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

Oscar award winning actress Marion Cotillard has not disappointed fashion critics so far. Her red carpet choices have been well received and seem to have constantly hit the approval mark.

She attended the 2010 Golden Globe Awards last January 17 in a long green gown by Christian Dior and walked her way through the red carpet in some exquisite Jimmy Choo “Drake” Water Snake Sandals.

(Photos care of Just Jared)

Marion Cotillard on the (2010) Golden Globes red carpet

The green Dior dress was lovely and flattering on her (although I personally didn’t like the lacy slip that peeked out each time her gown’s front skirt parted) but what caught more of my attention were the gladiator sandals on her feet.

Jimmy Choo “Drake” Water Snake Sandals, US$1195

The Jimmy Choo “Drake” Water Snake Sandals are made of snake skin leather with green glitter finish. The cut out details and gold hardware create such a unique appeal that celebrities and shoe lovers alike go gaga over it.

If you want a pair of Jimmy Choo “Drake” Water Snake Sandals, be ready to spend US$1195, because that’s the price tag of these sandals.

Now if you’re not up for a splurge, you may still get the look by purchasing any of the following:

Bebe Bathilda, US$144

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

Dolce Vita Celtic, on sale for US$114 at Zappos.com

L.A.M.B. Gabina Slide, on sale for US$140 at Heels.com

These photos were taken a while back (September 15, 2009 to be exact), but how can anyone resist not ogling at the amazing Balmain cage roman sandals that Heidi Klum was wearing that day?

Heidi Klum taking her kids to Karate class

Close up of Balmain studded cage roman sandals

Simply gorgeous.

What makes these sandals fit so perfectly are the elastic straps. Yep, you read that right, the straps that appear to be leather are not made of cowhide but of elasticized rubber bands. The heel, the sole, and the rest of the sandals are made out of leather, but the straps are all stretchy fabric.

These Balmains are also available in a high-heeled version, which makes them look even fiercer:

The real Balmains go for nearly $900. Of course, we went hunting for some similar styles at (much) lower prices. These are arranged according to how similar they look to the Balmains:

GUESS Designa, $109.95

Baby Phat Marianela, now only $86.13

Type Z Hennelly, now only $77.60

Kinda cool how the shoes that look most similar to the Balmains are also the cheapest.

The cage footwear style is one 2009 trend that we wouldn’t mind seeing more of this year in 2010.

Buy these cage roman sandals on Zappos.com.

Kim Kardashian is sexy as she has never been! Who will even think that she just came from a breakup? The controversial reality star  eagerly flaunted her curves and smiled to the cameras.  Her confidence and stronger self reflected in how she dazzled on the red carpet.

Kim Kardashian is glam queen of the night

Above, Kim is seen wearing a body-hugging, venus-cut dress. She paired it up with an equally adorable and alluring roman sandals. In 3-inch heels, Kim  was undoubtedly the glam queen for the night.

Get that look!

If you want to steal the look of Kim’s shoes, this pair of Davisa Heels from Guess is a  good choice. It does not look as fancy but it can give you the spunk and sexy appeal that you’re looking for in a much simpler design.

Sporting a look that’s straight off the runway is very possible in these riveting roman style sandals dubbed by Guess dubbed as the Women’s Designa sandals. Now you don’t have to bear the physique of tall and skinny models to be able to don your own supermodel look, because this footwear’s 3 1/2 inch polished metal stiletto heel will give you just the confidence and the glamour that you want.

Guess Women’s Designa

Available at Shoes.com

Featuring leather upper materials in a modern dress “shootie” sandal style along with a round open toe that adds sexiness while you’re at it, this pair will blend in with almost any ensemble that you match it with. Of course, it doesn’t only lives with the flair of stylishness, but also inherited the toughness of durable roman sandals, making it very viable for casual wear, and not only for special occasions. Its smooth leather straps will wrap around your feet comfortably, which are embellished with metal studs and some metal center rings that are woven together in a bold pattern at the five inch shaft. Its heel panel is finished with a full rear zip line and a double elasticized inside layers for a secure fit. The cushioning footbed lets your feet rest comfortably while letting it breath, along with a grippy outsole that provides traction to let you walk smoothly with your head raised high.