Where in the World are your Bonanno's?

Hi Vivian and Domenick

Okay...I tried to get my leg high enough but it wouldn't go. So, I had to take my sandals off for the photo.

City Comish & Former Mayor Mary of Stuart

It's Santa!

I still get very excited when I know Santa's coming to town ...
So you can image how giggly I got when he popped in to say Ho Ho Ho!







































Another nice surprise is when the South Fork High School students treated us to the Christmas Classics.

Florida Gators!

On our way to work one morning a couple of months back, I spotted his beauty in the pond around the corner from our house. We estimated he's about 6 feet long.
Frightening!

We called Sergio, our neighbor, to get a pic. He just e-mailed it to me. What a great shot.!

Click image for a closer look.

I Love Surprises

Look what I got in the mail ... a yoga ball wrapped in Madras!!!!
My favorite colors all in one. I love it.
Compliments from Jenna at Cape Madras
Wasn't that just too cool!

I have a yoga ball at home that my crazy Scottish Terrier tries to attack, so I thought this one would be better served as a display in our store.

Thank you Jenna.

The Keeper of the Pineapple

One of the perks of living in beautiful South Florida ... growing your own Pineapple!




















Our neighbor Serge, planted this very cool Pineapple bush about 2 months ago. He left for Connecticut shortly after, so I took it upon myself to be the keeper of the Pineapple until he returns. Happy Thanksgiving Serge and Sandra.

Vivian and Domenick --

Where in the World are your Bonanno's?

Showing my Colors!
I'm at Dolphins Stadium watching the University of Miami VS Virginia Tech.
The Hurricanes won!

Alison -- South Beach

Look who Popped In!

Blogger "Petunia In Paradise" popped in the Stuart boutique to pick up her Emma Monogram sandals. She chose Shell, whipstitched with Platinum. I think this is a fabulous combination because it's neutral for everyday wear, and can be a bit dressier with the splash of metallic trim.

Where in the World are your Bonanno's?

Me and my Bonanno's searching at Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control for the owner of this stray Sheltie we found on US1.
Kate - Hypoluxo, Fl

Look who Popped In!

A handsome couple walked in this evening ... I said to the gentleman who was sportin' a pair of Cape Madras shorts. "Nice shorts!" thinking he purchased them in my store. Nope. I was wrong. He got them right from the source. The couple was none other than ... Jenna's (owner of Cape Madras) parents Ralph and Sandy!


They popped in just to say hello. Very cool.

More on Poor Blistered Feet

In response to my previous post, blogger Five Tomatoes brought this product to my attention:

I used to use this when I was a competitive runner in high school. If you rub some of that on your feet, it'll be much smoother than deodorant but have the same easy-sliding effect.
Five Tomatoes --



This travel-size skin protectant creates an invisible barrier on your skin to prevent blisters, chafing or any skin discomfort caused by friction.

All natural formula is fragrance-free, petroleum-free, hypoallergenic, non-greasy, non-staining and water- and sweat-resistant

Easily glides on like a solid deodorant so there's no mess or hand washing necessary after applying

Contains aloe vera and Vitamin E to moisturize skin and protect it against dryness, cracking and a full range of specialized skin needs

Bodyglide Anti-Blister Formula - 0.45 oz.
$5.95

Poor Blistered Feet

Is there a secret to breaking in sandals?
I always get excited when I start to see the new spring sandals in stores. But once I buy them, I can't stand the process of breaking them in! I often get painful (not to mention ugly) blisters that force me back into my tried-and-true ballet flats. How can I break in new shoes without the discomfort?

Sidestep those blisters with a trick that I learned from a dancer friend of mine:
Swipe clear deodorant all over your feet. Deodorant contains silicone, which helps reduce the friction that creates blisters as new shoes conform to your feet. (Bonus: Your feet will smell great!)

First Magazine

I did give this a try and it worked. One problem, the deodorant started to flake off after awhile which caused a big mess.
Perhaps I put a tad too much on? :)
Vivian --

Where in the World are your Bonanno's?

Good morning Vivian,
Hope all is well in Stuart! The weather is definitely cooling off up here in the Boston area and sadly I've had to pack my Bonanno's away for the winter. Hopefully I'll get to break them out for a mid-winter getaway!

I just wanted to share a photo of my Bonanno's taking a ride on the Swan Boats in the Public Garden in Boston this past August. Thanks for making such fabulous sandals, they are so much fun to wear!
Take care,
Preppy Sue

CRUSHED SHOE BOX!

I was on the "Preppy Little Dress" blog and was shocked to see photos of how our shoe box arrived to her.

"Preppy Little Dress" we hear you loud and clear ... we will start protecting our shoe box by shipping them inside another box.

Then it's up to UPS to handle with a little more care.

thanks for the feedback.

Where in the World are your Bonanno's?

Dear Mrs. Vivian,

I am a junior in high school and have just recently begun visiting college campuses to see which one is the best for me. Here are my Bonanno sandals at a Florida State vs. Virginia Tech game. We (FSU) won! Thanks for making great sandals that I enjoy wearing during my college tours and beyond. Once I become a college freshman I'll be sure to stock up on Bonanno's in my new school colors!

Kaitlyn -- Wellington, FL

Back in the Saddle

Our friend Inez has always wanted to give her fiancee Michael, a Camel.
Living in Stuart, obviously that wasn't going to happen.

Michael "The Colonel" a retired Army Colonel, hence the nick name, owns an antique Camel Saddle, the pillow to the saddle is in tatters (see below).

Inez thought it would be the next best thing to a Camel if she could have Michael's pillow repaired, or if need be, remade for his upcoming 50th birthday.

After examining it, they all agreed it needed to be remade.













They got right to work. Stephen hand cuts the patterns while Domenick adds a personal touch by embroidering "The Colonel" on the front.




















They chose the fabulous Faux Brown Croc for the cover with Pearwood backing and Whipstitching. The embroidery's in Gold.
















Domenick dropped the pillow off with Inez, who was delighted with the results.



... and if you were wondering what the heck a Camel Saddle is, here ya go.
Happy Birthday Michael!

BIRTHDAY BOY

October 22 Stephen Turned 44!
Happy Birthday baby brother.

Where in the World are your Bonanno's?

I wore my Bonanno's to Boston Mass., Salem Mass., and Freeport Maine; all one trip. The first picture we are at the wharf in Freeport Maine; the second picture is the bay of the same wharf. The third picture is of us in Salem Mass. The forth picture we are on a tour around Boston.My Bonanno's are black patent leather with black whip stich. I love them; I wore them on the plane and all over the East Coast. I wore them to five star restaurants in "Back Bay" Boston with a black dress and pearls. It was great!
Kimberly -- Native Texan

FACTORY NEWS

Happy Birthday Rosario!
Rosario is the one who stamps out and sands the soles of your sandals

Some of the Stephen Bonanno crew ... from left to right:
Carmen, who stamps out the tops and whipstitches your sandals
Birthday boy Rosario
Stephen the designer
Domenick who monograms your sandals
Elizabeth who makes those fabulous handbags and whipstitches

Where in the World are your Bonanno's?

Hi Vivian
Here are my Stephen Bonanno Sandals in front of the Birdsnest, during the Olympics in China.

Hoping your day is filled with pink and preppy things!
Virginia and the girls at the
Preppy Pink Pony

Where in the World are your Bonanno's?

I returned from Spain to find my SB gorgeous gold palm beach classics waiting! thank you - I love them and will put them up on my blog shortly. I wear that pair alllll the time and am constantly telling people who ask where to find you guys online.

I took a photo when I was traveling for the 'Where in The World are Your Bonannos' of my old Gold Palm Beach Classics on the Bullet train from Madrid to Barcelona --
All the best -- Mel -- New York City

Extra Extra, "See" All About It

How many of you "Bonanno-holics" have always wanted to see how your beautiful custom sandals were actually made?

Well ...

WPBF News 25 (ABC affiliate) recently ran a segment on us!

They wanted to film every step to making the sandals,
and to speak with Stephen, of course.
Domenick and I got in on the action too.
Our 15 minutes of fame! hee hee

You'll hear from my brother, Stephen and my husband, Domenick. You'll meet Mom, my niece Bailey, part of our fabulous crew making the sandals, and also see some of your great photos sent in for our "Where in the World are your Bonanno's"


http://www.wpbf.com/video/17720518/index.html


SHARE THE VIDEO!

Remember, if it doesn't say "Stephen Bonanno" on the sole,
it isn't the original.

Where in the World are your Bonanno's?

Hi Vivian,
I just returned from a class reunion in Philadelphia and couldn't resist visiting the famous "Rocky steps" at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. In the original "Rocky" movie, Sylvester Stalone's character ran through the city of Philadelphia and ended his run by scaling these steps and triumphantly raising his fists. I elected to run up the steps and triumphantly raise my Bonannos!
Thanks,
Beth G.-- Atlanta, GA
(Emma in Ixia with silver)

Where in the World are your Bonanno's?

Hi Vivian,
Loving my custom Bonanno's (with my new married initials) on my honeymoon!
Tim and I were married last Saturday (9/20) in Newport, RI. We are now on our
honeymoon in Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket. Wanted to pass along this picture of my B's in front of the Gay Head Light House
in the Vineyard!
Thanks,
Amanda

Where in the World are your Bonanno's?

We're at our camp on the lake, in Old Forge NY
Inez -- Stuart, Florida

Where in the World are your Bonanno's?

Hi Vivian!

My Bonanno's climbed the Cape Hattaras Lighthouse. Located on the Outer Banks of North Carolina!

Amanda
Charlotte, NC

Where in the World are your Bonanno's?

Hi Vivian,
I wanted to send you these pictures of our sandals! Everyone loved them!!! Thanks for everything!
Tip-- Orlando

Where in the World are your Bonanno's?

Vivian -
Got a shot at the Republican National Convention last night -
Was great to hear Palin speak last night.
Best regards,
Laura

Where in the World are your Bonanno's?

Hi! We went up to Niagra Falls last week for a wedding and my Bonnanos were so comfortable for walking around the Falls. I had so many people stop and compliment me on them!
Nina

Worn with Love

Kathryn from Chicago recently kept feeling a sore toe after wearing her Bonanno's, until one day she took a closer look ... holes in her soles (top left sandal).

Time for a resole!

Where in the World are your Bonanno's?

Your favorite store manager, Wyndi, headed north for a few days to take in a baseball game at Yankee Stadium (Domenick's jealous) and to see "The Boss" ...







Just a couple of pictures from my weekend in NY.
First, my Bonannos got to see Bruce (Springsteen for those that don't know) @ Giants Stadium.

A couple of days later, another pair of Bonannos got to see the Yanks beat the Angels 8-2. After losing their last couple of games, I like to believe we (Ben, the Bonannos and me) brought them a little luck Maybe by wearing the Bonannos I brought a bit of Domenick with us.

Wyndi

Where in the World are your Bonanno's?

Hi Vivian,
Just wanted to update you on the travels of my Bonanno’s.
This last month we traveled to Scotland and enjoyed the people and sites. As always, I packed my Bonanno’s to serve double duty as daytime tour shoes and night time wear. I attached some pictures of my Bonanno’s taking in a little golf at St. Andrews (18th hole - Swilcan Bridge) and our visit to the Loch Ness Monster “Nessie” and Urquhart Castle.

Becky -- Phoenix, Arizona