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]

Photo Courtesy of Carlee

I have no less than six weddings to go to so far this summer, by far the most I have ever had scheduled in the same year before! Somehow, I don’t think things will be slowing down for a couple of years – not that I’m complaining! I love everything about weddings – from the ceremony to the fashion to the food. Plus, it’s always fun to have an excuse to visit with friends and family that you otherwise don’t get to see very often.

 I’m lucky enough to be a bridesmaid in my friend Dana’s wedding this coming July. She is pictured here in her beautiful princess wedding dress at her final fitting last week. She has always been a fan of ballgown style wedding dresses. I’m glad she was able to find a dress, tiara and veil to help her feel like a princess on her big day! I couldn’t resist using this side view to show off her fun bustle. You can also take a look at the front of her dress to see some of the beading and trimming details.

Princess or Ballgown Wedding Dresses

If you’re looking for a princess style for your wedding as well, you’re certainly not alone! Ballgowns are one of the top trends for 2010 wedding dresses. One of the fun things about this style is that you can go all out with fun accessories or keep it simple and let the dress speak for itself. The same can be said for your shoe choices. Play up the details of the dress with shoes embellished with beading similar to your skirt. Or, stick with a plain pump and know that it will make your dress’s details stand out even more.

Unlisted With Charm Sandal

Our fashionista Pepsi selected three shoe styles she thinks will go well with ballgown or princess wedding dresses this summer. The first is the Unlisted With Charm Sandal. This is a style that will really keep the focus on your dress. Although this shoe is fairly simple, it does include a fun knotted detail – a nod to the nautical trend that is so big this summer. TIP: 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.

Rampage Frankie 9 Sandal

Your ring isn’t the only thing that’s gold! Pepsi’s next choice is the Rampage Frankie 9 Sandal. Metallics are hot this summer and this gold slide is sure to shine on your special day. It’s also a steal for only $39.95! If you have a colored sash on your dress, like Dana does, a metallic shoe in a similar hue will really help to pull that color out, bringing attention to those details on your dress that made you fall in love with it in the first place. Tip: 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! 

Report Jem Flat

Pepsi’s last suggestion really shows that with a long dress you have the option to choose comfort! The Report Jem Flat will help to keep your wedded feet blissful all night long.  I think this pair of shoes would look super cute, especially if you’re planning to have red roses included in your flower scheme. I love the idea of matching your shoes to your wedding colors and adding a pop of excitement to your wedding wardrobe. Bonus: This pair of shoes will go well with a pair of jeans after the wedding. Whenever you wear them you’ll be reminded of your walk down the aisle!

What to Read Next on The Shoe Diaries:

Wedding Shoes – All our Wedding Style Guides in One Place!

Photo By Swanstrom Photography

This week, our model is ShoeMall’s own merchandiser Pepsi! She was married last Labor Day Weekend in a beautiful outdoor ceremony. As you can probably tell from the photo, she did an awesome job of putting her own personal spin on her wedding. From her unique bouquet to the homemade goodies at each table (think salsa, applesauce, maple syrup), she left no detail untouched - making this one of the more memorable weddings I’ve been at to date.

Tea-Length Wedding Dress

Pepsi’s dress is reflective of one of the top wedding dress trends of the year: tea-length! This style works especially well for destination or outdoor weddings, but is becoming more popular at traditional weddings as well. One thing to keep in mind for this style is that your legs and feet will be on display for all to see. Although this may cause your footwear decision to seem more daunting, it can also be another great way to add your own style to the big day. Let’s take a look at what our three shoe experts recommend for the tea-length wedding dress style.

Nina Critia Sandal

Rachel’s choice – the Nina Critia Sandal – really drives home the opportunity to use a shorter dress length to your advantage. While a floor length gown would still look great with this shoe, it would hide the details that make the sandal so unique. A tea-length dress really allows you to showcase your whole shoe – something you’ll want to do if the best part of the style is a gorgeous ankle wrap. TIP: 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.

Steve Madden Vegaas Sandal

Next up is Anna’s selection. She suggests the Steve Madden Vegaas Sandal in silver. This style, with its sparkly rhinestone floral and leaf designs, would make a big impression when paired with a tea-length dress. Another benefit of a shorter dress is the increased flexibility it provides you when selecting your footwear. Since you won’t have to get your dress altered around your heel height, you’re free to choose your shoes whenever you want or even change your mind at the last minute! BONUS: This shoe would transfer very well to the honeymoon, especially when worn with a pair of denim boyfriend shorts.

Volatile Winery Sandal

Last but not least is Pepsi’s own recommendation. Although she wore something very similar to the Naturalizer Prissy, if she had it all to do again she just may have picked this season’s Volatile Winery Sandal. With its EVA sole, it certainly would have been a comfortable selection! This type of extra cushion is great for anyone who is planning to be on her feet all day. Add in the wedge heel and you have one of the more forgiving 2 inch heels out there! TIP: 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!

What to Read Next On The Shoe Diaries:

ShoeMall’s Shoes to Say I Do – Grecian Wedding

ShoeMall’s Shoes to Say I Do – Outdoor Wedding

Photo by PRPhotos.com

In honor of our first 80 degree day, we’re kicking off another new series here at The Shoe Diaries! Now that summer is officially making an appearance, we’re here to help you choose the best sandals for 2010. Keep an eye out for our top choices in many trendy styles – from Toning to Espadrilles to Wedges. We will also be taking a look at some of the hottest colors and brands of the season. Let’s hop right in and take a look at our 10 Must-Have Roxy Sandals, compliments of our very own shoe expert Anna.

Roxy Twilight Sandal	I came across this picture of Audrina Patridge in Las Vegas and had to include it. She’s wearing a flip flop that closely matches the Roxy Twilight Sandal. This sandal includes Roxy’s standard EVA sole, which really boosts the comfort level of any shoe. I’m also liking the rhinestone accents on this shoe – it really helps to make this style stand out! If you’re looking for more of a color pop, don’t despair! It’s also available in purple or silver.
Anna’s second selection is another Roxy sandal featuring an EVA sole. The Roxy Juanita Sandal offers a casual, fun look that I’m told is a perfect match for your favorite pair of jeans. I don’t know about you, but the cork sole on this wedge really makes it a standout for me. I especially like the slight retro look of this type of heel.	Roxy Juanita Sandal
Roxy Hi Light Sandal	Next up is the Roxy Hi Light Sandal. This versatile nautical style sandal would go well with the sundresses, skirts and shorts that are sure to start popping up as the temperature rises. Don’t let the height of this 3 inch heel scare you off! The wedge heel and ankle wrap provide extra support, while the EVA sole adds comfort.
I love pink, especially the shade on this Roxy Tahiti Sandal. As a bonus, this shoe is only $13.95! That’s one of the things I like best about the Roxy brand – their shoes are not only casually fashionable, but affordable as well. This particular flip flop would look great paired with your swimsuit for a day at the beach.	Roxy Tahiti Sandal - Pink
Roxy Amaya Sandal	Anna’s next choice is the Roxy Amaya Sandal. This shoe can be dressed up or down, depending on your outfit. She suggests showing this sandal off on a shopping trip with friends. As with all of the Roxy sandals on this list, the EVA sole will help keep you on your feet all day long. This sandal also offers arch support, with a backstrap for added stability. Plus, my personal favorite touch, a textured finish in one of this year’s hot colors – gray!
If you’re looking for a shoe with a pop of color, this next selection just might be the shoe for you! The Roxy Hi Strung Sandal offers a rainbow of colors on its 3 inch wedge heel. Anna recommends pairing this with a sundress or skirt for one of my favorite summertime events – a barbeque!
Roxy Tahiti Sandal - Black	Up next is another version of the Roxy Tahiti Sandal – this time in black! Anna wanted me to be sure to call out the edgier look brought out by the print on the sole of this shoe. I can’t resist calling attention to the low price of this sandal again. At $13.95, this is a great style to buy in multiple colors. If you have children, you may be interested in the Roxy Tahiti Sandal in kid’s sizes!
I’m excited to see a second pink selection this list! The Roxy Jett Sandal offers another trend for Summer 2010 – metallic studding and details. Anna recommends this as a great go-to sandal for many popular summer activities, from shopping, to a night on the town, to simply hanging out with friends.	Roxy Jett Sandal
Roxy Pagoda Sandal	The next recommendation from Anna is the Roxy Pagoda Sandal. This basic wedge is a fun and flirty style that I personally think would go with pretty much any style this summer. I could see it matching especially well with a pair of cute capris for a day of errands or a semi-casual dress for an afternoon wedding. This style is available in black as well, but this color is selling fast! At $32.95, this versatile sandal would give you a lot of bang for your buck! This is another Roxy style this is also available in youth sizing.

Roxy Bangles Bag

Our last selection isn’t a sandal, but Anna couldn’t resist including it! The Roxy Bangles Bag is a great choice for the long summer days to come. The size of this bag provides the space you need to store all of your must-haves for a day in the sun. It even offers a great place to stash your shoes while enjoying the sand between your toes on the beach!

And there you have it! Our 10 Must-Have Roxy Sandals for Summer 2010 list is complete! Did we miss a style that should be included? Do you have any suggestions for future Top 10 lists? Let us know in the comments below!

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!