Photo by PRPhotos.com

I finally got to see The Twilight Saga: Eclipse over the Fourth of July weekend.  I have to say, I was a little disappointed by the movie.  Once I finally agreed to start reading the Twilight books, I was hooked. I definitely love the characters and the stories, but they don’t seem to translate well to the big screen.  In fact, the only movie I’ve really liked so far has been New Moon. After watching it this past fall, I assumed that the movies would only get better – most likely because the studio would have reason to increase their budget each time!

I know not many people might agree with me, but the movie wouldn’t make much sense to people who haven’t read the books.  Sure – it hit the big, important parts but there were too many missing details.  It felt like a book report made into a movie.  I would have loved to see some of the history the third book delved into.  The Jasper and Rosalie scenes were good, but too brief in my opinion.  I guess I just wanted more throughout the film!

Bandolino Once Again Pump

Maybe I’m expecting too much.  After all, with books this gripping it’s going to be tough for any movie to live up to everyone’s expectations.  What did you think?  Was the third movie the best so far, as my friends seem to think?  Or was it a let-down for you as well? Do you think the movie(s) based on the fourth book will be any better? (I’m in the middle of this book right now – can’t wait to see how it ends but I don’t want to be done with the Twilight series!)

Michael Antonio Kalo Pump

Let’s turn to something a little less deep – fashion!  Kristen Stewart and Taylor Lautner are pictured above at an Eclipse press event in Rome.  I wonder if they get to have a say in their own clothing for events like this, or if they have to wear what they’re told?  Whoever dressed them, they fit well with the beautiful garden they were photographed in.  (Although I have to admit I would love to see Kristen Stewart in something brightly colored someday!)

etnies Wraith Skate Shoe

If you’re comfortable taking fashion cues from a young werewolf and his unrequited crush, I’ve got some great suggestions for you!  Kristin has a classic pair of peep-toe black heels on. A great, inexpensive option if you’re looking for something similar is the Bandolino Once Again Pump. Personally, I think the Michael Antonio Kalo Pump is more her style.  If you like your shoes with a bit of an edge, I would suggest taking a chance on this heel.  It looks really high fashion and is still a steal at $67.95.  Taylor is sporting a pair of casual black lace-ups.  I would recommend the etnies Wraith Skate Shoe, especially for younger men looking for a pair of comfy kicks to go with a dress-casual look.

What to Read Next On The Shoe Diaries:

Worth the Wait – New Moon

Twilight Wins Again

Anna Kendrick – Oscar Bound

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

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]

Rachel K.'s Elegant Wedding Dress

Wedding season has just gotten underway, but our wedding shoe series is drawing to a close. Our final model is another ShoeMall employee – Rachel K. Her dress is a great example of a timelessly elegant wedding dress. The cut, style and simple embellishments make this a dress that has the potential to be fashionable many years into the future. Who knows, if she has a daughter someday it may even become a family heirloom!

When pairing shoes and accessories with an elegant dress, you have a couple of options. You can choose to play into the timelessness of the style and choose classic and simple styles. Some possibilities include a veil with a blusher or drop veil and a pair of elbow length gloves.  You can also take the opportunity to add an edge to your outfit with more modern extras.  I’m thinking a birdcage veil and chunky necklace would be a couple of great options.

Shoes for an Elegant Wedding Dress

Are you wondering what type of footwear might go well with an elegant wedding dress? Our fashionistas are here to help! They have chosen some great options in a variety of styles. Let’s take a look at their suggestions.

Beacon Felicia Pump

If you’re looking to add a vintage edge to an elegant dress, Pepsi suggests the Beacon Felicia Pump. She loves the marriage between vintage and romance in this bold pump. The cushioned footbed and thicker stiletto will help to make this 3 inch heel a little more comfortable on your feet. At only $49.95, this shoe is pretty easy on your wallet as well! TIP: 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.

Jessica Simpson Milana

Should you want to go the timeless route and stick to a pair of classic white pumps, Rachel recommends the Jessica Simpson Milana Pump. The classic silhouette is a great example of the classic d’Orsay style. Although this is certainly a more traditional shoe, I think the cutaway side gives it a bit of a playful edge. This shoe many not last long – it’s current 50% off at $39.99. BONUS: The peep toe on this shoe will help to show off your wedding day pedicure.

Unlisted TV List Sandal

If a modern edge is more your style, Anna proposes the Unlisted TV List Sandal. Although the style is fairly simple, the back bow adds a punch of ‘now’ to this shoe. I really like that this sandal looks like it’s tied around the ankle, but is actually secured with a hidden zipper. Although shoes tied on with ribbons/fabric are in right now, they may not be fun to deal with on your wedding day – especially if you’re not used to wearing them! This is a great compromise if you’re looking for that type of a style. Plus, at $49.95 you won’t have to compromise your budget getting the shoe you want! TIP: 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.

What to Read Next on The Shoe Diaries:

ShoeMall’s Shoes to Say I Do – Princess Wedding Dress

ShoeMall’s Shoes to Say I Do – Colorful Wedding Shoes

ShoeMall’s Shoes to Say I Do – Outdoor Wedding

Many of us know all too well that “little black dress” hanging up in our closets that we resort to oh so many times for weddings, parties, girls night out, or any other event you want to be looking your best! This post we are going to discuss the latest trends and what shoes to wear with that dress this season.

This new “what to wear” series will continue season after season covering what to wear to weddings, job interviews, first dates, you name it we will cover it! We are open to suggestions if you have a particular idea in mind. 

These five beautiful ladies featured on today’s post are The Saturdays, a famous pop group formed in London in 2007. These young ladies have a lot going on, and are set to have their 3rd album released later this year! See a recent video from The Saturdays featuring their hit single “Ego” They were chosen for this post since they all had their little black dresses on, and cute style with their own shoe picks. Here is my ”what to wear” picks for that little black dress of yours this season…

What to Wear: Little Black Dress

Shop: Report Signature Vandalia

These covered pumps are very hot this season, and this one closely resembles the hit Saturday diva 2nd from the left. The peek-a-boo holes and peep toe add style and trend to this already happening shoe!

Shop: Naughty Monkey Panic

This leather sandal is perfect to wear with that dress of yours. Its black studded detailing and stiletto heel are a great combination to keep you in style.

Shop: Not Rated Tough Cookie

Believe it or not, taupe is a great color to wear with black, and this style will look great with a simple black dress. At only $54.95, this is a true bargain for those of us on a budget! If you aren’t ready yet to take the plunge into taupe, this shoe also comes in black.

Shop: Rampage Kassidy

This black patent pump is for you traditional gals that like comfort and class. You will never go wrong with a basic pump as these heels will go with many different outfits from the workplace to that special cocktail party.

Shop: Report Signature Elinor

This high fashion sandal is right for you if you like to live on the edge or enjoy taking risks! Made of all leather, a back adjustable heel, and a 1-inch platform will make them more comfortable than your average 4-inch heel. Try them if your up for the dare.

Have any other “what to wear” ideas for us? Feel free to leave them in the comments below and we will do our best to write about them!

Photo By: Swanstrom Photography

While many brides opt for unique, “stand-out” weddings, there are still several of you that have your eyes set on that timeless, classic wedding. Classic weddings are truly remarkable, and definitely have me thinking… Jackie O, Audrey Hepburn, and Grace Kelly. A must-have wedding accessory for a classic wedding is your Grandmother’s pearls.

Our beautiful bride this week is Kate, a sister to one of our fabulous merchandisers. She is wearing a chic classic wedding dress with a mermaid twist. You’ll notice her beautiful pearls and the white lilies complete her outfit. Now to find out which pair of wedding shoes we shall pick out for her!

Classic Wedding

If you truly want to stay classic with your wedding, one of these three pairs of wedding shoes will be sure to fit your style: Enzo Angiolini Maylie, Array Flatter, or the Bandolino Berry.

Shop Enzo Angiolini Maylie – $59.95

Sleek, sophisticated, and just your style. The classic peep-toe gives you room to breathe as you waltz around all evening long. Several other colors are available if you are interested in having your bridesmaids in sync with you.

Shop Array Flatter – $59.95

Fondness for your basic pump never fades. With a comfortable, smooth leather upper and round toe, by the end of the night your feet will be thanking you! With sizes available from 5-12 and in widths from narrow to wide you are sure to find the perfect size with these!

Shop Bandolino Berry – $69.95

These are classic with a modern twist. Sleek, sophisticated and totally feminine with it’s pointy toe. This is an all leather upper with a 2″ sculpted heel. Availble in wide width as well in case you are in need of some added room.

Have a different wedding theme? Check out one of these:

Colorful Wedding

Tea Length Wedding Dress

Outdoor Wedding

Grecian 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

Image courtesy of midiman

For many brides, picking out your wedding shoes is a pretty big deal, and we all know there are several options out there. Finding the perfect pair doesn’t have to be stressful. Here are some key points to keep in mind while trying to complete your look for your special day.

1) Comfy is key. Sure those 4-inch blue Manolo Blahnik’s are sexy, but it takes a real special gal to wear those hours upon hours. If you really have to have them, I would think about getting a back-up pair for the dance/reception! Many women opt for a wedge if they need that height, and these will keep you out on the dance floor a lot longer.

2) Price. A lot of women have to be on budget, and therefore it may be hard to justify spending $500 on a pair of shoes you will be wearing for one day. Although many can be pricey, it is also fairly easy to shop online to find something within your budget. Try ShoeMall’s Shoe Finder and adjust the price to what you want to spend.

3) Material. I witnessed my poor girlfriend wear a pair of non-breathable faux patent heels on her wedding day. Enough said, make sure they your feet can breathe and your shoes offer some kind of air flow. Strappy pumps and sandals will help with this problem.

4) Your dress. It is important to have your shoes with you when you get your dress altered seeing as though the length of your dress, and the heel height of your shoes need to match up, unless you want your dress to be dragging on the floor or too short.

5) Color. While many brides-to-be opt to wear the traditional white pumps, many others are opting to wear any (color) of the above. Just like last year, if its in the rainbow, it is fair game for these brides!

If I could go back in time and pick out different wedding shoes all over again, I would opt for color this time around. My top three picks would be:
- The super cute, air-flowing Bandolino Deelite Sandal for $59.95 in pink
- The hot, but maybe too high of a heel for me… Nina Elijah pump for $89.95 in canary (sold out) or champagne
- The ultra comfy Born Sade Sandal for $129.95 in turquoise.

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

It was a bittersweet evening at my house on Wednesday. Although I did get to enjoy new episodes of The Middle, CougarTown and Modern Family, I also watched the very last episode of Ugly Betty. As you probably already know, I’m going to miss it! (FYI – if you haven’t watched the finale yet and don’t want to know how it ends, you may want to skip this post.  There will be spoilers!)

I have to say, I was a little worried about how they were going to end the show. Between my knowledge of how the Columbian version wrapped up and hints of Daniel’s crush on Betty, I was afraid the writers were going to force an awkward romantic connection between the boss and his former assistant. I just don’t think there was enough of a foundation to end with Betty and Daniel as a twosome, especially if Betty gave up a dream job in London in the process. I’m glad the writers agreed! They left the possibility of a relationship open, while still allowing Betty to embark on a career that was right for her - the perfect ending!

Moda Spana Qually Pump

Elsewhere in the Suarez family, Hilda, Bobby and Justin are on their way to homeownership. Hilda was concerned that Papi wouldn’t like everyone moving out all at once, but she shouldn’t have worried. Papi turned down Hilda’s invitation to move in with them in order to finally have the house to himself. I love the idea of his character finally getting some ‘me time!’ All parents deserve some peace and quiet once their kids have grown!

Nina Colucci Sandal

Ana Ortiz is pictured here filming the final episode of Ugly Betty. Her dress was super cute, but I wasn’t as sure about her shoes. I don’t think I’m brave enough to pull off such a wild platform! If you like the style but are interested in a more conservative version, take a look at the Moda Spana Qually Pump – same cage look in a similar color without the wild base. If you’re searching for a steal, check out the Nina Colucci Sandal. There are only a few sizes left, but at 60% off it’s worth a look!

How did you feel about the Betty/Daniel ending. Do you agree that it was perfect? Or do you wish they had gotten together? Let us know in the comment section below!