Photo Courtesy: SimonShaw

We all know that when you are the bride, months of planning will go into your wardrobe from your hair accessories down to your shoes!  But, what about the wedding guests? It is also a big event for them, and they want to be looking their best, yet be comfortable all day long. In our wedding series, we’ve talked about many different wedding styles including classic, outdoor, grecian, and many more. When preparing your own personal wardrobe as a wedding guest, it will be important to know the wedding venue in order for you to fit in and feel comfortable.

Cynthia Nellis from fashion.about.com has come up with these great lists for him and her to use as guidelines, depending on your wedding venue:

What to Wear: Wedding for Her

- Informal Daytime: Short dress or suit
- Informal Evening: Cocktail dress
- Semi-Formal Daytime: Short dress or suit
- Semi-Formal Evening: Cocktail dress
- Formal Daytime: Short dress or suite. Hats and gloves optional.
- Formal Evening or Black-Tie: Long or dressy short cocktail (beading, glam accessories and wrap)
- Ultra-formal or White Tie: Long gown , extra glitz (furs, diamonds, etc.)

Nina Granite $89.95

 What to Wear: Wedding for Him

- Informal Daytime: Dress shirt and pants, preferably a sports jacket.
- Informal Evening: Suit
- Semi-Formal Daytime: Suit
- Semi-Formal Evening: Dark suit
- Formal Daytime: Dark suit and tie
- Formal Evening: Tuxedo (if invitation states “black tie”) or dark suit if women wear short dresses
-Ultra-formal Evening or White Tie: White tie, vest and shirt

Steve Madden Kyng $59.95

Photo By Swanstrom Photography

This week, our model is ShoeMall’s own merchandiser Pepsi! She was married last Labor Day Weekend in a beautiful outdoor ceremony. As you can probably tell from the photo, she did an awesome job of putting her own personal spin on her wedding. From her unique bouquet to the homemade goodies at each table (think salsa, applesauce, maple syrup), she left no detail untouched - making this one of the more memorable weddings I’ve been at to date.

Tea-Length Wedding Dress

Pepsi’s dress is reflective of one of the top wedding dress trends of the year: tea-length! This style works especially well for destination or outdoor weddings, but is becoming more popular at traditional weddings as well. One thing to keep in mind for this style is that your legs and feet will be on display for all to see. Although this may cause your footwear decision to seem more daunting, it can also be another great way to add your own style to the big day. Let’s take a look at what our three shoe experts recommend for the tea-length wedding dress style.

Nina Critia Sandal

Rachel’s choice – the Nina Critia Sandal – really drives home the opportunity to use a shorter dress length to your advantage. While a floor length gown would still look great with this shoe, it would hide the details that make the sandal so unique. A tea-length dress really allows you to showcase your whole shoe – something you’ll want to do if the best part of the style is a gorgeous ankle wrap. TIP: If you’re a bride looking to tie in colorful footwear, a tea-length dress can really help to show off a colorful pair of heels.

Steve Madden Vegaas Sandal

Next up is Anna’s selection. She suggests the Steve Madden Vegaas Sandal in silver. This style, with its sparkly rhinestone floral and leaf designs, would make a big impression when paired with a tea-length dress. Another benefit of a shorter dress is the increased flexibility it provides you when selecting your footwear. Since you won’t have to get your dress altered around your heel height, you’re free to choose your shoes whenever you want or even change your mind at the last minute! BONUS: This shoe would transfer very well to the honeymoon, especially when worn with a pair of denim boyfriend shorts.

Volatile Winery Sandal

Last but not least is Pepsi’s own recommendation. Although she wore something very similar to the Naturalizer Prissy, if she had it all to do again she just may have picked this season’s Volatile Winery Sandal. With its EVA sole, it certainly would have been a comfortable selection! This type of extra cushion is great for anyone who is planning to be on her feet all day. Add in the wedge heel and you have one of the more forgiving 2 inch heels out there! TIP: If you aren’t used to wearing high heels, don’t introduce your feet to them on the big day! Get a similar heel height, preferably in the same brand as your wedding shoe, and work to incorporate that style into your day-to-day life. By the time your wedding rolls around you should have no problem with the added height!

What to Read Next On The Shoe Diaries:

ShoeMall’s Shoes to Say I Do – Grecian Wedding

ShoeMall’s Shoes to Say I Do – Outdoor Wedding

www.MomentsCapturedPhoto.com

We’re excited to announce a new blog series here on The Shoe Diaries. Over the next couple of months, we will be adding a new blog post each week to help brides-to-be and their wedding parties get ready for their upcoming nuptials. The plan right now is to focus on shoe styles that work well with some of the hottest wedding dress styles of the season. Our resident shoe experts Anna, Pepsi and Rachel will be offering their suggestions and advice each week. If you would like to see anything specific or have a dress you want some personalized advice for, please let us know in the comment section below! 

Grecian Wedding

The lovely lady pictured above is actually our very own fashionista Rachel! Not only is she in the know when it comes to the latest shoe styles, but she is a newlywed herself. Her wedding style is a perfect example of the Grecian trend that is sweeping all aspects of fashion right now, from shoes to dresses to jewelry. As you will see in the shoe suggestions below, one good thing about bridal style is that it is so easy to individualize. Just because you’re wearing a Grecian wedding dress, you don’t necessarily have to follow through with a Grecian shoe. You can feel free to mix and match the styles you are most comfortable with. 

Fergie Joust Sandal

 Anna’s suggestion for this dress style is the Fergie Joust Sandal. This shoe is a classic shape for a wedding. The back heel and ankle strap really help to provide support for the bride planning to be on her feet for hours on her special day. The detailing on the t-strap front adds bling and personality to an otherwise simple shoe. I also have to agree that a 3 ½ inch heel is a good choice for many brides. It will give you the lift you’re looking for without going overboard. BONUS: the added height may help to cut down on some of your alteration costs.

Nina Calinda Sandal

 Although these shoes weren’t available in time for Rachel’s wedding, she suggests the Nina Calinda Sandal. This shoe also has an ankle strap to provide support. I’m sensing a t-strap trend here as well! One of the things I love most about this choice is the braided straps. The slightly more casual vibe created by this detail really matches well with the Grecian look. Although this shoe has a 4 inch heel, the designer used a wedge to add comfort to the shoe. If you’re looking for a lot of height but aren’t used to wearing high heels a wedge might be a good choice for you. TIP: Practice wearing your wedding shoes around the house before the big day to get a realistic idea of how your feet will feel after a few hours in them.

Yellow Box Finite Sandal

 Pepsi’s choice hits on another big trend this wedding season – brightly colored shoes! She selected the Yellow Box Finite Sandal in turquoise. Sandals are a big part of the Grecian trend, so this shoe will fit in well with many Grecian wedding dresses. The EVA sole will also help to keep your feet comfortable all day.  Don’t be afraid to expand beyond basic blue! I have a feeling we will be seeing some more colorful shoes as the weeks go by. BONUS: Wearing a blue shoe will help you cover your ‘something blue.’

What to Read Next on The Shoe Diaries:

Summer 2010 Shoe Buyers Guide – also from Rachel, Anna & Pepsi

‘Getty Up for Fall 2009 – trend update from Rachel

Growing Up a Steve Madden Girl

The Perfect Pair of Wedding Shoes

Photo By PRPhotos.com

It was a bittersweet evening at my house on Wednesday. Although I did get to enjoy new episodes of The Middle, CougarTown and Modern Family, I also watched the very last episode of Ugly Betty. As you probably already know, I’m going to miss it! (FYI – if you haven’t watched the finale yet and don’t want to know how it ends, you may want to skip this post.  There will be spoilers!)

I have to say, I was a little worried about how they were going to end the show. Between my knowledge of how the Columbian version wrapped up and hints of Daniel’s crush on Betty, I was afraid the writers were going to force an awkward romantic connection between the boss and his former assistant. I just don’t think there was enough of a foundation to end with Betty and Daniel as a twosome, especially if Betty gave up a dream job in London in the process. I’m glad the writers agreed! They left the possibility of a relationship open, while still allowing Betty to embark on a career that was right for her - the perfect ending!

Moda Spana Qually Pump

Elsewhere in the Suarez family, Hilda, Bobby and Justin are on their way to homeownership. Hilda was concerned that Papi wouldn’t like everyone moving out all at once, but she shouldn’t have worried. Papi turned down Hilda’s invitation to move in with them in order to finally have the house to himself. I love the idea of his character finally getting some ‘me time!’ All parents deserve some peace and quiet once their kids have grown!

Nina Colucci Sandal

Ana Ortiz is pictured here filming the final episode of Ugly Betty. Her dress was super cute, but I wasn’t as sure about her shoes. I don’t think I’m brave enough to pull off such a wild platform! If you like the style but are interested in a more conservative version, take a look at the Moda Spana Qually Pump – same cage look in a similar color without the wild base. If you’re searching for a steal, check out the Nina Colucci Sandal. There are only a few sizes left, but at 60% off it’s worth a look!

How did you feel about the Betty/Daniel ending. Do you agree that it was perfect? Or do you wish they had gotten together? Let us know in the comment section below!

Photo By PRPhotos.com

One of my all-time favorite television shows is Friends. The name is very fitting – not only do you feel like you know the characters and are personally involved in their lives, but it’s the perfect show to watch with a group of girlfriends. I remember starting to get into the show in 6^th grade with my friend Jessica, and have fond memories of watching Friends with friends all the way up to the final season during my freshman year of college.

I think it’s this love of all things Friends related that has made me take such an interest in Jennifer Aniston. From 2005’s Rumor Has It to last year’s He’s Just Not That Into You, Jennifer hasn’t been out of the spotlight very much since the show’s end – and it doesn’t look like that is going to change anytime soon! She is starring in two movies in 2010 that look to be some of her best yet.

I’ve been seeing trailers for her current flick, The Bounty Hunter, all over the place. It looks like a pretty fun concept: Couple divorces. Boy becomes bounty hunter. Girl jumps bail. Ironically, boy must bring girl to jail. It should be pretty funny, and I’m going to guess that the exes get back together in the end.

Nina Galvey Sandal

Jennifer’s ex-husband is played by Gerard Butler. Although the two have denied it, there is speculation that the two have found love off-camera as well. They have been spotted out and about, including on a recent vacation in Mexico. Maybe Jen has finally found her match!

And speaking of matches, Jen seems to have found the perfect shoes for this beautiful off-the-shoulder gown. She looks gorgeous! If you’re looking for similar footwear, take a look at the Nina Galvey Sandal. I love the girly ruffle at the heel. Not looking for a shoe in this color, but like the style? This shoe is also available in white, pink and black!

Photo By: PRPhotos.com

Little girls love boots. Period. Having a four-year-old daughter myself, I can attest to that! No lie, my daughter has five pair (not counting her winter boots) that she regularly wears no matter what the outfit and what the season! Even with having a lot of snow in Wisconsin, she often opts for her Nina boots or her EMU Australia boots instead of her nice warm weather-proof Keen boots!

It looks like Hugh Jackman knows what his daughter, Ava likes! She is wearing a pair of black patent boots similar to the Hush Puppies Sweety that retail for only $34.95. In addition to this picture of Hugh having Ava on his shoulders, other pictures were taken of him in New York City pushing her in a stroller with some cute mary janes on! It looks like they are having a lot of fun and have a great relationship together. Like everyone always says, she’s “Daddy’s little girl”!

Hugh was latest seen on Oprah via video link by surprising her and singing Happy Birthday as she celebrated her 56th birthday on her show. I don’t know about you, but he is one of my favorite actors, and it’s a bonus with his charming looks!

Photo by PRPhotos.com

Award Show Season continued Wednesday night with the 36^th Annual People’s Choice Awards.  Knowing my love of all things pop culture, you may be surprised to hear I completely forgot to watch!  I was so super excited to catch new episodes of ABC’s Wednesday night comedies that it never even crossed my mind.  Just imagine my disappointment Thursday morning when even the local radio DJ was talking about the show (and more specifically Mariah Carey’s acceptance speech).  Here’s hoping I don’t miss the Golden Globe Awards in a couple weeks!

CBS not only hosted the award show, but picked up some pretty impressive awards for its programming as well.  Alyson Hannigan won in the Favorite TV Comedy Actress category for her work on the show How I Met Your Mother, which airs Monday nights on CBS.  Such a funny show!  She’s certainly come a long way since her time on Buffy the Vampire Slayer.  I will admit I don’t watch her show as often as I would like to, but love catching random reruns on Lifetime.  Big Bang Theory, which won the award for Favorite TV Comedy, is another CBS show I don’t watch as much as I should.  It’s also refreshingly good.

Steve Madden Alisah Pump

Not surprisingly the Twilight franchise and The Proposal both had big nights.  Other award winners included Miley Cyrus, Johnny Depp, Up and Glee.  And what would an award show be without fun parodies and snarky fashion police out in full force.  Whether you loved or hated the night’s star styles, you have to admit it is fun to see who wore what.  Although not everyone agrees, my favorite fashionista was Carrie Underwood.  Her outfit was unique, yet classy.

Nina Elga Shoe

Alyson Hannigan, pictured with her award, also looked striking in her tea-length, strapless, simple-yet-sexy gown.  Wearing such an understated dress allows you the opportunity to play up your accessories, which Alyson took advantage of with her decorated shoes and huge diamond bracelet.  Although I may not be able to get you a good deal on the bling, it’s easy to find a similar t-strap at a reasonable price.  Take a look at the Steve Madden Alisah Pump or the Nina Elga Shoe.  At $89.95 each, you could get both for the price of a similar designer shoe – as in one half of one pair of designer shoes.

Photo By PRPhotos.com

It’s been a busy couple of weeks for Holly Madison. Her new special, Holly’s World, premiered on E! Sunday night. I missed the original showing but am hoping to catch a rerun this week. I really liked her on Girls Next Door and can’t image she would be any less entertaining on her own special. If anyone caught the show, let me know what you thought in the comments section below!

Holly also admitted to a new love interest. Life and Style is reporting that Holly is in a relationship with Benji Madden. I must say this is an improvement over some of her past romantic choices! I haven’t heard too many details about this fresh matchup, but it sounds like Twitter played a role in their flirtations. Perhaps Benji got the idea from another Twitter friendly couple in his life?

Speaking of Twitter, Holly used the site to announce another exciting bit of news . . . Kendra Wilkinson gave birth to her first child today. (I had you going there for a minute didn’t I!) According to Yahoo Sports, Kendra and her husband Hank Baskett welcomed Hank Randall Baskett IV in Indianapolis. The little guy weighted in at 9 pounds and 5 ounces – a feat that wasn’t lost on Holly!

Nina Electra Sandal

And speaking of ‘feat,’ take a look at the hot pink pumps Miss Madison wore to the grand opening of BESO restaurant (owned by Eva Longoria-Parker) in Las Vegas. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again – there is nothing like a brightly colored stiletto to spice up a little black dress. If you’re looking to copy her style, take a look at the Nina Electra Sandal. If you’re not completely sold on going pink don’t worry, this shoe comes in four other colors – including black!

Photo by PRPhotos.com

If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again! After an unsuccessful first bid to see New Moon, I finally got into a screening yesterday afternoon. It was awesome! I loved the book, so I’m actually a little surprised I liked the movie as much as I did. Normally, movies based on books just seem to disappoint me. It was nice to be wrong! (If you haven’t seen the movie yet, I suggest skipping to the last paragraph of this post.)

I know leading up to the movie there has been a lot of talk about Team Edward vs. Team Jacob. Even after reading the book, I didn’t get it. The relationships between Bella and the two boys were so different that I just couldn’t grasp the comparison. Obviously Edward was the one for her. After watching the movie, I surprised myself with how much I liked Jacob more than Edward! Maybe it was cinematic magic, maybe it was screen time domination, maybe it was only my mood last night. Either way, I found myself unexpectedly and totally on Team Jacob.

Another pleasant surprise was Dakota Fanning’s (brief) role as Jane. She has certainly grown up since her days in I am Sam and Uptown Girls! (Both excellent movies by the way.) I especially loved her expression when she realized that her powers had no impact on Bella. She is definitely going to be able to make the transition from child to adult actor. So far she has also been able to avoid any major scandals or embarrassments. Here’s hoping she keeps this trend up!

Nina Ulexa Sandal

Dakota is pictured (all grown up!) at the New Moon premier in Los Angeles. Absolutely love the dress – not so sure about the shoes. A better option may have been something similar to the Nina Ulexa Sandal. I really like the texture this shoe would have added to her outfit. It’s pictured in black, but is also available in red or ivory. Any of these color choices would have worked with Dakota’s outfit and fit a little better with the very feminine feel of that gorgeous frock.

Photo By: PRPhotos.com

I never really thought of Pushing Daisies as a must see primetime show, but I must say that I did enjoy all the episodes that I did take the time to watch. I always felt it would make a better movie rather than a TV series just because it seemed to fit my movie-type: The romantic comedy and an added bonus… with a fairy tale twist. Recently, I have heard more conversations that there may be a movie in the works sometime soon. Let’s cross our fingers for that to actually happen.

I was so proud of Kristin Chenoweth for winning an Emmy this past Sunday, it was so nice to see her get the recognition she deserves for her performances on the show. I just heard earlier today that she was ill backstage at the Emmys with a severe migraine headache. Ouch! For those of you who have suffered with one of them yourselves or know something who has, this would definitely not be a good, especially on Emmy night in front of millions of people. Who knows, with her Emmy speech, we might see Kristin pop up on Mad Men one of these days.

Nina Fortune $99.95

Not sure if you can tell she is ill from the picture above, but I definitely can’t! She is looking absolutely stunning in her glitzy glamwear from her fabulous dress down to her heels. The Nina Fortune can be found on ShoeMall for a fraction of the cost at $99.95. Cheers Kristin!