Secrets from Nana

Of all the things I planned to do while I was home for Easter, I was most excited for a trip to the sandal maker with my Nana. For the past forty years she has been visiting the same leather shop and having custom sandals made by its expert craftsmen. The shop is off the beaten path, hidden in an alleyway up a rickety set of stairs in an apartment overlooking the harbor. I'm glad my Nana passed along her secret because I'd never be able to find it otherwise!

Climbing the stairs to the shop.

The unexpected storefront.

The owner, Victor Powell, told us about the runway show Michael Kors commissioned him to make shoes for in 2007. The middle photo is of Nicole Kidman wearing a pair of sandals from The Workshop.

I loved the nautical chart of Cape Cod Bay hanging above his work station.

Here are the different varieties of sandals you can choose from. Victor also makes handbags and belts.

This is the style I chose. My pair will be in a lighter leather though. The strap is made in one continuous piece of leather. You're able to make the sandals tighter just by pulling on it which I thought was pretty great.

My sister and I fell in love with these handcrafted belt buckles. My favorites are the sailboat, fish, and crab.

Visit The Workshop online for more info and photos of Victor's amazing work. My sandals will be ready next week and I can't wait to start breaking them in!

I hope you all had a great holiday weekend!