My bank balance has taken a big hit recently Here are some of my purchases
Hawaiian novelty print sundress
I have a dress exactly like that one!
My bank balance has taken a big hit recently Here are some of my purchases
Hawaiian novelty print sundress
I bought these shoes for my girlfriend. They are early 20's judging from the elongated toe shape (not almond, like usually in the mid-to-late 20's)
They need a little attention with the heel but otherwise in great condition. Hardly walked in.
Use Valmour Saphir Renovateur, neats foot oil or Pecard's Antique Leather Dressing to treat them before use. This will reinvigorate the leather so it doesn't tear, split or crack. After you have applied enough thin layers on the leather and it does not absorb the product anymore you can wipe or buff the surface to a shine with the excess product or with a shine of your choosing. Never use vintage shoes that are dry as they will most likely break, very often the damaged received by the leather at this point will be irreversible and hopeless. Thus, always remember to treat them before use. Suede shoes can be treated from the reverse side of the nap granted the shoes are not lined with canvas or other such material.
Cracks and splits should always be looked at by a doctor (cobbler or shoemaker). Don't trust a cobbler who suggests only sewing up a gash, it rarely works. After the aforementioned treatment existing splits should be reinforced by sewing a piece of leather from the inside, outside or preferably from both sides.
Don't use 'weird' oils on soles. This makes half-soling them practically impossible. If the soles are cracked or show signs of weakness when bent at the ball (as they bend in walking) treat the soles as well.
If shoes (more often heels) are wobbly or weak at the instep the shank has split. You have few options at this point but you can either fit external iron shanks in corner of the heel and outsole or, if you have money, get a proper shoemaker to rebuild the sole construction. This is rarely a possibility, especially if the shoes have 'reverse' construction.