Caring Soles: Nissan's Kicks on The Street

Driven to Greatness

DJ Envy and Fat Joe with the Nissan Kicks at UP NYC (Courtesy Photo)

Last weekend we attended Kicks on the Street, a "pop-up with a purpose" curated by Nissan, its agency partner, Fluent 360, and BET. Held at Fat Joe's sneaker boutique, UP NYC, the event invited a specially selected group of New Yorkers to enjoy the musical delights of DJ Envy and culinary delicacies from Kimchi Grill while shopping limited-edition sneakers, accessories and sportswear. Out front, we had an opportunity to check out new Nissan Kicks, a highly customizable crossover vehicle that merges affordability with advanced technology. There were also three raffles, where the winners received a Nissan-branded backpack full of goodies and a pair of Nike Just Don Legacy 312 sneakers. Sadly, we were not among those winners.

A raffle winner with her limited-edition sneakers (Courtesy Photo)

The main focus of the evening, however, was the opportunity for all attendees to participate in a charitable endeavor. Invitees were asked to bring school supplies and used sneakers for donation. Those donated sneakers will be recycled by Angel Bins, which will then donate the money from the recycled goods to the National Society of Black Engineers. (That means less old sneakers in landfills, more post-consumer materials for the construction of playgrounds and funding for an organization that helps drive innovation forward.)

Lanae Jackson and DJ Envy (Courtesy Photo)

"The Nissan KICKS on the Street event was designed to be a pop up with a purpose.  It was important to give back to the community, while hosting an event to celebrate the launch of the all-new Nissan KICKS.  Our corporate vision is to enrich people’s lives and one way to do that is to support non-profit organizations, like the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE).  Representation matters in all areas, and the NSBE organization is playing a vital role in increasing diversity in the engineering field.  Engineering is the foundation for what is possible in design…from the hottest sneakers, to the next innovation in vehicles.  What is unique about the shoe donations we collected at the event was that the old ones will be recycled by Angel Bins and the money raised from the recycle goods will be donated to NSBE.  We are using technology, being green and giving back at the same time!" - Lanae Jackson, Multicultural Marketing Manager, Nissan North America.

We had a great time at the event, and we love the luxurious ambiance at UP NYC, from the gilded frames on the mirrors to the illuminated sneaker wall in the center of the store.

Of course, we had to do a bit of attendee shoespotting. Here are a few of our favorites:

Hey Chicago, you're up next! There will be a Kicks on the Street event in your city tomorrow.

Perfect Pairing: Drink Smirnoff Love Wins Cocktails. Wear These Shoes.

Live and Let Love

We're pretty sure you already know, but just in case... June is LGBTQ+ Pride Month, which honors the Stonewall riots in NYC and acknowledges the accomplishments and equal rights struggles experienced by members of the LGBTQ+ community. It is also a time when many memorialize those who have lost their lives to hate crimes or to HIV/ AIDS. The New York Pride Parade is this weekend, and we know many of you will be joining the festivities. We've got your shoes and sips covered.

On Your Feet

If you'll be clubbing this weekend, you'll need the perfect party heels. Enter Cape Robbin's Maria sandals. They're affordable (less than $50 on Amazon), and fun AF, thanks to sparkling straps (HELLO disco ball!). The lucite block heel is on trend for Summer '17, and the ankle strap provides the steadiness you need for whatever the dance floor demands. Get them (in this or other color combinations) HERE.

In Your Glass

Smirnoff recently released its limited edition "Love Wins" bottle. The vodka inside is the Original 21 Recipe, the same award-winning stuff you always order at the bar. In this case, it's what's on the outside that counts— an iridescent metallic finish and and prints of inspiring LGBTQ+ couples. Also Smirnoff partnered with the Human Rights Campaign, pledging to donate $1 to the organization for every limited edition bottle it produces. That's add up to more than $260,000 going to the biggest organization working toward equality for LGBTQ+ folks in the United States. If you're part of an LGBTQ couple and want a chance to be featured on next year's Love Wins bottle, submit your favorite pic of you and your boo HERE by 9/30/17. Oh, and we're not actually suggesting you walk the streets with an entire bottle of vodka in your hand... however, look out for it at your favorite bars.

Bonus Pair

If you're going to the actual NY Pride Parade, you'll probably prefer sneakers over heels. Converse has a number of options in its 2017 "Yes to All" Pride Collection (our favorite is pictured above). All net proceeds from the collection will go to the It Gets Better Project and the Happy Hippie Foundation, which are both organizations committed to empowering LGBTQ+ youth around the world.

Wherever you celebrate, with whomever you celebrate, be sure to indulge and enjoy responsibly and legally.

*Disclosure- Smirnoff is a spirits partner and occasionally sends us complimentary bottles. Shoes N Booze is an Amazon affiliate.

Shoe News: Emilio Pucci's New Sneaker Collection

Rep Your City

Love travel? We do. And Emilio Pucci recently made our case of wanderlust more intense with its new Sneakers of the World collection—which includes eleven global metropolis-inspired variations of the "City Up" ruffled color-block sneaker. According to Footwear News, each takes color cues from the city named it's designed to represent, and each city just happens to be the location of a Pucci store where the sneakers are sold (Milan, Florence, Miami, Seoul, Rome, Paris, London, Dubai, Moscow, Hong Kong and New York). Don't worry, they'll be available via the brand's website, too. We love how the slip-on style makes them TSA line-friendly for those without Pre-check. Our editors absolutely love the New York colorway, and here are a few of their other favorites:

Emilio Pucci Hong Kong Sneakers 

Emilio Pucci Miami Sneakers

Emilio Pucci Milan Sneakers

Emilio Pucci Seoul Sneakers

Which is your favorite from the collection?

Shoes Clues: 5 Must-Have Sneakers for Spring '16

A Good Sport

Chances are your shoe wardrobe has expanded to include sneakers that will never see a gym. No longer just a hipster statement of irony or a form of rebellion on the hip-hop and skater scenes, athletic-looking footwear has even become a mainstay on fashion's front row. Here are a few chill-day styles to consider for your collection.

Slick White Kicks

Recently reintroduced with Grammy Award-winning rapper, Kendrick Lamar, as its campaign partner, the Reebok Classic Leather provides a clean slate on which to build your look. The gum sole keeps things interesting. Available via Amazon.com for $91.90 (Similar style available for $59.90 here.)

Sleek Celeb Style

Sartorially speaking, Rihanna can do no wrong. Now, she has her own originally-designed shoe with Puma, and it's all over the Gram. Sleek and futuristic, this slip-on trainer kicks athleisure into high gear. Cop your own pair of Puma Fenty Trainers for $179 from Shiekh Shoes.

Retro Refresh 

The classic Stan Smith by Adidas Originals has gotten pretty ubiquitous. However, add leopard print calf hair, and you've gone from borderline cliche to totally covetable. Available at TheCorner.com for $140.

Right-now Rose Quartz

Declared one of Pantone's key colors of 2016, this shade of soft blush will be everywhere this season. Mercer Amsterdam's Grand sneaker takes on the hue without going all-out girly. In luxe leather with a specially designed comfort insole, it's available here for $241. We saw their Fall 2016 offerings recently at Capsule Show in NY, and we suggest signing up for their newsletter to stay in the loop.

Sparkle & Shine

We all need a pair of wear-everywhere sneakers with a bit of polish and pizazz. Boohoo.com has you covered with their Maya Shimmer Bootie. Perfect for everything from commuting to weekend outings, this Chelsea boot-meets-sneaker style is likely to be a go-to. Oh, and it's only $35!

Will you be joining the sneaker squad this spring? What's your favorite style?

*All images courtesy images unless otherwise noted. Shoes N Booze is an Amazon affiliate, so purchases made by clicking Amazon links will result in commission.

Shoe News: Reebok Classic x Melody Ehsani

All Eyes On M.E.

Reebok Classic has teamed up with lifestyle designer and streetstyle favorite, Melody Ehsani for another capsule collection. Released April 24th on the designer's website and May 1st on Reebok.com and other select global retailers, the limited-edition two-style pack features python-print uppers, gum soles and Ehsani's signature take on the "Evil Eye." Each style also comes with three sets of laces: black, tennis ball green and python print.

For those who prefer to keep things on the low, there's the Ventilator ($120). The retro running style celebrates its 25th birthday this year, and this version pays homage to its history while giving it a modern update.

The Reebok Classic x M.E. Ventilator (Courtesy Image)

My personal favorite of the two is the Blacktop Wedge Pump ($200). Yes, I've read the reports that the sneaker wedge is on its way out, but I subscribe to the more open-minded ones that suggest most fashion rules are "so over." It's a new take on a throwback style I loved as a child, plus it has the word "love" embroidered down its back. I'm all about spreading love, so I am here for it.

The Reebok Classic x M.E. Blacktop Wedge Pump (Courtesy Image)

What about you? Do you heart these kicks the way I do? Which is your favorite? 

Cutesy Tuesday: Floral Ted Baker Pumps & Cherry Blossom Cocktails

Summoning Spring, STAT!

On Your Feet: 

The calendar says it's spring. However, if you're in the Northeast, it feels like Old Man Winter is hanging on for dear life. Nonetheless, the National Cherry Blossom Festival is in full bloom throughout Washington, DC (March 20- April 5). No matter where you're based, Celebrate "the Nation's greatest springtime celebration" in floral pumps like the "Saeber" by Ted Baker (less than $130 at Amazon).  A metallic gold heel and toe accent add a bit of edge to a silky flower-print upper. Maybe if we give spring a sartorial salute, it will actually fight for its rightful place on the thermometer.

In Your Glass: 

Toast the new season and all the flowers (sneeze!) it will bring with a sweet, but strong cocktail, like this Very Cherry Smash. The tequila makes it festive, the orange liqueur adds depth and lime juice provides an element of tartness. Here's how you make it:

Very Cherry Smash

Ingredients:

1 part Sauza Blue Silver 100% Agave Tequila
2 parts JDK & Sons 03 Premium Orange Liqueur
5 cherries (pitted and stemmed)
1 tbsp. agave nectar
1 part fresh lime juice
1 part club soda

Method:

Muddle together cherries, lime juice and agave nectar. Strain into shaker. Add in orange liqueur, tequila, and ice and shake. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Top with club soda and garnish with cherries.

If You're Not Into Heels

Adidas Floral Wing Sneaker

Shoe News: EOS x Keds

Sweet Kicks and Soft Kisses

Keds (which seems to keep its name current via Taylor Swift collaborations) are a springtime favorite of mine because of their classic appeal, and in recent years, I've become a fan of the emolience that is eos (evolution of smooth) lip balm pods. The two brands decided to partner on a capsule collection, thanks to fans showing lots of love for a recent joint post on Instagram. Availble for $50- $55 and  exclusively at Shoe Carnival, the sneakers will each come with an eos Smooth Lip Sphere in a corresponding color.  Shoppers can choose from the following Keds x eos options:

• Champion eos Passion Fruit (lavender)
• Champion eos Blueberry Acai (light blue)
• Double Up eos Raspberry (dark pink).

My favorite eos flavor is the mint, so I actually wish they'd done a sneaker to correspond with that one, but the ight blue colorway is suddenly high on my consideration list. What about you? Will your kicks match your kisses this spring?

*Courtesy image via PRNewswire

Booze Clues: Bloody Marys to Beat your NYE Hangover

Hey 2015, Hey!!!

We made it! The ball has dropped & the bubbly has been sipped. The new year is officially here! Now, what? How about New Year's Day brunch, complete with a little "hair of the dog" cure for the slight hangover you're feeling? After all, it is National Bloody Mary Day. Here are a couple of options (along with shoe pairings to help with that heel hangover from dancing the night away) in case you and your friends are meeting at someone's house to exchange resolutions or make vision boards.

Carrot Bloody Maria (by Elise Larson of A Beautiful Mess)

Ingredients

Fresh carrot juice

Bloody Mary mix

Ice

2 ounces Numi Carrot Curry Savory Tea-infused tequila**

Worcestershire sauce

Tabasco sauce

Lime

Fresh veggies, for garnish

Margarita salt, for garnish

Black pepper

                   

Directions: 
Rub the rim of a tall glass or mason jar with a slice of lime. Dip into coarse margarita salt. Fill glass 1/3 of the way with ice. Add tequila, then fill the rest of the glass with half Bloody Mary mix and half carrot juice. Add a few splashes of Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco sauce and the juice of half a lime. Mix with a spoon, then sprinkle a little black pepper on the top and garnish with celery and fresh veggies.

And on your feet... 

Keep it classic and cozy in brick red Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Winter Knit Sneakers (Available at Shopbop.com)
Do it bright in orange Adidas Originals x Pharell Stan Smith Sneakers (available at farfetch.com)
Stay dry and warm in olive green Nike Dunk Sky High Sneakerboots with bright orange laces(Available at nike.com)
Kick it cool in orange cheetah print Carvela Lorenzo Slip-on Sneakers (Available at Kurtgeiger.com)

Ole Smoky Green Bloody Mary

Ole Smoky Green Bloody Mary

Ingredients:

6 tomatillos

2 yellow heirloom tomatoes

1 dill pickle

3 garlic cloves

1 serrano chili (seeds remove)

1 oz. Ole Smoky Original Moonshine

1 ½ tablespoon preserved lemon

Juice of ½ lime

3 dashes Tabasco

½ teaspoon each sugar, salt and pepper

Directions:

In a blender, puree ingredients. Fill glass with ice and strain in blended mixture.

And on your feet... 

Do the fringe trend in tan Koolaburra Mocky Moc Booties (available at revolveclothing.com) 

Channel your inner Audrey in gold G.H. Bass Weejuns Penny Loafers (available at amazon.com) :
Go for an artisanal look in gold textured Very Volatile Kalessi Booties (available at volatile.com) :
Be thoroughly modern in ombre animal print Matisse Nugent Wedge Booties (available at singer22.com)

Here's to an amazing year!!!

Shoe Review: Gdefy Scossa Sneakers

On the Run

Ask anyone who knows me in real life, and they'll tell you I don't like running. I believe shopping should suffice as cardio. However, my reality (aka thighs and waistline) doesn't match my beliefs. That said, this summer my daily power walk became a jog. I didn't jog every day, though, because there was slight knee and lower back pain involved. When the folks at Gdefy contacted me a couple months ago with a request for a review of their Scossa sneakers, it was as if the exercise gods were saying "don't stop. Get it. Get it!" These sneakers claimed to offer extra support and shock absorption, along with enhanced motion control. Worth a try, right? And so, with my Gravity Defyers on my feet, I didn't stop, and I got "it"... as in a slimmer waistline and a little muscle tone in my thighs. The sneakers? Well here are my thoughts:

The Look: 

Since I'm not a serious runner, I tend to prefer sneakers that look more casual than athletic. When I received my complimentary pair of Gdefy Scossa cross trainers, I wasn't completely disappointed, but I was also a little hesitant. They looked like real running shoes, and they had an extra piece at the bottom of the heel. I convinced myself the look was futuristic at best. However, I managed to get a few compliments. So... scale of 1-5, I give these a 3.5.

The Feel

Initially, these sneakers felt a bit odd. They were a little heavy, and my feet were not-quite-comfortable in them. The information packet pre-warned me about this, though, advising users to allow a "work you in period" before writing the shoes off as uncomfortable. Apparently, GDefy's technology causes the use of newly activated muscles in the feet and legs, which may lead to soreness. They also come with a removable insole that features moderate arch support (which is hard to find in most shoes these days). After a day or two my feet adjusted, and my sneakers felt like a godsend. Previously, I'd wanted to stop jogging after one block, but now I could go much further. It was as if I couldn't feel the heel strikes when I ran (thanks to the VersoShock Reverse Trampoline Sole), so the fact that they're a little heavier than some other sneakers ceased to matter. On a scale of 1-5, these get a 4.5. A half point is deducted because my heel tended to slip a bit during runs and walks, unless I tied them extremely tight.

The Verdict

This isn't necessarily a shoe I'd wear for fashion's sake, but it is my go-to shoe for walks and jogs. I checked out the website, and they do have a lineup of more casual shoes and sandals. They're not exactly my style, but they look like they'll be great for those who spend a lot of time on their feet or those who have foot problems. (Teachers, nurses, flight attendants, stylish women with diabetes, I'm talking to you! You really should look into these.)  They're worth the $160 so far. However, I haven't had them long enough to grade them on durability. In total, the shoes get a 4 out of 5. They are definitely #shoesnboozeapproved.

Shoe Sleuth: 5 Cool Sneaker Suggestions for a Hot Mom

A woman named Elise recently sent a request via the Shoes N Booze Facebook page asking for help finding cool, colorful sneakers to wear causally. She prefers the look of a certain brand but has found the quality of the actual sneakers to be sub-par. Consequently, she's on the hunt for a pair that will not only hold up to her daily commute, but also to chasing her young son around. Slip-on sneakers might be the 'IT' style of spring '14, but she prefers a lace-up running sneaker with a retro vibe, and her max price is $125. Here's what we found:

Nike Air Pegasus '83*

The Nike Air Pegasus '83 ($75 via Amazon.com) is easy to pair with almost anything, thanks to its gray color, and pops of bright orange and fuchsia keep it fun and season-right. Plus, the darker coloration is great for a mom because it'a a little tougher for stains to show. 

New Balance 501 

This New Balance 501 Retro sneaker ($59.45 via shoebuy.com) keeps you in step with Pantone's color of 2014- Radiant Orchid. Granted, that's not the color listed for this shoe, but it looks close enough, no?

Le Coq Sportif Eclat

The light color of this Le Coq Sportif Eclat sneaker ($122.32 via ASOS.com) means you'll have to keep a Tide stick or wipes on hand at all times (you do that anyway, don't you?). But c'mon... they're Le Coq Sportif! The ultimate in 80s cool and totally worth the trouble.

Saucony Shadow Original

Berry blue and bright pink are a vivid combination on this Saucony Shadow Original ($48.00 via Saucony.com). With it's thicker sole, it may not be the most versatile sneaker, but it's a great bet for a day spent running errands. 

Gola Running Sneaker

This Gola running sneaker ($69.00 via YOOX.com) makes the perfect wear-with-all because of its sleeker look. Turquoise, gray and white with a dash of pink keep the sneaker feminine without being over-the-top girly.

Elise, hopefully one of these suggestions is a step in the right direction.

*Shoes N Booze is an Amazon.com affiliate.