Espadrille Mania

The 11th of April was the beginning of my USA holiday count down. With 2 months to go (yes I know the count down has started early! Im just super excited to get back into some sun!) I have decided to plan my footwear, especially the ones I want to make. I know that espadrilles are huge hit in the summer, and with new trends always changing the style of them, I thought now would be the best time to get started. (the stitching is always time consuming) Yesterday I did just that, I started by designing the patterns and cutting them out and then on to the stitching. I took a few shots along the way, so you could see how its done! Enjoy!

Curaçao

My first holiday of the year has finally surfaced, and all in aid of my Dad. Saturday 19th March will mark three years since his passing, and this year we thought to do something different. This time of year is always a really difficult time for my mum, sister and I, so we figured going on holiday in his memory to note this occasion would make things a little easier. The destination; Curacao was picked mostly because it coincided with my uncles current working location, which is a pretty perfect sunny spot. Curacao for those of you who are like WHERE? (Don't worry I didn't know where it was up until about 6 months ago when my uncle moved there) is located north of the Venezuelan Coast so has a pretty humid and hot temperature. So as you can imagine Ive had an absolute field day packing lots of colourful summer clothes and shoes to go with - naturally! So this post is mostly for you guys to see what footwear I packed. Pictures of what I actually wear with them will follow on my return.

Zara - Clogs and Boots

I have an addiction! and yes its Shoes, and more specifically an addiction with the clothing brand Zara. I have always loved the idea of affordable on trend fashion which not only has good quality but also great value of money. Zara always offers that and much more - eternal shoe satisfaction! Head over to the High Heels High Hopes youtube channel to see the clogs and boots I managed to bag myself!

View from the Topp

As you can imagine, people in the arts and creative fields use Instagram and Pinterest as not only a way to keep up to date with the daily going ons of their friends and loved ones but for inspiration and creativity. I regularly come across blogger accounts that I absolutely adore and admire and the ones that stand out are often ones that stay consistent and have great photography - because lets face it thats what Instagram and Pinterest is all about. Most recently I have come across View from the Topp, Kate Brien gives you a regular update from her view (you've guessed it) from the top - of her shoes. The reason she is different? her Instagram posts are solely for that purpose; her view, and the eclectic flooring she manages to find as a backdrop for her various shoes. Definitely one to follow, if not for the footwear then for the gorgeous interior /setting inspo!

W - www.viewfromthetopp.com

F - View from the Topp

T - @VIEWFROMTHETOPP

I - @viewfromthetopp

Internship Update

Its probably been about a month since I last updated you guys with my internship journey - A LOT has happened and mainly its been all about  experimenting with leathers. I have looked into making a number of leather accessories and while I may be a novice pattern maker I have learnt a hell of a lot in terms of getting to understand the qualities of different grades of leather. The most notable accessories I have been working on are; a leather card holder  for the other half (no easy job - I think I made about 5 different prototypes and templates before I was happy with it). I have also ventured in to making small clutch bags, which are very classic in design and carry the essentials every girl needs on a night out - I have been prototyping the last few days and have also been leather shopping (I will be sending out clutch bags to my most loyal readers when I'm happy with the final look of the products so keep your eyes and ears peeled if you are one of them!)  Everything hand made of course!

Last but not least, Amanda (founder of I can Make Shoes) and I have been working on designing and hand making a range of summer sandals. Yesterday we managed to finish a pair of espadrilles we had in mind that were simple to achieve and bang on trend from this summer season. We stuck to a basic 'slider' (a.k.a slipper) that just helped to reinforce our understanding of the running stitch that attached the leather panel to the espadrille sole. I would like to say the whole process was extremely therapeutic but that word doesn't even come close to describing the zen like feeling that came over me while I was stitching! Have a look through the pics below and let us know what you think of the sliders! I will start posting more pics when the accessories are developed a bit further. I hope you enjoy scrolling through!