Image Courtesy of (lauren nelson)

If you’ve been following our wedding blog post series, you may have noticed that we’ve been sprinkling some wedding advice into our writings each week. If you’re getting married or know someone who is, we want to help you out! We’ve compiled all our hints into one convenient blog post for you to read or share with your friends and family. Have some other great advice to share with our readers? Please leave us a comment and let us in on your bits of wisdom!

Wedding Dress + Shoes = Alteration Hints:

1)      If you plan well, you may be able to use your wedding shoes to save on alteration costs. Dress too long? Try a pair of higher heels. Dress already the perfect length? Stick to a pair of flats.

2)      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! 

Be Bold – Wedding Shoe Color Hints:

'Something Blue'

1)      Wearing blue shoes will help you cover your ‘something blue.’

2)      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.

3)      If you choose to wear a lighter hued shoe, be sure to watch your step during any outdoor pictures to avoid soiling your shoes!

4)      Colorful shoes make a cute statement as the only pop of color in an otherwise black and white wedding picture.

5)       It’s a fact of life – white shoes may get dirty. If you’re worried, bring a pair of flip-flops to wear anytime you’re outside and not taking wedding pictures.

Reuse Your Shoes and Other Shoe Style Hints:

Honeymoon Ready!

1)      Choose a pair of wedding shoes that will transfer well to the honeymoon. An embellished women’s sandal is a great option for a dual wedding-honeymoon shoe.

2)      Buy a pair of shoes in a color and style you would wear again. It’s a great way to get more mileage out of a pair of shoes you love! (And a great excuse to buy a pair of cute high heels.)

3)     Choose a shoe you can wear with other outfits. Whenever you wear them you’ll be reminded of your walk down the aisle! A pair of colorful, fancy flats would be a great everyday shoe to pair with a wedding dress.

4)      Choose a peep toe shoe to show off your wedding day pedicure.

No Pain, No Gain? Hints for Preventing Sore Feet:

Wedge = Comfort

1)      A wedge helps to give you the height without the hurt.

2)      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.

3)      Be comfortable, and choose a style you are used to wearing to eliminate sore feet that night or the next day.

4)      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!

5)      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!

6)       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.

Image courtesy of [lauren nelson]

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

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!

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

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.

Photo By PRPhotos.com

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.