Customize Your Shoes like ELLE's Fashion News Editor Véronique Hyland

Elle

There's a reason I'm a writer, not a designer. Even though I spend most of my day analyzing clothes, I wouldn't know the first thing about sketching something on my own. But when I met with Jodie Fox, the founder of customization site, Shoes of Prey, she challenged me to tap into my right-brained side and design a pair. I knew I wanted a comfy flat, something I could wear with summer dresses, so I decided to go the dressy oxford route. As you can see, I chose a wallpaper-like print for the upper half, and a poppy pinkish red for the wingtip's toe cap. (If I were an actual designer, I'd probably add something pretentious about "masculine meeting feminine.") The finished pair, which set me back $129, recently arrived in the mail and I have to say, I'm pretty pleased with my handiwork. I don't think I'll be quitting my day job anytime soon, but I'm always open to offers. Your move, Seventh Avenue! Design your own handmade, custom kicks at shoesofprey.com.

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