So Subtle!

If you know anything about me at all, then you know I am neither quiet or subtle...so why should my running shoes be either of these.

I 'heart' New Balance running shoes, they got me through my first ever 1/2 and full marathon.  So when I decided to start training again, I went straight to my trusted friend. 

When I found these beauty's I was smitten!

Meet pair #140, my new running shoes.

They aleady have a few miles on them.  My dog, Wookie, runs and hides when he see's them come out because I like to make him run with me.... when I can catch him!

I Demand A Re-Count!!!

So I was reviewing my recent posts and realized that over the last few months there have been some random shoe updates with out any numbering.... so here is a brief recap:

On January 31,2012, I posted my 'last' pair of challenge shoes and that was pair 138.

I then posted 5 pairs of retired shoes,

dropping the total to 133.

Recent posts of new shoes include:

Super Funky Black & Grey tall boots - #134

Golden Yellow Born Flats - #135

Rocket Dog Red T-Strap heels - #136

Steve Madden Black Suede Peep Toe Platforms - #137

Rock Star Green Suede Pumps - #138

So, I am right back where I left off.... but fear not, there have been several new additions over the last few months including these funky flats, pair #139.

They add just the right kick to your basic outfit, I recently wore them with dark was skinny jeans, a white peasant blouse, and a Kurt Cobain style mustard cardigan.

Thanks for stopping by....

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

So nothing then 2-posts in the same day....  I was properly scolded for not keeping up with the new additions.  So I will do my best to get back on track with some new additions to the collection.

In honor of Halloween I am rocking some seriously out there shoes that I L-O-V-E!  They where purchased from and on-line shop dedicated to 'vintage inspired' clothes, shoes, etc.  Of course these emerald green suede pumps go with both my vintage dresses as well as today's styles.  Today they are paired with black capris, emerald green top, and black beaded sweater and they look AWESOME!

These shoes sport a 5 inch heel and a hidden platform in the toe, making them much more bearable.

Don't be fooled.... bets have been made on how long these shoes stay on my feet today!

Care to place a wager?

H A P P Y  H A L L O W E E N!!!!

138 Pairs - 5 Retired + ??????

I know it's been forever since I posted anything.... especially anything about shoes!  So when the challenge ended, I was at 138 pairs of shoes.  Since, I have retired 5 pairs and posted 2 new pair..... so I believe that brings me back to a whopping 135 pairs posted.

Today, for your viewing pleasure, I present the new pair 136!  An amazing pair of Steve Madden black suede peep toes with a cute bow detail and an elevating 6 inch platform heel!  Yes, that's correct, 6 inches. 

These shoes go with anything... and I really mean that!  I have worn them with dresses, jeans, leggings, etc!

Sew Much Sewing....

I have been sewing like crazy!  I mean, what else should I be doing betwen work, life,  and a 5 week summer school course that requires a test almost everyday, it makes total sense that I would spend any free time I come across sewing! 

I have made clothes for me, clothes others, baby blankets, onsies, and the like.

First, I got this great pattern and retro fabric (background) at Sew LA....

Which I used to create this amazing, and uber comfy dress....

I also made the same dress out of this fun fabric....

It was such a big hit, my girlfriend asked me to make her one out of this fun skull fabric...

I also took these items and turned them into a really fun skirt.

And because I always get asked what I wear with my crazy patterned clothes, this is how I pair this colorful skirt

As usual.... I always have a baby project that needs to be done.  

This blanket was for a co-workers new baby.

And this set was for a business associated of my husbands.  I love the onsie and who doesn't love Sock Monkeys?!?!

  

I have recently been 'hired' to make tie onsies for some friends...

Matching tee & onsie for brothers

 I was also 'hired' to make these pillows for a friend...

Don't they look awesome against my bedroom wall?  

Of course I had found time to work in some new skirts for me!

And I had an event to go to last weekend and my 'guest' didn't have anything to wear, so I had to whip this up for her... and all the ladies loved the dress, and her... of course!

And finally, I managed to squeeze in this project... a mail organizer for my daughter-in-law.  Isn't it adorable?!?!?

A lot, I know.  I'm not one of those people who just sits.... my mind is always racing and usually hoping from project to project, all while scanning my to do list.  It's not a lot of fun to try and watch tv with me, unless you ask me before hand to put away my laptop, ipad, iphone, and/or scissors  :)

I hope you enjoyed all my crazy projects.  More to come, I am sure!

Baby Blanket Bonanza!

It seems like EVERYONE is having, or recently had, a baby!  I am up to my eyeballs in baby blankets.  All of them a bit different and specific to the person receiving them.  Over the past few weeks I have completed a couple fun ones that I thought I would share!

First, I have a friend that is having her 3rd baby, and first girl.  She is doing what she can to avoid pink and things that are too girly.  Coming up with an idea for this one was slightly challenging, but the results are pure elegance.

This blanket is made with a cotton sheeting print that I had left over from a a skirt I made a few months ago.  When I heard about my constraints this was the print I thought of..... and when I happened across the green velveteen at my favorite local fabric store, I know I had the combo I needed.  Feminine and chic, without being too girly.

With the scraps, I made a coordinating Onsie!

Front applique

Back Applique

Next is a sweet blanket for Baby Noah that was born a few weeks ago.  Don't worry, he already has his new blanky and matching tie onsie (no photo...sorry).   This was made with a super soft fleece print and backed with a classic chocolate brown minky dot fabric.  I finished it with a satin ribbon binding. 

Finally, I made this fun, retro ducky blanket.  I found this fabric, on super clearance, at my favorite LA fabric store... Sew LA.  I have been holding on to it specifically for a baby blanket.  It is backed with a cream plush fabric, and trimmed with a fun polka dot batik... making this whimsical blanket super yummy!    

Well, I hope you enjoyed perusing my projects.  I would love to hear your comments and ideas.

Have a great weekend and try to stay dry!

Spring Weather....

and happy, freshly pedicured toes made it a great chance to wear these fantastic shoes that are a recent addition to my collection.

I recently acquired these shoes at a super sale.  They had been marked down several times over, which reduced my purchase price to a whopping $9.99!  I love all the details.... including the retro fabric, the t-strap, and the open weave of the shoe.  They where a perfect match with my dark was jeans and funky retro inspired tank!

Procrastination.....

I should be studying for my test on Monday; however, sewing is so much more fun!  I have had my eye on this ruffle apron tutorial over at "One More Moore",  that I happened across a few months ago.  I even have fabric set aside to make a couple different versions of it, but I NEVER have enough time.  Well, I finally made the time.  And I love how it turned out!

What do you think?  I am very pleased with the results.

More to come soon!

Enjoy your weekend!

 

Ever Evolving

Like the proper shoe addict that I am, my  collection of shoes is ever evolving.  After, and even during, the challenge I had determined shoes that needed to be retired.  Below are 5, yes 5 pairs of shoes that are no longer part of the collection.

As much as I love them, the fabric is shredding all along the sides.

These shoes retired on me, as they could no longer be repaired.

So, with that being said.... I had room to add to the collection!  Here are two pairs of new shoes that I have recently worn; however, there are a few more pairs that will make their debut soon!

Amazingly comfy, golden yellow flats!

Super funky black and grey boots that I adore!

I will be back soon with more shoes & sewing projects.  I spent most of yesterday camped out in front of my sewing machine and have lots to post!  Stay tuned.....

Fantastic, Fun, & Funky!

For those of you that don't know I have another addiction besides shoes--- Japanese Fabric!  I love the quarky prints and making unexpected items with the fabric.  The problem is the designs are seasonal, just like fashion, and most are printed in a limited run.  So if you see something you like you must purchase it immediately, or suffer without it.

When Melody Miller released her Fall 2011 line, I wasn't sure about most of it; however, there was one print that I adored.... Love Letters.

Love Letters by Melody Miller for Kokka Fabrics


Unfortunately I was unable to find the fabric.  Most of my regular suppliers only carried a couple of the prints from the line and this was not one of them.  When I did finally locate some on-line retailers that carried this print, they were already sold out!  I even searched e-Bay and Etsy, two sites I resort to when all else fails. 

Today, determined to find this fabric, I decided to not search by the designer or manufacturer, I just simply typed 'typewriter' into the search function of Etsy, then I waited....... And there it was!!!!!  Overjoyed, I purchased all that I needed, because as usual, I already have plans for this funky fabric.  I am very excited and cannot wait for it to arrive.  I will post photos of the metamorphosis, once it has occurred!

Shoe-Tastic!!!!

I cannot believe that I have gone 7 months, carefully calculating, organizing, re-organizing, photographing, and posting SHOES!  And today I post pair 138, the final pair for the challenge.  No, this is not my last pair of shoes; however, it is the last pair I have that I can wear to work. 

I am glad I saved these shoes for today.  I had a C-R-A-Z-Y day!  First thing this morning I had to drop of my car in Santa Ana, then to work for an hour, then to the orthodontist, then back to work, then back to Santa Ana to pick up the car, then back to work.... so these grey Blowfish flats were perfect!

I wore them with jeans, a black and white polka-dot top, and a golden yellow cardigan! 

While this is not my last post, I am very excited to not be double checking my shoe choice for tomorrow :)!  I will be back with some features, as well as some sewing projects!

See you soon....

Another Mass Update

As this challenge wraps up, life gets busier and busier.  Work is as hectic as ever, I started back to school last week, and home feels like it is in a state of constant remodel; however, my organization skills have been hard at work in an effort to get some of the smaller projects accomplished!

This will be the last mass update, as the challenge will be as complete as possible tomorrow.  What does that mean???  Well, I have worn all the shoes to work that are within our dress code.  I must admit, some days I have pushed the limit, but I made it from July 2011 all the way through January 2012 without fail! 

With that being said, I will get to your update. 

Friday 1/20/12 Pair 132

Who doesn't love a comfortable pair of shoes?  I usually sneak these chocolate brown, suede, Birkenstock mules in between wearing too many pairs of heels to give my feet (and back) a break.   

Monday 1/23/12 Vacation... no shoes required!

 

Tuesday 1/24/12 Pair 133

I love these red suede BCBG shoes.  They are luxurious and super sexy.  I do not wear them to the office too often, usually they are reserved for a nice dinner out or special event. 

Wednesday 1/25/12 Pair 134

Another pair of Chucks!  I love the great color.... called Bamboo Green.  After yesterday, I had to have some comfort!

Thursday 1/26/12 Pair 135

These shoes are very very very old.  I have had them since the early 90's.   I only remember because they were 'stolen' from an old roommate and very dear friend!  I love to wear them with floods and vintage dresses.  And they never have laces....

Friday 1/27/12 Pair 136

Well, its Friday and the dress code is a bit more relaxed so I threw on these Acics running shoes with a pair of jeans, super cute top, and a cardigan.

Monday 1/30/12 Pair 137

These gold sandals push the limit of the dress code standards, but I have not heard any complaints yet.  Of course, it was 40 degrees when I left my house this morning... not the best choice, but I had to get them in!  I have them paired with dark wash jeans, a black print top, a purple cardigan, and gold tone accessoires.... FUN!

I will be back tomorrow with the final pair of the challenge. However, I will be posting some features of things that did not make the dress code cut, as well as more sewing projects with some super funky fabrics!

See you tomorrow!