Faking Louboutin -- With A Little Help From Michaels Crafts

Photo from The Brown Girl Next Door

Christian Louboutin's Deja Vu Sling Backs immediately caught my eye (oops! well you know what I mean, let's just say attention).  These patent leather high heels are covered with tiny eyes.  Yes, that's what I said - EYES.  If you're planning a black and white wedding and are looking for some attention getting shoes to wear these are it! But the price is a hefty $1500--Ouch!

But the good news is you can duplicate these shoes (or at least closely enough that no one but you will know! Face it, they're all going to be looking at your rockin' shoes, not checking to see if they're the real thing!)

You can find faux footwear at this site or run a search under 'peep toe platform sling backs.'  There's quite a selection, so choose the heel height and price point that fits your foot and your budget.  Clean the surface so the eyes will adhere.

Next head over to Michael's or your favorite craft store and pick up some packets of those little eyes (you know the ones, you see them on kids' crafts).  Attach them to the shoes and voila! Some fun faux Louboutin's for way under the $1500 price tag.  I

Want them to look even more like Louboutin's ? Add red to the soles. Paint is tricky to keep on, you might try something like those sticky shelf papers in Louboutin's signature red.  Warning, I didn't try this part out, but it's something to consider.  I'd try it on an old pair of throw away shoes to see how it works first. 

Digital Print Booties--They Aren't For The Faint of Heart

Want to rock your wedding day look with some wild digital print booties by Mary Katrantzou and Christian Louboutin? OK, they are a bit over the top for most brides but painting your own shoes with delicate floral designs and vines would suit even the most conservative bride who is looking for shoes she can really kick her heels up in on her wedding day. Or MK's design of booties with glitter and pearl studs (seen below) might be more up your alley--and easier to replicate.  If you're looking for handpainted shoes for your groom check out Alexander McQueen's splatter shoes.  The tutorial for those is on The Dandy Project

MK booties with pearls--Photo from The Dandy Project

I'll be the first to admit this is not my usual AICDI (any idiot can do it) DIY project.  If you aren't artistic to begin with you're probably better off purchasing you shoes from an artist who is. But if you want to try out painting your own shoes or boots read all about how to do it here at Manhattan Wardrobe Supply. I have to admit, I was entranced with the idea of putting my personal stamp on my shoes.  If one day you don't find any more posts on my blogs I'll probably be off trying my hand at painting shoes! 

MK boots w/glitter

Manhattan Wardrobe Supply gives a great step by step tutorial guided by Anthony Hoffman, a professional shoe painter who has done shoes for Broadway shows like Wicked, Shrek and Hairspray. OK, I know for sure my shoes will be outclassed by his but what the heck!

Alexander McQueen Splatter Shoes For Men 2010 collection

The tutorial is easy enough not to scare me off (even if it probably should) but is complex enough that it helps shoe artists and would-be shoe artists at all levels. 

Anthony's final suggestion is an acronym from journalist Don Hewitt: “KISS” = Keep It Simple, Stupid! That bit of advice is one that I plan to follow.  (Wow, I think that's the most different  acronyms ever used in one of my posts!)