The first celebrity I ever saw in a pair of gladiator sandals was Gwyneth Paltrow, and that was ages ago back when the gladiator trend was only starting.

I figured I should write about her given she was actually one of the pioneer celebs seen wearing these sandals, and she seems to have an ongoing love affair with it until today.

Her latest fascination? A pair of exquisite Emilio Puccis. The stylish actress and mother was spotted wearing it twice, in two different events:

Gwyneth Paltrow

2nd Bent on Learning Benefit

Gwyneth Paltrow

(While promoting Iron Man 2 in the Late Show with David Letterman)

The sandals are exquisite, no doubt. But what makes it a stand out is how Gwyneth wore it. Or what she wore it with to be exact.

The shorts and silk blouse ensemble is simple and easy, yet very sexy. It showed off her gorgeous gams and made the sandals stand out. The same goes for the gold structured mini dress.

If you have gams like Gwyneth’s, then you’re at liberty to copy Gwyneth’s sexy short style. Of course, the Emilio Puccis might be a little too much for some of you so if you don’t have the cash to splurge on a pair, go for these close alternatives instead:

BCBGeneration Amir, on sale for only US$85 at Zappos.com

Luichiny Sara Beth, on sale for only US$53 at Heels.com

GUESS Closed, US$115 (Shoes.com)

Eight2Six Swagga, on sale for only US$90 at Heels.com

It is getting quite hard to ignore so I have to at least write about it. Seeing it on Diane Kruger made me realize that it should be written about (click here to read article on Diane Kruger’s sandals).

The “IT” I am referring to is the subtle yet continuous stream of sandals with floral appliqués I am seeing. It seems this treatment on thong sandals is gaining quite a popularity lately, and quite so because it is appropriate for the spring and summer seasons. Not as visible as say, studded sandals, but still visible enough to be noticed.

Let’s start with the first pair I ever saw; and this I believe might be the one that started it all – the Giuseppe Zanotti E00389.

Giuseppe Zanotti E00389

This pair costs a whopping US$650. A price like that would already buy you several pairs of shoes! But on a Zanotti, it will only just be worth for one.

Now here are 12 other more pocket-friendly renditions which I didn’t have trouble finding:

Madden Girl Adaline, US$49

Diba Quin Sea, US$89

Diba Very Hot, US$49

Poetic License My Haven, US$73

Vince Camuto Alexi, US$83

Matisse Iris, US$62

Juicy Couture Noelle, US$80

Seychelles Jayne, US$84

Patricia Green Rosette, US$131

GUESS Artly 2, US$68

Born Gladiolus, US$85

Cole Haan Air Halsley, US$148

If these aren’t enough choices for you, there’s more where  it came from. Simply visit  the following online stores – Zappos.com, Heels.com, Shoes.com, and Shoebuy.com.

Check out this picture of Diane Kruger and boyfriend Joshua Jackson. The two were spotted walking around Soho, New York last April 20. They look so cute together, don’t you agree? I hope they last.

Diane Kruger and Joshua Jackson

(photo from Just Jared)

The floral embellished thong sandals on Diane’s feet immediately caught my attention. I have been seeing a lot of this type in stores lately. It seems to be an ongoing spring trend.

The first pair I ever saw with floral appliqué on it was a Giuseppe Zanotti creation. Retail price? US$650.

Giuseppe Zanotti E00389

While the Giuseppe Zanotti sandals are beautiful, not everyone can afford it. So I went off looking for a more pocket-friendly option and here’s what I found:

GUESS Artly 2 Flat, US$68

What do you think? This GUESS Artly 2 Flat is quite a close call to Diane’s save for the difference in straps. And it will only cost you US$68! That’s a steal!

Exotic leather, particularly snakeskin, is always sexy to wear – be it footwear or a bag. For some reason, this material tends to project an image of sophistication, luxury, glamour, power, and sex appeal.

It is just as well that this season, the snakeskin is one of the well coveted materials for footwear and bags. However, accessories made of genuine snakeskin can tend to get really expensive, so buying such items is already out of the question for budget conscious fashionistas.

Of course, the alternative is to buy snake stamped or snake embossed leather, be it real leather or man-made. Both may offer the same appeal as the real deal, depending on the quality of the leather and the stamp.

Now for the gladiator junkie who can’t spend too much on a pair of exotic skinned beauties, this is your lucky day, because we found six (6) sexy slithering sandals all priced at less than US$100!

GUESS Goally2 in Argento, on sale for only US$80 at Zappos.com

Chinese Laundry Suzukii in Blue Multi, US$79

Luichiny Sara Beth in Beige, on sale for only US$67 at Zappos.com

Promiscuous Social in Natural Snake, on sale for only US$76 at Zappos.com

BCBGeneration Uma in Ocra Gloss Snake, on sale for only US$70 at Zappos.com

Fitzwell Polina in Natural Snake, on sale for only US$72 at Zappos.com

You can shop for these shoes via Zappos.com. Zappos.com offers FREE shipping so no need to spend extra for shopping from the convenience of your home.

The 2010 Oscars is coming up in two days (March 7) and fashionistas and fashion critics alike are all pretty much excited to see Hollywood’s crème de la crème strut their designer gowns and shoes on the red carpet. I have no doubt that one of the main topics this coming Sunday will be “who’s wearing whom (as in whose gown is she wearing)?”.

If you’re one of the few who were able to score bleacher tickets inside Kodak Theatre for the event, then be sure to dress your best because you will be walking on the red carpet, after all.

Glamorous to perfection is how you should be – from your gown, to your purse, to your shoes.

If you haven’t picked out your shoes yet, remember to choose one that covers the heel or at least part of it.

Why? Because of two simple reasons: one, it is more formal to cover the heel; and two, the hem of your gown could easily get caught between your foot and the open-heeled shoe as you walk. Now you wouldn’t want to keep on pulling and fixing your gown every time that happens, would you?

If you cannot picture the kind of shoes I am describing, here is a sample:

Calvin Klein Pallas

Although the Calvin Klein Pallas is a great looking sandal, it is not ideal for your long gown because of its open heel.

If you need recommendations on what shoes to wear for the Oscars, here is a list of gladiator-inspired sandals we feel are worthy enough to step on the Academy Awards’ red carpet, all priced at less than US$150:

Jessica Simpson Alaya, US$79

Charles by Charles David Prissy Heel, on sale for US$145

GUESS Holda 2, on sale for US$82

Sam Edelman Nilla Heel, on sale for US$103

Promiscuous Charming, on sale for US$76