Cutesy Tuesday: Ted Baker Hania Pumps

Best in Bow

You straddle the line between convention and quirk with what seems to be flawless ease. Never totally practical, you're also far from flighty. Bows on shoes are really nothing new, but placed at the back instead of the front of a simple pump, they say "I know I look responsible, but I have a playful side." The 4 inch heel says you're not afraid of a challenge, and adding vivid fuchsia and purple to the mix, a la these Hania pumps by Ted Baker (Available at ASOS.com), you only boosts your "look at me" factor.


Know what else makes people look at you? Tiara's. However, unless it's your birthday (or you're either a pageant winner or a little girl), you may look a bit kooky wearing one on a regular Tuesday night at happy hour. Still, you can order an X-Rated Tiara at the bar to satisfy your inner princess. It's a combination of X-Rated Fusion Liqueur, Crown Royal Whiskey, DeKuyper Sour Apple Pucker Schnapps and splashes of cranberry, pineapple and lime juice, so it's pretty sweet. Remember, though, that the Crown Royal (which is perfect for now because dark liquor is in season) makes it a little stronger than it may taste. That said, mind your sips so you can mind your steps. (Recipe & Image via X-Rated Fusion Liqueur.)

Wear or Beware: Massimo Dogana Viperfur Convertible OTK Boots

Lizards and Leopards and Snakes... Oh My!

Fashionably speaking, this season is a bit of a free for all. Wanna mix patterns? Go ahead! Clashing colors? Just might work if you're chic enough to pull it off. And then you have mixed-medium footwear, like these Viperfur convertible over the knee boots from Massimo Dogana (available at Gregory's). They have the season-required platform, round toe and (er) embellished heel. And animal print is timeless, right. Plus, haven't our fave fashion mags been advising us to get some snake print in our wardrobes? The red platform and heel DO provide the unexpected shot of color that's so "in" these days. Lastly, over the knee boots are a necessity this year. So what do you say, pimptastic or pulchritudinous?

Almost There Thursday: Bettye Muller Trophy Pumps and Blavod Cocktails

And the Winner Is...

You! Well, actually, today your feet get the prize. Whether your heels are afraid of heights, or you've been sky-stepping all week, you want to wear a heel that's not too high today. However, you don't want to wear flats. Oh, you also need a little sex appeal for after work? Spring for a ruffled pair like these Trophy pumps from Bettye Muller (available at SimplySoles.com). The slightly pointed toe and slender 3 inch heel are very 80's inspired. Yet the ruffled collar and tie detail are totally Fall '09. Paired with bright tights and a cute dress or skirt and top, they'll be show-stealers for sure.

At your after-work watering hole this evening, ask for a Blavod Black Magic, which combines Blavod Black Vodka (yes, it's black- well almost), espresso liqueur and lemon juice. Since you'll likely be in the mood to move your (extra comfy) feet tonight, the espresso will give you the boost you need after a long day, and the vodka will give you the moves (at least in YOUR mind.) Exercise caution, though, because too much Black Magic may make you look more cursed than enchanted.

Wild Wednesday- H Williams Elise Booties and Absolut Liscious Cocktails

Bootie-licious

You can't throw a rock this season without hitting a woman in platform peep toed booties. Like women, they're coming in all varieties these days. Yet, you always find a way to do things a little differently. You've found the formula for combining what's now with what's next (and a little wild child flair thrown in), and you make it look effortless. H Williams' Elise booties (newly available at Vivre.com) are the shoe for you today. The iridescent metallic purple and bronze python and the latticed strap make them eye-catching, and yet they're somehow simple enough to be pretty versatile enough for work (in creative environments) and play (er, partying).

When you arrive at said party or happy hour this evening, we suggest wetting your whistle with an Absolut Liscious (or four if you can handle it). Tell the barback it's a combination of Absolut Vodka, black currant liqueur, lemon juice, cranberry juice and a splash of lemon-lime soda. It's a little sweet, a little tart and a lotta strong (if your bartender's any good). As always, we must warn you to mind your limits. It's not hard to go from divaliscious to a "don't" story.

Almost There Thursday: Lovely People Piper Booties and Smurf Cocktails

True Blue

Fall officially began a couple of days ago, and while the thermometer doesn't exactly reflect the change of seasons, your fashion sense does. You may go back to peep toes next week, but at the moment you're all about autumn. Honey, you'll be hot (as in gasping for air and sweating) in tall boots, but haute (as in inspirational) in a pair of open-faced booties, like the these blue Piper ankle skimmers from Lovely People. You're not really into the high-heel hype, so their three inch heel height is definitely your forte. The ruffles are so "this season," as is the color. Plus, the open face means you can do the sans-socks/ stockings look now and then opt for opaque tights once the temperature starts to drop. (We suggest black, gray or an eye popping hue like neon green.) Oh, and lower heels tend to mean the possibility for higher cocktail intake (slimmer chances of taking an ugly tumble).

These shoes have an 80's pop appeal that may transport some of us back to the cartoon-laden days of our childhoods. Smurfs anyone? (Seriously... they definitely have a little Smurfette flair.) That said, order a Smurf (recipe and image courtesy of BlueBuddies.com) at happy hour tonight. It's a fruity-flavored concoction that combines Strawberry Vodka (Stolichnaya Strasberi should do the trick), Blue Curacao, a little lime juice and a bit of lemon/lime soda. If you're one who's into strong drinks, have the bartender use less soda and more vodka. However... be sure to check for blue teeth and tongue frequently. The cute guy who just walked in may dig blue shoes, but a blue you might be a bit much.

Don't Mess with Me Monday: Strutt Couture Jolene Booties & Godiva Yuletinis

Stay Gold

You had a pretty slow weekend, but you're still in quite the mood today. Could it be that someone in your personal life annoyed you last night? Well, don't take it out on your underlings. Let Ponyboy be your inspiration, and prove Robert Frost's poem wrong. Remain unchanged by external factors, and embrace your resilient "youness" in a pair of gilded heels like these Jolene Booties by Strutt Couture (available at endless.com). The 4.25 inch heel allows you to rise above all pettiness, and the armadillo-like styling says you've got a tough exterior. However the green symbolizes the freshness of your spirit and the gold nods to your unchanging essence. Yeah, forget what happened yesterday, and work on embracing the new challenges the week will bring. Besides, it's the holiday season, so that let all the tinsel and glad tidings bring you joy.

If you can't do it on your own, ask your bartender for a little help from a Yuletini (Conceived by James Hall from Circo in the UK and courtesy of The Liverpool Daily Post). This bit of holiday cheer without hangover fear blends Godiva dark cacao liquer with Goldschlager. It tastes like a chocolate cookie with cinnamon on top, and the gold flakes add just the right amount of festivity. This is a great Monday drink, too, because it'll take some of the edge off yet leave you with your wits for Tuesday morning.

Don't Mess with Me Monday: Be & D Chaimberlain & Seraphin Cocktails

Witty in Pink

You're the one who says anything she wants... and gets away with it because it's always said with a smile. That's how you made your way to the top, right? You've got what's called a scalpel tongue, but can charm a Wall St. big wig out of his golden parachute. Be & D's Chaimberlain (available at BeandD.com) oxfords are your true solemates. The delicate BCA month-appropriate pink and thin ankle strap are offset by the no-nonsense cap toe, lace-up front and spectator styling. Add the sex appeal of a high heel, and you're ready to sartorially slay all who get in your way.

Take the frilly femme fatale theme a step further tonight by ordering a "Hot Pink Handgun" (credit: esquire.com) when you go out for drinks. Have the bartender blend Seraphin Cognac, orgeat syrup and a little lemon juice with a few raspberries and a teaspoon of super fine sugar. The recipe also calls for an egg white, but you can try that at your own risk. Egg or not, this sweet drink will have you swooning, but remember cognac can leave you reeling if you overdo it.

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.

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.

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".