Boston - November 15, 2006

Battle for the Sole

Viola Opens

North vs. South (shores, that is): Both win points for pretty waterfronts and a slew of new restaurants.

But score one for the Northern burbs, which recently snagged shoe boutique Viola.

When owner Lisa Cancelli, a former figure skater/gallery manager/engineering account manager (logically, no?) decided to capitalize on her shoe addiction, she chose Hamilton for her new store due to the dearth of decent shopping there.

And shoe fans are flocking from all points to pick up the latest from Loeffler Randall, Cynthia Rowley, Sigerson Morrison, Anyi Lu, and Frye — as well as bags from Mitzi Baker and Tylie Malibu plus hats by Eugenia Kim.

Cancelli’s Weimaraners, Bogart and Purna, roam the floor, offering approval to customers. Even those who have traveled from (gasp) the South Shore.

Really. Some wars are best kept civil.

Viola, 15 Walnut Road, South Hamilton (978-468-1775 or violashoe.com).