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shoes

Beauty & StyleDIY

8 Creative Ways To Add DIY Style To Canvas Sneakers

by Leena Kollar
written by Leena Kollar

As a mom, I wear sneakers more than any other style of shoe. But my sneakers are old, ugly and so last season. I’ve been wanting to get a cute pair of canvas sneakers, since they’re coming back in style, but I haven’t been able to start my search for them yet.

If you’re too busy to shop for comfy, stylish canvas sneakers, there is an alternative. Go the DIY route and customize them to fit your taste! You can probably find a plain white pair of canvas shoes at your local craft store, and with one of these 8 projects, you can design them in a way that is just right for you.

source: DIY Candy

1. Iron On Floral Pattern Shoes

For something feminine and floral, this DIY technique involves ironing a pattern that gets printed onto transfer paper. It’s super easy to do, and won’t take more than a few minutes. Swap out the shoelaces to make your sneakers extra unique!

Learn how to do this over on DIY Candy.

source: I Spy DIY

2. Pineapple Marker Sneakers

You can actually add a really cool design to your sneakers with markers! Pineapples are always fun, and not that difficult to draw. If you have any artistic talent, you can pull this off! All you need is a pencil, a permanent marker and a few fabric markers.

Get the full tutorial from I Spy DIY.

source: Pumps & Iron

3. Studded Canvas Sneakers

Ok rocker mamas, how cool are these? Not only are they rockin’, they are SO easy to make! All you do is push the studs into the shoe and fold down the teeth with pliers. What a huge difference it makes! You can do this with almost any type of shoe, and you’ll look way cooler than the $5 you spent on the studs.

Head over to Pumps & Iron for more ways to step up your style.

source: Yesterday On Tuesday

4. Pink Cap Toe Sneakers

If you want a simple design for your sneakers that still incorporates a bit of color, this is a really easy method! You just use some masking tape to mark where you want the design, and paint with a color of your choosing. Pink is always fun and girly!

Check out the full details of this project at Yesterday On Tuesday.

source: The Crafted Life

5. Glitter Shoes

Ooh! Glitter! Even though glitter is something I hate having to clean up, I would totally deal with it to have a sparkly and fun pair of sneakers like this! All you need to make these glitzy guys is decoupage and glitter. This DIY does take a bit of time, and you’ll need to let the shoes dry overnight. But come morning, you’ll be a dazzling mama with the coolest pair of sneakers around!

Stop by The Crafted Life for the full how-to, and check out the other fabulous project ideas there too!

source: Proper

6. Ombre Ice Cream Cone Shoes

You had me at ice cream. Oh, wait…you can’t eat this kind? That’s ok, because it’s totally cute! If you can find blank canvas shoes in children’s sizes, this would be an adorable project to do for your little girl! But it works for moms, too, and it will definitely bring out your childish side.

Take a look at the instructions over on Proper, where there’s tons more to explore!

source: Oleander + Palm

7. Ombre Shoes & Laces

So not only are these ombre shoes totally rad, the laces are also colored! That’s what I call awesome. I guess when you don’t get out much, it’s the little things that really make your day. I would be tempted to stock up on canvas sneakers and use this method to paint each pair a different color. And then, I would mix and match the pairs to have a wildly colorful collection of outfits!

Over on Oleander + Palm is where you’ll find the tutorial for this DIY shoe project.

source: I Love to Create

8. Painted Leaf & Berries Shoes

I don’t know about you, but I’m already putting together a holiday outfit in my head so that I can wear a festive pair of DIY canvas sneakers like these! How stinkin’ CUTE are they? You just need fabric markers and fabric paint, and you can dab on some glitter too. You could get really creative and design a pair for each holiday!

Head over to I Love to Create to see how these are done.

Leena Kollar

Leena Kollar

Contributing Writer at Life As Mama
I'm a wife, mother and everything else associated with domestic life. I can often be found hiding from my kids to sneak treats (especially ice cream). I love rainbows and naps, and I find any excuse to go to Target. When I actually make it out of the house in real clothes, I document my outfits on my fashion blog, Leather & Lip Gloss. My love for fashion also inspired me to start my own comprehensive style website, The Style Spectrum.
Leena Kollar
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Beauty & Style

8 Chic Styles For Ankle Boots

by Ellice Vargas
written by Ellice Vargas

I wasn’t sure about the ankle boot when it first arrived. I thought they looked a little chunky, but that could just be my large feet paranoia talking. However, once I found the right style I became a firm believer. They have since basically become my everyday footwear, except for sandals during the summer months. One of the best things about ankle boots is how versatile they are. They really allow you to be creative with your wardrobe and help transition between the warmer and cooler months. Now, I will say, there are right and wrong ways on how to style them. Here are 8 ways to wear your ankle boots.

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Source: www.thedaybookblog.com

1. Rolled Skinny Jeans

The most go-to way to wear ankle boots is paired with a good pair of skinny jeans. I like to roll mine so my ankle peaks out just a little. This helps slim your calf and ankle and stops your books looking too chunky.

Head over to www.thedaybookblog.com for fashion tips and motherhood stories.

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Source: www.brightontheday.com

2. Cuffed Jeans

A simple cuff is also a winner. This again works best with skinny or very straight legged jeans and is super useful for when your jeans are on the long side.

Check out www.brightontheday.com from everything from beauty, fashion, faith and shopping!

olive-7

Source: www.lovelenore.com

3. Leggings

Leggings are about the only thing I tuck into my boots, most jeans will add too much bulk around the ankle, which is NOT flattering. So unless you are tucking in super skinny jeans, leggings are always the best bet. Dress up your leggings with healed boots and an oversized sweater or get comfy with some flat boots and flannel shirt.

For fashion and outfit inspiration check out www.lovelenore.com.

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Source: www.kendieveryday.com

4. Dresses

Surprisingly ankle booths and dresses go hand in hand. Make your summer dresses last even longer by swapping out your sandals for boots. And as the weather starts to cool down you can throw on a sweater or jacket for extra warmth.

www.kendieveryday.com oozes fashion and style. A must read for any fashionista!

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Source: www.onelittlemomma.com

5. Boyfriend Jeans

Boyfriend jeans also work super well. They are generally worn cuffed anyway and the boots add perfect relaxed and comfy look to the style. I like to pair mine with a loose t-shirt or cute vest.

Head over to www.onelittlemomma.com for DIY tutorial, everyday style and outfit inspiration.

 

SUMMER-WARDROBE-STAPLES-5

Source: www.katiedidwhat.com

6. Shorts

Pairing shorts with your flat ankle boots gives your outfit a casual end of summer vibe. I will definitely be trying this look during summer!

Visit www.katiedidwhat.com for her fashion, fitness and beauty tips!

 

DSC_7981

Source: www.merricksart.com

7. Pencil Skirt

Before I become a stay at home mommy I was always looking for ways to incorporate my “normal” everyday clothes with my work clothes to stretch my wardrobe a bit further. Ankle boots make that completely possible when styled with a pencil skirt and blouse. This is perfect for the days when you want to be cute and stylish but with some additional comfort.

www.merricksart.com has tons of maternity fashion and the best chic mom outfits!

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Source: www.kendieveryday.com

8. Maxi Dress

Ooooh, I love pairing my maxi dresses with a good pair of ankle boots. It makes such a fun and bohemian vibe while also being the perfect way to wear your maxis all the way into Fall.

www.kendieveryday.com oozes fashion and style. A must read for any fashionista!

 

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Beauty & Style

6 Easy Wardrobe Staples Every Mama Should Have

by Karen Harris
written by Karen Harris

Attention, Mamas! We know your babies are your very first priority (and we applaud you for that!), so some of the priorities of your former life– you know, like eating three square meals a day, keeping both legs shaved, and putting time and effort into your style–may have been bumped down a few notches. That’s okay, and we can completely relate. But what’s not okay is when sassy, sacrificing Mamas like you feel sloppy schleppy, and quite frankly, not like yourself.

I’ve put together a list of six versatile, must-have wardrobe staples for moms-on-the-go who enjoy style but live in the real world. Take these suggestions as inspiration to find your own adorable, affordable versions that fit best into your life!

1. Leggings

You read that right. I am a defender of the controversial legging because they can be a great outfit building block if you wear them correctly. No, leggings ain’t pants, but if you wear them the same way you’d wear tights, like under a long sweater, tunic, or dress, you’ll be golden. The beauty of leggings is that they can be dressed up so easily. Take the outfit above: A long, chunky-knit sweater, chic (but comfortable!) leather knee-high boots, and touches of gold accessories add richness to this look. Grab your favorite stylish diaper bag and you’re good to go! (Here are some more ways to style leggings.)

Simply Stylish Mama: Leggings

Simply Stylish Mama: Leggings by karen-harris featuring black stretch pants

Black poncho
victoriassecret.com

M&S Collection black stretch pants
$14 – marksandspencer.com

Komono watch
$79 – yoox.com

2. An Open Cardigan

This is one of the easiest layering pieces you can put in your wardrobe! Throw over a T-shirt and jeans or leggings before you head out the door. Shoe choice is easy, too–sneakers, sandals, or boots all go with this low-key sweater. Bonus: wrap it around yourself to cover the stain after your little munchkin accidentally drops chocolate ice cream down your shirt (because you still have errands to run while you’re out).

Long brown cardigan
lookbookstore.co

Relax t shirt
etsy.com

Skinny fit jeans
aboutyou.de

Converse low sneaker
nordstrom.com

 

3. Distressed Denim

You can’t keep a pair of jeans looking new to save your life, so you might as well buy them this way! For all the bending, chasing, and crawling around on the floor that you do, buy some denim that is supposed to look distressed, and keep on distressing. You can pair them with everything from a fancy, flirty top to a plain cotton tee-shirt, to a zip-up hoody. You heard it here: there’s a way to look chic in a sweatshirt. Just make sure your top of choice is slightly fitted and has a clean design to balance out the worn, relaxed look of the jeans. I love the navy striped zip-up featured here because it’s so easy to create a nautical style with a couple pops of red, like with shoes and a bag. Finish the look by accessorizing with a cute baby, and voilà! You just made a sweatshirt and ripped jeans look put-together.
Simply Stylish Mama: Distressed Jeans

Longchamp leather flap handbag
$72 – selfridges.com

Elvang faux throw blanket
$260 – houseology.com

 

4. A Cotton Dress

Whether you choose jersey cotton for the summer or a sweater dress for the fall and winter months, a cotton dress is the easiest, comfiest, outfit builder you could ask for. If it’s cooler out, wear over leggings to provide an extra layer of warmth and, ahem, gut-control (and is much more comfortable than tights). Tall leather boots add an extra dose of sophistication, and metallic touches, like a large-faced watch, stack of bracelets, and a purse with accent hardware, add to the class.

 

Simply Stylish Mama: Cotton Dress

Simply Stylish Mama: Cotton Dress by karen-harris featuring knee high riding boots

M S Collection cocktail top
$59 – marksandspencer.com

 

5. Graphic Scarves

This staple is probably the easiest, most impactful outfit-changer you can add to your closet! Seriously, grab a handful of cute patterns–you shouldn’t have to pay any more than $25 per scarf (at most!) if you shop around. Wear these with graphic or plain tees, sweaters, dresses, or underneath coats. Chunky knit or blanket scarves (which are square-shaped) are great for style and warmth in the winter, while lighter cotton scarves add a pop of fun to a plain outfit in the warmer weather. Pashimas are woven versions that can be wrapped around your neck or draped around your shoulders, like a shawl. And like the open cardigan (#2), you can use these pieces for camouflage: loop one around your neck to hide that spit-up spot that just appeared on your shoulder. (Here are some creative ways to tie a scarf.)

Suede sneaker
drjays.com

Ray-Ban green sunglasses
$195 – jcrew.com

 

6. Cute, Comfortable Shoes

You don’t have the time or patience to saunter around in heels anymore, but that doesn’t mean you have to settle for an unattractive alternative. As mentioned above, leather boots or booties are an awesome choice for cool weather because they’re classic, comfortable, and versatile. Leather wears so nicely because whether it’s brand-new or worn-in, it still looks chic. Additionally, brands like Kork-Ease and Born are specifically designed to be stylish and comfortable. Also, there’s no need to shy away from the good-old fashioned tennis shoe. You don’t have to be a marathon runner to buy a pair of sneakers because big-shoe brands make cute, casual styles specifically for traipsing around town. Converse are old-school favorites that will never go out of style, and I am partial to pink and pastel-hued sneakers to add a feminine pop of color to the simplest of outfits.
Simply Stylish Mama: Comfortable Shoes

 

Simply Stylish Mama: Comfortable Shoes by karen-harris featuring black ankle boots

J Crew striped shirt
factory.jcrew.com

Black jeans
shein.com

Puma shoes
zappos.com

Kork-Ease black ankle boots
$220 – shoeme.ca

Converse canvas shoes
$45 – theoutnet.com

Kork-Ease black ankle boots
$200 – shoeme.ca

H M fringed shawl
$19 – hm.com
There you have it, Mamas: proof that having style doesn’t have to mean sacrificing the time and energy you’d rather spend with your kids. Use these easy outfit ideas and go through your day feeling  polished, but not pinned up. Mama style should be simple and effortless, because you deserve to feel your best!

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