Followers

Friday, June 15, 2012

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. ;) 





Pin It

67 comments:

  1. Wow, this is amazing! You did such a great job on these! Love the outcome and you look great! xx

    Pip
    http://easyoutfitsbypip.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. Super cool! It's very impressive. Awesome outfit combo!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I only happened upon your blog just yesterday. It is such a breath of fresh air! Finally a style blogger who really sews - again refreshing. I've cruised the blog back to day one and am very impressed with your work.

    Do you ever share information about specific patterns you use for your garments??? I for one am very interested in knowing, mainly because I sew also.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much Faye. It's always so nice to discover other bloggers that sew, so I totally know how you feel. I am so flattered that you took the time to check out everything that I made. That's so awesome. ;)

      As for the patterns, let me know which pieces you want to know about and I can update you on how I made it. ;) I hope you won't be a stranger. ;)

      Delete
  4. P.S. I am contemplating adding a new element to my blog (fayessewingadventure) in which I feature new and interesting blogs that I discover - like yours. Would you be interesting in doing a mini interview with me as a feature for my blog???

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Faye, I would love to do this. Just let me know what you need me to do. ;)

      Delete
  5. Amazing .love the Outfit! You look fabulous!
    Thank you for the nice Comment ,i´m happy about that :)

    Wish you a great Sunday<3

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks a lot and no prob. I def had a great Sunday so I definitely appreciate the well wishes. ;)

      Delete
  6. whoa, this looks really super whimsical and stylish!
    follow u back;)

    cheers
    Helen

    ReplyDelete
  7. oh my gosh can’t believe you DIYed those oxfords.. they are amazing!! And I love your whole outfit too!!

    www.alliesfashionalley.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks a lot. It was a pretty easy DIY. I love it!

      Delete
  8. OMG these look amazing!!! So cool!
    I would love for you to visit my blog sometime!!
    :)
    Allison
    afashionfiles.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Allison. Checked out your blog and love it! ;)

      Delete
  9. Your outfits are so amazing and special! :) Really beautiful photos, love them! :) Best wishes

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Romina. This is such a sweet comment. Yay! ;)

      Delete
  10. That is sooo cool! :)

    Followed you through GFC.
    Pls follow mine, too!

    http://carmiscaprice.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  11. Ok this is genius! DIY always blows my mind, and this is just amazing, I would never in a billion years even considered using nail polish!

    Amazing!
    Have a great week
    SDMxx
    http://daringcoco.blogspot.com.au/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks a lot Sonia. Nail polish is a surprisingly effective way to change up a pair of shoes. ;)

      Delete
  12. Love how you made this! I have some oxfords that need this makeover! and I love your outfit - so cool, especially the mint pants!
    -Che

    style-che.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You should so totally give your oxfords the make over and when you do, do share the results. I would love to see it. Thanks for the compliments too. Those mint pants are my new fav. I can't get enough of it. ;)

      Delete
    2. Followed you back - will definitely try this, I have lots of time :)

      Delete
    3. Cool. Yay! ;) Can't wait to see the results! ;)

      Delete
  13. You are so awesome for this DIY! I love it. I am always afraid to mess up my shoes with a project. Maybe I should go look for some cheap shoes that I won't worry about messing up. I LOVE this DIY though. So brilliant.

    Amy

    fashionandbeautyfinds.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I felt the same way when I considered trying this DIY, so I totally understand. You should def find some cheap shoes that you won't feel bad messing up and go for it. If you do it, I definitely want to see the results. :)
      Thanks also for the DIY love. ;)

      Delete
  14. Great DIY..I love creative minds..YOu look awesome..Great job

    www.jayla31.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Jaela. You're so sweet. ;) I love creative minds too. ;)

      Delete
  15. oh i love those pants! and omg how creative are you??:) nailpolish as a color for the shoes, great idea!:) lots of love xx

    ReplyDelete
  16. this is such a great diy!!!!! i totally wanna try this!!!! :D

    katslovefashion.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks. You definitely should. It's pretty easy and doesn't require too many supplies. ;)

      Delete
  17. You are so creative, great job! I really like these shoes...wow.

    http://berry-dew.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  18. Such a great DIY and the oxford look so gorgeous! Great match with your outfit too. Great post! xo akiko
    Style Imported

    ReplyDelete
  19. wow! you look absolutely awesome! do you want follow each other?!
    Kisses!!

    www.marilynsclosetblog.com

    ReplyDelete
  20. I already saw this on your instagram ;) haha
    This is amazing!!
    You are so creative-* like it!

    Pinkbow Icecream

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Haha...I did post it there too. Thanks a lot for the sweet compliments. You're so awesome! ;)

      Delete
  21. Wow, how creative you are! :) Your 'new' shoes look so cool! :) Nice yellow detailing! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Minna. I live for creative expression so this little project was definitely fun. ;)

      Delete
  22. Wow, your outfit is perfect! I like this combination so much :) Amazing shoes, headband and pants :)
    I'm following you now :)

    http://anna-and-klaudia.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks girlie for the awesome compliment and for the follow. ;) Yay!

      Delete
  23. Wow,amazing idea:).They are lovely.
    I wonder if you would like to follow each other : ).

    http://www.glossylala.blogspot.co.uk/

    Happy blogging!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks a lot. Sure I'd love for us to do that. ;)

      Delete
  24. This looks so awesome!
    What a great idea.
    Like your other posts to, you have lovely pictures with great outfits.
    So I'm following you now!

    xx nonnatiwow.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks a lot girlie. I'm so happy that you decided to check out my other posts and follow. That made my day. ;)

      Delete
  25. What a fantastic idea!! Thanks so much for posting this, I've got to try it out! I'm so glad I discovered your creative corner of the web today.. will be following you for sure :)

    Jen

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Jen. I hope you give it a try. It's such a fun and easy way to jazz up a pair of shoes. Thanks for visiting and following. Hope to see the results when you try this DIY out.;)

      Delete
  26. SO IN LOVE WITH THIS DIY! the finishing product and outfit is flawless!

    www.invalerie.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks a lot! This is such an awesome compliment. ;) I hope you'll give it a try. ;)

      Delete
  27. i just discoverd you via deargirlwallflower and i´m instantly a new reader,your style ( i love this mint and yellow combo) and the fact you love DIY projects and sewing got me from the first second;)
    love and kiss,mary
    http://maryloucinnamon.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Awww thanks a lot MAry Lou. You comment is so sweet. Awwww. ;)

      Delete
  28. nice look !
    I'm already following u ;)
    xoxo
    http://maybe-not2day.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  29. Nice one. Might give it a try ;)!

    XOXO Gozika

    http://gozikasjournal.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete

So happy you dropped by! Thanks for commenting. If you have a blog, leave a link. I love discovering new blogs and posts. ;0)