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

It looks like double the congratulations are in order for Roger Federer and his wife Mirka, shown here attending a Lenny Kravitz concert at the Master Tennis Players Ball.  According to People.com, the couple gave birth to a doubles team worth of baby girls last night.  (Sorry for the bad pun!)  Although it was well known that the couple was expecting, it sounds like the number of babies was a tightly guarded secret.

I had the good fortune of meeting Roger at a tennis tournament about five years ago.  He was as nice as could be as I bothered him for an autograph.  The poor guy probably just wanted people to leave him alone so he could watch the tennis match in peace!  I wish his new family the best as they adjust to having two little ones around!

Yellow Box Arrow

I also have to congratulate Mirka on her excellent fashion sense in the picture above.  Embellished flip-flops are a great choice for expectant mothers.  They allow the pizzazz needed for more dressy occasions and make it easier to balance while a mom-to-be’s center of gravity is potentially out of whack.

I love the Yellow Box Women’s Arrow Sandal as a similar choice.  The crystal-like flower adds a bit of sparkle, while the neutral colors make this a shoe that will go with pretty much anything!