The Shoe Diaries

The ShoeMall fashionistas are at it again! This time, the trio has put together a handy chart to help you navigate the summer’s hottest styles. Love the studded look, but not sure how or where to wear it? Trying to decide if the bride will lose her temper if you show up in espadrilles for her wedding? Take a look at our Summer 2010 Shoe Buyers’ Guide for some help! Our merchants have studied this season’s shoe trends to help your feet look as good as possible in any summer situation.

Like what you see? Keep an eye on our Shopping Guide page. ShoeMall’s shoe experts are hard at work creating more style hints to keep you looking great! If you have a suggestion or style you would like some help with, feel free to leave us a comment below.

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 a comfortable high heel.

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 hued 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!

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

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

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.