Storing Vintage Shoes the Vintage Way

Have I mentioned that I love shoes?! Well I do, especially vintage ones. The biggest reason I love shoes (and any accessory for that matter) is they will fit you no matter what size you are at. I have vintage shoes that I bought while I was in high school, and while my high school jeans no longer fit, the shoes that I bought then still do!

I also am quite smitten with vintage storage items, particularly ones like THESE and THESE. So, I was quite tickled when I found this vintage shoe storage box for only $4 at an estate sale a few weekends ago. I finally got around to organizing it the other day and couldn't wait to share it with you all!

This is the label that is on the back. I think it's cute that says the "smartest of home accessories." That must have been a great selling slogan. I can see an ad saying something like "the smartest housewives buy Protex" or something like that.

Here's the finished outcome. The box only fit eight pairs of shoes, which I am sure was ample storage space back in the 40s, but nowadays, this only helps store a fraction of my vintage shoe collection. I plan on sharing my entire vintage shoe collection soon! Until then, here's a small peek.

Today is the last day to enter my giveaway. It closes at midnight EST. Winner will be announced tomorrow. The giveaway is open to everyone!

Emily

Why Hello!

It's that time of year again.... School time, the time in which my life becomes devoted to homework and paper writing. It has been so hard for me to get back in the swing of things and adjust to my new routine. I have really missed blogging these past few weeks and am hoping that I can get this new schedule down so I can get back to blogging.

Way back in September, there was a DIY festival near my beau's home. I was pretty excited since there was going to be a few vintage clothing vendors there and this festival was marketed as an affordable arts and crafts fair. Imagine my excited when I came across these boots:

And these that were sitting right next to them:

Both pairs fit and were priced at $14 each. I seriously could not get the money out fast enough! Then the real surprise came. As I was paying for the boots, the lady informs me that inside each boot is a pair of heels. I was already so ecstatic about finding these boots, in my size, at a great price, and wait.... with two pairs of vintage heels too? It sounded too good to be true.

I waited until we got home to check out the heels because it was getting dark out and I didn't want to have to fiddle with them in the big crowd. I really couldn't believe what I found inside. The pair above was in the brown boots and the pair below were in the black.

My beau thought I was silly for wearing around the shoes all weekend. I was just too thrilled to take them off. Definitely one of the best deals I have ever gotten in my life. I am willing to bet that I got all four pairs for cheaper than it would have cost to by them in the 40s! :)

Emily

Quick Fix for Slightly Big Vintage Shoes

Have you ever bought a pair of vintage shoes online and when you received them they were a bit too big? This had happened to me a few times and I was so bummed but couldn't part with the shoes! I tried stuffing the toes with tissue paper, without successful results. It hurt and didn't keep my feet from slipping out of the shoes when I walked. Then, I remembered that I had saved my toe guards from when I did pointe ballet in high school. I pulled out the guards and slipped them into my shoes. My heels were about 1/2 inch too big and these have worked sooooo well. They keep your foot in place, are clear so they are not noticeable, and best of all I get to wear the shoes with comfort.

The guards are made of a jelly-like material -- think of the material used to make those jelly handbags a few years ago. This makes it easy for you to trim off any excess and make a custom fit to your shoe. They are also washable. They are a bit pricey, since you need to buy them at a dance supply store or website. I have occassionaly seen them at Walmart with the other shoe inserets, although I don't remeber how much they ran. Discount Dance Supply offers them for a really good price -- under $20. This is the same brand I got years and years ago. They have held up very well, but do discolor to a slight yellow color.

I hope this little tip helps and gives you an excuse to keep those cute shoes! :)

Emily

**Sorry for the crappy picture. I don't have access to my normal computer as I am currently serving jury duty. Also don't forget to post a question on my last post!! :)