Halo Shoes Blog

I've been wanting to expand my technical shoe knowledge - develop a better understanding of how a shoe is created, the considerations of shoe design, etc. but didn't know where to go until a customer came in a told me about a blog.  This was the beginning of my two week shoe making adventure in south Brooklyn.  The two weeks were divided into cemented high heel construction, basic design & pattern making, and hand constructed/sewn man's shoe.  Here are a few random pictures from the class:

Finished lasting the heel of the pump. 

Lasting the toe box. 

Happy progress. 

All the tools required. 

Finished pump. 

I passed by this car everyday to the class and it evolved dramatically during my two weeks.

My metro stop.

From the pattern making class. 

Hand sewing/lasting the man shoe. 

This took forever and it had to be perfect with every stitch hole made. 

Wood pegged heel welt. 

Attaching the out sole to the welt.  Again, each hole had to be perfect.  There were about 75-80 stitches per shoe and it took me about 2 minutes per stitch.  I was up late a couple evenings. 

Warm, cute and Japanese! We're getting quite comfy-cozy with the apparel from our favorite Japanese sock line, Antipast! 

Worn open and hanging freely is our favorite way to style this amazingly soft wool sweater, but smooth waist tie allows for a fitted, snug fit. The gray color compliments all your Antipast socks and will keep you warm through Portland's chilly months. 

 

Temperatures are dropping, rain is in the forecast, and we're transitioning our minds and bodies to prep for fall and winter!  Are you ready to pack your sandals and sun dresses? At Halo Shoes we're more ready than ever--we love fall!  We've received shipments from our favorites: Costume National, Dries Van Noten, and our store is stocked with Corso Como, Pour La Victoire, Repetto, and several new lines of fall shoes.  Fiorentini + Baker should arrive soon.

We ask, who is going to accompany you while you stomp and stroll around town? Whether they're tall or short, high-heeled or flat, adorned or simple, our ankle boots and knee boots are ready for fall and they're ready for you!

 

This fair city of ours is predicted to have quite the heat wave...100+ degrees for several days in a row, ouch!  In addition to keeping yourself, garden and pets exceptionally hydrated, life must go on:  Meetings will be held, dinners out with friends enjoyed, and parties attended.  But even in this scorching weather you can be happy and fashionable down to your toes!  Halo Shoes has the ENTIRE summer stock on sale!!  That's encluding men, women and accessories...

Shown: Costume National #1160316 ($567-30%) NOW $397   

Birds are calling, children are laughing, it's the first official day of summer!  The sun is...the sun is...wait, where's the sun??  It's gotta be out there somewhere.  Oh well, I guess you'll just have to slip on a pair of BOOTS perfectly suited for cooler days like today and save your strappy numbers for another time.  These Fiorentini + Baker suede stovepipe boots are just what Mother Nature ordered!  They're leather lined and just light weight enough for mild summer weather, and with wear they will soften and relaxed into the ultimate slouch.  Come down to the shop to see all the available styles of Fiorentini + Baker boots, shoes and sandals.

And Happy Father's Day to all dads everywhere!

Fiorentini + Baker Suede Boot with Mary Meyer Tunic from Una unaportland.blogspot.com

 Yes, it's true...the spring Costume National collection is safe and sound in our trembling arms...that is, trembling with excitement over how beautiful each pair is!  But don't you worry about how your other shoes from past collections will feel neglected or betrayed.  They will welcome the new addition to your shoe family and bask in the glow of their elegant, summery freshness!  This style features a white, sculpted leather footbed, 1.5" wood heel and gray/yellow straps.  The yellow straps have the most delicate perforated detail, while the gray is slick and shiny in contrast...so good.

I don't know about you, but I like to start my day off with a good stretch, cup of coffee and hop on my computer to check out what's happened in the world of fashion while I was getting my 8 hours (okay, I lied.  It's more like 9-10)...And the lovelies at Refinery29 ALWAYS have their fingers and toes on the pulse!  They've recently selected one of our favorite lines, Pour La Victoire, as one of the best sandals to beat the heat for under $200.  Aside from being consistantly comfortable and reasonably priced, Pour La Victoire creates styles with varying heel hights, that range from young and playful, to subtle and demure.  The zipper sandal is detailed with a ruffle of leather running from ankle to toe and lined with metal zipper teeth for a slightly tough, yet very adorable look!  Available in black and ivory leather.     

 Refinery29: "Start Summer Feet First With Our 10 Shoe Picks Under $200"

By Christene Barberich & Piera Gelardi: If you're like most of us, your new seasonal look starts at the bottom. A new pair of shoes can change everything, from a favorite sun-dress to a love-worn pair of 501s. To give you as much room for summer improvement as possible, we've rounded up our favorite spring and summer shoe picks under $200...these affordable finds will keep you on your toes all summer long...stay tuned for more great spring/summer shoes coming your way next week.

http://www.refinery29.com/

Por La Victoire Zipper Sandal "Ella" $199 

Timberland is breaking all kinds of common perceptions about the brand with their new line of fashion-forward shoes and boots that have a distinctively old-world vibe.  And while there is a likeness within this family, dubbed Timberland Boot Company, each has its own personality and sense of purpose.  For example, the classic boat shoe or deck shoe, originally designed in 1935 by Paul Sperry, was simple with a soft sole to avoid scratching the newly waxed deck of your 50ft schooner.  Well, it's come a long way, and with a tougher sole, sturdier construction, suede upper and removable comfort insole, the Timberland Boot Company throws us the ultimate spring shoe remedy...great with shorts, casual slacks and light-weight denim.  I recommend no socks to avoid looking like a tourist in your own city ;)

Timberland Boot Company Boat Shoe $253 (NOW! $202)