Lady Noree's Blog

I can't say that I was ever a big fan of V's Day. If you love someone, there shouldn't be required a special day to show it and do nice things together. And with my hectic schedule carrying me across 3 countries in a cyclic rhythm, it's hard to always be together during society imposed holidays. This is why this year I 'celebrated' with a DIY project. I have embellished a new pair of wedges to make them nicer. And here's a quick tutorial to show you how to do it as well! 

You will need:

1. I chose these ankle strap purple suede wedges that I received from Wholesale-Orders. The suede is nice and soft so it was perfect for sewing through. You can chose any style of shoe for your project as long as it has ankle straps to apply embellishment to. But I do recommend that you have a look at Wholesale-Orders, they have an amazing range of shoes to chose from. They are light on the feet and well shaped. My only suggestion is that you chose one size bigger than your normal as I've found they run a bit small. Otherwise, I am extremely happy with them! 

2. I had these swarovski crystals and a few tiny pearls sitting around and they proved to be ideal, if a bit small in number. But they compliment the shoes very well. Of course, you can choose and kind of embellishments you have/want. It can be all beads (a tribal pattern perhaps?) of multiple colors and shapes, small metal or fabric flowers and butterflies, or buttons... The possibilities are there for you to get creative. Also, mine were sew-on. If you choose glue-on instead, adjust materials accordingly and be more careful while gluing not to get everything dirty! And the more ambitious could even try embellishing the rim/heel of the shoes.

3. Make sure you have the proper needle and thread. Needle should be thin enough to go through the holes of the crystal mount but thick enough to go through the shoe fabric/leather. For thread, don't choose something very thin, as it increases chance of breakage. You don't want your pretty work ruined and the tiny bits lost, do you?

4. Make an arrangement on a flat surface before sewing the bits. Or sew them by hazard if you prefer. It doesn't have to be symmetrical, but if you want it to be, make sure you mirror the pattern when sewing the second strap. Then sew your crystals/pearls/beads with care, reinforcing all knots and making sure nothing is loose. Since shoe fabric is quite thick, it can be quite painful to sew without a thimble, so if you have one, use it (I sadly still don't own one...). 

And that's it!! Really simple! An hour after the embellishing was done, I took my new shoes for a walk in the park.

Wholesale-Orders wedges, Tommy Hilfiger Shirt, H&M tulip dress, Asos bag, H&M tights and oversized bow headband, Forever 21 art nouveau necklace, Michal Negrin ring, Dorothy Perkins earrings

Photos courtesy of Elite London and Vogue Japan.