Why Do We Buy?

I'm obviously a shoe addict. I buy shoes on an almost weekly basis and my shoe "closet" is overflowing with shoes... I know that sounds great but it's really getting ridiculous. I think I may have a problem.

I was shopping this week and trying on a really awesome pair of glittery sky high Louboutins and was about to buy them when my friend, a sales associate at the boutique, casually asked "What are you buying them for?"

Huh?

What did she mean? I was buying them cause I wanted them! Did I need a specific reason? Do people buy shoes for a purpose other than having a fabulous pair of shoes? This may sound totally silly but I think this just hit me- I buy shoes without actually thinking about when/where I'm going to wear them. It never occurred to me that I was doing this but when I actually think about it, I feel like a total ass.

I blame my job. As a shoe designer we're constantly shopping, or as we like to call it- it "researching". We have to be on top of all the current trends and know all the hot shoes, but a side affect of that is, of course, wanting shoes for ourselves.  I've gotten to the point where I find myself buying shoes just to have them. If I used this "where are you going to wear them" logic, I bet I'd have about half the shoes I have.

Some examples?
Well, these DSquared spine heels are a great example. Where can I wear these? I wore them a couple of times so far. Once to the mall just to show them to all my friends (I'm a total mall rat if you didn't know) and another time or two to I forget where. They're high and fragile and not exactly comfortable, but they're works of art!

Another pair I just had to have? These Fendi Cinderella shoes. I wore them once to the Emmys last year and they were painfully uncomfortable so I never wore them again. But gosh they're beautiful...

Ok, one more! These boots that I just HAD to have. But again, I didn't think about where I'd wear them. I mean, they're suede! I'm terrified to wear them in case I ruin them... but boy are they pretty.

I could go on and on and on. I've decided to clean and organize my shoes and really look at what I have. I need to make an effort to buy more consciously!! I know that doesn't sound like much fun but If I don't slow down my shoes are going to take over our house! Look at this room- it's crazy. I'm like a shoe hoarder!

WHAT A MESS! I'll post an after photo as soon as I get it under control ;)

What about you? Do you think before you buy?? Do you always have a plan before you shop or are you guilty of impulse buying too?



xox

Cece L'amour

Did you guys hear?? I finally have the name of my shoe line :)

Why Cece L'amour? Well, to be honest, it wasn't my first choice. My original name was actually Vie in Rose, which translates to "Life in Pink", but our lawyer found a lingerie company in Canada with the name La Vie in Rose and he thought it was too close, SO... it was on to finding a new name.

My friends call me Cece, or Cece the Bunny so I thought- Ooh! Cece Lapin (Cece Bunny in French) but that's way too close to Fifi Lapin. Another name fail. I was pretty set on incorporating French into the name since it's my dad's native tongue and it was my first language. (Betcha didnt know that!) I needed something personal, but with character. I liked the Cece part but thought Cece Ouaknine was too difficult and Cece Soto was too boring...
Then I thought, L'amour! My last name isn't L'amour but I do love love. ;) Cece L'amour would be my new name! And you know, I actually like it more than my first choice.

Next came the look. I wanted my logo to be super girly and fun, and luckily, I'm married to the most talented logo designer I know. hehe. He came up with this...

And here it is in a prototype shoe...

You like? I love! Next up? We've got to design a super cute box to hold these babies!

I'm super excited to get started on the shoes and to share my ideas and designs with you :) I can't wait to hear your feedback. Thank you all for your loving support, it really means the world to me.

xoxo,

What's Going On??

"Where has she disappeared to this time?" you may be asking yourself. Well, there's a few things, first being my laptop was stolen and I lost ALL of my photos files and info.
"But you must have a backup!?" well, no. No I don't.

So new laptop, new start I suppose. Such a bummer. But on to the good news that I'm finally allowed to share!! I hinted to a new line with a super mega celeb a few months ago and I still can't reveal who she is (dangit!!) but I ended up passing on that project anyway. Why? Well for what may be the most exciting project in my career!!
"Better than working with Betsey Johnson?" Kinda.
"Better than working with Gwen!!??" Sorta.

Drumroll please..............

My very own line! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!! I'm so excited!!!! Can you believe it!? So I'm obviously very preoccupied with that and with getting it started and whatnot, but I'd really like to share the process with you guys. From concepts to sketches to samples- everything! I obviously have to do it on a bit of a delay so ideas aren't copied and stuff but I can't wait to show you what I'm working on!!

Until then, I do have one favor. I need a name! Now I've asked some friends and they of course said "name it The Shoe Girl" but I don't think that really makes sense for a brand name... What do you guys think?? I'd love suggestions and if you come up with a name that I love you'll forever have bragging rights that YOU came up with the brand name. ;)
Think girly and fun and not too junior sounding. I know that it looks like a food company from my images up there but I want it to have that felling of delicious treats for your feet. I don't know about you but when I see the right pair of shoes I crave it, just like sweets.

I should remind you that I can't use my own name because Celine is already taken and is a well established French high end line. Bummer.

Yippee!! I can't wait for this next adventure!

LOVE YOU GUYS!!
xox

Behind the Scenes of Shoe Design...

I brought my camera with me to China to take some photos and show you a little bit of what goes on behind the scenes of shoe making.

These are shoe lasts... They are essentially shoe molds. These determine the shape of the shoe, the heel height, and the size.

There are a few different methods of pattern making when it comes to shoes. One involves taping the last as shown here. The pattern maker covers the last in masking tape and then makes a 3D version of the designer's sketch onto the tape.

From there, he removes the tape and translates it to a paper pattern like this-

The paper pattern is then laid onto the leathers or fabrics to be used for the shoe. The leather/fabric is cut and sewn and then "lasted".

This is an example of a lasted shoe. It is carefully pulled and stretched onto the last and heated to fit onto it perfectly.

Some tools of the trade...

Here is an upper sewn and ready to go on its last

And here it is after it has been lasted and had the outsole and heel attached

This...

Becomes this!

Pretty cool, huh? I'll have some more for you in my next post :)

I'm going back to China next month and though I already asked this, few of you answered so I'll ask again... Is there anything specific you guys want to know about the whole design process? Anything about working in China you want to hear about?

Let me know :)

Off to China... AGAIN

Is it just me or does it seem like I am always traveling?? Ugh, and China. Why does China hate Blogger so much?

For those of you who don't know, China blocks me from accessing my blog so I've set up some oldies but goodies for you to re read or for some of you to read for the first time. They'll post over the next week.
Please make sure you leave your comments on this post with ANY questions you have about my China trips or about the design process. I got some really good ones last time and I love sharing my behind the scenes secrets with you guys :)

(view from my hotel in China)

 Ok! I'm off. I'll be back in a week with lots of new experiences and a new project! I'm excited to let you guys know which line I'm designing right now. 

xox

-Celine ♥

TheShoeGirl

Heart Broken

I've been sitting on this secret for a week now (which is why I've been slow on the posting and eating so much ice cream) but I just want to be the first to tell you guys that our company lost the license for Betsey Johnson. You may know that Betsey Johnson was having some financial issues and that Steve Madden got involved in the company to help out... I won't get into it but if you want to know more, go here, here or here or google it.

Steve's very capable company will be taking over the design and production for Betsey which means I am out of a job. A very amazing job that I feel very fortunate to have had.

Working with Betsey has been one of the best experiences of my career so far and I am so honored to have been her shoe designer. I think Betsey and I were a match made in cotton candy heaven and I will miss our meetings but will always feel like part of her world.

BETSEY I LOVE YOU!!!

Thank you for sharing your light with me! 

So what's next?? Stay tuned to find out! I still have Harajuku Lovers and I've heard rumors of some exciting stuff that may be headed my way :)


This is still the coolest thing ever... Sent to me from Betsey after our last collection.

With a heavy heart, 

Celine

Your Shoe Girl

XOXO

Other Worldly Shoes

As mentioned by Luxirare and StyleBubble... These Anastasia Radevich creations blew my mind. The following shoes are from her latest collection called Kenetik. They are true sculptural and technical masterpieces.

As a shoe designer, I really appreciate the love and creation that goes into shoe design. The blood and sweat behind the end result. When I see designs of this caliber I love to guess at what inspired the designer...


The heel is like black ink gliding through water. It's so beautiful and unlike anything I've seen.

Maybe she was inspired by liquidity. Dancing moving pigment. 

Bjork's Vespertine album comes to mind as well. Something about the artwork reminds me of the fluidity of the heel. 

These shoes have LED lighting in them... behind a screen of mesh, they remind me of electric Jellyfish. Or a far away galaxy.

There is something very alien like about jellyfish. Something about these shoes as well.

Whatever her inspiration was, she has inspired me. These are amazing and I'd love to get my hands on a pair.






By the way, Some other LED shoes...

 Rodarte

 Jimmy Choo

Chanel

Betsey Johnson sent light up stripper shoes like these down the runway

Ok, not shoes, but Katy Perry's light up dress at the Met Gala