Heels Are A Girl's Best Friend

Vivienne Westwood may have been on to something with her DIY-themed spring 2009 show.  Even with the tsunami of sales this slumping retail season, there are crafty ways to save a bit of bob yet still change up your shoe wardrobe.  Think of it as “credit crunch couture.”

As has been written about before on this blog, shoe clips are an easy and inexpensive way to dress up a pair of shoes from drab to fab.  But for an even cheaper alternative, try attaching a brooch or clip-on earring to the toe of your shoe.  You probably have something in your jewelry box that is perfect for a stylish retread.  An earring with a post can even be used; to avoid making a hole in your shoe, simply remove the back of the earring and adhere to the shoe with a dab of fabric glue. Glue for false eyelashes will work in a pinch, too. 

For more variety, take a quick trip to your local craft store  and look for unique embellishments like bows, studs, sequins, feathers or faux jewels to decorate your shoes, especially the heel.  A little bit of imagination and some fabric glue and voila, stunning statement shoes!  In one afternoon you could fashion a look like the sparkly Marc by Marc Jacobs heel (left; $109, was $445) for just pennies.

Or add a brooch like the six-point vintage pin  ($6) shown to the right from Etsy to your shoe to mimic this attention-grabbing shooting star pump ($530).

Another crafty option–fabric paint.  One note though, while the paint is permanent on most fabrics, such as linen, it is temporary when used on leather shoes.  The paint will simply peel off when dry.  You’ll find the paints in various types, like metallic, slick and shiny, pearl look, and glitter, making it easy to create your perfect look.  Use stencils or go freehand to create your design, like polka dots, stripes or the ever popular floral.  Yes, even in winter, this style continues to bloom.

If you make a mistake while painting the shoes simply use a wet cloth and wipe it off. Dry the area thoroughly before painting again. If a mistake has already dried use a cotton swab and nail polish remover to take it off.

For a more extreme change, pick up a can of spray paint and give your shoes new life with a new color.  You’ll need 30-minutes to an hour for the paint to dry. This is one project that you’ll want to do outside!

For something less messy that doesn’t involve a drop cloth or artistic ability, pick up some sparkly nail decals the next time you’re in the beauty aisle of the drugstore or pharmacy.  Just peel and stick!  If necessary, use a bit of glue or paint over it with a bit of clear fingernail polish for extra sticking power.

Unleash your inner artist and combine techniques for a one-of-a kind look designed by Y-O-U.  For inspiration, check out styles you like online or at your favorite shoe store.

You can also convert the look of slides or mules to a  sexy, strappy backless shoe with “muleos,”  removable ties and straps that also keep your shoe from slipping off your foot when you hit the dance floor or catchingon the hem of your dress or pants.  Available online for $9.99, you can recreate the look for less with ribbon purchased at a fabric or craft store to coordinate with your outfit.  Embellish it with the season’s haute trend: feathers, or charms, even fringe and tassels. 

Related Links:

• Cheap Chic: Add Oomph to Ordinary Shoes with Shoe Clips
• Cheap Chic Under $50: ‘Tis the Season for Festive Holiday Shoes

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