When Toms shoes first became popular, I didn’t care for them because I didn’t like the style. But after buying a pair of print ones, at Ross Dress For Less to LACMA’s David Hockney exhibit, I fell in love with them, and their comfort, and eventually bought a red pair. Now, after going on their website,I’ve compiled a wish list of quite a few pairs that I’d love to get someday.

They include:

1. Carolina Mary Jane Espadrilles
2. Cara Tassel Loafer
3. Alpargata’s Cloudbound, black leather Alpargata Plus, and Pink Cafe Crème Heritage Canvas Alpargata Plus
4. Bianca Flat
5. Brielle Flat in navy crushed velvet

I’ve always wanted to make something out of vintage fabric, but my sewing skills aren’t the best and I just couldn’t figure out what I wanted to make to make until I came with the idea to make pillows out of a couple of Indian bedspreads I bought from the thrift store years ago.

Initially, I used the fabric to cover two yoga mats in the Cozy corner of the special ed class I work in through LAUSD, but when one of the students consistently tried to destroy the Cozy Corner, and my fabric I took it back and decided to make pillows out of the remnants.

So far I’ve made four small pillows out of the yellow print fabric, and since the blue is mostly intact, I can make some bigger, bolder fabrics in the future. The reason this concept is an inspiration to me is because it has to do with vintage textiles, ethnic style, sustainability, and DIY crafts. Now, when the pillows are finally finished, all of the students can enjoy the Cozy Corner in peace, and with a little touch of homemade love.

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I’m not sure if this bag was created in the ‘60s or ‘70s but I loved the print and price, under $5, so I bought it. While it used to hold makeup, now it’s housing the index card files for the book I’m currently writing, I Love Your Look: Real Style for Real Women.

I don’t remember the time I wasn’t in love with Chanel‘s Two-tone ballet flats, but after buying and wearing a pair of extremely inexpensive, knock offs from Ross Dress For Less I knew I wanted to upgrade to a higher class of knock offs (under $100 but still leather) or a used pair of good ones from Depop or another vintage clothing source and put it on my Wish List.

Here’s a few facts about the shoe:

1. Premier Date: Karl Lagerfeld premiered them in 1984.
2. Inspiration: “Chanel’s two-tone slingback pumps created in 1957. Influenced by her love of ballet, particularly the Ballets Russe.
3. Characteristics: “Comfort, elegance, and versatility”
4. Wish List: Quince “ Italian leather cap toe ballet flat, $79.90”; Anne Klein cap toe women’s Luci ballet flats, Macy’s, $53.72; Loft soft cap, toe ballet flats, black and white, $34.99; J. Crew women’s ballet flats with cab toe, $69.50; Amazon Modatope ballet flats, $49.99.

When facing a busy day, try dressing formally on top and informally on the bottom.

Even though I’m not the best sewer in the world I’m going to try to get back into sewing regardless by first making some pillows for the students I work with through an LAUSD elementary school, then I plan to finish a tote bag and shorts I started to make in the last sewing class I took-Sewing Bootcamp-at SMC. I’m pretty inspired to try again, and succeed this time, because I’m not pressured by a grade, demanding teacher, major, etc. I only have to please myself.