Being Sneaky

A fun new release from the collaborative cobblers, Melanie Zhao and Lissa Maertens. The ZHAO Shoes Sk8rSneaks are a hot little unisex shoe with nice artwork and color combinations for almost anyone. The playful shape inspired me to take a fun little trip to the market, stopping to make a phone call along the way. Yes, the hair is blue, but the shoes made me do it, I swear. Look for multiple designs available on this shoe.

Stop over to ZHAO for the look see.

The Stuff; Rockberry Skin, ::69:: Hair, Luck Inc. Romper, COCO Tube Top, Armidi & Fresh Baked Goods Bracelets, Artilleri and UmeMode Necklaces, Love Soul Prim Nails with Ring, CreamShop Earrings, Fabulous Shopping Basket.

UPDATE: Hello Miss Zhao?

OK Color me confused, a concerned reader pointed this out to me this morning and I have to say that I am a bit disappointed and even more bewildered, but perhaps the creators involved can shed some light on the situation for all of us. It seems the just released ZHAO AprilStars are almost identical, if not identical, to shoes released in January by Cattiva e Cattivo creator Lissa Maertens. They are alike in appearance and also in the name 'AprilStars' and even the color names seem to be the same. So I ask, were these a 'business in a box' full perms kit situation or has Lissa started working with ZHAO? I await your feedback. (*** please see the comments section of this post for clarification)

The Original Review:

Zhao shoes is back! For whatever reason it has been a while since Melanie Zhao has released something new, but as expected she has returned with the release of these cute sculpted AprilStars oxford heels. Some nice texturing here, and great color selection, each pair comes with 2 lace options, these are resizable by HUD. There is also a color changeable pair with bling, Zhao has always offered great customizable features and she managed to find a way to offer that here too.

Visit ZHAO Shoes at the main store to take a look at the newness.

The stuff; Redgrave Skin, ETD Hair, Argrace Shirt, COCO knotted sweater, Cachet Pants, Artilleri & Fresh Baked Goods Bracelets.

Footwear Expo Update: ZHAO Shoes

Melanie Zhao makes great shoes, the quality is consistently impressive... and she truly works the traditional prim as well as anyone can work a sculpty. Here are a few of her latest releases, these styles and more are available at her booth at Footwear Expo. I just love the Cotton Candy version of the Savannah... pink and blue and yummeh! Please visit Mel's booth at Expo to grab up some of these sexy heels, or for a huge selection of styles you can always visit her mainstore. Enjoy!

I am wearing; with Savannah - Minnu Skin. Laqroki Hair, Bijou Outfit and Fresh Bakes Goods Bangle. with Shy 2 - Minnu Skin, Laqroki Hair, Bijou Top (Diva Freebie), LAST CALL Pants (Discontinued, Freebie), Digital Knickers Earrings, Armidi Bangles.

I Feel Pretty...

New releases from ZHAO can do that to a girl, and Melanie Zhao's latest, the Lovis Pumps are just that type of shoe. A classic ultra high heeled pump with sexy flair and adorned with a sculpted bow and rhinestone buckle. Perfectly sweet, and very wearable. I took mine for a little stroll through the lobby at the Bellagio Hotel.

Look for these and other nicely made items at ZHAO Shoes.

Also wearing; PXL Skin, Laqroki Hair, Beauty Avatar Dress, Earrings by Kraftika Jewelry, Necklace by Tickled Pink, Bracelet by Fresh Baked Goods.

Sugar and Spice

It has been an interesting weekend, and I was without Internet access for most of it, so I am a bit behind on the bloggery - but that doesn't mean I am without some great shoes to show off! Melanie Zhao of ZHAO Shoes dropped a ton of new stuff on me on Friday, here are 2 of my faves from her new release... something sweet and something with some bite!

For a sweet treat I love these Callie Cork Soled Maryjane's, shown here in black. They have a cute pair of buckled straps and a nice high heel, that comes with 2 cork options. They are certainly a great looking pair of shoes... and like I have said before, a traditional prim shoe done well is perfectly welcome in my closet! this is one of those.

Also among the new releases are the oh-so-high Tamara Lace-Up Platforms these certainly make a spicy little statement, with a laced-up upper and a shiny shiny platform below... a real spike of a heel is certainly an attention getter. I love these with my socks from Dutch Touch (complete with prim ankle attachments that are not part of the shoe).

Two very different looks - these and more great shoes are available at ZHAO Shoes.

Also wearing; Minnu Skin, ETD Hair, Clothes from Tres Blah, Frustrated Inc., Canimal, Artilleri, Battered Boudoir & Dutch Touch Hosiery, Accessories by Nylon/Yummy, Callah, Paper Couture, Alyssa Bijoux, Abyss and Caroline's.

On the Cutting Edge with ZHAO

When Melanie Zhao of ZHAO Shoes first handed me her latest boot creations I know I felt a distinct sense of excitement. I was aware that she had been working on some new heel shapes... something truly different that would change our perception of her as someone who just makes pretty pumps and heeled sandals. Something with edge... for the fetish crowd perhaps, but also appealing to that hint of naughty in all of us - and who hasn't needed something like this in their wardrobe at one time or another?

For the SUSHEE Boots (Featured on the Green Background) the delicious richly textured leather straps wrap the leg from knee to mid-foot, buckles in multiple styles and sizes, that amazing Zhao footshape... and then the kicker (no pun intended)... a blade-like heel that looks like a hybrid ice skate. They are sexy and dangerous, and really unique. I doubt I could walk three steps in these in RL - but here in SL, well, isn't that what makes SL so great? the ability to create the implausible, to really push the boundaries of fashion with the tools available to us. I admire that Melanie has done that here, and with great results.

For the slightly more traditional looking ASTA Boots (Featured on the Red Background), that same leather strapping and buckles... but throw in some more metal details - namely metal chains and rings - and a stainless steel stiletto heel... these things are edgy, and incredibly sexy. Wearing either of these boots will have you looking strong yet feminine, I had so much fun putting these looks together - and i truly felt empowered in them. There are still some great things happening with traditional prim boots in SL and ZHAO has proven that here.

Also wearing; with SUSHEE - TaP Skin, Maitreya Hair, Clothing from Bare Rose. with ASTA - Tap Skin, Maitreya Hair, Clothing by PixelDolls & Savvy?

All That Glitters

With so many Holiday and New Year's Parties in SL it is a great time to throw on that LBD (Little Black Dress) and then add that touch of glamour with a great pair of glitzy shoes. I scoured my closet, and the closets of some of SL's shoe magicians to pull together some of my favorite golden footwear. Enjoy!

My Top Faves;

1. TESLA - Shiny Vixens -GOLD

2. Storm Schmooz - Carat - 24

3. ZHAO - SHIM - GOLD

4. Armidi Gisaci - Vidalia Pump - Metallic Gold






More Golden Girls;

5. ZHAO - VIVACIOUS - GOLD

6. ZHAO - HONEST - GOLD

7. ZHAO - CHELLE - GOLD DLX

8. Tekilah Elytis - Crisis Pumps I - Color Change, Set to Gold.

9. ZHAO - TESLA - GOLD

10. ZHAO - MIABELLA -GOLD

11. TESLA - 'Diva' Heels - GOLD

12. G.L.A.M. - Color Scripted Metallic Pumps - Set to Gold.

With Great Gold Accents;

13. Stiletto Moody - Foxy Slingback - Litchi White

14. Sylfie's Prim Seduction - *SM* "Embraced" - Gold/White (4th Series)

15. Digit Darkes- Mary Janes - SEQUIN GOLD (1L Item)

16. Sylfie's Prim Seduction - *SM* "Wicked" - Gold/Black (3rd Series)

Review copies provided by ZHAO, Storm Schmooz & TESLA.

Also Wearing; Armidi Hair, Minnu Skin, Accessories by UnTone and Second Mirage, Clothing by Armidi and LAST CALL.