The Shoe Diaries

ShoeMall Merchandiser Rachel with Steve Madden

The first shoes I ever remember falling in love with were a pair of Steve Madden wedges. They were my first memorable pair of brand name footwear, and in all my fourteen years I had never seen a more perfect shoe. I lovingly called them my bale of hay shoes – in reference to the fact that the heel was covered in a twisted material that resembled straw. While the style may no longer sound fashionable, the brand remained as one of my favorites.

Later, when I was in college, that Steve Madden love stayed with me. I took a class that involved analyzing print ads. What did I choose to base my project around? A Steven by Steve Madden magazine advertisement. I was drawn in by the ad’s juxtaposition of high fashion and industrial images. It was one of my favorites – a creative image for an equally creative shoe brand. (I tried to find a copy of the ad online but no luck.)

Madden Girl Savvyy Pump

Rachel, one of our ShoeMall merchandisers and contributing trend editor to The Shoe Diaries, had the good fortune to meet the Steve Madden last week at the Footwear News Platform Show at MAGIC in Las Vegas. The two are pictured at the event. So jealous! It would have been awesome to meet the namesake of one of the brands that inspired my love of shoes. Not only that, but she says he loves what he does and it really shows when you meet him in person. Having passion of your own can really help to inspire passion in others! Love it!

Steve Madden Tristano Pump

Rachel was also recently quoted in a Footwear News edition almost completely dedicated to Steve Madden as the brand completes its 20^th year in the shoe business. She mentioned something that really fits in with my personal experiences with Steve Madden: “ . . . [that customer] can grow up with the brand and that’s pretty cool. It creates customer loyalty and a bond. You can evolve with the brand as it evolves.” – (Quoted from Footwear News). I completely agree – with multiple brands to choose from, Steve Madden offers styles for fashionable women of all ages.

Steven by Steve Madden Xtinct Pump

The Madden Girl line, including the Madden Girl Savvyy Pump, is perfect for the high school girl just venturing out into the world of fun shoes. The main Steve Madden line is a good fit for anyone looking for shoes with more mature fashion forward flair. (I’m really liking the studding on the Steve Madden Tristano Pump right now.) Last but not least is the Steven by Steve Madden line – this really takes things up a notch with additional detailing and drama. (Check out the studded sole on the Steven by Steve Madden Xtinct Pump.)

What about you? What was the first brand of shoes you fell in love with? Have your loyalties changed over the years?

Photo By PRPhotos.com

I’m not going to lie – if the Packers aren’t in the Super Bowl, I only watch for the newest commercials. I love choosing a favorite from among the wacky, high-priced spots. I won’t turn down a good football feast either – bring on the chicken wings and chips! I can’t wait!

If I’m forced to watch a football game, the Colts versus the Saints isn’t so bad. I adore Peyton Manning. No, not for his athletic prowess, but for his funny bone! His turn as host on Saturday Night Live a few years ago was hilarious. I love seeing someone with that much talent able to make fun of himself on national TV. His mock-ad for United Way is definitely one of the funnier skits I’ve seen.

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A win by the Saints would bring the Lombardi Trophy to New Orleans for the first time. It’s also the team’s first appearance in the big game. An event like that is special no matter what team is behind it. I’m also impressed by the goodwill Drew Brees has shown his team and community. It’s hard to pick a favorite between these two teams!

There are a couple of Hollywood reality stars with a pretty big interest in the big game as well. Kendra Wilkinson will be cheering on her husband, Hank Baskett, as he plays with the Indianapolis Colts. She’ll be there with the couple’s young son, who will be sporting a bite size Colts jersey. Kim Kardashian has been in Miami the past couple of days supporting her on-again boyfriend Reggie Bush. I’m sure she’ll be hoping that Reggie will be able to help the Saints bring home the victory.

Rampage Dania Sandal

Not only do these two women have ties to Sunday night’s rival teams, they also seem to have completely different styles when it comes to their shoe choices. Kim is pictured above wearing her ubiquitous black stiletto pumps. Kendra is sporting a metallic silver sandal. From what I know about these two, the shoes pictured really reflect their personal style. Sexy and timeless versus flirty and fun. I think these choices mesh with their personalities as well!

Fergie Nacho Pump

If you are looking to copy Kendra’s style, take a look at the Rampage Dania Sandal. With a price tag of only $44.95, this sassy shoe is hard to beat. The four inch heel on the Fergie Nacho Pump make this an excellent choice if you’re more into Kim’s footwear. I also really love the textured look of this shoe.

 So who do you want to win tomorrow night? And – more importantly – whose shoe style do you like the best? Let us know in the comment section below.

Photo by PRPhotos.com

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.

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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.

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.