As I mentioned last Thursday, I planned to create some kind of leg straps to go with the ASOS gladiator shoes I purchased. Well, I made them but the ASOS shoes didn't arrive in time for me taking photos at the weekend therefore I have taken photo's using a couple of pairs of other shoes instead.
My idea was a very simple one - to turn my existing strappy gladiator style shoes into knee high versions should I so desire. So, I created a kind of 'cage' for the leg that consists of a big zip up the middle with sections of black elastic sewn on at intervals down the leg. That simple. The zip can be worn either at the front or the back and the effect is quite Alaia/Givenchy without the expense!
I couldn't not try it with the floral dress! The zip is at the back here.
They can be used as an added texture to an outfit, as opposed to an addition to the shoe.
Coming over all Roman on your bitch asses!
Teamed with a black and purple fringed, paneled body con dress, it's Alaia on the cheap.
A very simple idea, but it's ability to transform all manner of my shoes is quite remarkable, especially as I have no shortage of shoes with which these 'cages' can go with. I also intend on adding little tassels on the end of the zips so they swish from side to side when I walk.
If the precision of the evenly placed strapping seems too hard, then taking the zip and the top and bottom sections of elastic as the foundation for your cage, you could then use thinner strapping in the centre part and criss-cross it randomly for something that's a little easier to create (no measuring required!). This would be equally effective.
In total these cost me about £6.50. That's the kind of DIY costs I like! I shall explore the same idea for my arms I think too.
Queen Michelle
I must admit I am impressed with your DIY and how cool these look! bloody hell I can't even sew a button on - i have to give all sitching jobs to mother-in-law!
Posted by: iwantaluxlife | Monday, 10 March 2008 at 09:57
So bloody creative, well done! :)
Posted by: Iconoclastic | Monday, 10 March 2008 at 10:10
That is so amazing! I think you just solved my problem of NOT being able to find gladiator sandals in Singapore!
Posted by: Stephie | Monday, 10 March 2008 at 10:41
Well done you! A snip at £6.50. I like them best with the black textured look. I'm sure you'll get loads of wear out of them. xx
Posted by: lady lisa | Monday, 10 March 2008 at 11:34
Im so copying you!
Posted by: natty | Monday, 10 March 2008 at 13:06
Great idea!! I bow down to thee. (Im trying to imagine how they'll look in nude or another color, but it seems black will be the most practical)
Posted by: jd | Monday, 10 March 2008 at 13:38
Queen M, you're amazing. Love love love the uber strappy shoes with the floral dress.
Posted by: miss woo | Monday, 10 March 2008 at 13:48
amazing! what a great idea, you always impress me with your genius diys, they're worth £650!
Posted by: selina | Monday, 10 March 2008 at 14:20
That's it, I'm making these this week, as I was JUST talking with one of my friends about not being able to find a pair of knee high gladiators. You made my Monday!
Posted by: Angie Montreal | Monday, 10 March 2008 at 14:22
I really like how it looks with the zip up the front. Now you just need to start making them in colors!
Posted by: Eli | Monday, 10 March 2008 at 14:59
ahhhhh that's freaking amazing omg! i especially love the black outfit where they serve as texture!!! cool cool cool
Posted by: raq | Monday, 10 March 2008 at 15:03
Goshhh!!! You are exploding with DIY goodness!
Posted by: Tiffany | Monday, 10 March 2008 at 15:19
omg this is amazing!!! very genius, a super idea! Unfortunately it had to start with buying matching shoes, first...
Posted by: the_kitten | Monday, 10 March 2008 at 15:25
Great idea! You really do have a lot of great shoes to work these with.
Posted by: loopylulu | Monday, 10 March 2008 at 16:12
Good work!
Posted by: WendyB | Monday, 10 March 2008 at 16:29
Those look amazing. Your DIY projects always look so professional!
Posted by: yulanda | Monday, 10 March 2008 at 17:28
I have to say that I was skeptical (read: laughing and pointing) until I got to "black and purple fringed", at which point I sat up and said, "That doesn't look half bad!"
V. cool.
Posted by: Peeper | Monday, 10 March 2008 at 17:58
Genius!! You should sell these on etsy!!!
Posted by: Jane | Monday, 10 March 2008 at 18:29
THAT IS BRILLIANT!!!!! THE SECOND OUTFIT IS AMAZING WITH THOSE STRAPPY THINGS!!! AND YES I"M SHOUTING!!!!
Posted by: bex | Monday, 10 March 2008 at 19:27
I love the first pair of shoes, where are they from?
Posted by: Samantha | Monday, 10 March 2008 at 19:30
Whoa! Those balloony pants in the second outfit are gorgeous. Please tell me they are not vintage!
I also love these elastic zip things that you've made. I might try them in some lovely neon color...
Posted by: Dorothy | Monday, 10 March 2008 at 20:09
Bex, I hear you...all the way here in Glasgow! LOL!
Samantha, the shoes are from Vagabond
Dorothy, the bloomers are from All Saints. I cannot find any other coloured elastic except black and white, but coloured ones would indeed be great.
Posted by: Queen Michelle | Monday, 10 March 2008 at 20:29
that is awesome... something i certainly have to try!
Posted by: lady coveted | Monday, 10 March 2008 at 21:30
OMG... those are frickin' amazing!!! I will certainly have to try!!!
Posted by: Stylish Thought | Monday, 10 March 2008 at 21:46
DIY at it's best - absolutely brilliant! Would be great with a different colored zip too!
/Maria
Posted by: maria | Monday, 10 March 2008 at 23:23