Photo by PRPhotos.com

I finally got to see The Twilight Saga: Eclipse over the Fourth of July weekend.  I have to say, I was a little disappointed by the movie.  Once I finally agreed to start reading the Twilight books, I was hooked. I definitely love the characters and the stories, but they don’t seem to translate well to the big screen.  In fact, the only movie I’ve really liked so far has been New Moon. After watching it this past fall, I assumed that the movies would only get better – most likely because the studio would have reason to increase their budget each time!

I know not many people might agree with me, but the movie wouldn’t make much sense to people who haven’t read the books.  Sure – it hit the big, important parts but there were too many missing details.  It felt like a book report made into a movie.  I would have loved to see some of the history the third book delved into.  The Jasper and Rosalie scenes were good, but too brief in my opinion.  I guess I just wanted more throughout the film!

Bandolino Once Again Pump

Maybe I’m expecting too much.  After all, with books this gripping it’s going to be tough for any movie to live up to everyone’s expectations.  What did you think?  Was the third movie the best so far, as my friends seem to think?  Or was it a let-down for you as well? Do you think the movie(s) based on the fourth book will be any better? (I’m in the middle of this book right now – can’t wait to see how it ends but I don’t want to be done with the Twilight series!)

Michael Antonio Kalo Pump

Let’s turn to something a little less deep – fashion!  Kristen Stewart and Taylor Lautner are pictured above at an Eclipse press event in Rome.  I wonder if they get to have a say in their own clothing for events like this, or if they have to wear what they’re told?  Whoever dressed them, they fit well with the beautiful garden they were photographed in.  (Although I have to admit I would love to see Kristen Stewart in something brightly colored someday!)

etnies Wraith Skate Shoe

If you’re comfortable taking fashion cues from a young werewolf and his unrequited crush, I’ve got some great suggestions for you!  Kristin has a classic pair of peep-toe black heels on. A great, inexpensive option if you’re looking for something similar is the Bandolino Once Again Pump. Personally, I think the Michael Antonio Kalo Pump is more her style.  If you like your shoes with a bit of an edge, I would suggest taking a chance on this heel.  It looks really high fashion and is still a steal at $67.95.  Taylor is sporting a pair of casual black lace-ups.  I would recommend the etnies Wraith Skate Shoe, especially for younger men looking for a pair of comfy kicks to go with a dress-casual look.

What to Read Next On The Shoe Diaries:

Worth the Wait – New Moon

Twilight Wins Again

Anna Kendrick – Oscar Bound

Photo by PRPhotos.com

If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again! After an unsuccessful first bid to see New Moon, I finally got into a screening yesterday afternoon. It was awesome! I loved the book, so I’m actually a little surprised I liked the movie as much as I did. Normally, movies based on books just seem to disappoint me. It was nice to be wrong! (If you haven’t seen the movie yet, I suggest skipping to the last paragraph of this post.)

I know leading up to the movie there has been a lot of talk about Team Edward vs. Team Jacob. Even after reading the book, I didn’t get it. The relationships between Bella and the two boys were so different that I just couldn’t grasp the comparison. Obviously Edward was the one for her. After watching the movie, I surprised myself with how much I liked Jacob more than Edward! Maybe it was cinematic magic, maybe it was screen time domination, maybe it was only my mood last night. Either way, I found myself unexpectedly and totally on Team Jacob.

Another pleasant surprise was Dakota Fanning’s (brief) role as Jane. She has certainly grown up since her days in I am Sam and Uptown Girls! (Both excellent movies by the way.) I especially loved her expression when she realized that her powers had no impact on Bella. She is definitely going to be able to make the transition from child to adult actor. So far she has also been able to avoid any major scandals or embarrassments. Here’s hoping she keeps this trend up!

Nina Ulexa Sandal

Dakota is pictured (all grown up!) at the New Moon premier in Los Angeles. Absolutely love the dress – not so sure about the shoes. A better option may have been something similar to the Nina Ulexa Sandal. I really like the texture this shoe would have added to her outfit. It’s pictured in black, but is also available in red or ivory. Any of these color choices would have worked with Dakota’s outfit and fit a little better with the very feminine feel of that gorgeous frock.

Photo by: PRPhotos.com

The long awaited time will soon be coming to an end. New Moon comes out in theaters one week from today. It will be showing at 12:00am Friday, November 20, and you can only bet that if ticket offices aren’t already sold out they will be sold out very soon!

Naughty Monkey Hands Down $74.95

I like Kristen’s fashion style here much better than her Proenza Schouler she wore to the London premiere. This is very simple and put together paired with a hot pair of dark red pumps similar to the Naughty Monkey Hands Down pump that retails for $74.95.

Head to the box office right away if you can’t wait to see New Moon!

Photo By PRPhotos.com

Ok – I’ll admit it. No matter how hard I tried to resist, I was eventually sucked into the Twilight saga. After almost a year of subtle hints, pointed comments and near begging from friends I agreed to read the first book. I thought I would read the first few chapters, not be too interested and go back to my normal fluffy novels. In actuality, I neglected all household chores and other nonessential tasks until I finished the book. My friends were right, I loved it! (Thanks guys!)

It looks like our obsession with Twilight isn’t going away anytime soon. People.com today posted an exclusive sneak peek at the Volturi from New Moon, out in theaters this November. I’m excited to see how the second installment of this series will play out on the big screen. I can’t wait to see Dakota Fanning’s portrayal of Jane!

The Twilight movie recently picked up eleven winning surfboards at the Teen Choice Awards, including awards for best villain, liplock and movie (drama). Ashley Green picked up her own award for her role as Alice Cullen in the movie – winning the Fresh Face Female (Movie) category. She’s pictured here arriving at the Teen Choice Awards wearing a pair of fun red high heels. The ankle-strap adds an extra sexy flair.

Luichiny Duchess Sandal

 If you’re looking for something similar but don’t have the budget of a vampire who can see the future of the stock market, take a look at the Luichiny Duchess Sandal. It even has a sassy bow to make it really stand out in a crowd. 

(Yes, I purposely ignored commenting on her outfit. I’m not sure what I think of it! Leave your thoughts in the comment section below.)