Kim Kardashian is not the only hot celebrity who looks lovely in lace-up sandals, Gossip Girl Leighton Meester does too.

Unlike Kim’s neutral colored Louboutins, Leighton’s pair is in a wonderfully rich wine color from Derek Lam. She was spotted wearing it on her way to the Gossip Girl set last month (July 26)

Leighton Meester in her Derek Lam Double Platform Lace Up Sandals, July 26

The sandals are actually on sale at Saks for US$316, that’s more than 50% off its original retail of US$790. The wine color is already out though, so you will only have the Black and Grey colors to choose from (visit SaksFifthAvenue.com).

Derek Lam Double Platform Lace Up Sandals

You can also try these lace-ups from L.A.M.B. and Loeffler Randall:

L.A.M.B. Jaco Sandal, US$290 (Heels.com); Loeffler Randall Zola-D Zig-Zag Platform Dino, US$479 (Zappos.com)

Or this very affordable pair from CARLOS by Carlos Santana:

Carlos by Carlos Santana Tamingo Sandals, US$99 (Zappos.com)

Becki Newton was spotted with her hubby (Chris Diamantopoulos) at LAX last July 6 and the ex-Ugly Betty star was all sweet and lovey dovey with her husband while waiting for their ride.

Well, she does have a lot to smile and be sweet about. She’s expecting and she has a new show called Love Bites.

Becki Newton and hubby Chris Diamantopoulos, July 6

(photo credit: Just Jared)

That aside, the pair on her feet was what caught most of my attention. The pieces she wore for travel were actually very simple, but together, they looked harmonious. I love the printed top underneath the jean jacket and scarf; even her bag choice and bangles were worth complimenting. But what really carried the whole outfit were her sandals. It was the final touch that completed the look; the dot at the end of the sentence.

Here’s a zoom view of the pair:

Becki’s sandals

From the front, they look more like booties because of the extra wide T. But up close you can see the straps on the sides. Obviously what makes this one very distinct is the zipper feature.

I don’t know who made these yet, but I did find similar styles you might be interested in:

Dolce Vita Neve Sandals, on sale for US$141 (Zappos.com)

Luichiny Frank Lee Sandals, on sale for US$33 (Heels.com)

Naturalizer Jaida Sandals, US$50 (Zappos.com)

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!