Wild/Glittery Shoe.Re.Do

Greetings from the West Coast!  

I've settled easily into my summer in San Diego in the past few weeks.  This marks my fourth summer working at the Old Globe Theater on their Shakespeare festival.  I'm helping to build elements of the costumes for three shows but my primary project so far has been making 16 sets of custom armor for the performance of Richard III.  Its not something I've ever done, but I've had a great time working through the challenges and learning some new techniques and materials.

Besides work, I was pulled back to San Diego to be near the boyfriend.  After almost 9 months of being long distance (California-Ohio), its so wonderful to be in close proximity for a few months.  We've picked up right where we left off and I must say, there isn't much better in life than summer in sunny San Diego and a cute Cali boy to spend it with.

Of course, Discotoes came right along with me and I've got several new pairs of shoes created already!!

Today, I'm going to share a really fun "Shoe-Re-Do"!  Super cute Mommy (and Mommy to be!) Becca  had a pair of wedges that needed a new life.  

Becca, Mommy to Joshua and (coming soon!) 'Tater'

The shoes (below!) were still in good shape but Becca was ready to give them a fun and funky new life.  She gave me free reign to do what I wanted with them and when I suggested a little leopard print, she was all for it.

Since the upper part of the shoe is a suede like material, I covered it in a really fun mocha glitter mix.  I hand painted the wedge with the leopard print that matches the glitter.  I really love the transformation  and I think Becca will be such a Hot Momma rocking them around town, kiddos in tow!!

This is Becca's first peek at the shoes...what do you think she'll have to say about them?!

Feature on Cincy Chic!

I'm SO excited to share a very cool Feature Article about Discotoes on Cincy Chic!!

You can read the article HERE

Cincy Chic is an "online lifestyle publication for women in the Greater Cincinnati area" that send a weekly e-zine to over 20,000 subscribers.  Each new issue has "a feature story, a fitness Q&A column, a movie column, a "Chic Spotlight" which hilights a newsworthy local woman and five editorial departments in the following topics: health, beauty, fashion, social, and career."

This past fall, I attended the "Bras with Flair on the Square" fashion show and bra decorating fundraiser in Fountain Square here in Cincinnati.  It was such a fun event with great fashions and super fun decorated bras!  I'm looking forward to attending more as I continue my adventures here in Ohio.


I'm making the move West for the summer at the end of this week.  While I'm looking forward to spending time with my Honey and catching up with San Diego friends, I'm sure going to miss Cincinnati for a few months!  Worry not, I'll still be Discotoe-ing from So-Cal!!

Bridal in the front, Barbie in the back!!

When Erin first started talking to me about creating a pair of Custom Discotoes to gift her Bride to be BFF, I knew we were going to come up with something truly fabulous.  She explained to me a bit about the wedding, showed me the bridesmaids dresses (of which Erin is one!), and most importantly, described the Bride's wedding gown.  The bride had already chosen her Paris Hilton White Satin pumps so we had a fabulous base to work from.  

The brides gown was described to me as heavily beaded/sparkly on top with a fun and feathery skirt!! It sounds really amazing.  The bridesmaids are wearing a beautiful ocean blue cocktail dress with silvery shoes.  Our first impulse for the design of the shoe was to use blue stones to match the bridesmaids and of course, be the Bride's 'something blue'. After further consideration (and taking into account the bright pink sole that came on the bottom of the shoe), we decided that a bright pink stone, while complementing the bright blue dresses would also be more wearable in the future for this fun loving Bride.  The Indian Pink Swarovski Pink crystals were a beautiful match for the sole and I started referring to the shoes as Bridal Barbie!!

The finished shoe is "Bridal in the front, Barbie in the back"!!

I just adore the little pearl heart detail on the outside of one of the shoes!  Its such a fun little surprise and so sweet!

The Bride has been kept in the dark about the final design (She REALLY trusts her Bridesmaid's opinion!) and I cannot wait to hear of her reaction!  Hopefully in a few months I'll be able to post some photos of the beautiful Bride in her custom Discotoes.

Sorry Mr. Shark...

Can you believe this guy?!  Sorry Mr. Shark, but you are not laying a fin on MY Discotoes!

They probably wouldn't fit you anyways.

I had so much fun attending a social networking event with my Housemate this week at the Newport Aquarium, across the river from Cincinnati.  It has been a few years since i've been to an aquarium, but this one did not disappoint!  I want to go back when the penguins are awake and moving about as it was their bedtime by the time we made our way around to them that evening.  The dress code was business casual which was easy for the mostly male Engineers for whom the event was for.  As a guest, I went for my version of Artsy Casual as I don't own dress pants except in red and you certainly won't find a suit in my closet.  I brought out my favorite new spring time dress and some fun red and yellow accents and felt like I fit right in (or maybe stood out just enough!).

Shoes: Discotoes and Jessica Simpson

Dress: Jason Wu for Target (blogged about here!)

Red Cardigan: Old Navy

Mustard Belt: Target

Block it out: the Color Block trend meets shoes!

I'm sure you've heard about this fancy new (or not so new) trend of COLOR BLOCKING.

Honestly, it sounds a bit ominous at first, but it is quite simple.  Think large brush strokes of bold and or contrasting colors in your garment or accessory.  My favorite way we're seeing this look is with colored jeans (oh yes they are back!) and a solid colored or white blouse.  

Another way to show off this trend is in your footwear.  Not feeling bold enough to wear head to toe jewel tones?  Go for a neutral outfit and finish it with a Color Blocked look on your feet!  

Here are some of my favorites, all found at www.DSW.com

As much as I love Teal and Orange together, I also love this Teal and Red Pump!  The pop of color on the heel and in the piping are just too adorable!

Audrey Brooke Portia Pump

BCBG Paris Innax Wedge Sandal at DSW

The subtle contrast between the burnt orange, pumpkin orange, and fuchsia pink remind me of a fading summer sunset.  These would be perfect paired with a bright pink floral dress!

Madden Girl Naughtyy Sandal at DSW

I have always loved green and purple together, probably from my days of being obsessed with drawing purple flowers with green curly vines and leaves.  This platform double mary jane pump  takes my childhood love to a whole new level!  

Madeline Girl Tender Pump at DSW

Toni Pump at DSW

Audrey Brooke Portia Pump at DSW

The jewel tones in this strappy heel would bring sophistication to an otherwise wild design.  With a shoe this busy, pair them with black skinny pants and and a jewel tone top for a sassy/classy look.

Rampage Genova Sandal at DSW

I really love these cobalt and silver shoes.  Not only are the colors contrasting, but the textures are as well with a soft buttery suede and a slick shiny leather.  

BC Footwear Any Minute Pump at DSW

Trixie Pump at DSW

Do you have a favorite color blocked shoe?  Would you even consider wearing this bright, bold trend?

Pretty/Gritty Photoshoot Video!

I am so excited to share this short video by Classic Filmworks out of San Diego of the Rocker Chic photo shoot I participated in last week when I was visiting SD.  Not only is the video really fantastic, but you will definitely see several pairs of Discotoes throughout.  I can't wait to see the full set of photos, but for now, here's a quick peek at what we were up to!



Urban Style Photo Video/ Shoot at the Keating Hotel from nangrenier on Vimeo.

If you are a Southern California Bride or you just love looking at unique wedding inspiration, check out the Urban Style Wedding Network Blog.  They put this shoot together and did a really fabulous job!!

Walk like an Egyptian...

I'm all packed and ready to head out to San Diego for the week!  I'll be delivering shoes for two shoots while I'm there for Urban Style Wedding Network and for Designs by Spring.  If you saw the last post, you got a look at the Gritty/Pretty spiked platforms I created.  Below is my modern take on the blue and gold of Egyptian art and culture on some adorable blue suede sandals.

Can't wait to see what both talented groups come up with for the shoots!!