behold, my beautiful new hunter-green oxfords!except they're not new (see those heavily creased toe boxes?). Nope, these are my beautiful and much-loved ivory brogues from Frye, my first pair of lace-up brogues, that my sweet husband bought for me years ago (and which I've already had resoled - twice now, I think - I really wear my heels out!).
But they weren't looking so ivory these days. In fact, I always felt a little embarassed when I wore them. A pair of dark-wash jeans had rubbed smudges of blue on them. Rainwater had spotted them near the soles. An attempt to polish them and brighten them up had resulted in some unfortunate muddy-looking taupe patches. Blah.
So while I was getting a pair of boots that my mother-in-law gave me (I get a lot of shoes for gifts. It's a gimme gift with me.) tailored this summer (really, when are they going to start making narrow-calf boots? Why only wide?), I saw a wall of shoe paints and immediately started asking about them. The staff seemed positive, so I chanced it. Three coats of paint (plus lots of time detailing the crevices) and a new pair of shoelaces from welovecolours.com (that I'm not thrilled with, honestly - they're so...synthetic. oh well.), and I think they look as good as new!
bonus, they'll match the gorgeous green leather car coat I bought last year at a church yard sale I happened upon one Sunday afternoon.
6 comments:
Those are lovely! I also have small calves and hate the boot issue. My only pair that fits well is Merrell Tetra Launch, gotten at REI. Waterproof and great for our weather.
p.s. Your posts are always inspiring me!
thanks, jenny! I should probably be wearing more practical boots - mine are all leather, and the only waterproofing they are going to get is when I finally sit down with my mink oil and sno seal and get to work!
from the looks of things outside, I'd better do it soon!
I am in love with this color! They are so gorgeous... I'm jealous of your "new" footwear and am trying to think which of my older shoes may be good candidates for the same treatment.
Oh--I forgot to ask: What brand is the coloring?
Thank you, Jennifer! The paint/dye is Esquire Instant Shoe Colouring. If you do a pair of your shoes, would you send me a link so I can see? I haven't worn these yet because we were experiencing our six-weeks-of-summer here in Seattle, but I'll be sure and post with a review as to how it holds up now that fall seems to be here for good.
I'm late here, but I want to say that I absolutely love my slim calf Boots, they are just lovely, they fit perfect, a very nice quality of leather. I get compliments on them where ever I go! Highly recommended!!
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