When disaster strikes- as it did almost two weeks ago in Port-Au-Prince, Haiti- I often find it difficult to write, especially about high end shoes and yummy drinks. I watch the news and see stories of struggle, death destruction... of help and of hope. There's this "what can I do" feeling, coupled with "how can I blog about indulgences when so many are going without?" Well, I share info with my readers on how they can help... and I try to let a slick pair of stilts lift all our spirits. That said, I have some info for you directly from Soles4Souls. The Nashville based non-profit has committed to providing 1 million pairs of shoes for relief efforts in Haiti and has already distributed thousands of "family relief packages" containing food, water, medical supplies, cleaning products, baby products, clothes and shoes. In addition, they will continue to provide aid throughout 2010- even after the cameras have left and the twitter trending topics have ceased. I'll definitely be sending in some of my barely or never-worn sneakers and flats (plus those of family and friends) and hope you will too! (This is one instance where I don't think heels are appropriate) To find out how you can help, visit www.giveshoes.org.
*Update: Jessica Simpson and some of her celebrity friends have joined the relief efforts with an online video that can be seen at 50Kshoes.com. You can also make donations via that site.
Bright Heights
Quite a few things happened this week that could easily bring your spirits down. There's the fact that folks in Haiti are still without necessities, and millions in the USA are still without jobs. Let's not EVEN get into whatever's happening in your personal life. However, there are things you can do, like donate money or supplies to a charitable organization (like Soles4Souls, Yele or the American Red Cross). Whatever you do, you've got to lift your spirits. You're little good to others if you're not OK, yourself (as they always say on flights, put your oxygen mask on before helping those in need). One way to brighten a day is a patent pair of booties in an electric shade, like these DSquared2 orange platform booties (available at LuisaViaRoma). A 6.25 inch pencil-thin heel and a platform almost 2 inches high will ensure that you rise above anything that might make you frown, and the vivid yet healing hue (bet you didn't know orange is the color of healing, vitality and endurance) will help you re-channel your energy (into keeping your balance, maybe?)
A tasty cocktail shared with friends tends to be another mood booster. Tonight at happy hour, order a Tequila Sunrise. While there are many variations, the one that really tickled our fancy was the one from the Fine Living Network. It combines Partida Reposado Tequila, orange juice and grenadine, with a cayenne, salt and sugar rim. That equals a really sweet drink with a spicy kick. However tasty it is, don't forget it's still tequila. We wouldn't want you doing the Pee Wee Herman atop a bar table in 6 inch heels, right?
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.
The Tied Striper
Many shoe lovers (self included) prefer unique interpretations of footwear trends to the cookie-cutter styles sold at many mass-retailers. Bright colors, unusual accents and interesting heels tend to be among the things we look for. However, how much, in your opinion, is too much? Take, for instance, this pair of Balenciaga (courtesy of Style.com)multicolored booties. I mean, they ARE oxfords with a contoured heel, they have the peep toe and platform that seem to be required on this season's (Spring 2010) hottest heels, and they feature the colors Pantone predicted would be hot. Still, what do you think? Haute couture or hot mess?
