Say It Isn't So!

The 2009 SL® Footwear Expo ends tonight and it has been an overwhelming success, and a tribute to all the amazing Animators, Footwear Designers, and Expo Committee members who have braved the chilly winter weather for the past two weeks to make it all happen. Never fear, if you haven't made the trip over to the shoe fair sims, there is still some time left to get your hands on all the beautiful exclusives and support Toys for Tots!

I hope you have enjoyed my coverage of the Expo, both on 'On Your Toes' and on the Footwear Expo Blog. In case you missed anything, I invite you to visit my flickr collection of all 30 Footwear Expo Collector Cards... see the complete slide show here.

I leave you with a little tease of something to come... these absolutely perfect and plaid t-strap pumps, the Ashoka T-Strap Shoes by Nardcotix, due out the middle of this coming week. So even though it's sad to say farewell to another amazing Expo, we are comforted by the knowledge of great things to come!

Happy Shopping! Taxi to Expo.

The Stuff;

Shoes: Nardcotix, Ashoka T-Strap Shoes, Red Plaid.

Skin: Curio, Sundust (Dark) June, Swan 2 Frex.

Hair: TRUTH, Ashlynn, Caramel.

Outfit: Phoenix Rising, Motive, Red.

Accessories: Paper Couture, Pearled Simplicity Earrings. & Earthstones, Petite Tennis Bracelet (Abraxxa's Bridal), Gold.

Music: Say It Isn't So by Hall & Oates.

(click on image to expand.)

Footwear Expo Fashion Show!

Footwear Expo is presenting a fashion show this afternoon, and you are invited! Today, at 1:00 PM slt, make your way over to the Expo Main Stage to catch a look at the hottest styles of the shoe fair, you might see something new, or something you missed while shopping the fair! The Expo is almost drawing to a close, so don't miss this chance to attend a fun footwear fashion show and buy your raffle tickets to win some incredible prizes too!

Join us Today at 1:00 PM slt, at Expo!

StyleCard: YS&YS BigSur Boots

More boots worthy of attention at Footwear Expo, YS & YS bring us the BigSur Boots. These tall suede lovelies have really nice texturing and a great cuffed top. Available in 8 colors, you can also get a very special blue version in support of Toys for Tots at Expo. Visit YS & YS at Expo to get these boots, or the main store for a great selection of footwear.

The stuff;

Boots: YS & YS, BigSur Boots, Goblin.

Skin: Curio, June Sundust FREX, Doe 1.

Hair: TRUTH, Grace, Toffee.

Outfit: So Many Styles, Button Shirt, Green. & Elephant Outfitters (Armidi), Andi Denim Vest, Sand and Journey Tweed Slacks Coal.

Accessories: Donna Flora, Viola Set. & Redgrave, Driving Gloves, Mustard. & LeLutka, 100% Plastic Bag, Goldenrod (Group Gift).

(click on image to expand.)

Footwear Expo Update!

If you haven't hit the Footwear Expo yet, what are you waiting for? Not only is the Expo home to several amazing new releases, and a great way to discover some new designers, but it is also a great way to support a good cause, Toys for Tots!

One exciting way to contribute is to buy 2009 Footwear Expo Raffle Tickets! Locate the giant green ornaments scattered around the expo grounds and for your 1000 L$ contribution you will be entered into a draw for some amazing prizes! 2 Grand Prizes will be awarded, including prizes furnished by:

The Loft
J’s
Reel Expression
Nyte’N'Day
Eolande’s
*HD* Haven Designs
BOOM
JC’s
G Field
Sable Rose
Olive Juice poses
Callie Cline
Periquita
DCNY
Enkythings
Tiny Bird
24
Striking Poses
Shoe Fly
Silhouette
MechanizedLife
Courtisane
Heart & Soul
aDORKable poses
Miau Haus

Winners will be drawn at the end of the Expo, Contact Rosie Shark for more information!

Get over to Expo!

StyleCard: Periquita Kulturtant Flats

Erpla Prieto has a great new pair of flats at Footwear Expo, the Kulturtant Flats are an almost chubby little flat with the added interest of a band around the toes and a strap loosely around the ankle in a contrast color. The Kulturtant Flats are color change, allowing you to mix and match the base of the shoe and the trim, and they are resize scripted. Visit Periquita at Expo or the Main Store to pick up these cuties.

The stuff;

Shoes: Periquita, Kulturtant Flats.

Skin: Belleza, Jesse, Sunkiss 8 HB.

Hair: TRUTH, Wilma, Chocolate.

Outfit: Muism, VSL Damaged Jeans, Washed. & fri.day, Ballet Sweater, Hot Pink. & COCO, FringeVest, Dark Brown.

Accessories: Maitreya, Coin Necklace.

(click on image to expand.)

Help Wanted

Though Flutter Memel's Flowey Poses are not officially part of Footwear Expo, I couldn't help but giggle when she posted on plurk that she had created a special set of poses as a way to make a few extra L$ to spend at the shoe fair! The set is called 'I need money for ShoeFair'.

You can help Flutter fulfill her footwear dreams by doing some shopping at Flowey Poses.

StyleCard: On My Tiny Toes

I have to admit this one was a bit of a challenge for me, I have serious affection for footwear that has realistic proportion and photorealstic texturing, that I rarely step into shoes like the ones created by 2408 Alekseev of 24Shoo Shoes. The best way for me to classify the Wow! No. 19 shoe is fantasy, or surreality, they distort the foot somewhere reminiscent of Chinese foot binding. They are constructed of loops and florettes of plastic with barely a heel to speak of, and they wrap a very unique and dainty foot on a float of sculpted platform.

The design is meant to extend the leg, and since I have always prided my avatar as having a sexy leg without any external help, perhaps the super slim leg and petite foot were not really designed with me in mind. If however you are a fan of the trend for SL fashion models to have legs set to 100 and next to no body fat then these are likely a very elegant and soaring slice of fashion well suited to you. Visit 24Shoo Shoes at Expo or the Main Store to see more!

The stuff;

Shoes: 24Shoo Shoes, Wow! No.19, Black.

Skin: Belleza, Jesse Sunkiss, 1 HB.

Hair: DejaVu, Mademoiselle, Black (hand tinted bands).

Dress: Beauty Avatar, Bayonne Dress.

Accessories: UZURI, Zamani, Silver Bangle. & Creamshop, Glam Earrings, Red.

(click on image to expand.)

StyleCard: A Little Bit of Heart & Sole

Footwear Expo is host to shoe designers of all types and experience, another name that was new-to-me is that of Heart & Sole, which boasts a collection of sexy sandals and strappy concoctions that have some nice touches of detail. Designer Bijoux Lefavre has a number of fun shoes at Expo, I am focusing on two of them, the Broken and Drops styles, both are foot-in-shoe sandals. The Broken shoes look simple at first glance, but the dangling broken heart charm on a delicate pewter chain add interest and a hint of back story. They are available in a number of colors and as a fatpack.


Heart & Sole proudly promises reasonable prices on their footwear, and they deliver, the Drops shoes have the look of a decadent jewel embellished sandal but the ticket price is very affordable. Pulled together with linked pieces of leather, the shoe has a pair of dangling jewels on chains that have a slight glimmer from the texture change gems. Visit Heart & Sole at Expo or at the main store location to see more!

The stuff;

Look 1 -

Shoes: Heart & Sole, Broken, Purple.

Skin: Curio, June - Sundust FREX, Dark Allium 2.

Hair: DP Yum Yum, BarberYumYum 19, Brown.

Outfit: Bijou, Nightmare, Dark Purple.

Accessories: COCO, Long Gloves, Black. & Donna Flora, Dolores, Purple (Earrings from Set).

Look 2 -

Shoes: Heart & Sole, Drops, Black.

Skin: Curio, June - Sundust FREX, Dark Daylily 2.

Hair: DP Yum Yum, BarberYumYum 17, Brown.

Outfit: Bijou, Phantom Dance.

Accessories: CHLOE, Black Night Bracelet & Necklace.

(click on images to expand.)

StyleCard:C'est Magnifico!

New to me designer Magnifico Miggins of Magnifico Shoes offers up some great styles at Footwear Expo. Taking a closer look at two of them, the Cage Boots and the Envy Boots, reveals some nice design and great bold color. The Cage Boots have a fetish meets fashion feel to them, and come complete with a prim foot inside these open leather weave boots. Available in multiple colors or fatpack with color change HUD.


The Envy Boots fall into the oh-so-popular knee high boot category, with very detailed crinkled polished leather calves. Also available in some bold bright colors, and full color set, these are equally nice in monochromatic grey or black. Visit Magnifico at Footwear Expo or at their Main Location!

The stuff;

Look 1 -

Boots: Magnifico Shoes, Cage Boots, All Color Set.

Skin: Curio, June - Sundust FREX, Dark Swan 2.

Hair: fri.day, Rashelle, Timid Brown.

Outfit: Luck Inc., Sweater Dress, Bulgarian Rose. & Armidi Limited, Metallic Tights, Black.

Accessories: M * A * ii * K * I, High Waisted Belt, Patent Black.

Look 2 -

Boots: Magnifico Shoes, Envy Boots, All Color Set.

Skin: Curio, June - Sundust FREX, Dark Doe 1.

Hair: fri.day, Deena, Scornful Red.

Outfit: Snatch, Cashmere Sweater and Scarf (Multicolor Set). & Armidi, Grace Jeans, Bleached.

Accessories: Argyle, Autumn Bangles, Fushia.

(click on images to expand.)

StyleCard: G Field at Footwear Expo

I have to admit to a little bit of boot love for G Field. Designer Cerberus Noel has offered up two completely new styles for the fair, one of which is the Long Fur Cuff Boot, a boot which I admit I thought was cute on the vendor, but once I got it on it was much much more. It seems to be a perfect combination of soft scrunched suede and fluffy fur topper, accented with a delicate wisp of ribbon. The boot sits on a great chunky platform sole, and is available in a number of color choices.


Not a new release, but newly released in this fun houndstooth pattern, the Figure Pumps, also from G Field, are a classic looking little pump. I really love the little knotted bow on the toe and other smart details. These are very affordable and well worth grabbing a pair (or two). Visit G Field at the Footwear Expo to see all the available colors and patterns. Also keep an eye out for an additional new release, a Ribbon Slingback!

G Field at Expo, or Main Store Location.

The stuff;

Look 1 -

Boot: G Field, Long Fur Cuff Boot, Black/Night.

Skin: Curio, June Sundust FREX, Dark Racoon 2.

Hair: TRUTH, Talullah, Mocha.

Outfit: So Many Styles, Tartan Skirt, Grey. & En Svale, Cardigan, Charcoal. & Maitreya, RB Tank, Black.

Accessories: TAP (5th & Oxford), Gloves, Short Grey. & Armidi, Sweater Scarf, Faded Chic. & Artileri, Knit Earmuffs, Black.

Look 2 -

Shoes: G Field, Figure Pumps, Hound Tooth Red.

Skin: Curio, June Sundust FREX, Dark Doe 1.

Hair: TRUTH, Lizzie, Toffee.

Outfit: Armidi Gisaci, Lima Trenchcoat, Nero. & GLAM, Solid Tintable Lycra Tights.

Accessories: Argrace, Long Stole, Paisley Red.

(click on images to expand.)

StyleCard: Double Dose of Nardcotix

Nardcotix has a number of releases planned for the Footwear Expo, here are two, the Cerra Booties and the Eva Slingbacks. Nardya Rousselot has certainly been busy getting these ready for us, she has a great sensibility for making the type of shoes I would happily wear in first life! The Cerra Booties for example are an ankle height boot in rich leather with the addition of studs and zippers to give them a bit of spirit. Ever practical Nardya offers up this boot with multiple wear options to accommodate pant legs, or spare an attachment point.


The Eva Slingback is a great retro shoe updated in several attractive snakeskin options. The shoe is set upon a stacked wood heel and buckles attractively at the ankle. The real charm of this otherwise classically styled shoe is the sculpted bow wrap of the toe, another really special must have sort of shoe that bares an exotic mix of texture and practical style!

Find both of these styles and more at Footwear Expo, and later at the Nardcotix Main Store.

The stuff;

Look 1 -

Shoes: Nardcotix, Cerra Bootie, Brown Leather.

Skin: Curio, Sundust FREX, Dark - Pure 4.

Hair: MiraiStyle, Gran, Cream.

Outfit: Fishy Strawberry, Oversized Cardigan & Socks, Brown. & Persona, Woolen Tights, Pink. & LeLutka Lingerie, Nicola Lingerie Set, Pink Bra.

Necklace & Earrings: Mezzo, Bear & Cupcake Necklace and Soft Ice Cream Earrings.

Look 2 -

Shoes: Nardcotix, Eva Slingback, Beige.

Skin: Curio, Sundust FREX, Dark - Doe 2.

Hair: MiraiStyle, Bana, Latte.

Outfit: Donna Flora, Karen (Cream Skirt).

Accessories: Donna Flora, Dolores Set, Gold.

(click Images to expand.)

'Twas The Night Before Expo!

Having just 'skated' around the sims of the 2009 SL® Footwear Expo, I am happy to report that the setting is not only fun and festive but very easy to navigate! The build is very prim conscious and although it is only an early supposition, I expect the lag of shopping the expo during it's peak attendance times will be less than other large scale events of this type. The stores participating are an impressive list, and I am most excited to see the addition of pose designers to this year's expo, after all, once you buy all those gorgeous shoes you will want to show them off!

Things get started tomorrow, so start thinking happy shoe thoughts!

Don't forget about the 2009 SL® Footwear Expo flickr Photo Contest! Still plenty of time to get your entries in!

Here are the important details:

Anyone may enter the Flickr Contest, with as many pictures as they like, wearing any shoes that they like.The prize package for one lucky winner includes items from Tillie Ariantho, Dove Swanson [LAP], and Serenity Mercier’s AMS PhotoStage.

- Only photos submitted between 11/18/09 and 12/02/09 at midnight slt will be considered eligible.
- Deadline for entry is midnight on 12/02/09
- You may enter as many photos as you’d like
- One photo will be selected by a panel of Footwear Expo staff
- Winner will be announced on 12/06/09 during the final day of the Expo
- Please include SL avatar name in the description of the photo
- Photos should reflect both themes: shoes + winter wonderland/holiday

I can't wait to see your creative shots, and post the winning photo here on 'On Your Toes'!

Are You Ready?

The time has almost come for the 2009 SL® Footwear Expo! While the vendors are getting busy with their final preparations, I am getting ready for a marathon of blogging that will hopefully bring you a look at many of the new releases, and what to look out for at the Expo!

Don't forget to participate in the 2009 SL® Footwear Expo Flickr Contest!!

Here are the important details:

Anyone may enter the Flickr Contest, with as many pictures as they like, wearing any shoes that they like.

The prize package for one lucky winner includes items from Tillie Ariantho, Dove Swanson [LAP], and Serenity Mercier’s AMS PhotoStage.

- Only photos submitted between 11/18/09 and 12/02/09 at midnight slt will be considered eligible.
- Deadline for entry is midnight on 12/02/09
- You may enter as many photos as you’d like
- One photo will be selected by a panel of Footwear Expo staff
- Winner will be announced on 12/06/09 during the final day of the Expo
- Please include SL avatar name in the description of the photo
- Photos should reflect both themes: shoes + winter wonderland/holiday

Have fun! Kick it with some fabulous shoes and show us your photo skills!

The Big 5-0-0 & More!

Yep, another 'On Your Toes' Milestone. Hard to believe it has been 500 posts already! Once again I will take this opportunity to thank the incredible content creators of Second Life, who continue to create all those wonderful shoes, boots, and feet, that make my passion for shoe blogging endlessly rewarding. Despite all the negative forces that seem to get in the way of business in today's virtual marketplace, the footwear designers of SL are responsible for great leaps in innovation and remarkable creativity. I couldn't take a single stylish step without you!

Great appreciation to the other contributors, readers and followers of 'On Your Toes', I value the time you give to chase my feet around the grid, your feedback, and your great tips and finds. From the start of my journey on this blog way back in December of 2007, with my dear friend Graciana McMillan, I have never gotten tired of showing off the fantastic fashions of Second Life. If you are interested in more information about how this blog got started you can find that here.

As I look ahead to the upcoming '2009 SL® Footwear Expo' , starting on November 22nd and running until December 6th, I expect we will be sharing many more special shoe moments together in the future!

Thanks for keeping us On Your Toes!

P.S. There is something else to celebrate for loyal shoe fanatics, and in this case membership does have it's privileges! It seems that Stiletto Moody has decided to celebrate the 2 Year Anniversary of their Grand Opening with a very special gift for existing group members, that means that if you are not in the group already you won't be able to join up and grab this goody.

For the rest of us it's this red hot, Badseed Red in fact, pair of the new BARE Lana shoe in a limited gift edition, complete with all the features of the regular BARE footwear line, and featuring the very special Gold Heart Anniversary Logo on the sole. A shoe that will inspire love!

Stiletto Moody group members can pick this gift up for the next few days here & here.

Footwear Expo Collector Card #3

Footwear Expo Collector Card #2

Footwear Expo Collector Card #1

It's Almost Time!

The shoe creators of Second Life, and the team behind the coming Footwear Expo, are hard at work preparing for the November 22nd launch of this much anticipated event! Starting just in time for the holiday shopping season, the 2009 Footwear Expo will take place across 2 sims and will feature the best in virtual footwear and exciting new releases to make us all a bit giddy. This year the Expo will be raising funds in Support of Toys for Tots.


I am happy to be participating in the 2009 Footwear Expo as a guest blogger, I will be featuring some great footwear in a fun 'Collector Card' format leading up to and during the Expo, which runs until December 6th! You can 'collect' my posts at both 'On Your Toes' and the '2009 SL® Footwear Expo!' blogs.

Stay tuned for more information!