It’s been since March/April but the magic has finally arrived on my doorstep…
And they are more than stunning in real life. Actually heavy from all of the crystals and amazing on. People from all over my office were stopping by to look at them and take pictures.
Totally ballgown worthy.
A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes….
I can’t wait to wear them and have sparkles follow me everywhere.
I love making a new discovery on Etsy. It’s like stumbling upon a neat little shop on a quaint cobblestone street in a new town.
Unique. Wondrous. New. The opposite of the mega-chain store where everyone in the country can buy all the same thing at the same time.
Today I found a little shop – GoodBye Folk – that makes custom shoes out of Mexico City.
And how fun are they?!?! Here are a few of my favorites….
I especially love the modern spin on the two-tone lace-ups in beautiful cream and aubergine.
Prices are reasonable for custom work – $200-$300 dollars. They’re already in my favorites, I can’t wait to get a pair in my closet!
I am SO EXCITED to share my latest project with you. It’s been in the works for ages and it’s finally, finally done!
As you may have seen from previous “home tour” posts, I have an old home that is fairly streamlined and not very girly. I love our decor but I’ve always wanted a pretty dressing room. I’ve been sort of adding elements, such as my shoe cabinets, to our guest room but I am loathe to take over the whole space completely. I also, didn’t really have a place that would be safe for a delicate dressing table or all the perfumes, puffs and crystal that I would want to be there.
But that doesn’t mean that I haven’t dreamed of a pretty space all my own…
Then I realized I did have one small space that I could repurpose into a bijou dressing table. I started making plans and lists…
In my funky old home I have a funny closet-in-a-closet space in the guest room.
You open the outer door and you see this rectangular space that has a clothes rod on the left, a window on the right and another deep cabinet straight ahead.
The inner cabinet holds the guest room blankets and pillows, hat boxes and craft supplies. I keep some shoes in here as well as my off season clothes.
I drew up plans for a shelf that would be hinged under the window which would be supported by a shelf bracket for a brace and two decorative chains on each side. The bracket would be hinged to lie flat against the wall and then the table part, also hinged would be able to be lowered down so I could open the inner cabinet doors.
Once I decided on a plan, I started to plan my furnishings – vintage dressing table linens…
A Ghost chair to sit on… I thought and searched for ages on what chair to have in the space. It need to be high enough but small in width. I looked at all kinds of chairs and stools from new Pottery Barn to vintage vanity stools. In the end, I’ve always loved the Ghost chairs and the clear will keep the small space airy.
With a color scheme of crystal, pinks soft and bright, gold and small touches of black, a sari was the perfect fabric to act as a cover for the clothing section and a window shade.
A gilded shelf for accessories…
Antique tassels…
The project has been on hold for a while but know that I’m back in town, the pub is done and I’m done being sick this week, it has all come together.
The outer door now has a small sign warning of the girly space inside.
Yes, I have a Keep Calm poster, but now it’s hidden inside the “fourth wall” of the room. The sari was long enough to cover the clothes still on the left, drape across the ceiling and down, suspended from chain, to cover and decorate the window.
Isn’t it ADORABLE????
I’ve decorated it with some of my existing pieces as well. A Waterford crystal sugar sifter for powder, a Caron puff, my Chanel and Chloe perfumes and Waterford clock (the first piece I ever bought from when I was 17) on a Waterford tray. A glove hand and small boxes for jewelry.
The most crucial piece I invested in and that I was very specific about was the mirror. I knew from the start that I wanted a vintage Murano dressing mirror and this one with it’s gilding and pale pink glass flowers was everything I dreamed of.
The Ghost chair and my tuffet fit perfectly too. I’m going to get a faux flokati to cushion and protect the chair. That’s the last detail.
The last details are these amazing antique hand-cut paper cuts I had framed. With their fairy tale themes they are perfect for my new space.
I would not call myself a “crafting” type of person. I like to make stuff for myself sometimes but not all the time. Generally, I just don’t have the time, the space or the patience. But every once in a while I get in the mood and spend the whole day churning out a bunch of project.
And I have to admit this is a Pinterest-fueled post. I saw a bunch of cute ideas on there, ran to Michael’s and bought a whole ton of stuff to make.
I started off easy with a fun centerpiece. I love that I can switch out the contents each month – chestnuts in November, cranberries in December, etc.
That took just a few minutes, but then it got out of hand as I dug though all my supplies and pulled stuff out. I have now determined I have waaaayyy too much stuff. Dang!
Shakers for my glitter = more glitter manicures to follow
Storage for my nail plates – a simple project.
I’ve had this piece of black coral since I was a kid. It became a necklace for my neighbor.
And this necklace went to the little girl across the street.
1 embroidery hoop and 40 yards of black tulle later and I have my new favorite wreath for Halloween.
The Fall wreath was simple – a wreath hoop and two strings of the faux fall leaves. Wired on and I added a ribbon too. Done!
A gaggle of ghostie pins for me and my friends…
I actually did 3 other projects too (11 in all!) if you can believe it but those are going to have to come in a separate post. I was exhausted by Sunday night!
Stay tuned!
So off I went to Michaels for supplies. I decided to do two versions, one in silver and one in a gold. I would say I felt a bit limited in terms of chain and crystal options, not having exactly what I hoped for, but I found some pretty good options. I didn’t take a lot of supplies – 1 package of chain each, the crystals, 1 spool of pink grosgrain ribbon and jump rings and clasps (enough for more projects too)
I ended up using 24 inches of chain each because they get compressed when you thread through the ribbon, losing about 4 – 6 inches. I wanted the crystals to hang down so this length worked out perfectly.
I used little briolets for the gold version. I may go back to get more so I can continue them up, more like the inspiraiton piece.
For the silver, there were two sizes of the crystals in the packet so I took advantage of that to creat a more dangly piece.
As I’ve done more with the sites here I’ve been wanting to upgrade my technology. I swear, it’s not just that I like new gadgets… it’s for valuable work reasons! And since I don’t work on a MAC and have been wanting to do more video, I decided I needed a recorder of some kind. I’ve had my eye on a Flip for a while now and thought, with the upcoming trip to NYC, that now would be a good time to get it.
There are 4 levels of camera you can get but I ended up getting the Flip Mino. It has great quality, plenty of storage, and just as important… you can customize it!
Not only do they have cute colors and a huge amount of designs, a pattern generator or you can use any image and have it added to create a true one-of-a-kind look.
Guess which route I took?
First I was looking at the pink and Hello Kitty designs but then I saw you could upload a unique picture for no additional cost! I decided on adorably delicious, pink macarons for mine.
How adorable is this? Well, in person it’s even more adorable because it is teeny tiny! I need to take picture of it for scale. But it’s smaller than my iPhone or iPod and lighter too. Which is great because I now will be carrying around 5 or 6 different electronic devices in my bag!
It’s also amazingly simple to use – just turn it on and record. Using the simple touch screen, you can zoom in and out, delete videos right on the spot. And then when you plug it into the usb, you can edit, create stills and save to YouTube, AOL, for emailing, etc.
It took less than a week to arrive and I also added on the extended warranty (since I’m going to carry this around in my purse everyday) and bought the pack of usb cables so I can have one in my cord case, one at work and one at home. If you want to get really fancy, you can get a flexible tripod or even an action mount.
So, it’s simple, pretty inexpensive and adorable. But does it take good video? I say yes! I res’d this down to the emailable level and it still looks great. When you look at it at the standard level it is even better.
By the way, this is my pup and he was with me at the office together having, obviously, too much fun!
Now, I can’t wait to get to NYC so I can shoot a ton more footage.
Beware!
I hate when I can’t find (or afford) a pair of shoes that I totally fall in love with. Sometimes they don’t have my size or they run out. Not that I usually accept those reasons at first. Typically I will still attempt to hunt them down. I’m very patient and will search all over. But if I’ve already done my shoe hunt and I still can’t find them, I’ll still try to find a way to get what I want.
The latest pair that I fell in love (okay obsession!) with were these boyish gold oxfords that Kelly Wearstler was wearing on the Domino October 2008 cover. Ever since then, I’ve been searching and searching for them or for a pair like them. This is how obsessed I was. First I looked at the magazine’s “resources” section. Not there… hmmm… Then I tried a simple online search. Nothing. I then contacted Domino editorial. I mean they were bound to know, right? Nope! They said they were Kelly shoes that she had brought with her and that they were custom made. This gave me hope. All I needed to know was where she got them made. Time and distance are no barrier these days, right? Sadly, the Domino staff didn’t know where they came from (and apparently they had received a number of inquiries besides mine).
Okay, now I was determined to find out. This was getting ridiculous. So I called her offices. Yes, yes, I have a problem, I. Know. This.
If you can believe this I actually spoke to someone on her staff (alright, I’ll admit it. I made up a pretense of wanting them for a photoshoot or something. I told you, I am obsessed with getting something I want). They told me that she had them custom made somewhere in Italy or they were vintage from Europe or something but they/she didn’t remember where so there was no further info they could give me.
Yeah. Sure.
I finally gave that all up as a dead end. I figured I would just need to do a search online and see if I could find a good substitution.
But you would think I was searching for the Holy Grail or something. I mean there is a serious opportunity in the marketplace because I found nothing. Well, I actually did find a lot of gold jazz shoes but not a lot of this style of oxfords.
The closest pair I found were this pair from Toast. They were pretty good but first of all they started at size 37, which is way bigger than my 35, although I did actually consider them. But they are around $300 and not quite the right color. Still, as a back up, not a bad choice, right?
Then I was sifting through the YOOX sale and found these Apepazzas. The style is pretty good, albeit a bit too pointy. They describe the color as gold. I’m not sure if I believe them, though. And still $130 plus shipping. Not that that is a huge amount, but it is a lot for a third choice.
Then I remembered I had a pair of vintage deadstock oxfords that I had bought on eBay a while back when I was looking for a off-white bucks alternative. I wasn’t too thrilled with them at the time and considered reselling them. This would be a good option for another shoe customization project!
The shoes cost me about $15 and I bought black and antique gold acrylic paints, varnish and a gold leaf pen from Michaels. Total – $15.
The shape is slightly more elongated and these have holes where Kelly’s didn’t but I couldn’t be too picky at this point.
Pristine vintage!
I love the heels on these.
Supplies…
I started out by testing on an interior spot if I could paint the gold right on them or if I needed to do the basecoat of black. I determined that I did need the black to get the right depth of color I wanted. I used the paint pen on lace holes which are metal.
One shoe done with the base coat.
I ended up doing two coats of the black and then I did the gold as each shoe dried. I was worried that the paint would dry and make the leather too stiff but so far that doesn’t seem to be an issue.
Both shoes done…
I then did a coat of satin finish varnish to protect them. I could do a few more coats but I’m impatient. I don’t put my shoes through too much abuse so I think they’ll be okay.
For now I put the mauve-y wire-edged ribbons in, which I think are cute with the gold.
Bows! I edged the ribbon ends with some Fray-chek to stop them from shredding.
What do you think? Of course, they’ll look closer to the “inspiration” pair when I get the black laces, but not bad, huh?
I think they are super cute! Now I just need to plan an outfit around them. And the good thing is I can swap out the laces and touch them up if I get any scuffs.
I’m kind of in love with these Alexander McQueen uber-tough ankle-tie heels. They’re kind of scary but I would love to be able to add more toughness to my wardrobe with them.
But they’re about $1000+. Sooooo, I’m not going to get them anytime soon, I don’t think.
I wanted to find something that would have a similar feel but be easier on my wallet. Especially given the fact that they are not what I would call a “classic-wear-anywhere” shoe.
After some searching I found these corset style heels. They’re actually a bit trashy (the brand is “Pleaser” for Pete’s sake!) but since they were only $35 I felt I could make something out of them.
The style seems simple enough that they don’t look totally trashy. My biggest issue was with the clear heel. I felt I could paint them and you’d be none the wiser.
So I dug into my pile of arts and crafts supplies and got my acrylic paint and paintbrushes out.
Before. After.
Not too bad, huh?
Not one to leave well enough alone, I thought it might be fun to add a contrast heel… and some glitter. Yeah, glitter might be too much but if it starts to look too crappy I can take off the paint and then just repaint them solid black.
Granted not the best lace up job here…
but I think they’ll be pretty cute with this black sequined dress I just got.
Sexy, not too trashy right? The simplicity really helps.
Glitter!
Not a bad solution for the price.
Vintage Kimono Fabric from Hetty Rose
Almost a year ago I told you about my experience having a pair of bespoke Amalie heels made for me by the incomparable Henrietta of Hetty Rose.
At that time Hetty had done her first Kimono collection featuring twelve styles that could be custom made to your specifications from a selection of vintage kimono fabrics. Now Hetty is back with a second collection which has all new designs and includes adorable clutches as well. She’s also received a ton of press coverage as well. Be warned, this post is very image heavy!
What I love about the whole process is getting to interact with the creator on a personal level. When I got back in touch with Henrietta she was on a buying trip in Japan, searching out new fabrics. She was also in country for the cherry blossom festival and sent me some surreally beautiful shots from there.
One of the first shoes in the new collection which caught my eye was the adorable Ella mary jane. It’s just super cute and has a great chunky heel with front stitching down the toe. If you go to the press page you can see if has already been featured in several magazines.
Well I had to have it. As was done the previous time, Henrietta sent me a variety of fabrics to choose from and I decided on this very intricate and metallic phoenix pattern.
I like the way each shoe is individual. And, of course, the riot of colors!
They are just so cute on that I can’t get over them!
As I was reading through all of the new press coverage Hetty Rose had received I came upon these articles: one, two, three. It seems Henrietta paired with theatrical wig designer Yuki Saito to create a special display for Valentine’s Day and created these amazing “Love” shoes for the pairing.
Well, I fell for them. Hard. I especially love the platform element. And although they were not a part of her regular line, she agreed to make them for me.
I was lucky enough that Henrietta still had some of the same fabric that she used to create the original pair. I did make one change to the design. Knowing that I’m not going to get many opportunities to wear these with the ties wrapped up above my knee, I asked for them to be just long enough to tie around my ankle.
Oh, yes, they are super tall, but given the platform and that they are made to measure, they are very easy to wear.
I like the heart-shaped peep-toes too!
What’s also cool is that the straps are not attached to the shoes. So I can wear these with and with out the leather ties. The beaded hearts just clip on, so I can adjust where they go, either on the shoes or on the ties.
A-dor-a-ble!
I know I’ve said this before, but she does amazing work. If you have the opportunity, drop Henrietta an email and work with her on a pair of shoes. She is a true artist. Not only will you be supporting her art, but you will be avoiding the the huge manufacturing machine and preserving a small piece of history.
This going to be a bit of a long post due to all the pictures but, I hope you’ll agree that the shoes in question are totally worth it.
I have to say that I have a great deal of admiration for all of the talented ladies (and I’m sure gents) that are successful with their thrifting efforts. I don’t know if it’s just that I don’t have the patience to sift through the racks or check back often enough. Or maybe it’s just that I don’t have the best “eye” for the gems hidden amongst the dross or maybe it’s just the areas where I live are not that great for thrifting fashion opportunities. I just don’t have much luck finding amazing clothes when I give it a try. I wish I could.
But with vintage shoes, especially on eBay, I totally score. Luckily I don’t get in the “eBay Mood” all the time because I would buy more shoes than I would know what to do with. As it is, I’m reaching maximum capacity in my house for shoes. I finally broke the guest closet rule (thou shalt leave room for guests to hang up their clothes when they come to visit) and filled the closet with some of my off-season clothes and the pink/cream/white/summery shoe stacks. And yes, my shoes are organized (somewhat) by color. I’m still not sure if this is the best system; it’s settling in still.
Yes, I’ve taken some risks and been disappointed. But that, so far, that has been in the minority. By using the shoe length measurements and making sure the shoe is a half or full size larger than my actual size, I’ve found shoes that fit pretty well. I have found, for about 50% of the shoes I’ve bought that they tend to be very narrow and, compared to even my most delicate shoes from today, very lacking in cushioning. You definitely feel the ground when you’re walking. If you can fit in an insole you’ll be better off. It’s a balancing act trying to get a size that fits and something you can comfortably wear.
Oh, but when you find a gem, they can’t be beat. Like these three beauties; the latest just in from eBay-land. All three of them were from the same seller who bought them from an estate. As she describes it:
Locating a vintage piece that was hardly—or never—worn, however, is comparable to buying a couture item at 1/1000th the original price.
These heels are but one pair of shoes from an estate that housed hundreds of pieces of rare clothing and footwear, each worn no more than twice if at all. To say that these shoes are a luxury is an understatement: each pair is hand-sewn, bears its original toe tack and heel tap, features a hand-crafted last, and is made from fabric or leather of unsurpassed beauty and unavailable today.
All three of these arrived and they were even better in person and could be worn immediately. I may take one pair to the cobbler to get some new heel taps put on but that is about it. What’s even better is that they fit like a dream. This first pair are gold, black and chocolate brown stiletto heels with square-point toe and chocolate grosgrain trim around shoe opening. The brocade fabric features an intricate iris floral pattern carefully placed so one full bloom is visible on each vamp. Hand stitched leather insole, suede heel cup and leather sole; matching fabric covered heel
The seller took some great photos from every angle (always a plus) so I have lots of views to share:
If you couldn’t tell, I just worship this 50’s-60’s pointy toe with the perfect sculpted stiletto heel. I’m a total sucker for certain shapes of heels and this is one I just go ga–ga for. If you saw the movie Down with Love, I’m in love with almost everything Renee Z. is wearing in it.
While the shoes above were probably cocktail shoes these look like elegant luncheon shoes to wear with a smashing tailored suit. They’re a dark taupe-beige satin stiletto heel with pointed toe and black passementerie trim around shoe opening and heel seam. Satin fabric textured to resemble horizontal-wale corduroy. Hand stitched French satin insole, suede heel cup and leather sole; matching fabric covered heel. And they were made in France.
At first I wasn’t planning on getting these. The seller actually had a few other shoes that I wanted but they looked like they would be a bit big for me (my loss!) but then I saw these and decided I had to get them too. I think it was the blueish-grey pebbled suede that sold me. Or it was the adorable formed bow and white stitching. Either way, I’m glad I did because these are some seriously comfortable shoes. Slipping them on was like putting on custom made shoes. Lovely!
The seller’s description is even better:
A staggering find–and much more so in perfect condition at fifty years old–these sumptuous pumps were worn no more than once as the leather soles and heel taps are hardly scuffed. Pumps feature glove-soft gray pebbled suede leather, peep toes and a self fabric vamp folded over and threaded through a loop to look like a buckle. White overstitching around the perimeter of the shoe opening and peep toe offsets the gray color for perfect polish. Suede leather upper with leather insole and outsole; fenton last and self fabric covered heel. A museum-worthy piece of history, documented, dated and priced.
This lady knows her stuff!
The best part about getting a gorgeous vintage piece, as all the stars know, is that someone else wearing your same item is unlikely. The down side is that, if they aren’t in your size, you can’t run to Zappos and pick up a pair.
These particular shoes weren’t inexpensive vintage (as some other I’ve bought are – which is part of what makes them so great) but they were not much more than a nice pair of shoes and no where near what a pair of designer shoes cost today. And just holding them you can tell they were very well made. I know shoes can seem a riskier path to take with vintage because 1. shoes are more functional items and they can get beat up and 2. they were worn on people’s feet (unless you find vintage deadstock), but it’s worth it in most cases. If you have the gross out factor you can always add these really great Fresh’ins disposable shoe inserts from Kiwi. I put them in shoes I don’t wear socks with like driving mocs but because they’re so thin they’re great for instances like this too. I totally recommend them.
So go out. Get some fabulous shoes, vintage or new, and wear them. While I love that I have these shoes now it makes me kind of sad that in their previous home they weren’t worn. Don’t save your stuff away, you’re worth the good stuff!
So wear it!
Shoe Daydreams 
