For the Love of Shoes

So lately I have been obsessed with Clogs and Wedges. I rarely wear heels of any sort, but after seeing Miu Miu’s Spring/Summer ’10 collection, I have fallen in love. Wooden heels, printed satin, pebbled leather, metal grommets..what more could you ask for?? Then, flipping through June’s FLARE, of course, I saw the next victim of my many hours of obsessive online stalking: the Celine Summer ’10 Wedges. Similar composites of wooden heels, textured leather, and metal fixtures adorned these beauties.

Miu Miu Summer ’10

Miu Miu Summer ’10

Miu Miu Summer ’10

Celine Summer ’10

(Of the Miu Miu’s, the last pair is my personal favorite!)

So after spending time musing over these designer wonders, I somehow found myself on the ModCloth website looking at what they had to offer in this area. And what did I find? A name sake wedge!! Here is the Heart and Sole wedge from ModCloth

DIY Fashion – Gathered Skirt

I have had this top sitting in my basement for the longest time. It was bought on a whim, and I was never sold on the cut or shape, although I loved the print.

Yesterday, I had the idea to transform it into a skirt. So I set about chopping it off below the neck ruffle.

Then, I found a piece of wide elastic that would be my waist band. I fitted it to the size of my waist, and sewed the two edges together so that I had my waist band.

I started pinning little pleats in the fabric to give the skirt volume, while also pinning it to the elastic waist band (right side of waist band facing right side of fabric) until I had pleats all the way around and it was attached to the band. I then sewed all the way around, as close to the edge of the fabric and band as possible, and flipped the waist band up. Pressed, and done! Here is how it turned out:

(Worn with grey v-neck and wedge clogs)

DIY Fashion – Empire Waist Dress

The weather has been steadily getting nicer and nicer, which tempts me to start working on this year’s summer wardrobe. This simple empire waisted dress (the pattern was for a top, but I simply extended the bottom to suit myself) that is easy to wear and extremely versatile. – M

At the Ballet

Every little girl dreams of wearing the iconic tulle tutu, and if you never had your dream realized, ballet inspired trends will fit the bill. Ballet companies specializing in pointe shoes and ballet apparel, such as Bloch and Repetto, have branched off into main stream lines. These new lines have created a trend that is classic and feminine for non-dancers.

From left to right, top to bottom: Bloch patent jazz shoe, Free People camisole, Cosabella pink tank, Haute Hippie tulle mini skirt, Bloch Arabian ballerina shoe

Fashion is your Activism Opportunity

As a self professed animal lover, I had no problem giving up meat, and I even gave up using any products or cosmetics tested on animals (which resulted in numerous research hours on the PETA website for animal friendly products). Leather on the other hand, is proving to be more of a struggle. I could say my over consumption of leather is compromised by my meat lacking life, but that feels like a cop-out. So that leaves me in a fretting limbo of deciding whether to simply cut leather out of my life or to succumb to feeling like an utter hypocrite.  I’ve realized that fashion is not built for those aspiring to live a vegan lifestyle. I cannot say it will be easy for me to give up leather all together, but I want to make a concerted effort. There are  numerous brands though that are making it easier on the accessory & shoe (the ultimate culprit of leather use) crazed to be activists for those who cannot speak for themselves – M

Here are some of our favourite vegan brands:

- Matt & Nat (the higher end of the three lines, exclusive to Holt Renfrew now)

- Matt by Matt & Nat (New line specializing in gorgeous teal, coral, and Kelly green bags and accessories)

- SamSara by Matt & Nat

- Deux Lux

- Big Buddha

- Le Sportsac

Then there are the classic staples  like Converse and Keds as well as brands like Toms which have vegan options. Maximize summer for its potential for non-leather options, like cute jute wedges or canvas flats !

(From left to Right is Matt & Nat, Deux Lux, Matt & Nat, Deux Lux)

The Best Accessory

What fashionista doesn’t love a little companion? After all man’s best friend do make the best accessory. We both have our own little furry friends, and today with hers, M walked right into.. a wiener dog club! At least 30+ wiener dogs all frolicking about at this “wiener fest”, how cute! M’s dog doesn’t happen to be a wiener dog, but maltipoo “Spike”,  didn’t seem to mind.

DIY Fashion – Strapless top

Here are the instructions for a strapless top, which is really easy to make! I’ve included two versions which I’ve made, and credit to my mom for creating the concept and instructions  – M

Steps

1. Cut 2 identical pieces approximately  the length from underneath one arm to the other, and width from where you wish your top’s neckline to be to underneath your bust, for top  part (measure against bust to make sure it is long enough for yourself, including seam allowance of approx. 1.5)*
2. Cut 2 identical pieces approximately the length from one side of your waist to the other (remember to add a couple inches on each side, as the top should be flowy & A line), and width from underneath your bust to where you wish your top to end (adding enough fabric for hem on the bottom) for bottom part*
3. Fold top pieces in half lengthwise, so each piece is doubled

4.  Sew casing for 1/4 inch” elastic across top of back top piece (measure against back to find length of elastic, it should fit fairly snug)

5. Pull elastic through casing and pin at each end.

6. Pin front top to back top, and sew sides, then seam finish (serge if available, if not, zig zag).

7. Pin front bottom to back bottom, sew sides, then seam finish (serge if available, if not, zig zag).

8. Measure 1/4 inch” elastic to fit snugly under bust (allowing for seam allowance), stitch elastic fold elastic circle in half, mark sides with pin (seam should be on one side), pin elastic to top of bottom piece at sides.

9. With sides of bottom piece matching sides of elastic and stretching to fit, pin against center front and center back, stitch elastic to bottom pieces.

10. Pin top piece over bottom piece with right sides facing each other, raw edges even, stitch.

11. Hem bottom to desired length, and you’re done!

*remember that you can always make it smaller, never bigger. If you aren’t sure of size, make it on the larger side and take it in if too large

How it Turned Out

Worn with distressed Mavi jeans & Motorcycle boots, and of course my puppy Spike

Worn with DKNY wedge sandals