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Friday, October 31, 2014

BOOze Clues: 5 Festive Halloween Cocktails

Trick, Treat, Toast!

It's Halloween, and you've got your costume figured out. However, you were so busy shopping that you forgot all about the cocktails. (Insert horror movie scream.) Fret not... Whether you're hosting your own party or attending one at a friend's house, we have cocktail suggestions that will surely put the boo in your boogie. (Yeah, that was candy corny, but oh well.) Anyway, the drinks:

Doing shots?

American Honey Hellfire Shot
American Honey Hellfire
1 oz. Wild Turkey American Honey
1/2 oz. Art in the Age SNAP
1/2 oz. Combier Peche de Vigne

Combine ingredients over ice. Shake well  and strain into a shot glass (glass only!). Top with a splash of American Honey. If you dare... (AND are completely sober) light a candle or match and hold over shot glass until it ignites. Blow out the flame and drink, but be careful because the glass will be hot. (From the mind of Eric Binder, beverage director at NYC's Harlem Tavern.)


In the mood for something sweet?




Pinnacle Vodka Bobbing for Apples Cocktail

Pinnacle Vodka Bobbing for Apples
2 parts Pinnacle Caramel Apple Vodka
1/2 part DeKuyper Buttershots Schnapps
2 parts apple cidercider

Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with caramel on the rim.


Feeling fancy?

Hendrick's Gin Mortal Sin Cocktail

Peche Mortel (The Mortal Sin)
2 parts Hendrick's Gin
1 part fresh lemon juice
1 part Saint Germain
1/2 part elderberry juice
2 dashes Bitter Truth Creole Bitters

Shake all ingredients with ice and double strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with an edible flower.

Celebrating Dia de Los Muertos?

Sauza Tequila Cafe Loco Cocktail

Sauza Tequila Café Loco
1 1/2 parts Sauza Blue Reposado 100% Agave Tequila
1/2 part Kamira Coffee Liqueur
4 parts coffee
2 tsp cinnamon sugar
Whipped cream

Blend all ingredients in a mug. Top with whipped cream.


Counting calories?

Skinnygirl Vodka Spooky Sipper cocktail

Spooky Sipper
1 part Skinnygirl White Cherry Vodka
3 parts lemon-lime sparkling water
Splash of cherry juice
Lime wheel and cherry for garnish

Blend ingredients over ice. Shake and strain into rocks glass full of ice.



Thursday, October 16, 2014

Shoe Preview: 5 Faves from Carolinna Espinosa Spring '15

#ShoeFact: Carolinna Espinosa uses memory foam cushioning in each shoe. This is apparently a major component in the brand's quest to create "the perfect shoe that is eye-catching, comfortable and sophistacated all at once."  For Spring/ Summer 2015, the creative directors found inspiration in a variety of places, especially fashion's current obsession with flowers and luxe embellishments. The result is a refreshing collection of feminine styles with dynamic accents. I recently visited the showroom for a preview, and these styles made my want list:


Pearl accent classic pump by Carolinna Espinosa

The line of pearls down the heel of this "Arabia" pump makes it look professional without looking too practical (because I have an aversion to most practical shoes, but I realize the importance of owning a classic pump).

Carolina Espinosa Pointed Flat with Jewels and Pearls


A cute skimmer is another must— especially if you live, work or play in a city like New York. The jeweled pearl accent on this flat reminds me of a vintage brooch. I'd love these with some camo or leopard print skinnies for a little edge.

Carolinna Espinosa Silver Celie Sandal


I'm a huge fan of snakeskin shoes. And florals. This "Celie" sandal combines the two and adds an architectural bridge detail at the heel. The metallic slilver and monochromatic color palette make it incredibly versatile too.

Floral flat by Carolinna Espinosa

Another take on monochrome, this "Sandra" pointed flat has a subtle zipper accent. I don't usually like zipper embellishments, but this one manages not to look cheesy.

Carolinna Espinosa Jeweled Floral Sandal


I said it on IG, and I'll say it again... my allergies prevent me from really enjoying flowers in real life. However, I do appreciate them on a shoe, especially in bright, pretty colors. I'm also big on baubles, so the jewels on this "pepper" sandal drive it right up my alley.

These and the rest of the styles in the collection will be available in February 2015 at price points between $195 and $275. Stay tuned for drink pairings! Do you have a favorite among these? Let us know in the comments!


Monday, October 13, 2014

Heart and Sole: How to Shoe Shop & Help Beat Breast Cancer

Breast Cancer Awareness initiatives have attracted lots of controversy in recent years, especially the ones that donate partial sales of certain items to research organizations or charities. It's hard to sort through them all to find which ones are trustworthy. Members of the Shoes N Booze team have lost loved ones to Breast Cancer and have also gotten to keep loved ones who survived the disease thanks to research and new medical developments.  That said, we hope the following offers are good ones... plus you get cute shoes.

Nine West's 3 Ways to Support the Cause


Nine West teamed up with Fashion Targets Breast Cancer, the nonprofit division of the CFDA that strives to provide women with reliable health information and quality care to fight and prevent breast cancer. They provide 3 options:

1. Shop: Nine West will donate $25 to FTBC for every $125 you spend from October 15-21.
2. Upload: Nine West will donate $10 (toward their $275,000 goal) whenever you upload a pic of you wearing blue shoes to twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #9WFTBC.
3. DONATE

Unfortunately, Nine West's limited-edition blue suede NW♥FTBC pump is sold out online. Because there's no denying the importance of blue suede shoes. I mean, Elvis sang an entire anthem to them!

Shoes of Prey's Pink Hope


For every order of pink shoes made during the month of October, Shoes of Prey will donate $25 to Breast Cancer Awareness (Bright Pink in the US, Pink Hope in Australia and Breakthrough in the UK). The best part? The fact that YOU get to design your shoes. 

QVC Presents FFANY Shoes on Sale


Shop a specially curated selection of styles donated by some of your (and our) favorite designers (they're 50% off the suggested retail price), and 80% of the purchase price will go toward breast cancer research and education (Click here for the entire collection). Over the last 11 years, FFANY has donated $45 million to various research and care programs (click here for this year's beneficiaries).

Schutz Shoes "Pinktober" Pumps


 Schutz Pinktober pointed pump
When you purchase a pair of these hot pink nubuck Caiolea pumps (dubbed "Pinktober") during the month of October, Schutz will make a donation (they don't specify how much) to National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.  There aren't a lot of details on this one... shop at your own discretion.


We suggest doing a bit of your own research before choosing where to put your dollars. Your heart may be in the right place, but if you want your money to do more than feed your wardrobe, double check. 

Friday, October 10, 2014

Celebrity Shoe Spotting: Estelle in Rupert Sanderson Pumps

Estelle in Rupert Sanderson Nada Pumps
Estelle in Rupert Sanderson pumps
Photo credit: Neil Rasmus/BFAnyc.com
NYFC recently held their 15th Annual New Yorkers for Children Gala at New York's Cipriani 42nd Street, and (a style muse and imaginary friend of ours) Estelle contributed her vocal stylings to the cause. The singer, who performed "Conqueror" at the event, appeared on the red carpet in an Oscar de la Renta dress and Rupert Sanderson Nada Pumps. Her next album, True Romance, drops soon, so stay tuned.

Iridescent Rupert Sanderson Mid Heel Pumps
Image via RupertSanderson.com

Want to snag Estelle's style in the meantime? The Nada Mid Heel Pump is available in "Vendetta Iridescent Moiree" at Rupert Sanderson.


Iridescent Rupert Sanderson Diva Pumps
Image via RupertSanderson.com

If you're anything like +StyleScrybe ShoesNBooze, you prefer a higher heel, so this Diva Pump (heel height of approx. 4 inches) will be more your speed.

Which pumps are you more likely to wear, the Nada, or the Diva???

Saturday, October 4, 2014

Sparkling Saturday:Kate Spade Lissie Pumps & XXIV Karat Wine

Wine-y Girls Always Win

Lissie suede pump with jeweled bow from Kate Spade
Kate Spade "Lissie" Pump

Smile. It's Saturday, and it's time to celebrate (your reason to party goes here). You're not going club-hopping, though. Instead, you're pre-gaming at a friend's house (aka having a drink or two while you decide who will Uber this time) and then heading to that hot new restaurant with great DJ and craft cocktails. Show up in these wine-hued suede "Lissie" Pumps by Kate Spade New York (Available at Piperlime), and inspire immediate heel envy. The color and texture say you're ready for fall. The pointed toes and slender heels are versatile and feminine. And the sparkling rhinestone bows give them just the right amount of glitz. The best thing is that these work just as well with jeans as they do with a skirt or trousers.

XXIV Karat Sparkling California Rosé with gold flakes
XXIV Karat Rosé

Never one to arrive at a friend's house empty-handed, bring a bottle of this recently-released XXIV Karat Rosé. Infused with indulgent 24-karat gold flakes and illuminated by an LED light in the bottom of the bottle, it's the perfect way to start a festive night. Warning: posting a "Cheers!" shot on Instagram with this bottle in-hand and flecks of gold in your glass may attract frenemies. Take selfies with caution.

Thursday, October 2, 2014

Guest Post- Cheers to a Cause: Juanes & Hard Rock Cafe

Juanes Partners with Hard Rock Cafe to Benefit Fundacion Mi Sangre
—by Claudia Mora, founder of #LOEXL

Colombian singer Juanes with LOEXL Founder Claudia Mora
Claudia & Juanes
Hard Rock International recently announced that Colombian music sensation, Juanes is the newest partner in their Artist Spotlight Merchandise series. Proceeds from the sale of his specially-designed limited edition tees will benefit his Fundacion Mi Sangre, a non-profit organization in Colombia that promotes youth empowerment and positive social change, using music and art as the tools for creating visible, lasting social transformation.

Colombian Singer Juanes Donates Pants to Hard Rock

I had the opportunity to attend the press conference in New York City, where attendees were shown a tear-jerking video about Fundacion Mi Sangre and the children it helps. (I don't know if there was a dry eye in the room.) The highlight, though, was when Juanes, the first all-Spanish language Latin artist in the series, appeared on the stage (I heart him!). He's donated performance memorabilia to be displayed at Hard Rock locations, and he explained why each piece was important to him. The pants in the picture above (with my Jeffrey Campbell pumps) were from one of his early performances and were my favorite item.

Juanes for Hard Rock black tee for menJuanes for Hard Rock blue womens tee




















Juanes also introduced his limited-edition tees— a navy blue one for women with a pink and blue design and a black one with men with a neon green and blue design (both available for $26 at various Hard Rock locations and www.hardrock.com). I'm partial to the men's tee... possibly because it pairs perfectly with a mojito (or three).

Hard Rock Magical Mystery Mojito

Hard Rock's Magical Mystery Mojito
3/4 oz Monin Cucumber Syrup
8-10 Mint Leaves
1 1/2 oz Hendrick's Gin
1/2 oz St. Germaine Elderflower Liqueur
1 oz Lime Juice
Splash Sierra Mist
Garnish: Mint Sprig and Cucumber Spear

Muddle mint and cucumber syrup. Add gin, elderflower and lime juice and shake with ice. Pour into glass then top with Sierra Mist, mint sprig and cucumber spear.

Iridescent Flavia Pump by Alejandro Ingelmo
Because this is Shoes N Booze, I can't forget a shoe pairing. This iridescent "Flavia" pump by Latin shoe designer, Alejandro Ingelmo gets my vote. Just make a few adjustments to the men's tee to give it a feminine look (like cutting in a v-neck) and throw on your favorite jeans.

As the founder of The League of Extraordinary Latinas, an organization created to inspire and empower young Latina women, it really touches my heart when artists such as Juanes use their platform for such amazing causes. Cheers to this outstanding individual who is changing the world, starting with his (and my) country, Colombia.

I hope you had a Happy Hispanic Heritage Month!