The Shoe Diaries

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

I’ve been hearing a lot of buzz about the movie Valentine’s Day. It is jammed packed with star power and seems like a cute way to look at the holiday of love. If you’re looking for something to do this Sunday, and have a willing date, I would suggest checking this out! If you don’t have much luck convincing your significant other to choose this movie over something like Avatar, don’t fret. It looks like a pretty good flick to catch with a bunch of friends as well.

Jessica Biel is one of the many stars lending her acting chops to this blockbuster. She plays a public relations rep who throws an ‘I Hate Valentine’s Day’ party. In real life, the lovely Ms. Biel doesn’t have the same problem as her big screen alter ego. She has been dating the multi-talented (and incredibly hilarious) Justin Timberlake for the past few years. In the non-romantic department, Jessica recently climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro for Summit on the Summit – an effort to raise awareness for the issues many people around the world face as they attempt to secure clean, safe drinking water.

Bella Vita Wow Pump

Jessica is pictured here at the Los Angeles premier of the movie Valentine’s Day. Her dress does sort of remind me of a candy cane, but on her I think it works. It is especially fitting given the theme of her new movie. To finish off her outfit, she chose a pair of simple pumps in a slightly beige shade. If you’re looking for something similar, take a look at the Bella Vita Wow Pump. It’s available in ten other colors, including red!

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.

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.