Gold Acid Splash Leather Sliders

So I've embarked upon this weeks shoe making project with some trouble simply because sometimes i have to wear flats but i love designing and making high heels. So designing and sketching became challenge especially when the profile of the design is so different. I have decided to go for sliders, since they are so in at the moment, and have also opted for thick straps that cross over because the leather is a such a shoe off piece. I have only got as far as designing and making patterns for this project and since this is a simple design Im hoping to have this made and finished by Thursday so stay tuned for the finished pair for Mondays post!

Ancient Greek Sandals

Ancient Greek Sandals a brand started in 2011 has taken the world by storm. Beyonce, Sarah Jessica Parker, Gisele and Anne Hathaway are all huge fans that have been spotted in them. Their story is one that inspires me, as a Greece based business at the time of the recession they went up against the odds, building a successful business with loans from friends and family after being refused a loan from the banks. They now have 15 stockist and sell around 80,000 sandals a year (yeah I know wow!) and show no signs of stopping. Ive selected a few of my favourite styles, and with the summer on its way now would be the best time to stock up!

10 Day Challenge...so far

This whole week has been about making and designing. By Wednesday I had 4 shoes designed but hadn't quite settled on the two pairs of heels I wanted to make. I had just about figured the choice of leathers I wanted to use on the footwear and went about making the first few designs because I'm queen of procrastination and didn't want the fact that I couldn't figure out the last few designs to stop me from making. So with nerves and apprehension I present to you my first few steps of my collection so far. (This is only a working project to get me training so the collection isn't quite cohesive but I have tried my best to keep the collection looking like a range!)

High Heels High Hopes

....is on the Road!

I come across talented shoe makers on social media regularly, I'm either mesmerised by the designs and the quality of the hand made shoes, or in awe of the process videos they make, each one with their own little touch of personality depending on the maker. I often wonder what their studios are like, what tools they prefer using, their favourite style of shoes and most importantly what I'd be able to learn from them if I was ever able to meet them. A couple weeks ago, I had an epiphany, while planning what to pack for my holiday to Curacao (part of the ABC Islands - that are just off the coast of Venezuela). I set off with my family and boyfriend next week to see my uncle who works out there so we can commemorate my Dads life (Im hoping holidays around this time of year becomes a regular thing! - Much prefer remembering my Dad this way!). My uncle has mentioned a number of times a shoe maker who's studio isn't too far from where lives, instantly I was intrigued. My aunt had sent me pictures of sandals she had made by the shoe makers in this very studio and I was hooked. (this is where the epiphany comes in) I figured this would be a fantastic way to meet shoe makers and see how they work; while travelling - documenting the beautiful journey along the way through the blog. With this in mind, and the power of social media I thought I'd put the feelers out to see whether any of you guys know any shoe makers in the below locations or if indeed you are a shoe maker yourself and would like to be featured on the blog! Feel free to comment with the names and websites of the shoe makers you have in mind!

Curacao : 18th - 27th March 2016

Washington DC : 11th - 18th June 2016

New York : 18th June 2016

Hong Kong : 8th - 12th September 2016

Tokyo : 12th - 24th September 2016 (exact number of days here TBC)

Kyoto : 12th - 24th September 2016 (exact number of days here TBC)

Zara and Primark Shoe Haul

Watch a little run down of the shoes I bought at the Zara Sale and a pair of bonus leather boots from Primark for just £10 here!

Shoe of the Week

(....all the way from Paris Fashion Week)

Dries Van Noten

Only a couple days into Paris Fashion Week I have already found my new favourite brand, Dries Van Noten. Through keeping up to date with the last few days of shows this particular design house has really caught my eye. This seasons collection is absolutely beautiful and completely under pins this seasons theme. Luxurious fabrics with appliqué, embroidery and intricate detailing with sequins and beading. So you can imagine the shoes were just as much of a delight to look at. Appliqué, bright bold satins and silks on platforms were all the rage in this collection with a few sandals dotted in to. Next season  has revolved around platforms, strap sandals and sliders (fantastic - we can save our feet for another summer).  A wholesome collection thats totally got me excited for summer next year. 

W - www.driesvannoten.be

F - Drie Van Noten

T - @DriesVanNoten 

I - @driesvannoten

SHOE of the WEEK

Elina Linardaki - FRIDA

Talk about happy feet right? They are totally adorable and just perfect for the summer. The first flat pair of sandals to feature in shoe of the week and its pretty obvious why! The colours and tassels are what first drew me towards these beauties and then on a closer look the pom poms and charms that dangle off the lace up sandals.  I can't picture these with anything else but a plain white (or black) flowy midi or culottes (which are huge at the moment) to make the sandals pop and instantly jazz up your outfit.

W - www.elinalinardaki.com

F - Artistic Creations by Elina Linardaki 

I - @elinalinardaki

SHOE OF THE WEEK

GUZEL - FIONA KOTUR

Tassels, snake skin and some sparkle - what is there not to love about these Fiona Kotur shoes? She has done exceptionally well making the move from accessories into footwear. I'm loving the colours and of course the tassels, they are also available in a grey version which are just as amazing and maybe more subtle. Check out her website for the shoes and her clutch bags, she has just released a new bag thats pretty nifty in that it allows you to take pictures with your phone while its still placed in your bag!

W - www.koturltd.com

F - Kotur

T - @FionaKotur

I - @FionaKotur

Port de Pollença

A little photo diary of my recent trip to Port de Pollença in the Balaeric Island of Mallorca (or Majorca to us Brits). Most of the pictures were taken by my budding photographer boyfriend on his professional cannon camera, and the others were taken on my measly phone which doesn't have as great a quality. (you'll notice these will be the pictures of the  inevitably popular espadrilles in Spain) Under some of the photos I've put a bit more detail describing what I'm wearing and what's been photographed..... TAAAKKKKEEE ME BACKKKK!

Day1: 36 degrees, a light breeze, crystal clear water and a sun bed was all we needed.

Found these awesome weaved sliders which I now regret not buying :(

Night out on the town and found these super edgy animal print espadrilles - obviously had to get a snap (photo taken on my phone so I'm sorry for the quality)

Evening strolls were my fave; espadrilles were obviously the go to - these sparkly peacock numbers caught my eye! (photo taken on my phone so I'm sorry for the quality)

Cap De Formentor

Cap De Formentor

Mountain X Sea

My favourite shot by the boyfriend from the Cap De Formentor

Shoes: Wedges from Zara - turned me into a giant!

Calvari Steps

Panoramic of the view from the top of the Calvari Steps

Team Shot!

Cala St Vincente - saw the hugest waves I have ever seen!

Dinner Time: French Connection dress that I've had for years and haven't got the heart to get rid of, and of course those Zara wedges

My mums vintage jumpsuit (she wore this in her 20s and I will never let her throw it away) Zara tribal print sandals.

can't get enough of the heels!