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Graffiti shoes are an interesting way to make a fashion statement. Graffiti shoes are almost always sneakers. There are ready made models from most sneaker manufacturers but if you want a look that is totally your own, paint your own with your own tag. For inspiration, look on the web at some of the commercial products to get a feel for the possibilities.

The first step is deciding on the design you want to use. Then decide if you want both shoes to be mostly the same. Your design will suggest the technique you will use for painting your shoes. Your options will include stencil and spray paint, permanent markers and leather or fabric paint. Do not try to use oil paint or regular acrylic paint; they won’t hold up. If you are planning to do a freehand design on each shoe, practice first on paper. Once the paint is on the shoe it’s hard to get off. If you are using a stencil, make a practice stencil first and test it on a curved surface to see how it will look on your shoe. When you are satisfied with your design go ahead and start on your shoes. Please remember to let your shoes dry between paint applications to prevent accidental smudging of your design.

The first thing you have to do to your target shoes is prepare the surface. This is probably the most important step in the process if you want your graffiti shoes to be a success. If you are using canvas shoes, send them on a trip through the washing machine to remove all the sizing from the fabric.

If you are planning to paint leather shoes you will have to remove the wax if you want your paint to adhere. Acetone is a good solvent for prepping the surface of the leather. Be sure to wear thick rubber gloves to protect your hands from the acetone. Scrub the surface of the leather with cotton balls or a soft cloth saturated with acetone until the wax is gone and the surface has a matte finish.

Ria Rios loves to create graffiti. She also like to customize her clothes. She has found that graffiti shoes are perfect for her love of both things. She likes making custom graffiti shoes for other

Individual style should be applauded. It takes guts, personality and confidence to pull off certain looks, and anyone who expresses their individual style with gusto should be proud. But there are a few fashion no-no’s that should really be avoided at all costs, because, let’s face it, they just don’t look good on anyone. Be a fashion do by following these fashion don’ts.

1. Socks And Sandals
Just don’t do it, it really doesn’t look good. I understand wanting to be comfortable, but if socks are truly necessary, put on a pair of cute tennies or slip ons. Better yet, find a pair of sandals that are comfortable enough to wear without socks. Oh, and don’t even think about wearing black socks up to your knees with shorts and any type of shoes. I won’t even get into my opinion on Crocs at this point, but let’s just say that unless you’re gardening, I wouldn’t recommend those either.

2. Your Underwear Peeking Out Of Your Pants
Ok, So Brittany Spears did it, and so did various other teen stars and it was cool for a while. Let me give you a hint: unless you actually look like Brittany Spears, you probably can’t pull it off. Even if you can pull it off, there’s a difference between letting your thong hang out on stage in front of thousands of fans an paparazzi, and showing it off at the grocery store or in line at the movie theater. Trust me, no one wants to see it, and people are probably making fun of you as soon as you’re out of earshot.

3. Wearing The Baggiest Clothes You Can Find
No matter what size you are, you are going to look better in clothes that actually fit you, rather than big, baggy clothes meant to hide your figure. Beauty is not size dependent, and most people will tell you that a person of any size who looks fashionable and put together always looks better than someone in baggy clothes that looks like they are wearing a tent. Find a style that works for your body type, and that you like and be proud of it. The more confident you are in your own body and style, the more people will be drawn to you and appreciate you for who you are and your individual style. Sit on a bench at the mall for a couple of hours watching people go by. Who looks great, and who looks like a slob? Find a role model and try to emulate them. If all else fails, watch a few dozen episodes of What Not To Wear, and see resistant fashion disasters morph into beautiful, put together people.

4. Over-accessorizing, or Not Accessorizing at All
Even the best outfit can benefit from a few well placed accessories. A great handbag, and nice necklace and some simple earrings can easily take an outfit from ok to fabulous. They don’t have to match, they just have to be in the same or a complimentary color family. But a word of warning: don’t overdo it. Great big dangly earrings, 4 necklaces, 3 inches of arm bangles and a huge, sparkly handbag is going just a bit overboard. Keep it simple, but interesting, and make sure that your accessories compliment your outfit, not overpower it.

5. Being Self Conscious About Your Style
Above all, find a style that you love (and of course that follows all of the above mentioned rules). Wear colors that make you happy, and styles that make you feel beautiful. The absolute worst thing you can do is wear clothes that make you feel uncomfortable, or that you don’t love. Clothes and accessories are meant to be fun, that’s why there are so many choices. Don’t buy something just because it’s on sale, all of those meaningless purchases could be traded for one fantastic piece that you adore, and will last a long time. Buy pieces that are classic, as well as a few trendier items that can be mixed and matched. You will never regret spending a little more on a great pair of black pants that will last for years, and you can update them every season with a new top or some jewelry.

Find your inner diva, and express your style for the world to admire by following these simple rules. A Little fashion knowledge can go a long way in allowing you to express yourself to the world in a positive, confident way.