Cutesy Tuesday: Bourne Serena Pumps

Blue it Right

You're not quite in your normally-conservative mood today. Instead, you feel like spicing things up a bit, but you don't want to let go of your ultra feminine look. A pair of bow-adorned peep toes in a bright color will do the trick for you. These "Serena" slingbacks by London-based Bourne (available for $227.45 via amazon.com) are a great example. The blue-violet hue speaks to this season's primary color trend, the bow, sling back and peep toe are all super girly, and the 4 inch heel works for the office but is still sexy enough for after-work fun. The rhinestone detail also adds a bit of edgy glam. If you happen to be participating in any of the Fashion Week fury, the small hidden platform will keep you comfy as you stand in line to get into the shows.

Keep the British theme going this evening when you order your cocktails. Whether you're toasting the end of a harrowing day or pre-gaming for an evening of parties, a Blue London Sidecar (recipe and image via cocktail365.net) is a great late summer drink. It combines Bulldog Gin, Blue Curacao and lime juice for a tart, but refreshing cocktail. It's also pretty powerful, so be careful not to drink too many. 

Fun Friday: Happy New Year with

Here's to Dropping the Ball!

For many of us, 2009 was a helluva year. You took everything in stride, though, and in towering stilettos and pumped up platforms, at that. More than likely, New Years Eve and New Years Day have melded into one for you. It's also highly likely that you brought in 2010 wearing a pair of festive shoes that encapsulates the nights vibe, like these Bruno Frissoni beaded sandals. With their towering gold triple platform and vertiginous heels, you'll have a bird's eye view of all the night's action. The added bonus of the platform is the added comfort you need to dance and strut the night away. Then there's the HUGE ribbon bow at the ankle, which has all the pomp & circumstance that "Auld Lang Syne" deserves. Oh, and don't the accent beads remind you of champagne bubbles? The cool thing is that these work for those located in sandal-friendly locales AND for those who must don opaque tights (for an extra dose of fun, wear a brightly colored pair with your LBD).


Since New Year's Eve/ Day have basically blended into one long party, you have two options when it comes to drinking. You can swill something weak (which you will probably guzzle quickly because it tastes so good and get drunk more rapidly than you realize) or opt for something that tastes a bit stronger (and thereby forces you to sip more slowly. Either way, make sure it contains a bit of bubbly. Our vote goes to the "French 75" (recipe & image courtesy of Chow.com). Made with sugar, orange bitters, Bulldog Gin (or Clear Creek Brandy*) and chilled Argyle Sparkling Wine, it's fizzy and effervescent. Yet it's got a strong kick, regardless of whether yours is made with brandy or gin (StyleScrybe prefers brandy). Remember to drink responsibly, though, and to have a designated driver. Otherwise YOU may be the acquaintance who should be "forgot."

*Note: Named for a piece of WWI artillery, the French 75 was originally made with gin until it later became more popular to use brandy.

Cutesy Tuesday: D&G Patent Peep Toes & Bulldog Sweet Tails

Sexy Back

Here's the thing about you: you're as confident as you are coy, and you've mastered the art of walking the line between them. The combination is evident in everything about you, especially your fashion sense. That said, today, opt for a pair of shoes that captures the contradiction perfectly. We suggest something like these D&G patent peep toed pumps from the Autumn 09 collection (available at farfetch.com). The peep toe, contrast piping and creamy pink coloring give them classic appeal, while the 4 inch stiletto heel indicates a little risk factor. Then the black lace at the back adds an alluring touch. However, what really sets them off is the almost-playful bow... nice finish!

A woman who wears these shoes may opt for a classic martini, but she may also order something a little more tongue-in-cheek. We're digging the Bulldog Sweet Tail at the moment. Like you and your shoes, it's classy with a kick. Ask your bartender to combine Bulldog Gin with a few mint sprigs, some vanilla beans, a dash of creme de cassis and a little simple syrup. The result will be a cool drink with a little bite, a bit of sweet to cut it, and a smooth finish. Just remember there's nothing smooth or alluring about a drunk, so sip responsibly.

Cutesy Tuesday: Roger Vivier Alba Pumps & G'Vine Gin Cocktails

Green Queen

The Sun's shining, the grass is lush, flowers are in full bloom and it seems Mother Nature's put on all her finery just for you. Pay a little homage to her with an elegant pair of green shoes (something flowered wouldn't hurt). Use Roger Vivier's Alba pump as inspiration. They're from his Summer 09 Haute Couture collection, (so the price may be higher than the heel). Still, let the grassy-hued crocodile hide D'orsay pumps be your guide. The pointy toe, flower accent, and dainty 4.5 inch heel are nothing but demure. Yet the color adds something almost playful and the open shank and sides bring attention to the sexy arch they put in the foot.

We recommend Le Fleur Vert- or the Green Flower- (recipe & image courtesy of Junior Merino on barnonedrinks.com) as your happy hour libation this evening. It's a refreshing mixture of Perrier-Jouet Champagne, G'Vine Gin, simple syrup, lime juice and muddled basil leaves and kiwi. It also looks sophisticated, so your friends will likely try and follow your lead (as usual). Keep track of how many you enjoy, though, because too many will lead to wilting.

Cutesy Tuesday: Mario Bologna Bulldog Pumps &

Pretty Puppies!

Many say the the dog of choice for the ultra-femme is a Pomeranian or perhaps a chihuahua. We at S&B recently stumbled across a reason to differ with that opinion. Enter, Mario Bologna's Bulldog pumps (available at Forzieri). The plum color of the patent pumps, combined with the proper plaid trim and the plastic bulldog (with rhinestone collar) accents, makes them playfully prim. The two-tone 4 inch metal stiletto heel adds an unexpected level of funk to the shoe, though. This shoe is a true reflection of your style and mood today. While you're always the perfect lady, you're also full of surprises, aren't you?

Giver your friends a little shocker when they hear you order a Cherry Bitch (excuse your language) tonight at happy hour (image & recipe courtesy of barnonedrinks.com). It's made with currant tea-infused Bulldog Gin, a few cherries, apple juice, a little simple syrup and dash of lime juice, so it doesn't have much bite. Still, enough of them will give you more than a proper buzz, so enjoy it responsibly.