The Shoe Diaries

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!)

By now, I’m sure almost everyone out there has heard about what happened to Taylor Swift at the MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday night.  For those of you who may have missed it, Taylor won a moonman for best female video.  While giving her acceptance speech, Kanye West rushed the stage, took her microphone and proceeded to tell the audience that Beyonce should have won the award instead.  It was an incredibly awkward situation that Taylor was able to handle with grace and dignity.

Taylor continued the trend this morning on The View.  She expressed her interest in meeting with Kanye and described her thoughts during the whole ordeal.  As you can imagine it took her a few seconds to figure out what was really going on:

“My overall thought process went something like, ‘Wow, I can’t believe I won. This is awesome. Don’t trip and fall. I’m going to get to thank the fans, this is so cool … Oh, Kanye West is here! Cool haircut! What are you doing there? And then, ouch. And then, I guess I’m not going to thank the fans.’ “  (Taylor Swift, via People.com.)

I’m very impressed by this nineteen-year-old’s ability to handle such an extraordinary situation.  Her attitude and poise truly make her a great role model for other young people to look up to.  She went on to perform one of her hit songs, You Belong with Me, live on an NYC subway train and then the top of a cab.  Under normal circumstances, the performance would have been pretty amazing.  Knowing what she had been through only minutes before makes the whole thing even more incredible.

Jessica Simpson Lizza

Taylor is pictured here in the dress she wore during her performance.  She exchanged the nude pumps she wore during her song for a pair of red high heels.  This is one instance where I love the complete color coordination of her outfit. The red shoes, dress and lips are perfect for an event like the VMAs.  If you want to copy her shoe style, take a look at the Jessica Simpson Lizza Pump. A perfect pump at the perfect price.

Photo by PRPhotos.com

Congratulations are in store for Nicole Richie and Joel Madden! The two welcomed their second child on Wednesday. According to People.com, the pair named their new son Sparrow James Midnight Madden.

As you could imagine, there has been a lot of chatter about the new name. It is certainly unique, but seems to fit in well with the young family. You couldn’t ask for a better match to little Sparrow’s big sister – Harlow Winter Kate Madden. Although I probably won’t be brave enough to grant my future children such a unique name, I do think it has a cute ring to it.

 Nicole is pictured at the launch of her new maternity line for A Pea in a Pod. As always, she looks effortlessly stunning. From what I have seen of the styles in her clothing line, she was able to carry over her own laidback style into the designs. With a mom like Nicole, you can bet Sparrow and Harlow won’t have any troubles showcasing their own personal styles in the years to come!

etnies Fader Crib Shoe

Should Nicole need a little help picking out some cute kicks for her two kids, I would be happy to assist! I love kids shoes, especially when they are miniature spin-offs of an adult style! One of my favorites is the etnies Fader Crib shoe. It is absolutely adorable, and features a hidden Velcro closure that is sure to please new parents.

 What do you think of the Sparrow and Harlow naming debate? Creative collaboration or pitiful pairing?

Photo By PRPhotos.com

Ok – I’ll admit it. No matter how hard I tried to resist, I was eventually sucked into the Twilight saga. After almost a year of subtle hints, pointed comments and near begging from friends I agreed to read the first book. I thought I would read the first few chapters, not be too interested and go back to my normal fluffy novels. In actuality, I neglected all household chores and other nonessential tasks until I finished the book. My friends were right, I loved it! (Thanks guys!)

It looks like our obsession with Twilight isn’t going away anytime soon. People.com today posted an exclusive sneak peek at the Volturi from New Moon, out in theaters this November. I’m excited to see how the second installment of this series will play out on the big screen. I can’t wait to see Dakota Fanning’s portrayal of Jane!

The Twilight movie recently picked up eleven winning surfboards at the Teen Choice Awards, including awards for best villain, liplock and movie (drama). Ashley Green picked up her own award for her role as Alice Cullen in the movie – winning the Fresh Face Female (Movie) category. She’s pictured here arriving at the Teen Choice Awards wearing a pair of fun red high heels. The ankle-strap adds an extra sexy flair.

Luichiny Duchess Sandal

 If you’re looking for something similar but don’t have the budget of a vampire who can see the future of the stock market, take a look at the Luichiny Duchess Sandal. It even has a sassy bow to make it really stand out in a crowd. 

(Yes, I purposely ignored commenting on her outfit. I’m not sure what I think of it! Leave your thoughts in the comment section below.)