Halo Shoes Blog

Milan's weather is almost exactly like Portland's making the question of what to pack straight forward.  When it's cold and wet here, it'll likely be the same in Milan.  And, like Portland, when the sun comes out, so do the people.  My hotel, being close to the Duomo, makes walking by it a daily event but when the sun comes out on an late winter / early spring day, the Milanese are out to enjoy it.  

This is the Italian version of our mall.  It has the original Prada shop where the luggage was sold in the good, 'ol days when quality was paramount.  They still occupy the same location.  Of course, in Italian fashion, the interior is incredible.  One of the most amazing features to me is the mosaic floor.  It's ornate, colorful and goes on and on with no two tiles the same.  Sorry about no picture.

The view of the Duomo from a side street around the corner from the "mall".

People have asked about the show and it's hard to explain the magnitude or sea of shoes that are shown.  The following picture is just one of many similar buildings.  Even after having come to this show for many years, it's easy to loose focus.

But, the upside is I can always find something new, different, quirky, etc....

Some Parisian shoe friends recommended this line designed by two French sisters and made in Italy - Tuscany area to be more specific.  The whole line was fresh and fun but maybe too forward for what we do at Halo.  Never know.

At the end of the my day, the reward is a good dinner.  You have to work hard to find bad food in Milan and this is one of my most favorite places to eat...

The decor is super ugly 1970's but everything else is great...the place is packed with young romantic couples, families, office colleagues...and me the lone American.  My Italian is horrible so there's lots of point and grunt.  They know me now so there's lots of mock indignation but I always leave full and satiated. Highly recommended by the owner of the hotel I stay at for being one of the best values in Milan.