About Malwina Gudowska
Well-versed in all sartorial matters, Calgary City Editor Malwina Gudowska is forever fighting the good fight in abolishing that awful moniker (starts with cow and ends with town) that has undeservingly been bestowed on her city. With timely tips, insider info and the latest scoops, she’ll take you into the heart of the cool new West.
DIY Stylin' Soles
cool & collected in calgary: shoe fix Calgary, canada
(Jan.18.12)
I'm happy to report that I've just discovered a way to combine two of my New Year's resolutions into one easy do-it-yourself activity, that also happens to involve one of my favourite things: shoes.
First, I should probably tell you what these two resolutions are, beginning with a story from a couple of years ago when I was watching an interview online with T's Sally Singer (she was still at Vogue then). Singer was talking about supporting young designers and somewhere in there, she mentioned she sometimes wears her designer dresses to get coffee, because what's the point of having beautiful pieces and not wearing them unless there's an occasion. I loved that. Because I work from home, I often complain about not having anywhere to wear my dressier ensembles.
For me, it's not so much the idea of dressing up on a regular day but at least trying to wear the clothes you love and that make you feel good even if you're just heading to get groceries. So to build on that resolution from a couple of years ago, this year, I want to try to wear everything in my closet. And if I don't, it means it's time to get rid of that/those item(s).
The other resolution is to be more creative. I used to paint a lot but sadly, I haven't in a long time. Painting is a time-consuming activity and although I want to get back into it, I am allowing any type of creativity to count.
And finally, the full circle: shoes. While going through my front closet, I started pulling out shoes I haven't worn in a long time but I am not quite ready to give up on yet. And so I've devised three ways to update the footwear while catering to my creative side.
1. The Chain Game
Aldo used to sell cool shoe accessories like chains and studded leather belt-like wraparounds (similar to the one on the See by Chloe boot here) but it doesn't look like the company is carrying them this season. No problem. You can make your own chain adornments from, well, regular chain pieces or linking studded leather bracelets together. In Calgary, check out Beadles for a variety of chains that can be bought by the metre.
Degree of difficulty: Super easy and you can use the same chain/belt for differrent shoes.
2. Toe Tap
I love these Marc Jacobs brogues with the capped toe but instead of purchasing with a click (I won't judge if you go that route), I am going to try to create a similar pair myself (minus the houndstooth pattern, that is). Catalog, a magazine I picked up in Singapore has an easy-to-follow tutorial on p. 40 that gives you a step-by-step lesson how to update boring brogues with a little colour on the toe and back of the shoe. All you need is some acrylic paint, masking tape and a steady hand.
Degree of difficulty: tricky so proceed with caution (and maybe on a not-so-expensive pair of shoes).
3. To Dye For
In early fall, I pulled out a pair of light brown booties from the closet only to find there was a watermark or stain on them. It was a darker brown spot right on the toe that would not come out. I took them to Alpine Shoe Service in Calgary and the knowledgeable owners (they really are amazing) said they couldn't do much but I could try Woly Wax Color. The opaque cream polish is strong enough to cover most scuffs and scratches so I am hoping it does the trick. And this way, my light brown booties will feel like a brand new dark brown pair.
Degree of difficulty: Very tricky to get a smooth finish, and to be honest I am nervous to try it myself but I will keep you posted.
