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

Here’s a picture of Kesha attending the 2010 Grammys:

Kesha

Not exactly dressed properly for the event (she was in fact, named as one of the Worst Dressed), but I give her credit for wearing a good-looking pair of T-strap Roman sandals. She rocks in those shoes (never mind the outfit)! Not the usual T-strap if I might say, instead of the usual T, this one is shaped like a solid V or inverted triangle. If you want the shoes, you may purchase any of the following:

Boutique 9 Shomera, on sale for US$114 at Zappos.om

Boutique 9 Show-Off, on sale for US$98 at Zappos.com

Nine West Swish, US$89

Steve Madden Trusst, on sale for US$83 at Zappos.com

Naughty Monkey Play Date, on sale for US$69 at Heels.com

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

Actress Carey Mulligan has been coming out in hit after hit red carpet looks recently and this latest one she wore at the Directors Guild of America Awards last January 30 is definitely another one for the books:

I don’t know if it’s the pixie cut, the awkward posture, the cute facial expression or a combination of all of these things, but Carey can pull off these quirky looks which very few actresses can. If Carey continues on with this fashion streak (and continues showcasing her amazing acting skils), people will soon stop calling her as “Shia Le Beouf’s girlfriend” and start referencing the accolades she’ll be raking in in the future.

In the picture above, Carey Mulligan is wearing a one-shoulder dress from the Lanvin Spring 2010 RTW Collection and Gianvito Rossi Organza Ankle Strap Sandals. Check out the close-ups:

It’s details like unfinished edges and foot-embracing shoes that win it for Carey.

You can’t quite see the leather and organza in the picture, so here is a separate product pic of the Gianvito Rossi Organza Ankle Strap Sandals:

Aren’t they just gorgeous? The sheerness, the leather trim, and those black ribbons that thread through metal eyelets really up the sexy factor on these sandals.

Although it’s tempting to search for sheer strappy sandals too, it’s really the construction, the shoe shape, and the straps placement that make these sandals so attractive on Carey. The way the shoe meets at the center lengthens the foot and adds height despite the thickness of the straps. Here are 2 other sandals that seem to embrace the foot too:

Naughty Monkey Close Encounter, on sale, now only $50.99

L.A.M.B. Haru Heel, $379.99

Both of these sandals are available at Heels.com.

Ashley Tisdale

Jessica Stroup

Ashley Tisdale Vs. Jessica Stroup

Ashley Tisdale is with her music director boyfriend Scott Speer at the LAX International Airport in this photo dated Nov. 14, 2009.  She shows us how to put together a relaxed yet stylish travel outfit: a black boat neck pocket tee with acid wash jeans, and finish off the look with accessories such as red Ray-Ban wayfarers, a Fendi Zucca Spy bag, and Steven by Steve Madden Bliz roman sandals. Ashley coolly went through security and chilled out with the boyfriend at the departure lounge in this 80s-inspired getup.

Jessica Stroup wears the Steven by Steve Madden Bliz roman sandals as Erin Silver, her character in the TV show 90210. Worn clearly for a scene filmed at the beach, Jessica matches the studded roman sandals with a Marc by Marc Jacobs one piece chevron swimsuit and Current/Elliot trash wash cut off shorts. She carries around a requisite bottle of water to keep cool on that hot summer day.

Each outfit looks great for each occasion, but we have to give it to Ashley Tisdale for this one. Even though she is head to toe in 80s clothes, she manages to make everything look up to date. The roman sandals are a great choice for traveling, as they’re easier to pull on and off than let’s say sneakers or boots. Also, Jessica Stroup’s choice to wear studded roman sandals at the beach is a bit too much – imagine the weird tan lines after an afternoon of wearing them.

Steven by Steve Madden Bliz roman sandals

So who wore it  better for you? Ashley Tisdale or Jessica Stroup?