Strassing And All That Jazz

If you haven’t heard about Strassing yet, you haven’t explored a whole world of possibilities of shoe transformation, enhancement and adornment.

Strass and Strassing

Going to the dictionary definition, strass refers to flint glass with a high lead content that is used to imitate precious stones. It is also a synonym for ‘rhinestone’ taking the name from its inventor Georg Friedrich Strass. Now the concept of strass has evolved into ‘strassing’, which is the use of Swarovski crystals to beautify shoes.

Increasingly those who love their shoes and want to own a beautiful, one of a kind pair are using crystal embellishments to make a shoe statement like no other. It is about wearing a work of art, of upping the intrinsic worth of a shoe not just because of how stunningly they can be transformed but also because of having added to the shoes, crystals that are highly valuable by themselves.

The options and the permutations and combinations that can be achieved are literally limitless. The options in terms of the kind of shoes used, the sort of heels they have, their color and their material provide a sort of canvass on which the artist is to paint a masterpiece.

Then, using different gluing techniques and picking from a mind boggling variety of stunning stones: a wide selection in terms of color, size and brilliance, the crystals, which add sparkle, definition and texture; transform a mere shoe into a veritable work of art that spells luxury and class!

Beads, flat backs, rounded stones, sew on stones, buttons, crystal pearls, metal trimmings, crystal fabric, crystal transfers can all create stunning effects.

It is possible to add crystals to the entire shoe or to just a part of the shoe to create interesting shades and contrasts.

Strassing with crystals

Shoe collectors know all about the legend of Christian Louboutin and his resolve to make a woman look sexy, beautiful, to make her legs look as long as [he] can. Principally responsible for the return of the stiletto in the 1990’s and the 2000s, he has brought us the epitome of the dress shoe, replete with bows, feathers, bejeweled straps, and stunning patent leather finishes.

The luxury and glamour that are associated with Louboutin’s designs lend themselves naturally to strassing or the crystallizing process with fabulous results. This is not to say that only Louboutin’s designs will work for strassing; far from it.

It is good quality shoes – peep toes, pumps and any other suitable style – that is the requirement. Quality raw materials, sound construction and exquisite design all go into making that quality shoe. It doesn’t even have to be a brand new shoe; pre-owned, high-end shoes will work just as well for strassing.

The surface of the shoe matters for how successful the strassing will be. Leather and satin finishes work very well and these can also be painted to a base shade identical to or close to the crystal colors that one may want.

Who’s Strassing

An increasing number of professionals and DIY enthusiasts, that’s who! You just have to visit an online forum or two like purseblog.com to know how much of a rage strassing is! Forum commentators discuss the type of shoes that form the base of their project, the type of crystals they use and how many will be required given the size, the type of gluing process they use (some use Barge Cement some use Gem-tac glue), and the amount of time the entire project will take.

Strassers offer each other tips and pointers for their projects and also help by posting pictures of the work in progress and finally the finished project. Discussions also involve the process of using combinations of different sizes of crystals: using smaller sized crystals to fill in any of the gaps left over by the larger ones.

A forum such as weddingbee.com also has threads dedicated to DIY strassing projects since many brides to be, want that very special shoe for that very special day. The best deals for buying the crystals and where to source them from are other topics of discussion on these forums.

And it isn’t just the girls either who are strassing and getting a kick out of their sparkly shoes. Guys are doing it too! Mark MacKillop, singer, actor, model and dancer is also a shoe lover. He was featured in the April-June 2012 edition in one of his perfectly self-strassed shoes. Not only does he enjoy high heeled shoes (and a growing tribe of men do this), he successfully strassed thousands of dollars worth of Swarovski crystals on to a pair of gray Oxfords from Kenneth Cole. Like any woman would, he enjoys making an entrance as well; with all eyes on him in those stunning footwear creations that are the result of his own toil!

Strassing can be time consuming and can require a lot of skills. So for those of you who fear soiling or spoiling expensive shoes with clumsy attempts and glue stains, there is always an option to submit the pair to professionals to let them do all the work. You have to be prepared to brave the exuberant cost in the thousands of dollars to cover time, labor and cost of materials. Needless to say, you can always settle for the retail store versions for just about the same price, also in the thousands of dollars. To self-strass is a matter of time consumption; DIY derives a custom-made color theme versus retail cost for an already made color theme dictated by the designer for the season.

If opting to brave the odds with the DIY route, professionals do point out that the shoe surfaces that work best for strassing are suede, satin, calfskin/nappa or laminato leather and that the laminato leather works best because the sheen of the shoe disguises the glue perfectly. Patent leather is unable to absorb glue and so is not advisable.

Several channels on YouTube offers glimpses of stunning strassing projects, using principally, shoes from Christian Louboutin, Yves Saint Laurent, Gianmarco Lorenzi and Giuseppe Zanotti pairs. Again it isn’t just the women who look to add sparkles to their collection, men also realize the amazing things that strassing can do to their shoes. Strassing is also a great way to give an old pair a “face lift” from the old worn out form it had been before. So consider this before you toss out an old favored pair.

Strassing is something that you can do or get done to your prized shoes in order that you can fall in love with them…. All over again!

Featured shoes in the article: A classic Yves Saint Laurent Tribtoo suede pumps every inch of the surface embellished entirely, in various sizes, with genuine Swarovski crystals. Strassing and photo by Editor-in-Chief & Creative Director Tinu, which she completed in between work deadlines and daily work schedules. Total time of completion of a full pair, 68 hours! We really don’t know how she does it!

An exclusive by Denise Waller, first published in the July-Sept 2012 edition of Shoeholics magazine. All rights reserved

I haven’t always been addicted to shoes. In fact, when I was growing up, buying shoes was a chore. I had a pair of tennis shoes, a pair of sandals, and somewhere in my closet was a pair of dress shoes. I also had a pair of steel toe boots that I wore all the time. I didn’t care about fashion until I was 17, and took a chance on a pair of wedges. I had no idea that those wedges would change my life, and start the best addiction a woman can have – an addiction to shoes!

I bought my first pair of heels from a discount store. I didn’t want to invest in something that I wasn’t sure I’d like. I wobbled around the store while the associate held my arm so I wouldn’t fall over. I’d never walked in heels before, let alone 4 inch heels. They were pink with a flower on the vamp, and I thought they were pretty, so I bought them and took them home.

That was eight years ago. I still have that pair of pretty pink heels. They sit proudly with my other pink heels and wedges. Over the years, my collection has grown from one pair of wedges and heels each, to nearly 150 pairs of shoes and boots. They take over my two bedroom apartment. I refuse to pack any away because I love them all and I never know when I’ll need a certain pair. Recently, while re-organizing my shoes, a question came to mind – how will I know when I have an actual shoe addiction? I started thinking, and came up with this:

Signs of a shoe addiction:

• You can’t visit any store without checking the shoe section, even if you were just there yesterday.
• You browse online shoe sites daily to check for sales and clearance updates.
• Shoe store and shoe department associates know you by name.
• Your shoe collection is organized by color and designer.
• You know what every shoe designer looks like and could identify them in a photo line up.
• You have shoes you haven’t worn yet but you are still hunting for deals on the hottest pairs.
• You have a pair for every occasion you can possibly think of, but still buy more.
• You plan your outfits around the shoes you want to wear.
• You are constantly thinking about shoes.
• You leave the house wearing two different shoes because you have many different pairs that look the same.
• You name your first born child after your favorite shoe designer.
• You find a pair you love and you buy it in every color available.
• Basic black comes in 14 shades.
• You have to store your shoes in the oven, so your oven rack becomes a shoe rack.
• For holidays and birthdays, all you ask for are shoes you are crushing on.
• You wear a different pair of shoes every day for one year, and still haven’t worn every pair you own.
• You make excuses for why you bought another pair – you don’t have that shade of red, or you don’t have that heel height in that

Having a shoe addiction does have downfalls. It can be expensive. I’ve noticed that my addiction is so strong that if I am going to a store to buy a gift for someone and I happen to spot an awesome pair of shoes, I don’t leave the store without those shoes. I happily bring the shoes home, model them for my husband, and then put them among their place in my collection.

Another downfall is space. When you are insanely proud of your collection, the last thing you want to do is store it away in totes and boxes where no one can see it. You want to be able to showcase the entire collection and show it off whenever someone, anyone, comes over – the mailman, the pizza delivery person, even the political solicitors.

The good thing about a shoe addiction is that you have something physical to show for your money. You are always known for having the coolest shoes, and people compliment your collection. It’s a great feeling to put so much into your collection and have someone say, “wow! I really like those shoes. Where did you get them?”

Another good thing is that wearing your favorite pair of shoes can put you in a better mood. Just looking down at your feet during a bad day can put a smile on your face. You know that even though the day is long, you get to go home with those awesome shoes. Buying a pair of new shoes does the same to boost your mood. Many of us go shopping to ease a bad mood. When you come upon a pair of shoes that you know were made just for you, all bad things are forgotten and your day is that much brighter.

It’s safe to say that I am addicted to shoes. They bring me a happiness and air of calmness that few other things do. I definitely encourage you to keep up with your collection and to enjoy it. You’ve put a lot of hard work into obtaining those shoes, and you should be proud. I know I am.

An exclusive by Andrea Gunderson, first published in the Jan-Mar 2012 edition of Shoeholics magazine. All rights reserved

Ever wondered how Shoeholics came about? Ever wondered what’s in our DNA as a community, as a brand, or publication? Alas! Here’s your chance to get to know more!

Shoeholics founder, Tinu rarely gives interviews but decided to have a one-on-one chat with the voice of authority in the publishing just a few days ago, with Samir “Mr Magazine” Husni. He is the founder and director of the Magazine Innovation Center at the University of Mississippi’s Meek School of Journalism and New Media. He is also Professor and Hederman Lecturer at the School of Journalism. As Mr. Magazine™ he engages in media consulting and research for the magazine media and publishing industry. Mr Magazine is highly regarded and respected in the publishing world circuit.

The pair first met 2.5 years ago at the MIN Awards where Shoeholics was one of the Hottest Launches of the Year nominee, beating out over 750 other magazines for the short list of 15 finalists. Fast forward to May 2015, just last week via a phone chit-chat with Mr Magazine, the dynamic and free spirited editor Tinu opened up about Shoeholics, the music video that started it all, the struggles, the success, the humble beginnings, and so much more! This would be the first time Tinu has ever discussed Shoeholics in great length! It’s a candid interview you don’t want to miss! CLICK HERE to read all about it!

Click here to grab your FREE COPY of Shoeholics Magazine. Be sure to check out more on Instagram

Tinu and Mr Magazine at the MIN Awards

Mr Magazine introducing Shoeholics at the MIN Awards

We have all seen the glamorous mommies-to-be in magazines, TV and on the net – the likes of Jessica Alba, Victoria Beckham (aka Posh spice, famous mother of four now), Rachel Zoe and any number of others, appearing in public, visibly pregnant; and in high heels; many of them some real sky scrapers as well!

So should all pregnant women take a leaf out of this particular book (and women do feel pressured to keep up with celebrity trends) and continue to wear high heels in pregnancy as well? Well the answer to that would have to be a reluctant Probably Not!

Many doctors advise against pregnant women wearing high heels, which are generally defined as any footwear that is anything higher than two inches. This is true in particular during the latter half of the pregnancy. However until such time as the belly is not of very large size, and the feet don’t really feel uncomfortable in those gorgeous shoes, it is safe to assume that high heels are not going to cause any harm!

The main reason for not wearing high heels in pregnancy is the obvious one – a woman puts on a significant amount of weight and this weight is concentrated on the abdomen, altering a woman’s center of gravity. This change in the center of gravity can take a lot of getting used to and may make a woman’s gait different, disturb her balance, making her unsteady and the high heels an unsuitable choice of footwear. So during the last trimester it may be a better idea to eschew glamour in favor of comfort.

During the last trimester, when the belly is big enough that most women cannot see their toes, high heels are less of a great idea because they increase a woman’s chances of falling and injuring herself as well as her unborn baby. Not to put too fine a point to it, many women find that they are way clumsier well into their pregnancy and so more prone to minor accidents.

If a woman is suffering back pain (a common complaint during pregnancy) she may find that the high heels tend to exacerbate this problem. An estimated 7 out of 10 pregnant women experience some type of foot problem including swelling of the feet or ankles, foot pain and so on. This can be further aggravated by improper footwear.

So are high heels a complete No-No in pregnancy? Well they aren’t forbidden, but they will probably be uncomfortable enough to want to give up on them voluntarily.

However if they have to be worn experts advice that they be worn only occasionally and then at times when there is no requirement to be on one’s feet for extended periods of time. An additional tip would be to carry along sneakers to change into as soon as possible!

And they said that you should be walking around in high heels – there is nothing to say that you cannot pose before the mirror in those gorgeous red stilettos in the comfort of your own home to admire yourself! Or that you cannot put on your favorite sky-high shoes and admire your feet as you put them up for a little rest! So be creative and indulge that shoe fetish – so what if you’re 7, 8 or even 9 months along? Line them up on a table and just admire them, stay connected to yours shoes at all times!

Exclusively written by Denise Waller for Shoeholics Magazine Jan-Mar 2012 issue

Click here to grab your FREE COPY of current edition. Be sure to check out more on Instagram

Daisy Lewellyn

Here at Shoeholics Magazine, it’s our PASSION to highlight ambitious fashionistas that are divas on a budget.  From top CEOs to celebrities on the red carpet, there’s nothing better than seeing a woman make moves and look great while saving a little money.  Today, we highlight Daisy Lewellyn, Style Expert and star of Bravo’s hit series “Blood, Sweat, and Heels”, who in her everyday work strives to help women look and feel amazing without sacrificing their bank accounts.

Exclusive Interview by Afriyie Amankwaa (AA) for Shoeholics

AA: First off, let me just say congratulations on the success of Never Pay Retail Again:
Shop Smart Spend Less Look Your Best Ever! How does it feel to have such a critically acclaimed book?

Daisy: It’s been great!  It’s something that everybody can benefit from because hey, we all wanna save money! We all want to pay less for Prada and have the champagne style on a sparkling water budget. It’s been pretty fantastic. It hasn’t only been fantastic for me. I just really love to have the power to have the ability to help people enhance their lifestyle. I think when you dress; better, you work better, when you look better, you feel better.

AA: On “Blood, Sweat, and Heels”, you just have a way of making your wardrobe, especially your shoes, look fabulous. What’s the most that you’ve ever spent on a pair of shoes?

Daisy:  [laughs] Shoes are definitely something that you don’t have to feel bad for investing in. When I say investing in, I mean that it’s OK to spend a little more money on them. They can just last you longer. The most I’ve [probably] spent on a pair shoes… and you’re going to crack up about this but I’m telling the truth… was a pair of Costume National boots that I got for about $300 working as an assistant at Instyle Magazine. I just thought OMG! this was so much money. People don’t know that when you start working in magazines you don’t make a lot of money. You make like the bare minimum but working in an industry where you have to look like you make a lot of money. I bought those boots and loved them. They were dark brown, flat, riding boots with an amazing texture on the back and on the toe. And I still wear those boots to this day.

AA: When did you get them?

Daisy: This was ten years ago. I’ve taken them to the shoe repairer to get them conditioned. Every winter, they get a new heel and they are still with me. So, even though I paid $300 ten years ago, I feel like I just paid $3 because I really got my money’s worth.

AA: Did you ever get worried that they would go out of style and people would just be like OK, she’s cheap?

Daisy: Are you kidding?! No. You don’t spend money on fads but classic trends. Classic trends to me are things that are very stylish and a trend but a classic. So, riding boots are the classic trend for fall. The trench coat is a classic trend for spring. I love riding boots and the best thing about them is that they’re stylish and comfortable! So, you do not have to walk in pain and you look stylish. They suck in your legs and you look even skinnier, which we love!!

AA:  You wore a bold orange dress with orange booties and gold accessories on the Meredith Viera show. Didn’t you think that was over the top? Wouldn’t you have matched your shoes to your accessories or just wear black shoes?

Daisy: I’m from California and I think that has its advantages when it comes to fashion. I’ve never been afraid of color. I also believe the way that you dress reflects the way that you feel. I’m a very happy person and wearing a lot of colors makes me happy. So, I like to say that I wear a lot of happy clothes.

I don’t believe that Black shoes are the holy grail of every outfit. There are colors that you can wear. You can wear navy shoes, orange shoes and wear them with just as many colors as you can wear with black. So as a stylist, it’s my job to make sure women are comfortable with bold colors such as orange. Some people aren’t comfortable with color so we might not start off with an orange bootie like I wore. But, maybe we can start something like an orange clutch or wallet. You have to take baby steps when it comes into the world of color but before you know it you’ll be wearing orange head to toe!

Daisy on the Meredith Viera show

AA: Are there any colors that are just a “no – no” and should not go together?

Daisy: I’m all about breaking fashion rules but feel that you need to do what makes the most sense for you. I don’t really like it (and maybe I broke my own rule on the Meredith Vieria show) when people are too “matchy matchy”. I wore the orange dress and orange bootie. If I wore something else that was orange, it wouldn’t have complimented the outfit at all. If I wore orange earrings, orange necklace, orange panties I would’ve been basic. Being too “matchy matchy” makes you 1.) Look older 2.) Look like you’re limiting yourself. It’s a common thing in older African American women. I don’t know why. But, they love to have that one color and rock it head to toe!  At church, they have the red hat, red dress, and red jacket! So, don’t think if it matches but just think does this combination go together well.

AA: If you had to trade your shoe closet with another celebrity, who would it be?

Daisy: That’s a great question. Everyone is looking so darn good these days.  I really like Blake Lively’s style. She always looks great on the red carpet. But, I also really love Beyonce. She always has a great pair of heels on and is just the queen. Actually, I think Beyonce would win because she always has a great pair of heels on when she’s wearing jeans or even playing with her daughter.

AA: Are you looking at any new designers for the winter season?

Daisy: I love my classic designers like DVF but also have my eye on LaQuan Smith. He’s style Rihanna, Wendy Williams at the Soul Train Awards. He’s pure style and is just fearless in his designs and his designs just speak so much. So, I really got my eye on him.

AA: What is the winter must have?

Daisy: OMG. I have two things: 1.) I need a black cashmere pullover sweater from Bloomingdales 2.) A black fur scarf just because I love fur and can bring glam to any outfit.

Blake Lively

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