Friday, March 14, 2008

Chain 'em Up!

I'd thought I'd start out my first (well, 2nd) post with a nice DIM (did-it-myself) project!
A few weeks ago a saw these great little ankle boots at a second hand store, and pretty much any shoe I like that fits... I buy. I loves that they went so low, literally below the ankle, and the nice pointy shape of the toe. It wasn't until I got home that I discovered they were a bit cowboy-ish. I wore them to my lectures the next day and one of my friends commented: "Hey, nice cowboy boots", which just ensured my fear even further. I am not a country western kinda gal, so I knew something had to be done.

I thought about it for a few days and decided to embellish them with chains, in hopes of leaning away from their cowgirl demeanor.
First, I used a hammer and nail to poke 2 holes on both sides of each boot. This wasn't too hard, as long as you put something in the shoes for support.
Next I cut 4 pieces of silver chain, 2 to be draped over each boot. Two were about 10 inches long, the other two just slightly shorter at about 8 1/2 inches.
Then I took a small jump ring and put the 2 chain ends through (one short, one long) and put the ring through the two holes I had punched.
I used some needlenose pliers to squeeze the ring shut, and soldered it closed just to be safe. (This is optional, I really think it would stay put without it)
I then strung the chain through another ring and did the same for the other side, and Viola, new NON-cowboy boots! (or so I hope...)




I've worn them a few times and they're perfect! The chains stay draped just right, except when going down stairs they jingle a bit.
Now I think they look a bit Lagerfeld-esqe, which can't be a bad thing!

This same type of thing could be done with almost any other type of shoe (please, no sneakers!), like these heels:

Try it out yourself, and Good Luck!

Hi There, and Welcome!

You've stumbled upon Nice and Shiny, a fashion blog about... well, fashion!
My goal for this blog is to have a place to talk about my own observations and ideas about style, along with keeping up to date in the bigger fashion world all around us.
I'm drawn to fashion because of the messages that we give to others in our style of dress. Whether your young, or just young at heart, style can be spoken in so many ways and means something different to all of us.
Expect a lot of craft and DIY ideas, for those of us who don't have access to high-end retail (or the cash for that matter!), outfit inspirations, runway trends and style ideas taken everywhere from movies, to the streets!
Check back soon and thanks for stopping by!
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