Neon DIY

Oxfords

How I Styled Them

Headpiece: Belt (worn as hair accessory)

Sunnies: Go Jane

Shirt: Ross

Mint Skinny Jeans: G Stage

I had been dying to get my hands on a pair of neon trimmed oxfords. Now, I finally have a pair and the best part is that I got a fun DIY out of it.  Wanna see how?

The DIY Inspiration

Cole Haan Alisa Oxford
Image via www.colehaan.com

I had been eyeing this Cole Haan version of the neon oxford and others such as the Aldo Tozer (here) and Steve Madden Jazie  (here) for a couple of months.  My favorite part of these shoes are the colored soles. Such a nice touch. ;)

The Blank Canvas

I scored these oxfords for only $10 at a shoe store in the mall. This price was perfect since I hated the possibility of ruining a really expensive pair of shoes.  

These oxfords didn't include laces when I purchased them. After searching for a pair of matching laces, I ended up purchasing a pair at a local shoe repair shop for $5.  I got really lucky since it was the only pair he had in this style but it was the perfect length and color.  

The nail polish set me back another $3.  In total, the shoes cost me less than $20 (far less than any of the other options listed above especially the Cole Haan pair at $178).

The Tools

    

                                                                            1. Pair of plain oxfords

                                                                2. Neon nail polish (Forever 21)

                                                                3. Toothpick or small wooden stick 

                                                                4. Cotton swab

                                                                5. Paper or plastic to protect work space

                                                                6. Nail polish remover (for clean ups)

                                                                7. Masking tape (recommended)

                                                                8. Laces (optional)

The How To & Some Tips

1. Decide which parts of the oxfords you want to paint and use masking tape to protect the areas you don't want painted.
2. Paint as much or as little of the shoe as you like (I recommend at least painting the little holes, the soles, and/or the stitching to create a contrast).
3. Swap out the laces for a matching neon color or add laces if not included (these oxfords were lace free so I added a matching pair to contrast the neon space behind the laces).
4. Try to paint evenly (not too thick) and in one direction (I found that dabbing the polish on kinda of created a textured/sponged on look.  You'll want to be careful dabbing the polish on since it kinda messes up the polish brush).
5. Try to keep the polish bottle closed as much as possible during the painting process to prevent the polish from clumping (i.e. alternate between painting large and small areas and only partially open the bottle enough to dip the toothpick in when painting the stitching or the little holes-see above).
6. Use a cotton swab dipped in the polish remover to spot clean and to clean polish buildup on the toothpick.
7. Clean polish stains as soon as they happen for maximum effectiveness.

The Results

Overall, I am really pleased with the outcome. I was a little nervous at first but, once I added the laces and the cobbler complimented the results, I knew I was in the clear.  Plus, these shoes are so fun and versatile.  I love that I can pair it with just about anything. 

I hope that you guys will give this DIY a try.  It's a fun and easy way to add a little more flair to your summer wardrobe. :)

P.S. If you do give this DIY a try, share a link of the results in the comments section or send me a pic on facebook or twitter. I would love to see the results. ;)

P.P.S. I place exclusive sneak peaks and other updates about my upcoming projects on Instagram (@RejinaTyson), Facebook, and Twitter.  Don't forget to click the buttons above to follow or like me. That way you can be the first to know. Whoo hoo. ;)