Collection Critique: ALDO Velvet Slippers For Fall 2012

ALDO Shoes has released their fall line-up and aside from the normal pointed dress shoe and mid-wingtip boot, they have been playing around with texture. ALDO first introduced their "velvet concept" last fall with a hard bottom sole which I loved. Great reviews that led to the shoe being sold out within the first few months. They re-released its mates for this fall in other colors and patterns. However, they left out a key component... the hard bottom sole. Although I don't extremely dislike the newly released shoes, I'm not in love. To me softer soles on a richer material just lessen the quality of the overall look. 

I see where they were going, but don't meet me half way-- go all they way. ALDO does such a great job in recreating top designer shoes at affordable price points, but for me they missed the mark with this collection. 

ODEKIRK leopard slipper 

Take this leopard slipper for instance. For only $60, it's a STEAL. However, the components are just simple and give off no WOW factor. Had they lost the trademarked ALDO tag, gone with a more defined material like pony-hair (not brushed over velvet) and put a nice hard sole on it, I could easily see them pricing them at $230.00 and they would be flying off the shelves. Again, its makeup isn't horrible, but the shoe has the potential to be so much better! Aside from my thoughts, if your feeling it... GET IT! Affordable and decent leopard shoes are hard to find these days. 

For more finds on leopard slippers, check out my post: 
Men's Leopard Loafers: Get them before they become EXTINCT 

SPROULL skull studded slipper 

In person, the iridescent studding detail on this shoe looks amazing, but again it would be perfect with a firmer sole with small heel for support. I don't want a casual slipper, that's what loafers are for-- I want sleek! 

I believe the causal shoes listed before are fine the way they are because the stitching and elastic band imply that it's design is perfect for a comfortable slip on. 

DIEDERICH crimson 

DIEDERICH navy

DIEDERICH black

Check out ALDO's first velvet slipper release in my past post:
DSquared Shoes Look For Less: Red Carpet Savvy, compare it to this new collection and let me know your thoughts. 

This hasn't turned me off from ALDO, they still have GREAT products! 

How to upgrade an old pair of loafers on a budget

Last month, in comparison to a D squared shoe, I blogged about a look for less "ALDO velvet slipper". Well today I will be using that shoe to show how you can upgrade an old pair of kicks and make them look even more expensive than your purchase date. 

But first, there are a few key elements you would need.

SUPPLIES

I frequently shop at military surplus stores to find unique clothing items that aren't in main stream department stores. I was inspired to "upgrade my loafers" when seeing a bin of $1 patches which brought me to think of popular shoe brands; Deltoro and Stubbs and Wootton, who are known for having classic velvet loafers with embroidered crests. Infatuated with the thought of creating my own unique pair, I spent $2 to purchase 2 crests.


Crests can also be purchased at fabric or craft stores.

If you don't know about "Stitch Witchery" also known as "Instant Hem Tape", well you should! It's perfect for hemming a pair of pants without having to use a needle, thread or sewing machine. The fibers act as adhesive when placed with fabric under a hot iron. I've never used this product outside of hemming a pair of pants, so I thought it would be interesting to see if the "magic tape" could do more than its intended purpose.

I purchased the permanent hold roll from a local Walgreen's. This tape can also be found at any fabric store.


THE BREAKDOWN

 Step 1: To start with a clean surface, I used a lint brush to rid the shoe of unwanted particles.

Visual presentation is everything, even down to your shoes!  

 Step 2: To insure that the rougher part of the crest would adhere to the texture of the shoe, I      
               pealed back the outer layer.

 Step 3: I then began to frame the crest with the stitch witchery by outlining the edges before
               placing it on the shoe.

 Step 4: I placed the patch on the shoe in its desired position.

 Step 5: I began to iron.

When trying this at home, I suggest using a really good iron, preferably one with a steam function. I used the highest setting on my iron to insure that the adhesive would react with the texture on the shoe. I was careful not to place the entire iron on the shoe by just using the tip to prevent iron marks. If you use a crest that could be potentially damaged if an iron is placed directly on it, try using an old t-shirt or towel  to put distance between the iron.

Step 6: After the crest was secured, I used more adhesive along the outline to insure the edges

              would hold. 

Step 7: Repeat on additional shoe.

FINAL PRODUCT

Simple right? Now these $100 pair of slippers have been upgraded a couple hundred dollars with under $10 being spent.

If you are wanting a more permanent crest, I would suggest taking the time to sew the patch down. I thought about using a thick red thread and going along the outside to outline the shape of the crest however, I decided not to permanently sew it down because knowing me I will probably want to switch it up at a later date.

I've worn these shoes several times in the past 2 weeks from the date that I upgraded them. Even encountered a little rain and the crest is still in tact!!!

Try it for yourself and send me pics (styled@HarrisonTCrite.com) to post on the blog.

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