These are one of two pairs of ballet flats in my closet… the other pair are actual ballet slippers. It’s not that I don’t like them, I do, but I have the hardest time finding a pair that not only fit my feet correctly, but that stay on and that I can actually walk in. I know it sounds crazy but for instance, I love these little silk printed flats from J Crew, but the heel slips off when I walk and then smashes under my heel {see photo below}…
So my solution? Add a simple, but pretty, little elastic ankle strap. Here’s how I did it…
What You’ll Need…
* Ballet flats in fabric or thin leather… anything you can get a needle through easily.
* Elastic. I used a thin elastic, with a pretty detail because it matched the piping and bow of these particular flats however, a larger elastic would be cute as well. Let your shoes be your guide and follow their style. Look for a softer elastic with a detail or a pretty “fancy” elastic trim.
* Needle/Thread/Scissors
Steps…
* Simply measure out how much elastic you will need to fit around your ankle snugly but without squeezing and pinching your skin. Measure about a half an inch extra on each side.
* Overlap your 1/2″ extra elastic by creating a circle and hand-stitch it to the heel of your shoe. This will work best on a shoe with black piping or something similar, as it will completely conceal all of your stitches.
NOTE: You may also {and instead} choose to create a loop with any fabric or leather that sticks up from the heel of your shoe and run a ribbon or lace or buckled piece through it and around your ankle.
Voila!
Güler
perfect idea!
my DIYs –> http://gkdone.blogspot.com/
::little projects in style::
what a cute idea! 🙂 im going to use that to fix a pair of ballet flats that expanded in the last downpour! 🙂
thanks so much!
xx,
little-project.com
Ana Sofía
aww, nice <3
Galletitaa.
http://galletitadejengibre.com/
fashion meets art
wow- great. i love it. so creative.
thanks for the inspiration.
kisses
maren anita
maren anita
only today till 6pm:
win a silk-bracelet in mint-green!
FASHION-MEETS-ART by Maren Anita
CINTA UNTUK KITA
nice!!
Anonymous
wow its too mind Blowing and amazing.
Gynexin Alpha Formula
Chanda T
awesome idea! this happens to my daughter all the time! now I know how to fix! thanks for sharing!
Stephanie
I have done this to a pair of ballet flats for my 2 year old daughter it does work like a charm!
Stephanie Pulos
LOVE. Agree with Morgan. Genius! x
Stephanie in Style
Katya
great idea♥
Elissa
Great idea!!
http://www.thegirlon23rd.blogspot.com
thegoldjellybean
what a great idea, so simple!
Jessica @ Here(and)Now
wow – genius, and yet to simple! I have the same smooshed ballet flat problem too!
xx
Here&Now
drollgirl
they are so cute! with or without the strap! very cute!!!
thankfifi
such a cute solution! I had a problem with my achilles heel last summer and it pretty much ruined wearing any kind of ballet style shoe 🙁 Oh well, high heels and sneakers all the way!
♥ ThankFifi
What Sadie Did
Ooh cute – very good idea!!
Sadie xx
http://whatsadiedid.blogspot.com/
Kat
Maegan… you are just brilliant!
aneyeforfashion.blogspot.com
Lin
Love this idea & those shoes!
Anonymous
I am learning and Follow it idea .
Gynexin Alpha Formula
Vanessa, Take only Memories
Brilliant! I think I might do that to a pair I have! Thanks 🙂
Marielle Kristine Ebao
Great idea! I have a problem with some of my flats as well,and this is the perfect solution! 🙂 thanks for posting!
peacelovenutrition
Thanks for simplifying all your DIY posts! They are always things I can actually do : )
Tairalyn
I must say – I’ve looked up to you greatly and your ways to FIX a fashion Dilemma! Ha Ha Your amazing!
I would love to have you over at Little Miss Mama and see what I wore today with the $8 Peplum Top I just made {thanks to a HUGE Old Navy Sale}.
http://www.littlemissmama.com/2012/05/what-i-wore-peplum-love.html
Stop by and say “hi” when you get a chance.
XO
Tairalyn
http://www.LittleMissMama.com
Vanessa
Fantastic idea and excellently detailed with photos and description. I can never keep ballet flats from slipping off my heels so you’ve helped me out. Thanks so much for taking the time to post this!