diy: colorblock sandals

Inspired by this wrapped tribal choker project from the ever-fierce Aimee at SwellMayde, I gave some plain brown platforms a little facelift:

    

I wrapped the embroidery thread per Aimee's tutorial, opting just knot the ends tightly to secure them at each end:

This is such a neat, simple technique for updating accessories.  Why not try it on your sandal straps, belts, purse handles, and various pieces of jewelry?  And it confers a significant bonus when used on shoes, adding a welcome layer of cushy padding!  Woot!

diy: tribal print flats

I've been in need of a healthy outlet for my tribal-print obsession, so I went crazy on a pair of old flats.  These shoes had served me very well, and I like having neutral flats at my disposal, but the leather finish was on its last legs.  Here's what I came up with:

Notes on this DIY after the jump!

just like starting over

In the last 2 nearly internet-free weeks, I've been completely consumed with preparing for a huge move.  I'm getting ready for a big-time career break, lifestyle overhaul, and, I'm sure, major culture shock.  Lots more on all of this later!

Wardrobe-wise, this move means that my closet has become...wait for it...cleaner!  Empty, to be precise.  All of my clothing, shoes, and accessories (together with my sewing machine and beloved Vitamix blender!) currently occupies 3 suitcases, 2 large and 1 small.  I'll be posting later on this newly pared-down wardrobe, but for now, here's a snapshot.  A while ago, anticipating this big move, I reduced my mountain of shoes -- in general, supremely crappy and ill-fitting -- to just 6 pairs, except for my workout shoes, snow boots, and around-the-house flip-flops.  Anyway, check it:

1. Dr. Scholl's platforms (seriously)
2. Coach basic black pumps (eBay)
3. Stuart Weitzman nude pumps (eBay, and not usually as smudgy as they appear here)

4. Cole Haan white loafers (hand-me-down from Mom)
5. Kork-Ease Deborah platforms
6. Dansko flat sandals (eBay)

This collection is by no means complete, but after a summer with just these shoes, I've found that they've met my current needs quite amply.  All are neutral, work nicely with my simple wardrobe, and are quite comfortable (you'll never hear me exclaiming, I could walk for miles in these heels!!!, because for me, that is totally ridiculous, but I gotta say that the heels I own are pretty tolerable).  I feel no need to limit myself to these 6 pairs, but when I do acquire others, I will do so thoughtfully and critically, with an eye towards longevity, versatility, and comfort.  On my wishlist: some canvas kicks and taupe ankle boots with a modest heel.  My footwear tendencies may warrant no points for originality, but hey.  They've been working for me.

Off to do a little last-minute packing and finally relax for a bit!  Hope you've had a great weekend and, especially my fellow East Coasters, have stayed safe and dry.