...FIRST LASTING...

This is my first attempt at lasting a shoe (i.e. shaping it around the last). We didn't design this shoe, so again it's kinda ugly. Apologies for the shit photos, I'm housesitting and have no camera other than my mac...

The counter (the piece that stiffens the heel) is a bit dodge because our teachers don't give us access to anything even mildly expensive until we can actually make a shoe. So we used pieces of leather. We used pink floral fabric covered in Clag for the toe puff (the piece that puffs the toe between the lining and upper). 

In the last photo you can see the underside (it was just an exercise so there's no sole...) You have to put tacks all around the shoe (but they only stay in around the heel) and my thumbs are completely ruined from all the hammering and pulling and stretching and screw ups where I hit my thumb instead of the tack. Nevertheless I am loving that I just made a kind of shoe. 

I called my shoe Fred. My friend called his shoe Nancy. Everyone else in class thinks we're weird, but it makes sense because the lasts have really cheesy names. The shoe I'm working on at the moment is Margo.

...NEW TILLY ROSE BOOTS...

Just put these boots on lay-by... the photo doesn't do them justice at all and as soon as I pick them up I will take a better photo.

I've been looking for a pair of mid-calf, motorcycle-esque boots, and these are so comfortable! I'm now trying to convince myself that I do need another pair of black boots...

They're by Tilly Rose, an Australian label that I don't know too much about...

It was either the boots above, or these boots from Mimco (I can't find any bigger picture...). They grey was working for me, but they just weren't as comfortable as the Tilly Rose ones.

I also tried on these futuristic flats at Mimco. I need more flats in my wardrobe, kinda desperately! But these were very strangely designed - the top ankle strap sits right on top of your ankle bone and is hugely uncomfortable... so a no-go. In theory though, I like them a lot!

update: just want to add that I do think Mimco shoes (actually most things at Mimco) are ridiculously overpriced and the quality is not great (I got given a bangle not so long ago that broke after one wear!) but I know someone who works there and they get 70% off shoes which makes them pretty cheap (obviously no-one is spending $500 ^ on their shoes... why would you when you can get designer shoes for the same price?) Still didn't buy anything though...

...THE UNIVERSE OR THEMSELVES...

If you're interested, check out The Universe or Themselves

A blog of my writing...

The photo is from The Hill of Crosses in Siauliai, Lithuania.

...SAME SAME BUT DIFFERENT...

Same boot, different toe...I prefer the round toe

I'd like the platform and wedge of this boot to be light patent grey, and the upper, and piping to be white wetsuit material... I'm not exactly sure of the practicality of that...

...PARIS, TEXAS...

This is one of my favourite films of all time. Visually, Wim Wenders gets it close to perfect, and the sparseness of the film is incredible. Nastassja Kinski as Jane is simply beautiful - the shot of her in the backless mohair sweater, looking over her shoulder is my favourite image from any film. And the soundtrack is so hauntingly perfect too... I just love everything about this film...

...JUST ADD STUDS...

My friend at college jokingly says that if I'm not sure about something I just add studs... maybe it's true... I think these look a lot better though! 

I'm imagining the studded front part to be black elastic, the vamp, back and strip down the heel to be black leather, the wedge part of the heel and layered part at the front to be nude leather, with bronze studs.

...ELASTIC BOOTIES...

The fronts of these boots are elastic... The pale grey part of the heel and the pale grey top layer could be good in a really bright colour.