Let Them Eat (Short)Cake!
August 15th, 2008 @ 1:33 pm by Mrs. Shortcake
I told you I can’t make up my mind!
(image from here)
I won’t go into the gory details, but ever since I discovered my father’s copy of Panati’s Extraordinary Endings at the tender age of nine, Maria Antonia Josepha Johanna von Habsburg-Lothringen and I have had a ‘thing.’
(Sister Shortcake (”Madame du Barry”) and me (”Marie Antoinette”), circa 2005)
Naturally then, when Sophia Coppola’s movie came out a couple of years ago, I was beyond giddy, and when I saw the movie, nearly swooned at the cotton candied gorgeousness of it all.
But who would have known that the film would inspire a complete reversal in my choice of wedding shoes?
If you remember, I was having a difficult time finding shoes that were narrow, with a small heel, and would fit my differently size feet. I ended up getting these ones on sale, and tried to spruce them up with my borrowed 1930s shoes clips:
I was happy I had shoes, but my overall attitude was “meh.” I’ve always been a shoe hound, so finding bargain shoes that were on sale that I didn’t even like, wasn’t exactly thrilling. I’ve kept my eye out for alternatives, but as the summer ends I’ve found that possible sole-mates are few and far between.
Then, I had my first dress fitting, and not only did the shoes not jive with my gown, they were also too tall for it (peekaboo petticoats, anyone?). Instead, I got fitted wearing a pair of super comfy ivory ballet flats from Aldo—also on sale.
And then I decided I had had enough. If Mohammed wouldn’t come to the mountain, this mountain was going to make her own dream shoes.
SUPPLIES:
- wire cutter
- scissors
- glue gun (it’s my weapon of choice)
- vintage millinery supplies
- satin flowers and leaves from a vintage veil
- CZ earrings
So with Marie as my muse, I set to work, and created these:
They may not be everyone’s style, but I think they are gorgeous! I was trying to evoke a Georgian, angelic, father of the bride awesome sneakers-esque kind of feeling, and I think I succeeded. If anything, at least I’m happy with my shoes now! 
… and I can cross the last item off my list—something blue? Check!
Is anyone else embellishing their shoes? Have you found your sole mates yet?
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44 Responses to “Let Them Eat (Short)Cake!”
wow, maybe you missed your calling… those are beautiful. I am having shoe envy now!
OMG! I am also obsessed with Miss Marie! I would love to have a pair like that! Want some business? LOL!!!! NO really Im serious!
Wow, shortie! I’m thinking you could open up an Etsy shop and sell these. Seriously!
LOVE them!!!!
ahhh! I love those!! I would totally buy them if I saw them. They are so sweet looking, with character. Better than all of the wedding flats I’ve been searching through online. I agree you should start a business 
These are AWESOMELY cute! seriously. =)
Fabulous!! Love them!! I wore yellow ballet slippers to the prom 11 years ago (actual ballet slippers I had professionally dyed butter yellow - this is before the whole ballet shoes resurgence happened) - and my mother wore ivory ballet slippers to her wedding - and I will be wearing those same ivory ballet slippers at my reception when my feet start aching from my heels. Love it!!
I love them!!! I would wear these in a heartbeat.
holy moley, those are adorable! i would have never thought to make my own shoes. genius!
MY GOSHHHHHHHHHHHH THESE ARE AWSOME!!!
I never would have thought to do that - they’re spectacular! Off to buy a glue gun…
Why the Aldo in the heel?….no..wait….sorry… i am a dingbat. I totally read that and thought you MADE the whole shoe! I was going to tell you to quit your day job because those look so pro!
OK - well they still look pro - custom embellishments and all!
VERY IMPRESSIVE Chicka!!
Let me just say also that I LOVE YOU!!! I have been stressing on how to pull my whole vintage,hollyglam into play. I needed a color scheme, but I just got it! blush Pink,tiffany blue, brown, and silver! THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!!! amazing how things just click sometimes!
Wow! Those ARE AWESOMMMMMMME! What talent! You should open an etsy shop, girl!
I was just on the phone with a shoe company when I read this. I love them!
Broke-Ass Bride
Looooooooooove your shoes! If I saw them at the store I’d so buy them!
I LOVE them! Is there anything you can’t do??
I’d totally buy them! LOVEEE them!
Wooow. Those ROCK!
@danathebride: thanks, I do have one actually, it’s called “Out of the woods” (http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5514394)
@enmoore66: I am a ballerina-flats-aholic, so I couldn’t be happier with this comeback!
@Heidz: @Ada: @jordanje: @soontobemrsk24: …I’m not so sure how a “send me your shoes and I’ll antoinette them” business could work, but thanks so much for the lovely compliment! 
those are the sweetest! I am forever jealous that my flat feet do not allow me to wear ballet flats. they just splay out at the sides and look terrible.
OMG I LOVEEEE THEM… want to make me a pair
love these! i was in france about two weeks ago and went to Versailles and totally caught the Marie-bug. LOVE LOVE LOVE these shoes!
I WANT THEM!! They are so incredibly cute and totally practical! Um, can you please start a shoe decorating business so I can buy some like that?! Pretty please!!
*SWOON*
I am going to be changing my shoes just a little bit as well. I think your shoes look so cute, and I LOVE the shot of the two shortcakes! One of the funnest dress up shoots I have ever seen.
You really made some plain shoes look adorable! I think you’re starting a trend.
i am constantly stunned at your creativity. i love how you take charge of a situation and take matters into your own hands!
i have some ‘meh’ gold ballet flats, and i thought i could dress them up with some vintagey inspired brooches found on ebay.
not so….but i’m dragging my feet on buying a pair of $70 “bridal shoes”.
perhaps i’ll get creative and try to spruce up my own flats? i’ll definitely think on it!
(i love yours btw! very much my style )
Fabulous! You have completely transformed your shoes. They are so cute and you will be so comfortable! Excellent!
You are so inspiring! Why not decorate the shoes you want?! I made my own ring pillows, invitations, programs, hair accessories for all my bridesmaids…something more unique and have tons of memories and meaning ;o)
O.M.G. I LOVE them!! You rock, Ms. Shortcake!! (Btw, I also fell in love with costumes in Coppola’s film.)
So Cute! EXCELLENT WORK!
Fantastic. I want a pair!
Mrs. Shortcake, Vancouver
Age and Occupation: 24, Marketing Manager/Children's Lit Writer
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 24, Master's Student/Personal Trainer
Engagement Date: August 7, 2007
Wedding Date: October 2008
Blogging Since:
Venue: Ceremony in a historic church, tented lawn reception at a golf and country club
About Me: 1950's housewife sent to the future, reborn as crafting-obsessed, jill of all trades. I enjoy decorating, writing, baking sweet things, singing show tunes/dancing in public, wearing pearls, and knitting sweaters for my furbaby, Harvey, to chew upon. I heart pink, and believe that sparkles are the new black.
LOVE.