The Shoe Diaries

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!

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!)

Photo by PRPhotos.com

I was definitely surprised when I first heard that Katy Perry and Russell Brand were seeing each other. She seemed spunky and a little wild. He seemed vulgar and a little dirty. I didn’t get it and didn’t think it would really last – probably because he didn’t really strike me as the monogamous type.

It’s been five months, and I can admit I might have been wrong. They seem to complement each other surprisingly well! The couple, who took the first step toward making things official over New Years, seem to be getting a head start on the honeymoon. In recent months they’ve visited India, Paris, Berlin and London. I guess the couple who travels together stays together! One important stop for the twosome was a recent party in Beverly Hills. According to People.com, fifty of the couple’s family and friends helped them celebrate their engagement with a party at the romantic Italian restaurant Il Cielo. Ahh, young love!

Clarks Salon Bliss Sandal

Russell and Katy showed off their sweet side by attending the Arts of Elysium Heaven Gala this week. According to the organization’s website, the event helps to raise funds for a program that “encourages working actors, artists and musicians to voluntarily dedicate their time and talent to children who are battling serious medical conditions.” It’s great to two people with such star power supporting such a great cause!

Naughty Monkey Me O My Pump

Katy is pictured attending the event in an adorable togo-esque gown. Could she be wearing white in preparation for her big day? Either way, I have to say I’m not really feeling her footwear choice. Don’t get me wrong – I normally love Katy’s unique, flirtatious style. However, the color and style of these shoes sort of remind me of ace bandages. A better option might have been the Clarks Salon Bliss Sandal. The simple style seems fitting for this Greek style dress. If she was looking for something dressier, I might have suggested the Naughty Monkey Me O My Pump. It’s a little riskier, but I think the studded, rocker edge would have worked on Katy!  (Or would the Report Signature Vaugn Sandal have been better? Sound off in the comment section below!)

As a side note, please don’t forget to watch the “Hope for Haiti Now: A Global Benefit for Earthquake Relief” telethon tonight at 8 PM EST and contribute if you can. It will air on pretty much all of the major channels.

The November 2009 issue of “O” The Oprah Magazine has hit stands, and ShoeMall is in it! Starting on page 192, “The Well-Bred Boot” kicks off this article where “O” took hundreds of pairs of boots for a test-walk to find this season’s best! On page 199, you will find the Volatile Joust Boot for only $87.95. This over-the-knee suede leather boot is bound to get a lot of use this season, and is available in black or grey. 
More importantly, this boot is comfortable with it’s low heel, and it’s double buckle in the back allowing for less tension at the knee.

Volatile Joust $87.95

Volatile has hit it big again this season with
dozens of way cute styles, such as the
Volatile Madness Boot for $74.95 or the Volatile First Kiss Boot for $59.95. Happy boot shopping!

The Fall 2009 special Fashion & Beauty issue of all you magazine came out with lots of great “Look and Feel Your Best for less” tips, and ShoeMall was included on several pages.

Bandolino Shuga

On pages 16 and 17 you will find the Easy Street Hello for $44.95 and the Madeline Yazz for $19.99. These metallics will go with everything this season from a skirt to dress pants or even jeans.

You will find the Bandolino Shuga for $39.99 on page 34. With a heel height like this you might be asking yourself if you could even wear these or if they would even be comfortable or not. One glance at this shoe’s reviews, and you will quickly see how satisfied these happy shoe owners are!  

Moda Spana Oblique

One of my absolute favorites is the Moda Spana Oblique found on page 36 for $39.99. This color is going to be at the top of the list this season!

On page 38 you will also find a ShoeMall shoe, the Naturalizer Whistler for $69.95. It is hard to go wrong with Naturalizer shoes because they are such a trusted brand, and have definitely taken trend up a notch the last couple seasons.

That’s all for this issue, and many more to come! Which one is your favorite? I’ve already told you mine!