The Shoe Diaries

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All the hoping in the world couldn’t prevent the cancellation of Ugly Betty. I knew the show was in trouble, but hoped my favorite fictitious magazine wasn’t going anywhere. I figured the move to ABC’s Wednesday night comedy lineup would at least buy them some time, but in the end it barely bought two more months of episodes. After four seasons on the air, Ugly Betty will officially end this April.

I didn’t watch the show when it first came out, but over the past couple of seasons I’ve come to love the characters. Betty’s optimism, self-respect and compassion for others help to make her a wonderful role model for tween and teen girls – something that’s often missing in pop culture today. I enjoyed watching her fashion sense evolve, even while she stayed true to her own style (including hanging on to her ‘Betty necklace’). This is something that women of any age can learn from. There’s nothing better than taking a current trend you’re comfortable with and adding your own personal spin.

Born Peony Flat

As sad as I am to see the show end, I’m excited to see how the writers will close the series out. Will Betty’s fashion transformation continue? Will she finally be able to write about the important issues she thinks should be addressed in a national magazine? Will Hilda and Bobby‘s relationship last, or is he hiding a criminal secret? Will Amanda find a way to move up from the reception desk, following the example set by Marc in last week’s episode? I can’t wait to find out!

Moda Spana Quasa

For a show about a fashion magazine, Betty sure seems to end up in some pretty crazy costumes. Wondering how I’m going to beautify the shoe choices in the photo above? I’m not! Sorry Betty – even we don’t know how to save elf shaped booties. One thing that did strike me about this shot, which comes from an episode of Ugly Betty this season, is the color scheme. Both Betty and Marc are wearing two of the colors released by Pantone as Spring 2010 fashion trends – Tomato Puree and Pink Champaign. Using these color trends in your footwear is a great way to incorporate them into your wardrobe. I really like the Born Peony Flat as a Tomato Puree option. For the Pink Champaign look, I would suggest the Moda Spana Quasa Pump.  (Check out Andrea’s article on 2010 Trends for more great fashion suggestions!)

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I was definitely surprised when I first heard that Katy Perry and Russell Brand were seeing each other. She seemed spunky and a little wild. He seemed vulgar and a little dirty. I didn’t get it and didn’t think it would really last – probably because he didn’t really strike me as the monogamous type.

It’s been five months, and I can admit I might have been wrong. They seem to complement each other surprisingly well! The couple, who took the first step toward making things official over New Years, seem to be getting a head start on the honeymoon. In recent months they’ve visited India, Paris, Berlin and London. I guess the couple who travels together stays together! One important stop for the twosome was a recent party in Beverly Hills. According to People.com, fifty of the couple’s family and friends helped them celebrate their engagement with a party at the romantic Italian restaurant Il Cielo. Ahh, young love!

Clarks Salon Bliss Sandal

Russell and Katy showed off their sweet side by attending the Arts of Elysium Heaven Gala this week. According to the organization’s website, the event helps to raise funds for a program that “encourages working actors, artists and musicians to voluntarily dedicate their time and talent to children who are battling serious medical conditions.” It’s great to two people with such star power supporting such a great cause!

Naughty Monkey Me O My Pump

Katy is pictured attending the event in an adorable togo-esque gown. Could she be wearing white in preparation for her big day? Either way, I have to say I’m not really feeling her footwear choice. Don’t get me wrong – I normally love Katy’s unique, flirtatious style. However, the color and style of these shoes sort of remind me of ace bandages. A better option might have been the Clarks Salon Bliss Sandal. The simple style seems fitting for this Greek style dress. If she was looking for something dressier, I might have suggested the Naughty Monkey Me O My Pump. It’s a little riskier, but I think the studded, rocker edge would have worked on Katy!  (Or would the Report Signature Vaugn Sandal have been better? Sound off in the comment section below!)

As a side note, please don’t forget to watch the “Hope for Haiti Now: A Global Benefit for Earthquake Relief” telethon tonight at 8 PM EST and contribute if you can. It will air on pretty much all of the major channels.

Photo By: PRPhotos.com

ShoeMall.com, a division of Mason Companies, Inc, is proud to contribute over 1,000 shoes and related accessories to Soles4Soles in support of survivors of the recent Haitian earthquake.  Along with ShoeMall, many celebrities are stepping up to help out. Celebrities John Travolta, Wyclef Jean, Nicole Richie, Matt Damon, George Clooney, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have already contributed, and many more continue to do so as well. Soles4Soles is an organization that facilitates the donations of shoes, which are used to aid people in need worldwide. Shoe companies, retailers, and individuals can donate footwear (both new and used) through this organization. 

                                    Soles4Souls is coordinating a nation-wide campaign to provide one million pairs of new boots and shoes to help the survivors of the Haitian earthquake. They are also collecting apparel, blankets, and other items as well. Visit the Soles4Souls website for more details and to help make this goal a reality!

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Since its comedy heydays in the mid to late 90s, I haven’t been that impressed with too many NBC shows.  Sure there was always The Office, which I love, but most of their new shows lacked that certain spark to keep me coming back for more. All that has changed since Community and Parks and Recreation premiered.

Taking a page from the comedy stylings of The Office, Parks and Recreation  really adds to NBC’s Thursday night funfest.  Amy Poehler is hilarious as Leslie – Pawnee, Indiana’s Deputy Director of the Parks and Recreation Department.  Although her character does remind me of Michael Scott, the awkwardness is toned down enough to make this show a little less nerve racking to watch. 

Report Kline Boot

When I heard Joel McHale, of The Soup fame, was going to be starring in a new sitcom I couldn’t wait to see it.  He is adorably hilarious on E! and I hoped that his charisma would carry over into his new role on Community.  He did not disappoint!  Of course, it didn’t hurt that NBC surrounded him with a great supporting cast, an innovative writing crew and a unique theme.  (There is very little about this show that I can find fault in!)  

Steve Madden Badd Slip-On

If you haven’t had the chance to take in this comedy about a Spanish study group at Greendale Community College, I highly recommend you take the time to catch up.  It is one of my favorite new shows of the past few years.  (To be fair, I may have a soft spot for comedy in general – I’m also loving ABC’s new Wednesday night lineup.   Here’s hoping Modern Family and The Middle are here to stay!)

Moda Spana Q-Up Pump

Yvette Nicole Brown, Joel McHale & Alison Brie from Community are pictured attending a recent NBC Universal cocktail party.  I wonder if the three of them coordinated their outfit choices for the evening!  Either way, the actors offer three very different versions of the basic black dress shoe.  Yvette is sporting a pair of black booties.  A similar option might be the Report Kline Boot, currently on sale for $80.99.  Joel chose a simple, black, men’s dress shoe.  The Steve Madden Badd is very similar, and at $64.95 it’s available for a very ‘Goodd’ price.  Last, but not least, you can score a more modernized version of Alison’s look with the Moda Spana Q-Up Pump.

BCBGeneration Women's Devon Sandal $109.95

Lady Gaga is one of those artists that you either love or hate. From her tunes and edgy fashion to her facial expressions and hair, some people can’t get enough of her while others are wishing the “Lady in Red” would have made more of a presence! Either way, I find her fashion and style intriguing and I thought it was worthwhile to take a look. As you can see below, it seems as though she loves to wear white, black and gold, and I’ve even chosen some ShoeMall styles that could easily slide right into this lady’s closet!

First on the list is the BCBGeneration Women’s Devon Sandal that retails for $109.95 on ShoeMall. Like Lady Gaga or not, this shoe is hot! The platform and 4 inch heel is just the shoe she is looking for to add to her collection!

Baby Phat Women's Jenna Pump $79.95

Second on my list of Lady Gaga picks is the Baby Phat Women’s Jenna Pump that retails for $79.95 at ShoeMall. I think secretly Kimora Lee Simmons had Gaga in mind when she designed these! What do you think? White and gold, two of her (seems to be) favorite colors!

Last but not least today on my Gaga picks is the Naughty Monkey Women’s Me O My Pump that retails for $69.95 at ShoeMall. We all know that Sarah Palin rocked the Naughty Monkey shoe brand, is Gaga going to go for it with this style?

Naughty Monkey Women's Me O My Pump $69.95

According to my books, this pump is a sure fit! In case you and/or Gaga wants to add a little color to your wardrobe it is available in yellow and blue as well.

Now to see what we’ve all been waiting for! Lady Gaga herself in three rather stunning fashion sets! The first is a one-shoulder black dress with gold geometrical shapes sticking out from it (this is not the first time!), if only we could see her shoes here, bummer! The second one she has on is a soft gold-colored 1920s style fringe dress with a matching headband… and check out those shoes! WOW! The third outfit is what she just wore to the 2009 MTV Music Awards this past September where she performed paparazzi live – and what a performance that was! From the mardi gras face mask to the big victorian hat, this lady has it going on here! So… what do you think? To love or to hate?

Photo By: PRPhotos.com

Photo By: PRPhotos.com

Photo By: PRPhotos.com