April 4, 2010

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!

18 comments:

  1. isn't that guy's place insane!?!?
    love love love him and his sandals.
    did you see the picture of the leather staircase/bannister he did?
    you will LIVE in your sandals FOREVER.

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  2. Sarah- Yess!! The staircase was CRAZY! He also showed me the watch strap he did for the world's largest watch--amazing. I'm so excited to get my sandals. My nana has literally worn each of her pairs for 10yrs+ before she needs new ones.

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  3. Are you the sweetest for sharing this with us! Thank you! xoxo

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  4. i love these kind of sandals shop, there's one in Athens, Greece very similar that I always visit when I'm in town. Love the middle bag also!

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  5. Preppy 101-You are very welcome! Be sure to let me know if you ever visit! xx

    Helena- Ohh you are so lucky! I want to visit Greece SO badly! The middle bag is actually mine, whoops! xx

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  6. What a unique tradition! How fun to get a pair of custom sandals. And those bags you have pictured are gorgeous too.

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  7. Wow, how exciting! (And what a great and fashionable Nana you have!). Please be sure to post your shoes when you receive them, I'd love to see how they turn out!

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  8. Wow!! That's awesome!! Thanks for sharing that with us! :)

    My giveaway ends Thursday! Be sure to check it out!

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  9. Wow, that is a lost craft. Enjoy them. It's hard to find a shoemaker to do repairs around here.

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  10. What an amazing little shop. I love that shops like this still exist in our country. I am going to check out the website now...thanks for sharing!

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  11. That place looks awesome! My husband bought some handmade sandals in Italy 2 years ago and they're still holding up great. I've been kicking myself for not getting a pair for me! You'll enjoy them for years!
    Ps I just found your blog and I love it! You have such great taste! http://christinemiggins.blogspot.com

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  12. This is the coolest thing ever! Your Nana is so stylish! Love those buckles too, and can't wait to see how your shoes turn out! Seriously a lost art, I just love it. :) YAY for you!! XOXO

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  13. Oh now those are cute:)
    Lucky you!!!

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  14. Can not wait to see your sandals, those belts are insanely cool...ditto your Nana!

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  15. What a fun place!! I will have to check this out next time I am down there- I would love a hand made pair of sandals for sure!!

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  16. those are some great sandals, I love them!!!

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  17. OMG, those sandals and bags look scrumptious! I want to order some things!

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  18. My husband, went there in 2000, has a pair of these sandles (above) and wears them all year round (South Carolina). That place is the best,thanks for the pictures takes me back to a great time in my life!!!

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