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Wednesday, August 27, 2014

New Music Wednesday - J Roddy Walston and the Business

You know those songs you hear, and immediately connect with?

That's how i felt when I heard J Roddy Walston and the Business and their song, "Take it as it comes." Its the type of songs that make you want to cruise in your car with the windows down and shades on, running your fingers through the oncoming wind.

The band was unfamiliar to me, but they carry quite a presence on the road, touring in an old white church van (NYT story on the van here). The band formed in 2002, in Walston's hometown of Cleveland, TN. Since then, they have reallocated to the Baltimore area, and can be touring throughout the country (check out their schedule here).

Their recent album, Essential Tremors was released nearly a year ago, but it recently landed in front of me - and instantly fell in love. Not like shoe love, but close.

So, if you are looking for a pick me up this Wednesday, watch below...you won't be disappointed.



Sunday, August 24, 2014

Back to School - Hopscotching in Prada

It's that time of year....the dreaded end of summer.

I love every minute of summer. The BBQ's...cut-off jean shorts...flip flops (does this sound like a Jake Owen country song??)

But, there comes a time when the weather starts to cool, every target in town is overrun and out of stock and kids go back to school. And oh yes, the shopping.

Shopping for back to school was always a strategic time for me. I had a limited budget, and decisions had to be made on saving up money for a big purchase (hello LA Gear jacket), or applying my funds more evenly over all my clothing.

Now, as an adult, I still view the back to school time as an opportunity to reassess your wardrobe, and  put your money towards those necessary fall items.

One of the quintessential reminders of back to school are those black and white saddle shoes. Saddle shoes showed up in the U.S. in the post-war era, and with famous wearers such as Elvis and James Dean, they have been a reoccurring favorite.

I picked up these Prada saddle shoes during a spring sale, and have been waiting to bring them out all summer.

So, if you haven't already - go out and shop. And, if you haven't hopscotched in a while, I highly recommend it no matter your age!














Sunday, August 10, 2014

Stems and Stilettos - Two Smoking Guns

With fall just around the corner, we bring you our monthly installment of stems and stilettos. Our guest editor Veronica Shah brings uses her Jerome Rousseau booties to inspire a spicy cocktail. 

Because…what’s better than an amazing cocktail and high heels??



Two Smoking Guns
As I mentioned in a previous post, I am usually the one who fields the phone calls from the Principal.  My son is only in first grade but we are already familiar with the perp walk to the Principal’s Office.  While I understand even little boys playing police and criminal with pretend guns is frightening these days, have we gone too far when that can result in a suspension?
When I prepare myself for the meeting in the Principal’s Office, I like to feel that I’m wearing armor.  These Jerome C. Rousseau gold-studded booties do the trick.  They keep my spine straight and my parental rebuttals factual and unemotional. When all else fails, they look good when I’m on my hands and knees begging that my son not be punished with a suspension.

In unexpressed defiance of the Principal, my husband makes the Two Smoking Guns Cocktail for me.  It is smoky, spicy and kick-ass.  

Just like I meant to be in these smokin’ booties.


Jerome C. Rousseau 3 ½ inch Charme Booties in Tan Nappa with Studs


Two Smoking Guns
3 sage leaves
1 oz fresh lemon juice
¾ oz simple syrup
1 stemmed sage leaf to garnish
Lightly muddle the sage leaves in a Boston Shaker then add the next 5 ingredients.  Add ice, shake and strain into a coupe.  Float the stemmed sage leave on top and place gold sugar beads on sage leave.

Adapted from The Fashionable Cocktail 











Saturday, August 9, 2014

Summer Sale Standouts - Eccentric Buys

The final installment of the best summer buys has arrived....and these won't disappoint. 

There is no doubt that any of these shoes will live on in your closet for years to come.





Summer Sale Standouts - Heels

Heels play a major role in my closet - from staple work shoes, to great weekend night shoes.

I keep most of my heels at the 4" mark...although I make exceptions for some. Here are my best summer sale heels of 2014:




Thursday, August 7, 2014

Summer Sale Standouts - Black Sandals

No matter what anyone says, you can never have too many pairs of black sandals.

Black sandals, no matter your size, shape or mood can always make you feel better once you put them on. Here are my top 6 summer sale picks for black sandals.




Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Summer Sale Standouts - Nude Sandals

While nude sandals aren't always the flashiest, they are by far my best staple pair of higher sandals.

They go with everything....elongate the leg...and are timeless, so they will last for many seasons to come.

Here are my top 6 nude sale sandals:



Tuesday, August 5, 2014

Summer Sale Standouts - Casual Sandals

Ok - I admit it. I head to veer towards the 4 inch stilettos that I lovingly call my "sitting shoes" because I can't stand in them for more than one hour.

But realistically, I need to be purchasing more flat sandals that I can actually walk in for more than an hour.

So, with that in mind, here are my favorite summer sale flat sandals. I always prefer a nice leather with a bit of embellishment to add to a summer denim cutoff.

And for those of you that, like me, have a penchant for inappropriately uncomfortable shoes...don't fret....those come out of Friday.





Sunday, August 3, 2014

Summer Sale Standouts - Flats

Flat shoes aren't something that usually get's my heart pumping, but for anyone who has run through an airport - they are essential part of a wardrobe.

My high heels are usually referred to as my sitting shoes....my flat shoes are my versatile, practical, get shit done shoes.

For summertime flats, I tend to gravitate towards lighter colors that work with a spring/summer wardrobe.

These are my top flats from the summer sales:

Summer Sale Standouts

Is it just me, or does it seem like there are always sales going on. Half yearly sale, back to school sale, anniversary sale, _______ sale.

Look, I am not complaining, I love a good sale. But to me, the extension of a sale to every holiday makes it confusing to know when to actually shop.

But, I must tell you - right now is a pretty good time to shop.

Virtually every major retailer is having a great sale - making way for the new fall pieces. The great thing about this time of year is that while the retailers are pushing out all of their summer pieces, you can pick up great summer staples and store them in your closet for next spring and summer. Could you also shop for fall staples while picking up great summer steals - absolutely!

So, over the next week, I cover the best summer:


  • Flats
  • Sandals (low to no heel)
  • Nude Sandals
  • Black Sandals
  • Heels
  • "Where the hell are you going to wear those?" Heels

But, a couple of tips for those of you shopping out there:

1 - Get into a summer state of mind. No thinking about the leaves turning, hot apple cider. You must remember that these are going to be pieces that you may be able to get a couple of more wears this summer, but are predominately for next spring and summer.

2 - Act fast. If you see a pair you love, don't wait to buy. These are the last items from summer, so it's likely the stores aren't stock piling extra sizes.

3 - Don't forget your closet needs. In the whirlwind of sales, it can be easy to get caught up in the thrill of the sale, and wind up with shoes that you never wear. Always keep in mind what you wear, what you need and what kind of budget you are working with.

See you over the next week!




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