Photo Courtesy of Carlee

I have no less than six weddings to go to so far this summer, by far the most I have ever had scheduled in the same year before! Somehow, I don’t think things will be slowing down for a couple of years – not that I’m complaining! I love everything about weddings – from the ceremony to the fashion to the food. Plus, it’s always fun to have an excuse to visit with friends and family that you otherwise don’t get to see very often.

 I’m lucky enough to be a bridesmaid in my friend Dana’s wedding this coming July. She is pictured here in her beautiful princess wedding dress at her final fitting last week. She has always been a fan of ballgown style wedding dresses. I’m glad she was able to find a dress, tiara and veil to help her feel like a princess on her big day! I couldn’t resist using this side view to show off her fun bustle. You can also take a look at the front of her dress to see some of the beading and trimming details.

Princess or Ballgown Wedding Dresses

If you’re looking for a princess style for your wedding as well, you’re certainly not alone! Ballgowns are one of the top trends for 2010 wedding dresses. One of the fun things about this style is that you can go all out with fun accessories or keep it simple and let the dress speak for itself. The same can be said for your shoe choices. Play up the details of the dress with shoes embellished with beading similar to your skirt. Or, stick with a plain pump and know that it will make your dress’s details stand out even more.

Unlisted With Charm Sandal

Our fashionista Pepsi selected three shoe styles she thinks will go well with ballgown or princess wedding dresses this summer. The first is the Unlisted With Charm Sandal. This is a style that will really keep the focus on your dress. Although this shoe is fairly simple, it does include a fun knotted detail – a nod to the nautical trend that is so big this summer. TIP: You never know how your feet will feel on your big day. Be sure to create a bride emergency kit that includes band aids for any unexpected blisters.

Rampage Frankie 9 Sandal

Your ring isn’t the only thing that’s gold! Pepsi’s next choice is the Rampage Frankie 9 Sandal. Metallics are hot this summer and this gold slide is sure to shine on your special day. It’s also a steal for only $39.95! If you have a colored sash on your dress, like Dana does, a metallic shoe in a similar hue will really help to pull that color out, bringing attention to those details on your dress that made you fall in love with it in the first place. Tip: Don’t forget to bring your wedding shoes or a pair with a similar heel height to your alteration appointment. You don’t want to have your dress altered for flats and end up with a four inch heel! 

Report Jem Flat

Pepsi’s last suggestion really shows that with a long dress you have the option to choose comfort! The Report Jem Flat will help to keep your wedded feet blissful all night long.  I think this pair of shoes would look super cute, especially if you’re planning to have red roses included in your flower scheme. I love the idea of matching your shoes to your wedding colors and adding a pop of excitement to your wedding wardrobe. Bonus: This pair of shoes will go well with a pair of jeans after the wedding. Whenever you wear them you’ll be reminded of your walk down the aisle!

What to Read Next on The Shoe Diaries:

Wedding Shoes – All our Wedding Style Guides in One Place!

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. 

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Photo by David Kennedy Photojournalism

This week, I get to reflect back on my own wedding! It’s hard to believe how much time has gone by since I put on my wedding dress and walked down that aisle. It was definitely one of the most memorable days of my life – a feeling I’m sure most newlyweds share! I was one of the first of my friends to get married and have recently had the pleasure of helping a few of them pick out their own wedding dresses. I’ve definitely had dress envy! When I got married I desperately wanted a mermaid dress, but couldn’t find many options. Now they’re everywhere! This style, coupled with retro accessories and birdcage veils, is one of my favorite wedding trends of the year. What’s yours?

Colorful Wedding Shoes

When I was in high school, I remember reading a book called Diary of a Mad Bride. One of the details that stuck out to me was the difficulty the main character had picking out her wedding shoes! At the time, I remember thinking that was crazy – how hard could it be to find a cute pair of shoes? Later, as I was planning my own wedding, this became one of my sticking points too! I was not yet working in the fabulous world of shoes and spent countless shopping trips looking for just the right pair – sassy high heels in bright colors I could wear again. I couldn’t find anything and ended up stuck with a pair of white heels left over from some other outfit. Such a disappointment! If only I’d had the help of our resident shoe experts Rachel, Pepsi and Anna I may have ended up with something vibrant to wear myself!

Enzo Angiolini Maylie Pump

If you’re like me and looking to jazz up your wedding dress with a pair of colored heels, a huge trend this wedding season, Rachel recommends taking a look at the Enzo Angiolini Maylie Pump. This hue is a great punched up version of one of Pantone’s top fashion colors for Spring 2010 – Aurora. If you’re getting married in fall, this color would still work well. Pantone is listing Golden Glow as a hot fashion color to watch for Fall 2010 – a near perfect match to this shoe! TIP: If you’re looking to wear a lighter hued shoe, be sure to watch your step during any outdoor pictures to avoid soiling your shoes!

Andiamo Life Sandal

Another hot color trend this spring that doesn’t appear to be going anywhere anytime soon is purple. If you’re looking to incorporate this color into your wedding outfit, take a look at Pepsi’s suggestion – the Andiamo Life Sandal. The back strap on this shoe will help this style to stay in place throughout the day. TIP: If you’re worried about your feet making it through the whole day, bring along a pair of cute flip-flops to the reception. You can even go barefoot for the dance if you’re comfortable doing so – I did!

Carlos Santana Calico Sandal

Our last recommendation for a brightly colored, fun pair of wedding shoes comes from Anna – the Carlos Santana Calico Sandal. I’m loving this sexy pair of red sandals with a hidden platform. Although this heel looks sky high, that platform will help to make this shoe much more comfortable for the average bride. I can see these shoes getting a lot of use even after your wedding is over. How cute would they look with a pair of boyfriend jeans? BONUS: These shoes will definitely make a statement and would look adorable as the only pop of color in an otherwise black and white wedding picture.

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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!)

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.

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.)