Friday, February 28, 2014

The History of Shoe Boxes

Until the mid 1800s, shoes were handmade in small shoe-making shops by cobblers. Since shoes were either made to order or in limited quantities, cobblers had no need for significant storage space or adequate housing for shoes. As innovations in the shoe industry advanced--the invention of the sewing machine in 1846 and automated shoe-making machinery, like Jan Ernst Matzeliger's shoe-lasting machine in 1883--so too did the need for a storage utility...

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

How to Decorate Flip-Flops with Old Jeans

Turn a pair of plain flip-flops into creative fashion footwear while recycling old clothing. A worn or outgrown pair of jeans provides the necessary embellishments. Simply rip strips of denim, tie and you're done. Instructions 1 Cut an old pair of jeans along the seams, then cut the back and front of each leg free. Also trim around any holes or patches. Cut strips of denim 1 inch wide by 4 inches long. Create 20 to 30 strips to start. How...

Monday, February 24, 2014

How to Tell if Prada Boots are Fake

Prada is one of the most popular brand names in the fashion world. Along with Gucci, Chanel and Louis Vuitton, Prada bags and shoes are among the most coveted by fashionistas all over the globe. Eager to make a quick buck, counterfeiters have taken on the task of manufacturing fake Prada bags, sunglasses and boots, and touting them as the real thing to clueless buyers. Educate yourself on telling a real Prada boot from a fake one, and you won't have...

Thursday, February 20, 2014

How to Make Slouchy Combat Boots

Combat boots convey a tough aesthetic. Slouchy boots show that a droopy shape can still seem chic. Slouchy combat boots fashionably combine both these characteristics, resulting in a shoe that is at once rugged and relaxed. You can search for such boots from retailers, or you can actually craft your own. Doing so depends on your skill set as a shoemaker. Professionals can literally design and manufacture their own boot, while less experienced hands...

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

The History of Wedge Shoes

Wedges, a type of platform shoe, have been around since the 1930s. The first wedges didn't have a distinct heel and had cellophane straps. The wedge heel is thick and one piece with the sole, whereas high-heeled shoes have a separate heel. Height ranges from a slight raise in the heel to several inches. Wedge popularity fluctuates. Hundreds of new wedge designs come out each year, depending on trends. Creation Italian designer Salvatore...