Making boots using the pattern, part 2

Gluing the uppers to the soles took longer than I expected, so the video got really long and I had to divide it into two parts. These videos show the process all the way to the point where only the heels are missing.

Book update

I just want to let you know that I am still writing the book. The current word count is about 12,500 and there are lots of photos already. I have been taking new photos to get better quality than in the ones I have used in the blog, but due to the uniqueness of some photos, I will be using some old ones as well.

The structure of the book is now set and shouldn't change much after this. Chapters 1–4 present some tools and materials, chapters 5–6 are about different casting methods and making foot lasts of your doll's feet, chapters 7–9 introduce different ways of making soles and heels for shoes, and chapters 10–13 describe making uppers for different kinds of shoes.

It is really great that I don't have to worry about the length of the book or the number of photos, because there won't be any printing involved. I'm including a lot of example photos of what can be done with different materials and photos that show a sequence of actions for certain processes.

Finally, here is one of the new photos I have taken. I don't remember, if I have ever shown these before. These shoes are made of copper sheet using super glue and they are among my earliest experiments in making doll shoes (around 1998, I think). The thin copper sheet I used bends really easily, so these are purely decorative and cannot be used on a doll.

Closet Cleanout and an Intro to Swapdom!

If you follow me on Instagram, you might have caught on that I recently moved into a new place (YAY!). What's not so awesome, is that during the move, I tragically lost about half of my closet space (life is hard, lol), so a thorough closet cleanout was necessary in a major way. While I was flipping through my clothes, I realized just HOW MUCH of my wardrobe never actually gets worn! I'll fall in love with something, buy it, and one or two wears later, it's banished to the corners of my closet to die in favor of something new.I'm terrible, I know.

Given my terrible shopping habits, I'll often end up with clothing that isn't worn more than a couple times but is still cute, current, and in perfect condition. In the past, these items have just sort of sat around (sometimes for years) until I decide to wear them again, or ended up at Goodwill during a move or closet purge. I hate feeling like I've wasted money buying clothes I rarely wear, so when Swapdom reached out to me about their swapping site, I was intrigued!
All you have to do is sign up, make a public profile (check mine out here), and start listing items. When you come across something you want, just make a request, and Swapdom does the rest to arrange the perfect swap. All you have to pay for is shipping. Genius, right?!
I've got four pieces up right now, including this lace dress from Kiyonna (I love it but it's a little too long for me!) and this crocheted tunic. Hopefully someone can give these pieces a good home! :)
What do you guys think? Is Swapdom a service you can get behind?

*This post was sponsored by Swapdom but all opinions are my own! So yes, I do really love this concept and can't wait to start swapping!



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ELOQUII is BACK (and better than ever!)

The plus size blogosphere is abuzz with the news that Eloquii has relaunched! If you're new to Eloquii, here's the short and sweet about the brand: Previously owned by The Limited, Eloquii, The Limited's plus size brand, was shut down due to corporate restructuring. Plus size shoppers everywhere were sad/angry/disappointed, and the original team behind Eloquii decided to take over and relaunch with cooler pieces than ever before! (I'm personally a fan of all the faux leather details!)
The company is now employee-owned, which I think is awesome. The coolest part? They'll be releasing new products in limited quantities every few weeks, so there will always be something new and fresh to add to your wardrobe. Can't wait to see where the brand goes! :D

Click through for a few of my favorite lookbook images below!
I am DYING over that cheetah print skater skirt. Love it!!
I thought I was over peplum, but the asymmetrical hem on the dress feels totally fresh!
ALL STRIPED EVERYTHING. Need I say more?
Both of these dresses are perfect! How perfect is the blush pink dress for all the spring and summer weddings that are coming up??
Love both of these looks--perfect combination of edgy and sophisticated!

How glorious is that abstract paneling? Love!!
What are you guys loving the most??? Do you like the trendier route that Eloquii has taken? Check out the full collection and let me know what you think!



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Making boots using the pattern, part 1

This is the first part of making boots using the pattern created in the previous video. The video was getting quite long and I didn't have the time to finish the boots, so I thought it was better to upload this in two parts. I will probably shoot the second part next weekend.

STARS & STRIPES

Happy President's Day! I promise it's just a coincidence that I'm wearing stars and stripes, lol.
I hope you all had a fantastic Valentine's Day weekend! My boyfriend and I snuck away for a weekend in Vegas--fantastic food, amazing front row seats at O (Cirque du Soleil is my favorite!), and not having to make the bed were just what we needed to recoup from our crazy busy weeks at work! 
What did you guys do this weekend? :) Any fun V-day stories? :D
[ :: Banana Republic trench (similar in sizes 2-18/similar in plus size here and here) :: H&M star print dress on sale for $7!:: ][ :: H&M clutch (similar) :: Jeffrey Campbell heels (similar/similar) :: ]







[ :: Banana Republic trench (similar in sizes 2-18/similar in plus size) :: H&M star print dress on sale for $7!:: ][ :: H&M clutch (similar) :: Jeffrey Campbell heels (similar/similar) :: ]



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Making a pattern for boots

The latest video tutorial shows you how to make a pattern for boots with open toes and heels. The reason for the design is that these are the easiest boots to make. I'll try to shoot the video about making the boots this week.

Covering card stock insoles with leather

Nothing too complicated this time, just how to use leather in the insoles.

WEEKEND WEAR

Opted for metal eyelet embellished sneakers and this super cute baseball jacket from Living Doll LA this past weekend! I don't consider myself sporty (at all), but I love adding athletics-inspired pieces to my weekend looks.  They make outfits feels easy, and there really is nothing as comfortable as sneakers! I'm usually a heels or flats kind of girl, but recently I've been craving cool sneaks for running errands without looking like I'm about to hit the gym..

[ :: oversized baseball jacket c/o Living Doll LA :: Forever 21+ skirt :: not photoshopped tank :: ][ :: Phillip Lim for Target bag :: braid and spike bracelets c/o Ettika :: ASOS sneakers :: ]








[ :: oversized baseball jacket c/o Living Doll LA :: Forever 21+ skirt :: not photoshopped tank :: ][ :: Phillip Lim for Target bag :: braid and spike bracelets c/o Ettika :: ASOS sneakers :: ]



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The many uses of sealer

No proper blog post this time either. I'm just making video tutorials at the moment and here's the latest one:

Making insoles covered with fabric

The next video shows how to use the pattern made in the previous one. I usually use leather on both sides of the card stock construction, but this time I decided to cover it with fabric.

LIVING DOLL LA

I love finding out about Cali-based, plus size designers and retailers, so when Living Doll LA reached out to me about the addition of plus sizes to their shop, I was so psyched! This video of their totally adorable plus size senior designer Christi Raye talking about the line sealed the deal for me. How perfect is that floral bomber at 1:10??? Need it in my life!
The line is definitely geared toward a younger (or young at heart!) crowd and is full of pretty prints, breezy chiffons, and sporty graphic tees. While perusing the site, I just about died for the print on this skirt, and it's just as amazing in person. I love that it can be dressed up like this for work, or paired with a cute crop top for a night out. Besides this skirt, a few of my current favorites available on their site are this lace top, this moto vest, and this crop top! Bonus points for the majority of what they carry being made in the USA!
[ :: Forever 21+ top (here) :: tye dye skirt c/o Living Doll LA, Alexander Wang bag (similar) :: ][ :: Forever 21 mary janes (similar) :: Forever 21 bracelets :: Torrid ring :: ]






[ :: Forever 21+ top (here) :: tye dye skirt c/o Living Doll LA, Alexander Wang bag (similar) :: ][ :: Forever 21 mary janes (similar) :: Forever 21 bracelets :: Torrid ring :: ]


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Making a pattern for doll shoe soles

The next video tutorial shows how to make a pattern for soles. I have explained that before, but I thought a video might still be a good idea.