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

Since its comedy heydays in the mid to late 90s, I haven’t been that impressed with too many NBC shows.  Sure there was always The Office, which I love, but most of their new shows lacked that certain spark to keep me coming back for more. All that has changed since Community and Parks and Recreation premiered.

Taking a page from the comedy stylings of The Office, Parks and Recreation  really adds to NBC’s Thursday night funfest.  Amy Poehler is hilarious as Leslie – Pawnee, Indiana’s Deputy Director of the Parks and Recreation Department.  Although her character does remind me of Michael Scott, the awkwardness is toned down enough to make this show a little less nerve racking to watch. 

Report Kline Boot

When I heard Joel McHale, of The Soup fame, was going to be starring in a new sitcom I couldn’t wait to see it.  He is adorably hilarious on E! and I hoped that his charisma would carry over into his new role on Community.  He did not disappoint!  Of course, it didn’t hurt that NBC surrounded him with a great supporting cast, an innovative writing crew and a unique theme.  (There is very little about this show that I can find fault in!)  

Steve Madden Badd Slip-On

If you haven’t had the chance to take in this comedy about a Spanish study group at Greendale Community College, I highly recommend you take the time to catch up.  It is one of my favorite new shows of the past few years.  (To be fair, I may have a soft spot for comedy in general – I’m also loving ABC’s new Wednesday night lineup.   Here’s hoping Modern Family and The Middle are here to stay!)

Moda Spana Q-Up Pump

Yvette Nicole Brown, Joel McHale & Alison Brie from Community are pictured attending a recent NBC Universal cocktail party.  I wonder if the three of them coordinated their outfit choices for the evening!  Either way, the actors offer three very different versions of the basic black dress shoe.  Yvette is sporting a pair of black booties.  A similar option might be the Report Kline Boot, currently on sale for $80.99.  Joel chose a simple, black, men’s dress shoe.  The Steve Madden Badd is very similar, and at $64.95 it’s available for a very ‘Goodd’ price.  Last, but not least, you can score a more modernized version of Alison’s look with the Moda Spana Q-Up Pump.

As any of you who read my post a few weeks ago probably know, I have been anxiously awaiting the start of the new fall television lineups. Last night, the wait finally ended! Not only did 90210 return with a vengeance, but the newest version of Melrose Place premiered on the CW.

I have to admit it – I didn’t watch the original Melrose Place. I was much more likely to be found watching 7^th Heaven or Blossom. I definitely didn’t know what I was missing. Last night’s premier episode included a murder, blackmail, a proposal and a romantic date complete with a very awkward proposition.

Fergie Turnpike Pump

Ashlee Simpson-Wentz made her return to the small screen as Violet, a new tenant at the Melrose Place apartment complex. I really like Ashlee, and was excited to see her on the cast list for the new series. A few of my friends, however, felt a little differently. Their general consensus was that she wasn’t quite up-to-par with her acting abilities. I thought her character was meant to be a little more timid and awkward. A recent interview with Ashlee seems to support my theory. Did anyone else catch the premier? How did you think she did in her new role?

Rampage Gracie Pump

Ashlee is pictured with two of her co-stars at the Melrose Place Launch Party this past August. Jessica Lucas (left) plays Riley, a seemingly sweet character in a long-term relationship with a hopeful filmmaker played by Michael Rady. Katie Cassidy (right) takes on the role of Ella, a sassy publicist who appears to have a crush on an unavailable friend. All three are shown wearing three versions of the same basic style – the black pump. No one ever said this classic style had to be boring!

Sam & Libby Sangria Sandal

If you’re interested in freshening up your own style, take a look at the Rampage Gracie Pump. It’s very similar to Ashlee’s style shoe – and at $49.95 it won’t ruin your budget! A black strappy sandal similar to Katie’s is available for the same price with the Sam & Libby Sangria Sandal. If you don’t mind spending a little more, the Fergie Turnpike Pump might be very you. It’s a close match to the style worn by Jessica.

Photo by PRPhotos.com

What a week for Kourtney Kardashian! Her new show with sister Khloe, Kourtney & Khloe Take Miami, debuts on E! this Sunday. As if that weren’t enough, Kourtney had some excited news to share as well – she’s pregnant with her first child!

According to People.com, the baby will make its arrival towards the end of December. Although the pregnancy was a surprise for the actress, she’s excited to become a mother. For those of you who may be curious, the father is indeed Scott Disick. I wonder if another walk down the aisle is in the cards for these two. Those of you who watch Keeping Up with the Kardashians, may recall an almost-wedding between the two while visiting Las Vegas. I guess we’ll have to wait and see!

Nine West Fresh Look Sandal

Although the younger Kardashian sisters don’t get quite as much attention as their older siblings, they are well on their way to becoming just as glamorous as the famous trio. Kylie and Kendall attended last week’s Teen Choice Awards with Kim and Kourtney. I absolutely adore Kylie’s outfit for the event – perfection! I may have to look for something similar for myself…

 For those of you looking for a shoe similar to Kylie’s pick, take a look at the Nine West Fresh Look Sandal. The lower heel and slingback strap make this shoe a good choice for events that require lots of standing – or posing for the paparazzi!

Photo By PRPhotos.com

Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher had a very interesting story to share with the world yesterday. According to People.com, the two were on a flight from Las Vegas to New York that ended up making an emergency landing soon after takeoff. Luckily, neither actor was injured. In fact, they both tweeted about the ordeal soon afterward!

Demi and Ashton are pictured at the event that brought them to Las Vegas to begin with – the premier of the movie Spread. Demi looks absolutely amazing in her one strap black dress – very classy and ridiculously toned. (It’s hard to believe that she is almost 47 years old!)

Jessica Simpson Badoline

The flashy shoes she chose for the evening are perfect. They add a little something extra to her outfit without being over the top. Plus, the slight platform makes it easier to pull off such a high heel. The Jessica Simpson Badoline Pump is a good choice for anyone looking to copy this style for their own exciting night out. For all the fashionable men out there, a classic black slip-on is never the wrong choice.