el blog

Decade Fashion: 1900s

By Danielle Blasko 

In hard economic times like today, when nearly everyone is faced with stretching the dollar to its limits, it is tough to imagine a period when women needed different dresses for every occasion. And “occasion” in this period, is presumed to mean morning, afternoon, and evening. What a woman wore in the 1900s was mostly dictated by the formality of her visits! Like I said, it is tough to imagine!

 

But just for the moment, let us escape to a simpler, more complex decade of fashion that was ruled by social custom and the commitment to uphold a certain degree of fashion sensibility. The decade that gave rise to Parisian haute couture!

 

Due to the emphasis on achieving the S-curve silhouette (or the hourglass shape first made populate in the 1830s), custom design was essential to everyday living in the 1900s. Not only were tailor-made dresses imperative; cobblers were still responsible for making a good portion of the shoes produced, even though factories were beginning to grow in popularity.

 

This is a far cry from the Capitalistic, mass-manufactured society we are consumed by today. Fortunately, there are companies (like Eidia Lush) that still care about the individual and achieving the “perfect fit.”

 

To order a pair of Eidia Lush custom design pumps (or even more so, to order a pair of custom design shoes from our hot new 'Sugar N Spice' E.L. Couture Collection) is to honor a timeless tradition that saw its heyday in the 1900s. Not an easy feat in today’s technology-ruled times!

 

You could even take your tribute to 1900s decade fashion a step further and rock your own adaptation of Edwardian Era style.  You can order my 1900s inspired design, "Edwardian Era Throwback".  Or if you prefer a ballet flat, even more reminiscent of 1900s fashion, check out the Evelyn style, Prestige pattern in our E.L. Couture Sugar Collection.

OH SO FIFTIES!

By Danielle Blasko           

After designing my very own pair of “Oh so fifties!” Eidia Lush pumps, I was on an accessorizing mission to do justice to my fifties fashion inspired heels. I knew when I ordered my shoes exactly what pants I would first pair with my newly designed shoes: black and red retro DKNY boot-cut stretch jeans.

 

Once I received my shoes, I felt that I couldn’t rightly rock my dazzling dream-pumps without some further 1950s-inspired accessorizing.

You can imagine how thrilled I was to discover that my custom designed pumps and Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland were simultaneously in the making. The Red Queen, known for her red and black fashion sensibility as much as her temper, is played by Helena Bonham Carter who is far more fashion inspiring than the animated Disney character of the 1950s.

Designers haven’t wasted any time in showcasing their Alice in Wonderland fashion designs just in time for the film premier and spring trending. Why not treat yourself to a pair of Eidia Lush pumps, accessorize with what’s guaranteed to be this spring season's hottest accessory collection, and throw yourself that tea party you’ve always dreamed of!

EIDIA LUSH GIRL #2 - Iga

By Nicole Tongson

To be an Eidia Lush Girl is to be a woman of individuality - one that is sexy, charming, and free-spirited in her own unique way.  We believe that every woman has a custom statement to make and here is where we showcase them. 

Iga is special to our team because it were her feet you saw on our homepage for the big launch last September.  Read on to see why we're proud to name Iga as our 2nd Eidia Lush Girl.  Below is the picture she submitted to go along with her interview...Nice photo Iga.  Where'd ya get those shoes? ;)

My name is:    Jadwiga    But you can call me: Iga

Birthplace: Bielsko-Biala, Poland

My style can be described as: casual, comfortable. I draw inspiration from european boutiques and what I see on the streets when I go home for a visit.

My favorite outfit consists of: Some kind of pants, and of course good shoes

Right now, I'm really into: leggins, and actually setting my eyes on, what I believe will be the next big thing - very light blue, vintage looking, skinny jeans

I know it's considered a fashion faux pas, but I still love this: leg warmers. I am serious! I wear leg warmers at least a few times a week. 80's are back!

My fashion icon is: for everyday dressing, I have to admit it is Katie Holmes (I know, I know...), Chloe Sevigny

The current trend I can't honestly stand is: Flip-flops worn to office and matched with dress pants and blazer, especially when it's below 70º outside, Ugg boots, and velcro sandals. I truly cannot stand these three.

On my days off, I love to: skate. I have three pairs of skating boots. They are made of carbon fiber covered in electric blue, or white and black leather, they are heat moldable and very expensive :) I love them!

The colors you can find most in my closet are: black, blue, grey

When I'm not daydreaming about shoes, you can find me: shopping, or looking for beautifully designed objects

The coolest place my shoes have taken me is: Machu Pichhu

I'm sexy because: I feel good about myself

I'm one-of-a-kind because: I never follow, I always try to have my own opinion about things

I'm an Eidia Lush girl because: I can have the shoes exactly the way I want them

My Eidia Lush design is: Look At Me

If you think you're an Eidia Lush Girl, please email me at [email protected] to be interviewed. We're already looking forward to it!

STAND OUT FROM THE COMPETITION

By Danielle Blasko

As the economy slowly begins its pivot toward renewed growth and eventual stability, more and more workers will be strutting their way back into the workplace. In early 2009, women held approximately 49 percent of the job slots in the U.S., with the business world coming as close as it's ever been to achieving equality, and as result of the recession, no less.

As Kelly LaVaute so appropriately pointed out in her August el blog post, "Solemates", despite a global economy in shambles women continue to buy shoes. Refusing to let the shoe industry suffer at the merciless hands of a brutal economic downturn, women have sent a clear and powerful message out into the world. We will not give up on the healing power of shoes!

As workers return to the world of business, or battle it out to retain their current positions, it is of utmost importance to differentiate oneself from the competition. What better way to set you apart from your competitors then a brand new, custom designed pair of Eidia Lush pumps?

Let us send yet another message, Ladies: We are healed, and we are heeled! Fashionistas: prepare to pump your fists (or feet) for the sake of equality! Together, Eidia Lush girls, we can take over the world one high-heeled step at a time.

Eidia Lush Girl #1 - HighHeelVic

By Nicole Tongson

To be an Eidia Lush Girl is to be a woman of individuality - one that is sexy, charming, and free-spirited in her own unique way.  We believe that every woman has a custom statement to make and we want to start showcasing them.  To show our appreciation for the amazing response we've had to our concept since launch, we'd like to throw some love back at our members by featuring those who we believe represent what we're all about to the fullest.  We'll show you what type of custom statement they are making in their lives.  

Read on to see why HighHeelVic is a puuurfect candidate for the very first Eidia Lush Girl:

Online, they know me as: HighHeelVic   But you can call me: Vicky

The 3 words that best desribe my personality are: sweet, charming, independent = a little cupcake

My favorite fashion accessory is: nothing but high heels  Because: they give me height, power, and femininity

My proudest accomplishment is: Passing Saks Fifth Avenue, able to not stop in

My fashion icon is: Kate Moss

Sometimes I go a little overboard with: (forgetting everything else) when hunting for shoes

When getting ready to go out with the girls, you can hear this song blasting from my stereo: "the one" by Mary J. Blige

I like to describe my personal style as: sexy tomboy ( casual tee & jeans with gorgeous heels )

When I'm not daydreaming about shoes, you can find me: having a chocolate fix at a bakery shop in new york city

The coolest place my shoes have taken me is: a sky-high penthouse overlooking pyramids in Egypt

I'm sexy because: i can dance my booty off all night with 5 inch heels

I'm charming because: never forget to put a smile on my face

I'm an Eidia Lush girl because: I am a fun loving fashionista who wouldn't mind living in a shoe, shares her passion with others by keeping up with the latest designers, deals, and trends.

My Eidia Lush design is:  http://www.eidialush.com/eidia/designs/view/113

HighHeelVic also put her own twist on her Eidia Lush shoe design!  Check it out below:

If you can't get enough of HighHeelVic, please follow her on Twitter. She's got tons of amazing tweets and one of the hottest shoe collections in NYC!

EMBRACE YOUR ONE-OF-A-KIND STYLE

By Nancy Hammond

When it comes to stepping out with a one-of-a-kind look, there’s no doubt we’ve got your feet covered. But what about your one-of-a-kind body above your Eidia Lush pumps?

Are you expressing your Eidia Lush attitude from your head to your toes? If you’re not, it’s time to make some changes so your inner beauty and your outer beauty are walking to the beat of the same drummer.

Whether you’re planning your wedding, a special event or simply adding to your casual or work wardrobe, it’s always fun to dream a little.

Take a good look in the mirror. Come on, you can do it! As you stand there and look at that amazing person — YOU! — ask yourself if what you see is an accurate reflection of the one-of-a-kind person you are on the inside.

In fact, take a few minutes and conduct a thorough self-assessment of where you are fashion-wise. If you need a little help, there are plenty of websites specifically geared to give you a hand — from clothes to shoes to accessories. 

In this world of look-alike fashion, it can be a challenge to be a one-of-a-kind woman, but just remember, there’s only one you! One uniquely wonderful — and fantastically amazing — YOU!

Celebrate all that you are — embrace your fashion freedom to create a one-of-a-kind look that’s perfect for you! And maybe, just maybe, you might want to start with an amazing pair of shoes.

5 CLUES THAT YOU’RE NOT A FASHIONISTA (and a little help if you'd like to become one…)

By Nancy Hammond

CLUE #1

You’re in the mall and find a shirt that looks “good enough,” so you buy it in blue, tan, brown and black.  When you find a pair of pants and a skirt that are also “good enough,” you buy one in every color to match the shirts. This completes your wardrobe shopping for the year and you’re quite happy that you can now leave the mall.
 
CLUE #2
The sweatpants you wear to bed every night are the same ones you wore when you painted your living room last year (and your bedroom the year before that, and your kitchen the year before that, and ... you get the idea!).
 
CLUE #3
You can’t remember the last time you bought new underwear.
 
CLUE #4
Your most recent “Beauty Night” was in 5th grade when you and your BFF slathered oatmeal all over your faces, put cucumber slices on your eyes and then ate huge bowls of ice cream after finishing off a large pizza.
 
CLUE #5
Buying shoes stresses you out because you can never find the right style in the right color in the right size. This depresses you so much that you’ve given up on shoe shopping altogether and just keep wearing those basic black pumps you bought 10 years ago for your high school reunion.
 
Does this sound like you?
 
Well, I have to admit this post is somewhat autobiographical. Yes, I confess. I’m guilty of all of the above — some of them, habitually. But, you know what? The time has come to get rid of my anti-beauty habits and spiff myself up a bit, like Madonna did at the MTV awards in 1990.
 
Okay. Doubt I’ll go THAT far … but it’s fun to pretend.
 
Back to reality. First thing to go? I’m going to ditch those paint-splotched sweatpants (or at least stop wearing them to bed.) Yeah! I think my husband would MUCH prefer to see me in something sexier at night.
 
And you know what else? Underwear. I’m going to get some new underwear. And you should, too, because like our mothers told us when we were growing up, what if we get into an accident and have to go to the hospital? (You don’t want the emergency room people laughing at your gross underwear, do you?)
 
So … I’ve decided to get rid of the sloppy sweatpants and buy some new undies. Good. I think I can handle that.
 

But when it comes to breaking free of those color-blocked clothes I’ve been relying on for the last 20 years, I think I need some help from Stacy and Clinton of What Not to Wear. Thank you, God, for cable TV and the Internet.

Next on the agenda? Beauty Night! And I can’t wait to get started.
 
That leaves me with my last problem of the day — shoes. Hmm. I wish there were some kind of website that could help me find a good pair of shoes. Gosh … you know, like a website where I could design my own shoes online — pick my own shoe style, choose my own pattern, get the perfect fit? Wouldn’t that be cool? Someone ought to think of that.

Rockin the Trends from Late Summer into Early Fall

By Sarah Tolman

Alright ladies (and maybe a few ultra risque men?), don’t put those summer heels away just yet!  We still have a few weeks yet so keep strutting those brightly colored, look-at-me-in-my-sexy-heels heels.  There’s nothing better than stepping out in a flowy white skirt with bright yellow wedges attached to some pedicured toes (a must in the summer!), or getting all the attention when you pair a sexy black dress with bright pink stilettos at your favorite night club.

When you start custom designing your shoes at Eidia Lush this September, keep in mind your favorite dress or outfit.  Make sure your selections are as bold as you dare to go and complementing to your favs in the closest.  If you have a solid uniform dress make sure your heels have a little pizazz on them.  Flower and geometric patterns are in now so put them on your shoes!  Here’s a fun example:

   

Likewise, if you have a lot going on in one outfit keep the design simpler with a solid color (but still fabulous).  You could pair a skirt like The Painter Skirt, from Ananya with a bold solid color to match the red, black, or baby blue.

Be daring!  Go with your first instinct when designing your shoes, take a chance and pick out colors and prints that work with your outfits.  Try this helpful site on Etsy to find prints and patterns you like: http://morecloth.com/.  There are so many to choose from, it’s almost impossible to pick just one!  We at Eidia Lush are encouraging you to find some styles you like and send us a link or a picture so we can work on getting it added to the Eidia Lush selection.

Ladies, be the bold sexy creatures we are intended to be and prove it through your shoes!  Keep in touch.  When the leaves start turning I’ll keep you up-to-date with the changes in trends, patterns and colors of the season.  Until next time…strut in style Eidia Lush fans!