The Shoe Diaries

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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!

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I was anxiously waiting to find out who would be dancing this season on Dancing With The Stars, and while I was watching the Bachelor last night, ABC revealed the full cast. I must admit there are some people I am dying to see out there on the dance floor and others I’m not quite sure what ABC was thinking… but I will keep my comments to myself this time and just opt to look at the shoes these stars tend to wear!

One star I can’t wait to see dance, recently from NBC’s The Sing-off, (pilot show that aired this past winter) Nicole Scherzinger, the lead singer of the Pussycat Dolls. She is fun and definitely knows how to sing… can she dance?! Here is the full list of celebrities appearing on DWTS Season 10, their dance partners, and my shoe picks for the stars:

Jessica Simpson Astor $79.95

1) Pamela Anderson with partner Damian Whitewood - Steve Madden Tuscaan for $89.95
2) Kate Gosselin with Tony Dovolani - Rockport Audry 2 Band for $129.95
3) Shannon Doherty with Mark Ballas – Harley Davidson Hayley for $59.95
4) Nicole Scherzinger with Derek Hough – Jessica Simpson Alexandra for $89.95
5) Jake Pavelka with Chelsie Hightower – Fossil Canvas Boat Sneaker for $67.95
6) Buzz Aldrin with Ashly Costa – Frye Otis Venetian for $167.95
7) Chad Ochocinco with Cheryl Burke – adidas Devotion PB for $109.95
8) Aiden Turner with Edyta Sliwinska – adidas Samoa for $54.95
9) Niecy Nash with Louis van Amstel – Moda Spana Deasia for $79.95
10) Erin Andrews with Maksim Chmerkovskiy – Rampage Montauk for $39.95
11) Evan Lysacek with Anna Trebunskaya – Rockport Thorton for $124.95

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?

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Just on Monday, People.com released info. saying that these two are ‘really close’ friends, and then you have others that are saying different. Either way, if they are together together or not, they are on my radar for the Olympic’s hottest couple this year, and what’s even more special is Evan Lysacek taking home the gold medal this past Thursday in figure skating. YAY Evan! These two are just too cute together!

As quoted from the NYDailyNews.com,
[the couple, who first met in October 2008 while performing on the NBC special "Skating & Gymnastics Spectacular" confirm that they have been dating since last summer.

"We became good friends and have become really close since then," said Lysacek, 24, who noted that the relationship has become stronger since he escorted Liukin to the ESPY awards last July.

Liukin, 20, travelled to Vancouver to cheer on her beau, who became the first American man to win the Olympic gold medal for figure skating in 22 years.

"To see his dreams come try was amazing," said Liukin, who won a gold medal for all-around gymnastics in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.]  – Quoted from NYDailyNews.com

I must admit I’ve enjoyed watching the Winter Olympics this year but I am

Steve Madden Ulltra $69.95

much more tuned into the Summer Olympics. My daughter and I love watching gymnastics together, which is why I chose to feature Nastia Liukin today. She is so fun to watch and one of my favorites.

Overall the Olympics are going well, and the United States is leading with 26 medals, 7 of which are gold. Germany is in 2nd place for total medal count at 23.

Now on to the fashion! Nastia has a cute dress on, with some basic black pumps like the Steve Madden Ulltra pump for $69.95 at ShoeMall.com. And of course I couldn’t talk about Evan winning the gold medal without featuring some gold

BCBGeneration Randall $99.95

shoes as well! This is my top pick,right now, the BCBGeneration Randall sandal for $99.95 at ShoeMall.com.

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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.