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Rompers, jumpers, jumpsuits… whatever you are calling them, babies are not the only ones wearing them this summer! Depending on where you shop, retailers are not all on the same page, and not sure what to call them yet, but I will call them rompers for sake of keeping things somewhat simple. 

Many celebrities are seen out and about with these cute, trendy outfits on as well. Alicia Keys was on Good Morning America last week wearing this all white, belted romper while performing on stage. I don’t know if it is the simplicity or just that they are something new out in the market, but I love them! I took some time, and did a little shopping to find you my favorites.

Andrea’s Top 5 Romper Picks

There are several choices out there for you in all sorts of colors, fabrics and styles. I searched the internet high and low, and here are my top five picks, which is your favorite?

1) Fang Belted Tank Top Romper – on sale for $17.99
2) Free People Chocolate Crochet Romper – on sale for $70.95
3) Southpole Knit Tube Short Jumper – on sale for $12.99
4) Volcom Take Cover 2 Romper – $36.00
5) Sparkle & Fade One-Shoulder Ruffle Romper – $58.00

What to Wear: Women’s Leather Sandals

Now that I’ve shown you where to buy your favorite romper, lets talk about your shoes, and what types of sandals go with this trend. Since most of the rompers out there are so simple, I think it is best to keep your feet looking simple as well. Every once in a while you will find a dressier romper in which you could simply dress up your feet as well. Here are my top five picks:

1) Enzo Angiolini Women’s Favazzo Leather Sandal – $79.95
2) Roxy Women’s Rickie Sandal – $38.95
3) Fergie Women’s ISO Leather Sandal – $69.95
4) Steve Madden Women’s Chainge Leather Sandal – $79.95
5) ZiGi Women’s Giselle Leather Sandal – $59.95

Steve Madden Chainge - $79.95

Photo Courtesy: SimonShaw

We all know that when you are the bride, months of planning will go into your wardrobe from your hair accessories down to your shoes!  But, what about the wedding guests? It is also a big event for them, and they want to be looking their best, yet be comfortable all day long. In our wedding series, we’ve talked about many different wedding styles including classic, outdoor, grecian, and many more. When preparing your own personal wardrobe as a wedding guest, it will be important to know the wedding venue in order for you to fit in and feel comfortable.

Cynthia Nellis from fashion.about.com has come up with these great lists for him and her to use as guidelines, depending on your wedding venue:

What to Wear: Wedding for Her

- Informal Daytime: Short dress or suit
- Informal Evening: Cocktail dress
- Semi-Formal Daytime: Short dress or suit
- Semi-Formal Evening: Cocktail dress
- Formal Daytime: Short dress or suite. Hats and gloves optional.
- Formal Evening or Black-Tie: Long or dressy short cocktail (beading, glam accessories and wrap)
- Ultra-formal or White Tie: Long gown , extra glitz (furs, diamonds, etc.)

Nina Granite $89.95

 What to Wear: Wedding for Him

- Informal Daytime: Dress shirt and pants, preferably a sports jacket.
- Informal Evening: Suit
- Semi-Formal Daytime: Suit
- Semi-Formal Evening: Dark suit
- Formal Daytime: Dark suit and tie
- Formal Evening: Tuxedo (if invitation states “black tie”) or dark suit if women wear short dresses
-Ultra-formal Evening or White Tie: White tie, vest and shirt

Steve Madden Kyng $59.95

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With 4th of July festivities right around the corner, I have been thinking about summer picnics and BBQ’s. My family is known for having at least a few BBQ’s every summer to gather friends and family and have a great meal, play some games and of course… to socialize and chit-chat!

So, what do you wear to these type of events?  You want to be casual and comfortable yet not look like you’re ready for the beach. Tiffany Bell from Associated Content has these tips for us: Some good questions to ask yourself to see if you are barbecue/picnic ready would be: Can you bend over while tossing a football around? Avoid too short of shorts or a miniskirt that you can’t move in. Can you clean your outfit in the washer and dryer, or is it dry-clean only? You don’t want to be wearing your best to a barbecue. Can you walk in the grass? Stilettos or higher heels are not ideal for a picnic where you will be walking in a lot of grass because your heels will sink into the ground leaving you feeling uncomfortable.

Cameron Diaz and Tom Cruise are seen here from Good Morning America promoting their new movie coming out “Knight and Day” (which I cannot wait to go see!). Although they are not on their way to a barbecue here, they definitely could wear what they have on to one! Cameron has the style and poise to be on her way to that picnic of yours. She is prepared for the weather. It is always nice to wear or bring a button up oxford shirt such as the one she has on or some type of light jacket or sweater in case the weather changes during the course of the day.

What to Wear to a BBQ or Summer Picnic

When it comes to your feet, many people tend to opt towards a flip-flop or ultra comfy sandal. For those of you that don’t care to wear flip-flops don’t worry because there are many more options out there. Espadrilles, gladiators, and huaraches are some other styles that are sure to leave you feeling comfortable.

Shop: Fossil Laura $49.95

Sleek and on-trend, this toe-ring thong would be perfect for any summer get-together or BBQ. All leather upper, lining, and sole make this the all-around perfect summer shoe.
Shop: Born Jodie $84.95

Metallic goes with just about everything, especially this soft gold metallic. This classic huarache has a relaxed, modern look and is sure to look good on you this summer. This style is also available in pewter.
Shop: Steve Madden Fauntain $79.95

Espadrilles are the perfect pair of shoes to wear to an outdoor summer event. They are lightweight, fresh-looking, and absolutely adorable. This particular styles is available in 6 other colors ranging from natural or black to leopard or denim.

Now that we have your feet covered, don’t forget those shades! Sunglasses are a must at any outdoor event to protect your eyes and keep you comfortable.

Shop: Chinese Laundry Celeb Sunglasses $29.95

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Cheryl Burke from Dancing with the Stars loves wedges just like us! If you are a DWTS fan like me, you were probably sad to see season 10 end. The winners this season were Derek Hough and Nicole Scherzinger, with runners-up being Anna Trebunskaya and Evan Lysacek. Cheryl is wearing some wedges here that are similar to our Chinese Laundry Dilly Dally Sandal from ShoeMall for $59.95.

Wedges are always in season as long as the snow is off the ground! We have an array of different styles, shapes and colors. Wedges are so great because they offer more support and stability, but give you the height you crave.

Chinese Laundry Dilly Dally Sandal $59.95

They are often paired with everything from skinny jeans, to capris, to shorts, to a sun dress, they will be sure complete your outfit head to toe!

Top 10 Wedges this Season

BCBGeneration Women’s Rumba Sandal

Shop: Rumba Sandal – $79.95

Wedge with an edge. The metallic pewter and buckle detail makes this a rockin’ summer number! This shoe is made of all leather and sure to be comfy.

Franco Sarto Artist Collection Women’s Flavor Sandal

Shop: Flavor Sandal – $89.95

This red hot ankle strap wedge is ready to be paired with your favorite denim dress, skirt, capri’s or jeans! Upper is leather with a cork bottom. Also available in black.

Naughty Monkey Women’s Sun City Sandal

Shop: Sun City Sandal – $84.95

Day or night, you’ll be ready to start your own style revolution with this purple wedge! Leather upper with studded detailing, and a back zipper for easy on/off. Also available in black.

Frye Women’s Bridget Ornament Sandal

Shop: Bridget Sandal – $227.95

For all you Frye lovers, this wedge is fab with distinctive style for the extraordinary or the everyday. Leather upper with wood ornaments and studded detailing. Stacked wood, cork, raffia layered heel.

Not Rated Women’s Kitty Kat Sandal

Shop: Kitty Kat Sandal – $54.95

An edgy wedge to match your hottest summer attire. Leather upper with zig-zag accent stitching adds a lot of detail to this shoe. Also available in black and yellow.

Yellow Box Women’s Debbie Sandal

Shop: Debbie Sandal – $54.95

Chic detailing gives this sassy wedge plenty of attitude. Braided leather metallic upper and a rhinestone buckle dress up this cork wedge! Also available in black and bronze.

Faryl Robin Women’s Ivy Sandal

Shop: Ivy Sandal – $189.95

Step out in style with these colorful wedges that will match everything. Upper made of rich italian leather. With a comfortable memory foam footbed, leather lining and an adjustable buckle you’ll be set to wear these all day long.

Jessica Simpson Women’s Frida Sandal

Shop: Frida Sandal – $79.95

Mixed materials combine to lend a youthfully inviting appeal to this wedge sandal. Leather upper and stud detailing with an adjustable ankle strap make it just right! Wood and cork sole. Also available in black and red.

Steve Madden Women’s Tuscaan Sandal

Shop: Tuscaan Sandal – $89.95

Your girlfriends will love this strappy wedge. The grey is my favorite, but it is also available in white, black, and cognac. The upper is leather with a composite rubber sole and an adjustable buckle and a wood heel.

Volatile Women’s Double Shot Sandal

Shop: Double Shot Sandal – $35.99

No one does a wedges better than Volatile, and they have a huge assortment to choose from. This shoe is not only cute and comfy but it is on sale as well! Also comes in a variety of different colors including fuchsia, turquoise, and olive.

Whatever your plans are for the summer there is one surefire piece of apparel you’ll need – sandals. A versatile pair of sandals can prepare you for all of the various activities you’ll likely encounter this summer.

So what kind of sandals are best you ask?

A quality pair of leather sandals should last you through a summer of hard wear and for a few summers with normal wear. Leather sandals are great for because they are versatile. Wear them with cargo shorts, board shorts, jeans or khakis.  Leather flips flops look great on a summer night with jeans and a nice button down shirt – untucked casual style of course!  Not only are leather sandals great looking, they are comfortable and built to last.  They won’t rip out or fade like nylon straps.

Don’t find yourself out of place this summer. Find the right sandals for you.

10 Can’t-Miss Mens Leather Sandals

Born Men’s Donjon Sandal

Shop: Donjon Sandal

Handcrafted with rugged style, the Donjon from Born is perfect for just about all your summer adventures. The rubber traction sole allows you stability if you’re out doing more physical activities. The genuine caramel color leather is attractive and comfortable. It’s a sandal you can wear all summer long.

Frye Men’s Ludlow Sandal

Shop: Ludlow Sandal

Distressed leather adds an extra style feature to this flip flop. It’s always the little details that stand out the most. The look is vintage. It’ll go great with a pair of shorts or some vintage jeans. Take this style out on the town this summer or slip these on for a trip down to the volleyball courts.

Born Men’s Surf Sandal

Shop: Surf Sandal

Inspired by classic nautical shoes, this slip is comfortable and functional. The footbed is made to withstand water for your days near the ocean or lake. The rubber traction sole will keep you upright as you move around out on the boat or on the dock.

Skechers USA Men’s Gallice Sandal

Shop: Gallice Sandal

Pair these with cargo shorts or jeans. These leather slides from Skechers are eye-catching. The stitching accent stands out as the perfect relaxed look. The lather will keep these sandals around for a long time while the fabric lining will keep your feet comfortable all summer.

Fossil Men’s Dupont St. Thong Sandal

Shop: Dupont St. Thong Sandal

A nice black leather sandal. This style is is versatile for anything you decide to wear this summer. For a nice date on the deck at a nice restaurant, these will look great with nice jeans and a white shirt. The vintage style will give you that little extra to stand out as you make this your summer to remember.

Steve Madden Men’s Cruzz Sandal

Shop: Cruz Sandal

A different look. This cross strap leather sandal with stylish stitching makes for a unique flip flop. The footbed is cushioned for ultimate comfort. The sole has perfect traction for simple walks outside or even some activities. The leather is durable and stylish. A versatile sandal that will set you apart.

Rocket Dog Men’s Richardson Sandal

Shop: Richardson Sandal

The footbed is a mix of cork and leather. It’s the ultimate design feature that is both stylish and functional. The distressed leather goes great with all summer apparel. If your style is laid back, this is your sandal for the summer.

Merrell Men’s Kelso Sandal

Shop: Kelso Sandal

These sandals are for the guys that like to be a little more active during their summers. This sandal is versatile enough for a little trail walking and other off road activities like disc golfing. Light weight and extremely comfortable, this sandal is for the guys that need extra performance from their summer sandal.

Sanuk Men’s Austin Sandal

Shop: Austin Sandal

With a western flair, these sandals from Sanuk are truly unique among a sea of sandals out on the street during the summer. Oiled leather strap, wood grain styling, and accent stitching really make this sandal stand out. It’s perfect for guys that like to add a bit of extra appeal to their style.

Teva Men’s Cardenas Fisherman Sandal

Shop: Cardenas Fisherman Sandal

If you’re more comfortable with a closed look sandal, this fisherman style will work perfectly. The entire shoe is waterproof. The footbed is EVA for ultimate comfort. This sandal is great looking and functional. It’s the “Go Anywhere” shoe for this summer.

Bonus: Reef Men’s Mick Spackler Golf Sandal

Shop: Mick Spackler Golf Sandal

I can personally say these are great for summer days on the course. They stay on your feet and keep you grounded as you swing. I like wearing flip flops with shorts most of the summer. When I head to the course I don’t want to have to keep a pair of socks in the car along with my golf shoes. I’d rather just switch flip flops and stay comfortable. As the great Fred Couples said about his switch to tennis shoe/golf shoe hybrids at The Masters, “I play well when I’m comfortable”.

What other styles do you love?

Share your thoughts in the comments.

What to read next

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8 for Under $20: Summer Sandals

Image courtesy of Nicholas_T

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Sandra Bullock has had a tough time of late. I’m sure most people are aware of the issues she has been having in her marriage to Jesse James. I’ve spent the last couple of months hoping that some good news would be coming her way, while the whole time she has been keeping a joyful secret – make that a bundle of joy secret! 

According to People.com, Sandra and Jesse were in the process of adopting a newborn son named Louis from New Orleans when allegations that Jesse had been cheating on her surfaced. Although Louis had been living with the couple since January, Sandra decided to continue the adoption process on her own. People’s cover shot this week features the new mom with her son and I have to say he is adorable! Congratulations Sandra!

One of the things that strikes me most about this story is that Sandra was able to keep this a secret for so long. This is especially shocking when you consider the increased scrutiny she has had to endure over the past two months. With all of the public attention many stars face on a daily basis, I’m glad she was able to enjoy this part of her life without having to share it with the general public until she made the decision to do so.

Steve Madden Caryssa Pump

Sandra has been avoiding the limelight recently – which is certainly understandable! She is pictured above at the People’s Choice Awards back in January, where she accepted awards for Favorite Movie Actress & Favorite Comedy Movie. She’s wearing a pair of pumps that adds height while still retaining some comfort with a built in platform. If you’re looking for something similar, check out the Steve Madden Caryssa Pump. This style has a bit more of a pinkish hue, which I really like for summer! 

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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  comfortable high heels.

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 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.