Photo by PRPhotos.vom

I don’t know why, but I was surprised to hear that Megan Fox and Brian Austin Green had gotten married a couple of weeks ago. It had just become public knowledge that she had received (and promptly lost) another engagement ring from Brian. I figured there would be the obligatory year long planning period before the wedding. Silly me – since when has Megan Fox been known as traditional?

That’s one of the things that most impresses me about her. She may be famous, but she seems to do what makes her happy. She doesn’t appear to worry a whole lot about what people think of her – and she tries to keep her personal life somewhat private. Unlike some celebrities, I haven’t seen many photographs of her out partying at the normal celebrity hot spots. In fact, she’s a bit of a self-proclaimed homebody – sort of like me!

I actually just got my first look at one of their wedding pictures. I love the aura of comfort and love that seems to radiate from their little family as they stand before the Hawaiian priest. (The little boy is Brian’s son from a previous relationship.) It’s truly one of the best celebrity wedding pictures I have seen. They look ridiculously content and I hope they stay that way for a long time to come!

Carlos by Carlos Santana Privilege Pump

Megan is picture above at the premier of her movie Jennifer’s Body. I really love her dress, and her shoes are super fun. I’m just not sold on whether I would wear the two together! If you envy her shoe look, I have a couple of great options for you that will give you the same look, but won’t cost you a fortune in the process.

First up is the Carlos by Carlos Santana Privilege Pump. This shoe will give you the same heel height Megan is sporting above. Luckily, it comes with a hidden one-inch platform to help you handle those added inches! The pattern and color palette are also similar to Megan’s shoes above.

BCBGeneration Ariel Pump

If you like the peep-toe look, the BCBGeneration Ariel Pump would be a good choice for you. It’s also a more toned down hue if you’re afraid to go for the yellow-gold look Megan selected for her movie premier. As a bonus, if you do want to pair gold shoes with a silvery dress this shoe might do the trick. There looks to be just enough of a silvery sheen in this gold tone to pull the double metallic look off!

Report Kennedy Pump

The last shoe is a personal favorite of mine. I bought the Report Kennedy Pump in black about a month ago, along with a half dozen or so of my co-workers! At 50% off, it’s a great deal. I can also honestly say they are the most comfortable pair of high heels I own. The wedge is amazing. I seriously feel like I’m wearing a pair of comfy, flat, sandals when I have these on. I can’t recommend them enough! This option would give you a golden peep-toe shoe in a similar height to Megan’s stilettos. (Sorry ladies, the black is no longer available!)

And if you’re wondering about that ring Megan lost? Don’t worry! The rumors were false, the ring was found or Brian presented her with a new bauble.  Whatever the story is, I think her finger is now sufficiently dressed!

What to Read Next on The Shoe Diaries:

ShoeMall’s Shoes to Say I Do – Wedding Hints

What to Wear to a Wedding

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.

What to read next on The Shoe Diaries:

ShoeMall’s Shoes to Say I Do – Tea Length Wedding Dress

ShoeMall’s Shoes to Say I Do – Outdoor Wedding

ShoeMall’s Shoes to Say I Do – Grecian Wedding

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

I was surprised how much the trailer to The Last Song caught my attention. I’ve seen Hannah Montana – I know Miley Cyrus is a decent Disney channel style actress. I just wasn’t expecting her to be very enticing in a more serious role. I may have been wrong – the movie actually looks really good! 

Not only is Miley looking to get into the movie business, but it sounds like she may be doing so at the expense of her current career. It’s no surprise that Hannah Montana is ending. There is only so long a show about a teenager can last! What is shocking is Miley’s claim that she is done making music as well. I can’t imagine this revelation will be entirely true, but she is definitely letting the world know she is ready to grow up!

Jessica Simpson Jessica Pump

Miley is pictured at the world premier of The Last Song with Liam Hemsworth – her boyfriend both in the movie and in real life. He may be new to show business, but I’m sure we’ll be seeing more of him in the near future. A Nicholas Sparks’ film and a famous significant other can do wonders for a Hollywood newcomer! The pairing actually reminds me (and others) a lot of Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosslin from The Notebook.

Unlisted Sewing Kit Pump

While you may not be lucky enough to share in many other parts of Miley’s life, one thing you can copy is her style. A good place to start is with those sassy black pumps. There is a pair of Jessica Simpson shoes that may do the trick – the Jessica Simpson Jessica pump. If you’re more of a peep-toe girl, I like the Unlisted Sewing Kit Pump.

Photo by: PRPhotos.com

I am all for trend-setters, and for the most part, I let my 4-year-old daughter have a say in what she wears and what she puts on her feet, but I’m not too sure what to think about these!

Willow Pinkett-Smith, daughter of Will Smith and Jada Pinkett was on the red carpet for the 23rd Annual Kids’ Choice Awards wearing them. These were a custom pink version created by Daryl Van Wouw. They were the Converse Extension 1 shoe pants, not available in stores. So, what do you think?

With my daughter being a big Nickolodeon fan, I did catch part of the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards, and for the most part, she was excited for the winners!
- Favorite TV Show: iCarly (my daughter’s absolute fav!)
- Favorite TV Actor: Dylan Sprouse (twin to Cole, played in movie “Big Daddy” when he was really young)
- Favorite TV Actress: Selena Gomez (Wizards of Waverly Place and Singer)
- Favorite Music Group: Black Eyed Peas (one of my favs!)
- Favorite Female Singer: Taylor Swift (love her!)
- Favorite Male Singer: Jay-Z
- Favorite Song: You Belong With Me (Taylor Swift)
- Favorite Movie: Alvin and the Chipmunks The Squeakquel (Of course own the movie and went to it in theaters!)
- Favorite Movie Actor: Taylor Lautner (Twilight: New Moon)
- Favorite Movie Actress: Miley Cyrus (Hannah Montana: the Movie)
- Favorite Cartoon: Spongebob Squarepants
- Favorite Reality Show: American Idol
- Favorite Female Athlete: Misty May Traynor (Sand Volleyball)
- Favorite Male Athlete: Ryan Sheckler (Skateboarder)
- Favorite Video Game: Mario Kart
- Favorite Book: Diary of a Wimpy Kid series (now out in theaters)
- Favorite Animated Movie: Up

Photo By PRPhotos.com

One of my all-time favorite television shows is Friends. The name is very fitting – not only do you feel like you know the characters and are personally involved in their lives, but it’s the perfect show to watch with a group of girlfriends. I remember starting to get into the show in 6^th grade with my friend Jessica, and have fond memories of watching Friends with friends all the way up to the final season during my freshman year of college.

I think it’s this love of all things Friends related that has made me take such an interest in Jennifer Aniston. From 2005’s Rumor Has It to last year’s He’s Just Not That Into You, Jennifer hasn’t been out of the spotlight very much since the show’s end – and it doesn’t look like that is going to change anytime soon! She is starring in two movies in 2010 that look to be some of her best yet.

I’ve been seeing trailers for her current flick, The Bounty Hunter, all over the place. It looks like a pretty fun concept: Couple divorces. Boy becomes bounty hunter. Girl jumps bail. Ironically, boy must bring girl to jail. It should be pretty funny, and I’m going to guess that the exes get back together in the end.

Nina Galvey Sandal

Jennifer’s ex-husband is played by Gerard Butler. Although the two have denied it, there is speculation that the two have found love off-camera as well. They have been spotted out and about, including on a recent vacation in Mexico. Maybe Jen has finally found her match!

And speaking of matches, Jen seems to have found the perfect shoes for this beautiful off-the-shoulder gown. She looks gorgeous! If you’re looking for similar footwear, take a look at the Nina Galvey Sandal. I love the girly ruffle at the heel. Not looking for a shoe in this color, but like the style? This shoe is also available in white, pink and black!

Photo By PRPhotos.com

The wait is almost over – Oscar night is nearly upon us. Normally I know more about the movies that have been nominated, but this year I have seriously been slacking on staying up on current cinematic magic. I haven’t even made it to see Avatar yet – I must be one of only a handful of people who can still say that!

Regardless of my 2010 Oscar movie knowledge, or lack thereof, I will be tuned in to ABC this Sunday night. I’m really pulling for a Best Directing Oscar for Kathryn Bigelow of The Hurt Locker fame. It would be pretty cool to see a woman win this category for the first time. Beyond that, I don’t have many other strong preferences.

Anna Kendrick is one of the nominees up for an Oscar in the Best Actress in a Supporting Role category. I have to say it would be nice to see her recognized. As adorable as she was in Twilight, I would imagine that it’s pretty easy for her to be overshadowed by the likes of Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart.

Chinese Laundry Fire It Up Sandal

The actress has pre-Oscar worries near and dear to my heart – what to wear on her feet for the big night! According to People.com, she’s still searching for the perfect Oscar shoe – and she says comfort is key. Don’t worry Anna, help is on the way! An informal office poll tells me that Frye, Chinese Laundry, Steve Madden and BCBGeneration are a few good brands to consider when looking for  comfortable high heels.

BCBGeneration Randall Sandal

It doesn’t look like Anna had any issues selecting her shoes for the Academy Awards Nominee Luncheon! She’s got on one of this spring’s hottest trends – gold shoes. If you’re looking for something similar, check out the Chinese Laundry Fire It Up Sandal. Another good choice is the BCBGeneration Randall Sandal. Here’s hoping these shoes feel as good as they look!

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

Just on Monday, People.com released info. saying that these two are ‘really close’ friends, and then you have others that are saying different. Either way, if they are together together or not, they are on my radar for the Olympic’s hottest couple this year, and what’s even more special is Evan Lysacek taking home the gold medal this past Thursday in figure skating. YAY Evan! These two are just too cute together!

As quoted from the NYDailyNews.com,
[the couple, who first met in October 2008 while performing on the NBC special "Skating & Gymnastics Spectacular" confirm that they have been dating since last summer.

"We became good friends and have become really close since then," said Lysacek, 24, who noted that the relationship has become stronger since he escorted Liukin to the ESPY awards last July.

Liukin, 20, travelled to Vancouver to cheer on her beau, who became the first American man to win the Olympic gold medal for figure skating in 22 years.

"To see his dreams come try was amazing," said Liukin, who won a gold medal for all-around gymnastics in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.]  – Quoted from NYDailyNews.com

I must admit I’ve enjoyed watching the Winter Olympics this year but I am

Steve Madden Ulltra $69.95

much more tuned into the Summer Olympics. My daughter and I love watching gymnastics together, which is why I chose to feature Nastia Liukin today. She is so fun to watch and one of my favorites.

Overall the Olympics are going well, and the United States is leading with 26 medals, 7 of which are gold. Germany is in 2nd place for total medal count at 23.

Now on to the fashion! Nastia has a cute dress on, with some basic black pumps like the Steve Madden Ulltra pump for $69.95 at ShoeMall.com. And of course I couldn’t talk about Evan winning the gold medal without featuring some gold

BCBGeneration Randall $99.95

shoes as well! This is my top pick,right now, the BCBGeneration Randall sandal for $99.95 at ShoeMall.com.

Photo by PRPhotos.com

The Winter Olympics are back! Some years I really get into the games, and some years I don’t. This year – I’m loving it! I was looking forward to watching speed skating, but have found myself interested in a lot more than just this. Skiing and snowboarding have really caught my attention, and I have even found myself fascinated by the game of logic that is curling. (Shocking, I know!)

Although I have dabbled in many sports, I am definitely not what anyone in their right mind would call an athlete. Watching these contestants going up against the best of the best in their sports drives this point home even more. It’s hard to imagine finding the drive, grit and sheer determination to train as hard as these athletes must in order to reach such a high skill level.

Steve Madden Spiin Sandal

The men’s and women’s snowboard halfpipe events were incredible to watch. The flips, grabs, spins and twists were awe inspiring to me. I know for a fact that I wouldn’t have the courage to push myself to the speeds and heights that these snowboarders reach! Although it would have been nice to see the US sweep the podium in either event (as the announcers kept hoping for) it was still pretty cool to see our athletes winning 2 of the 3 available medals in each event.

Zigi Friend Sandal

Gretchen Bleiler was one of the US competitors in the women’s halfpipe last night. Although she did not receive a medal, it wasn’t for lack of trying. While she was a favorite going into the finals she just couldn’t seem to finish a clean run, crashing on both of her two attempts. It’s too bad she didn’t win a gold medal to pair with her silver from the 2006 Turino games. It also would have gone well with the gold sandals she’s pictured wearing above! If you’re looking for something similar, check out the Steve Madden Spiin Sandal. The Zigi Friend Sandal also carries through a similar style, with a touch of one of spring’s most fashionable shoe trends – understated studded details!