Photo by PRPhotos.com

One of the most classic sandal styles out there has got to be the espadrille. This style has been around practically since footwear was invented and offers a fresh and flirty look for summer dress-up days. Ginnifer Goodwin is pictured rocking a pair while filming the movie Something Borrowed, due out June 2011. I hadn’t heard of this movie (or accompanying book) before putting this post together, but it looks like it’s going to be super cute! It also stars Kate Hudson who will be taking on her first villainous film role. Toss in John Krasinski as the romantic male lead, and I’m convinced this is a movie I need to see! 

If you need more convincing that espadrilles are here to stay, take a look at our top 10 picks for 2010 courtesy of our own shoe expert Rachel. This really goes to show that even a staple such as the espadrille can come in a huge range of styles. With this many options to choose from, there is sure to be a great pair available for just about everyone’s personal style! 

Volatile Carmen Floral Sandal

First up is the Volatile Carmen Floral Sandal. My favorite part about this shoe is definitely the flirty, floral ankle wrap which gives this style a little added flair! Not only will it help to stabilize the shoe on your foot, but it will also draw attention to your sexy summer legs. As with all espadrilles, the wedge heel will make it easier to add height to your look, especially for those not as used to wearing higher heels. 

Roxy Hi Strung Sandal

Our next pick is the Roxy Hi Strung Sandal. If this looks familiar to you that’s not much of a surprise! It was also selected by Anna – another shoe expert here – as a top pick for Roxy Sandals for Summer 2010. I suppose if it’s made two of our top ten lists so far that’s a pretty good sign that this is a must-have shoe this year! Rachel suggests you use this style to update your neutral look with a splash of color. 

Steve Madden Fauntain Sandal

If you’re looking to add animal print to your style this summer than the Steve Madden Fauntain Sandal just might be for you! If you’re not quite that yet adventurous, don’t worry. This shoe also comes in six basic solid colors as well, including a very safe beige/natural color. I must say that I really think the adorable flower on the toe is a great final touch to this summer ready shoe!

Color me coral! Rachel’s next suggestion, the Madden Girl Huntter Sandal, offers an updated color and very ‘now’ strappy, cage/gladiator type upper. This shoe is also a steal at $42.95. At that price, it would be easy to justify getting it in the tan or blue versions too!	Madden Girl Huntter Sandal
Volatile Physical Sandal	Next up is a nod to nautical – the Volatile Physical Sandal. Rachel thinks the red, white and blue on this shoe make it the perfect choice to celebrate summer – especially with a pair of white shorts! Personally, I have to agree. This shoe reminds me of a Fourth of July parade, followed by an outdoor barbeque or picnic!
If you’re into pink (like me), this espadrille might be the choice for you! The Chinese Laundry Dilly Dally Sandal offers elastic straps that provides you with comfort, while the splash of color that screams fashion. I’m picturing this worn with a flirty, loose skirt or dressed down a bit with jean capris. I also really like this style in the basic Ecru/Beige option.	Chinese Laundry Dilly Dally Sandal
BCBGeneration Hyla Sandal	Slide into style! This BCBGeneration Hyla Sandal shows that you can update your slip on sandal with a fun summer print and espadrille wedge. This style also includes a slight platform, which works with the wedge heel for added comfort. The heavier stitching around the footbed offers a cute contrast to the lighter floral fabric.
Rachel’s next selection is the Life Stride Sunny Sandal. I’m sensing a strong floral trend here, and I have to say I’m all for it! This style may be a good started piece for someone just getting into espadrilles. It offers a lower heel at the low price point of $44.95. It’s also available in five great colors, including a more neutral black and beige.	Life Stride Sunny Sandal
Clarks Jewel Sandal	Speaking of neutral, Rachel recommended her next choice specifically for people looking for this type of coloring! The Clarks Jewel Sandal is a great option, especially when paired with outfits with a pop of color. Clarks shoes is a brand known for the comfort technology it builds into each shoe – a plus for anyone out there new to higher heels! The raffia-wrapping on this wedge heel adds a special touch I don’t see on many other espadrilles out there.

Dereon Shell Sandal

Wow – what an example of saving the best for last! With its metallic shell ornamentation, the Dereon Shell Sandal is a show-stopper! This pair of shoe is almost like art to me. They would obviously look beautiful with a (navy?) dress, but I really think they could look just as good with a pair of dark capris or boyfriend jeans – provided they’re paired with the right shirt. 

Hopefully you’re enjoying our newest blog series. If you have any suggestions for us don’t be shy! Use the comment section below to let us know your thoughts. 

What to Read Next on The Shoe Diaries: 

Style Guide: It’s All About the Wedge

Style Guide: 10 Best Teva Sandals

Outdoor Wedding

My husband and I are featured in this post. Although it seems like a lifetime ago, we were married in August two years ago. 

Outdoor weddings can be very beautiful but may involve more planning and wiggle room for changes at the last minute. Some things to think about and important tips for having a successful outdoor wedding include:

1) Don’t rely on the weather
It’s important to have a back-up plan in case it is raining or the weather will not be suitable for your plans. This could be a church, your reception hall, or anywhere that can fit your wedding party and your guests.

2) Your guests
A common problem with outdoor weddings is that your guests are not able to hear (this is mostly caused by wind or if you have a big wedding). Consider talking with your DJ about options they may have available to you.

3) Picking your date
Depending on your location, you may only want to plan your wedding during certain months. Traditionally, June has always been the most popular month for couples to get married. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, July and August are actually overtaking June as the most popular month. Whichever month you choose, make sure it is right for your location!

4) Shoes
Of course shoes are important, and especially on your wedding day. A flat or wedged heel will probably be your best choice with an outdoor wedding since you will probably be walking in grass or possibly even standing in grass most of the time. Our resident shoe experts Anna, Pepsi, and Rachel have decided on their suggestions for an outdoor wedding.

Volatile Ladies Night $59.95

Anna chose the Volatile Ladies Night for $59.95 in white. Volatile is a great brand for wedges. If you still need the height but are having an outdoor wedding and don’t want to try the 4-inch stiletto, your best option would be a 4-inch wedge like this choice!TIP: A platform helps to give you the height without the hurt.

Fergie Isatope $69.95

Pepsi chose color this time around with the Fergie Isatope  for $69.95 in magenta. I think she had visions from my wedding on her mind with this choice seeing as though this shoe would have matched with my wedding colors beautifully. You can tell by looking at the colors of my flowers in the picture! This is a gorgeous shoe, and with it being a flat it would stay comfortable on your feet all night long. BONUS: With style and color this gorgeous, don’t worry about finding another outfit to wear them with after your wedding is said and done!

Nina Hilaria $39.95

Rachel chose cute and comfy with the Nina Hilaria for $39.95 in white. This is very similar to what I actually wore to me wedding. I love my flip-flops, and that’s virtually what this is with some flowers as a bonus. TIP: Be comfortable, and wear something that you are used to wearing to eliminate sore feet that night or the next day.

Photo by PRPhotos.com

In honor of our first 80 degree day, we’re kicking off another new series here at The Shoe Diaries! Now that summer is officially making an appearance, we’re here to help you choose the best sandals for 2010. Keep an eye out for our top choices in many trendy styles – from Toning to Espadrilles to Wedges. We will also be taking a look at some of the hottest colors and brands of the season. Let’s hop right in and take a look at our 10 Must-Have Roxy Sandals, compliments of our very own shoe expert Anna.

Roxy Twilight Sandal	I came across this picture of Audrina Patridge in Las Vegas and had to include it. She’s wearing a flip flop that closely matches the Roxy Twilight Sandal. This sandal includes Roxy’s standard EVA sole, which really boosts the comfort level of any shoe. I’m also liking the rhinestone accents on this shoe – it really helps to make this style stand out! If you’re looking for more of a color pop, don’t despair! It’s also available in purple or silver.
Anna’s second selection is another Roxy sandal featuring an EVA sole. The Roxy Juanita Sandal offers a casual, fun look that I’m told is a perfect match for your favorite pair of jeans. I don’t know about you, but the cork sole on this wedge really makes it a standout for me. I especially like the slight retro look of this type of heel.	Roxy Juanita Sandal
Roxy Hi Light Sandal	Next up is the Roxy Hi Light Sandal. This versatile nautical style sandal would go well with the sundresses, skirts and shorts that are sure to start popping up as the temperature rises. Don’t let the height of this 3 inch heel scare you off! The wedge heel and ankle wrap provide extra support, while the EVA sole adds comfort.
I love pink, especially the shade on this Roxy Tahiti Sandal. As a bonus, this shoe is only $13.95! That’s one of the things I like best about the Roxy brand – their shoes are not only casually fashionable, but affordable as well. This particular flip flop would look great paired with your swimsuit for a day at the beach.	Roxy Tahiti Sandal - Pink
Roxy Amaya Sandal	Anna’s next choice is the Roxy Amaya Sandal. This shoe can be dressed up or down, depending on your outfit. She suggests showing this sandal off on a shopping trip with friends. As with all of the Roxy sandals on this list, the EVA sole will help keep you on your feet all day long. This sandal also offers arch support, with a backstrap for added stability. Plus, my personal favorite touch, a textured finish in one of this year’s hot colors – gray!
If you’re looking for a shoe with a pop of color, this next selection just might be the shoe for you! The Roxy Hi Strung Sandal offers a rainbow of colors on its 3 inch wedge heel. Anna recommends pairing this with a sundress or skirt for one of my favorite summertime events – a barbeque!
Roxy Tahiti Sandal - Black	Up next is another version of the Roxy Tahiti Sandal – this time in black! Anna wanted me to be sure to call out the edgier look brought out by the print on the sole of this shoe. I can’t resist calling attention to the low price of this sandal again. At $13.95, this is a great style to buy in multiple colors. If you have children, you may be interested in the Roxy Tahiti Sandal in kid’s sizes!
I’m excited to see a second pink selection this list! The Roxy Jett Sandal offers another trend for Summer 2010 – metallic studding and details. Anna recommends this as a great go-to sandal for many popular summer activities, from shopping, to a night on the town, to simply hanging out with friends.	Roxy Jett Sandal
Roxy Pagoda Sandal	The next recommendation from Anna is the Roxy Pagoda Sandal. This basic wedge is a fun and flirty style that I personally think would go with pretty much any style this summer. I could see it matching especially well with a pair of cute capris for a day of errands or a semi-casual dress for an afternoon wedding. This style is available in black as well, but this color is selling fast! At $32.95, this versatile sandal would give you a lot of bang for your buck! This is another Roxy style this is also available in youth sizing.

Roxy Bangles Bag

Our last selection isn’t a sandal, but Anna couldn’t resist including it! The Roxy Bangles Bag is a great choice for the long summer days to come. The size of this bag provides the space you need to store all of your must-haves for a day in the sun. It even offers a great place to stash your shoes while enjoying the sand between your toes on the beach!

And there you have it! Our 10 Must-Have Roxy Sandals for Summer 2010 list is complete! Did we miss a style that should be included? Do you have any suggestions for future Top 10 lists? Let us know in the comments below!

Photo By PRPhotos.com

Sandra Bullock has had a tough time of late. I’m sure most people are aware of the issues she has been having in her marriage to Jesse James. I’ve spent the last couple of months hoping that some good news would be coming her way, while the whole time she has been keeping a joyful secret – make that a bundle of joy secret! 

According to People.com, Sandra and Jesse were in the process of adopting a newborn son named Louis from New Orleans when allegations that Jesse had been cheating on her surfaced. Although Louis had been living with the couple since January, Sandra decided to continue the adoption process on her own. People’s cover shot this week features the new mom with her son and I have to say he is adorable! Congratulations Sandra!

One of the things that strikes me most about this story is that Sandra was able to keep this a secret for so long. This is especially shocking when you consider the increased scrutiny she has had to endure over the past two months. With all of the public attention many stars face on a daily basis, I’m glad she was able to enjoy this part of her life without having to share it with the general public until she made the decision to do so.

Steve Madden Caryssa Pump

Sandra has been avoiding the limelight recently – which is certainly understandable! She is pictured above at the People’s Choice Awards back in January, where she accepted awards for Favorite Movie Actress & Favorite Comedy Movie. She’s wearing a pair of pumps that adds height while still retaining some comfort with a built in platform. If you’re looking for something similar, check out the Steve Madden Caryssa Pump. This style has a bit more of a pinkish hue, which I really like for summer! 

Photo By PRPhotos.com

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!)

1) The Budget Babe has some pretty good predictions for 2010, and two that I especially like are: Isaac returning to Target and mobile coupons catching on with new apps in a “big, big way”.

2) Fashionising.com talks about Spring and Summer Fashion Trends, and who doesn’t want to think about all the beautiful warm weather wear during this cold month?!

3) Splendicity.com has compiled Esquire’s 2010 Style Resolutions for the men in your life, there are some pretty good tips here!

4) Find the colors of Spring/Summer 2010 at FashionTrendsetter.com What are your favorites? I really like the salmon pinks, turquoises and purples! Very pretty!

…and last but not least

5) Refinery29.com brings all their knowledge with their predictions of style and trends into 2010 from the color turquoise (I said I liked it above, maybe I am headed in the right direction!) to long skirts, sheer shirts, clogs, and lower heels! Read along… there is plenty to talk about in this post!

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 you were able to watch any of the NFL games this past weekend you were bound to see some pink in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The NFL campaign is called A Crucial Catch and the players and their coaches are wearing lots of pink from their shoes, to gloves, to towels, and even helmets. And it doesn’t stop there, the referees are also in support by wearing pink wristbands, not to mention the stadiums being accented by pink. What a great way to show your support and be involved with such an important organization!

Reebok Z-Slide $24.95

Reebok NFL Slipper $29.95

On ShoeMall you will find lots of pink shoes and NFL licensed footwear. Shown first is the Reebok NFL Z-Slide Oakland Raiders Sandal for $24.95, and secondly the Reebok Oakland Raiders NFL Slipper for $29.95.  All of the NFL sandals range from $19.95 -$24.95 and the NFL slippers range from $11.99 to the Crocs Mammoth for $49.95. Great price points and perfect gifts this holiday season!

EMU Australia Jolie $64.95

Show your support for Breast Cancer Awareness with this cute, comfy pink slipper from EMU Australia is a new brand for ShoeMall that is sure to keep your feet warm this winter. Shown is the EMU Australia Jolie Slipper for $64.95

Photo By PRPhotos.com

Sarah Jessica Parker made a statement at the “Mary Stuart” Broadway Show Opening Night on Sunday – with her shoes!   The only problem is I can’t decide if the ‘wings’ on the side of these shoes show Parker’s ability to go against the fashion ‘flock’ and still look great, or if they just make her look like she’s trying to fly away!  Don’t get me wrong, I love the idea of wearing bright accessories with neutral clothing.  It can really make  an outfit’s fun little frills pop!  However, I can’t help but wonder if this is a bit much.

Van Eli Patwin Sandal

Perhaps she should have gone for something a little more toned down.  The Van Eli Patwin Sandal offers the same burst of color, but without the slightly fluorescent flair and the questionable ‘wing.’  Plus, at $99.95 I can pretty much guarantee these shoes cost a fraction of what she paid!

So what do you think?  Does Parker do Carrie Bradshaw proud with her shoe choice or not?  Let us know in the comment section below!