever you like! They make the place look festive and lovely, without spending too much money on decorations.
*Image of Limor Suss via LimorSuss.com. Cocktail courtesy of Pinnacle Vodka. Shoe Image via Amazon.com, where Shoes N Booze is an affiliate site.