Nostalgic/Homesick for Colorado

 

I just submitted my votes for 5280 "best of" restaurants. I thought I'd share them here for those who are fortunate enough to be in Colorado (can you tell I'm feeling homesick?). AND it's nearly Restaurant Week, February 20-March 5. Get out there and enjoy!

BBQ:
Hoke's BBQ, Arvada
Moe's BBQ and BOWLING, Denver 

Bargain Bite:
El Amigo, Golden

Brunch:
Westin, Westminster 

Burger:
Pump House, Longmont

Chinese: 

Heaven Dragon, Arvada

Chocolate Dessert:
The Market, Denver

Cookie:
The Market, Denver

Cupcakes:
Shamane's Bake Shoppe, Boulder

Deli: 
The Market, Denver

Fine Dining:
Flagstaff House, Boulder
Hot dog:
Coors Field

Ice Cream/Gelato:
Glacier, Various

Italian:
Tied! Cucina Roma Roma, Arvada and Patsy's, Denver

Kid-Friendly Restaurant:
The Aquarium, Denver

Meatball Sandwich:
Amici's Pizzeria and Italian Restaurant, Wheatridge

Mexican:
El Amigo, Golden

Patio Dining:
Julia Blackbird, The Highlands

Pizza:
Edgewater Inn, Edgewater

Ramen/Noodle Bowls :
Chez Thuy, Boulder (but the service SUCKS!)

Soup:
The Boulder Cafe, Boulder (3 words, white chicken chili)

Steak:
The Keg, Lakewood (I tried to stay local but I couldn't think of anything that can compete. Might I recommend the bleu cheese encrusted filet mignon?)

Street Vendor:
Gyro Man, Fort Collins (is he still there?)

Tacos:
The Rio Grande, Various (you have to have something in your stomach for their margaritas (OMG!) but that category wasn't included so I'm putting it here)

Tapas:
The Med, Boulder (is there anywhere else, is there?)

Wine List:
Brassiere Ten Ten, Boulder

Seychelles...the shoes, not the place!

This blog post made me want to strap on these shoes and go jetset like nobody's business (via LoriShoes):

Yes, please!

Oh, drat. We got ahead of ourselves. What we meant to say was, "Yes, please!"

There we go again.

It's hard not to get so excited when the object of our acquiescence is the Gypsy by Seychelles. According to their website, Seychelles's spring theme is La Femme Qui Voyage, to which we reply "Oui, s'il vous plait!" One. Track. Mind over here. The theme of traveling is welcome. We want a trip. We need a trip. And we want the Gypsy on our feet – this aptly named heel being a joy in which to wander about feeling exotic.

What's the cause of our single-mindedness? The passion starts with a blood orange-red suede upper, gathered and stitched into a corrugated kind of cool and finished with a matte gold buckle. We like the coverage over the front of the ankle. The foot looks wrapped in soft suede. Swaddled. Cradled. You don't wear the Gypsy so much as luxuriate in it. Luxury isn't price; it is the quality of our comfort: looking better and feeling better amplify each other. This shoe has that. A stacked leather heel looks great and is balanced by a modest hidden platform and a cushioned insole. The nap of the suede and the brushed finish of the buckle enhance the rich, warm tones. The swaths of leather coyly reveal your foot.

It's winter here in Chicago, but we're wearing this now. Play off the tight pleats with luxe socks or leggings ... or both for an ultra-layered look. Spring's shaping up to be more casual, more local, more personal. The Gypsy's bold color both singles you out and taps into ethnic/tribal trends – the exoticism of far-away local places. It will work well with statement wood and cloth jewelry and look at home beneath shorts or floaty dresses. (Of course, no one will object if some skinny jeans found their way in.) Come to think of it, the Gypsy would be just perfect for your trip to see Chris Ofili's exhibition at the Tate Modern.

It's nearly February. We're restless, curious. Call it wanderlust. Call it we're-tired-of-wearing-wellies-every-day. Maybe ahead of ourselves is exactly where we are supposed to be – somewhere off in the spring with a shoe that's lusty and laidback, luxe but easy, richly colored and detailed. Doesn't that sound perfect right about now?

Yes, please.

p.s. Seychelles are amongst the most comfortable heels I have ever worn.  They are a regular wardrobe staple in my on-your-feet-all-day-long job :)