Cobbler for a Day

The Adventures of Monkey

It all started April 13, 2008 in Winnipeg, when Canadian Blogger, Lisagh from Grosgrain Garage came up with a fun idea to send her sock monkey, "Monkey" around the United States of America to visit with fellow bloggers.

The rules are simple. Have fun, document, blog it and then send him along to the next host.
The idea was to bring us all closer together.

Monkey arrived almost a year later to Stephen Bonanno's in Stuart, FL on March 2, 2009. We put Monkey right to work making sandals with designer, Stephen Bonanno and the crew.

Here's Monkey's post to his Mom

Hi Mom,
What a wild ride it was to Stuart.
The Post Man must have tossed me around a half a dozen times, I thought I was going to fly out of the box. It was a blast! Don't worry, I'm fine. I'm fine.

I finally made it to the Stephen Bonanno Sandals Factory where they were so eager to show me around, but I told them first things first ... I've gotta meet Miss Vivian. Did you know the crew at the factory nick named her the "Dragon Lady." Seriously?

It must be an inside joke cuz she was super nice.
She let me hang in the window and watch all the pretty girls walk by ...

Later I got to meet "Rippy."
They call her their Scottish Terrorist ... gulp.

nice doggie ... what a big nose you have.

I later learned Rippy was disappointed she wasn't allowed to de-gut me. Grrrreat.

Hey, I think Rippy's starting to like the way I taste. Hello! Someone. Anyone!

The very next day:
We started our day with a cup of coffee, pool side.

... then off to the factory. I'm loving this Florida weather.

You're not going to believe this but ... I got to work closely with The Stephen Bonanno. He's a pretty cool dude.

He showed me how to stitch the soles of the sandals ... then let me give it a try. It was awesome!

I got to last some sandals ... this is harder than it looks.

I was told the "Clicker" machine was a bit too dangerous for my long limbs so I just watched as Rosario did all the work.

I got to work with Mr Domenick in the Monogram room. I tried to get him to tattoo my tail with the letter M ... but he wasn't going for it.

Instead he let me practice on a sample shoe.

... then off to the shipping dept. where everything gets packaged up and shipped out.

I got to monkey around with Stephen and Carmen. It was so much fun.

... and bury myself in bins of leather sandals.

... the one time I wish I was a girl. JUST KIDDING!
I'm pooped. Time to chill and get ready to be shipped out.

I'm gonna miss everyone at Stephen Bonanno Sandals,
but I'm looking forward to some R&R when I get to Kentwood LA.

Faux-nanno's! And we're not talkin' Jacks

I love the nick name our customer Stacey from Wellington gave them ... faux-nanno's!

Yep, there are actually "Bonanno" sandals out there that are not designed or made by Stephen Bonanno.

You see, Stephen and his wife were divorced this past December ... she is making her version of the sandals using the name "Bonanno." There has been some confusion because they look like ours and have the same last name as ours, but most assuredly they are not ours.

JUST THE FACTS
** The "Stephen Bonanno Sandals Factory" is in Stuart Fl.
** The one, the only Stephen Bonanno, designs in Stuart
** We have two Signature Stores:
Downtown Stuart and Vero Beach
** There are a host of other boutiques throughout the country who carry "Stephen Bonanno Sandals" and they are all posted on our website under STORE LOCATIONS

If you think your favorite store carries our sandals, but you don't see the boutique's name on our website. See STORE LOCATIONS there is a good chance they are faux-nanno's!

Don't be fooled by faux-nanno's ... If it doesn't say "Stephen Bonanno Palm Beach" on the sole, it isn't the original.








Sorry, not the best image.

Surprise Visit from Designer

Our newest Bonanno Fans, Mary Beth, Robin and Lynn purchased their 1st pair of Bonanno's Saturday at the Stuart Boutique and got an extra special surprise visit from designer Stephen Bonanno who popped in to say hello.

















"We're really excited about the sandals.
Will be sending you more pictures of our feet in your Bonanno sandals.
It was a pleasure to meet you!!! "
Love
Your Newest Fans
Mary Beth, Robin and Lynn

A New Bonanno Lover

Ali had a hard time wrestling away her sandals from her brother's bulldog, Bully.
Thank goodness all Bully wanted to do was "taste" them.
No damage done.
Final Score: Bonanno's 1, Bully 0

Click to enlarge. Ya gotta see her expression.
Priceless.

FLOWER POWER

The new flower sets have knotted centers. Too cute.

One Pair of sandals, a baggie full of flowers and you're set for vacation!

Flower Sandals $135.00

Comes with 2 sets of flowers (any color)

Additional flower sets: $15.00

Stimulate the economy by purchasing something today

I came across James Andrew's blog http://www.whatisjameswearing.com/
and found his post profound and very important to share.
I can't tell you how many times Domenick and I have had the same topic of conversation over dinner. How can we do our part? I understand these are scary and uncertain times, but I feel it is so important to keep the economy moving in the right direction by shopping a little or shopping a lot. Just so we don't stop shopping altogether.

Please take a moment and read Jame's post ...

Buy Something Today
Jan 28th, 2009
by lunarlander

A lot of people think they shouldn’t spend money now.

Even some friends I know with lots of cash have caught the financial fear bug and are not spending. Unfortunately this attitude is only further undermining consumer confidence, and promoting an already dismal scenario.

When people stop spending, decorating, shopping, etc. it affects so many people all along the line; from the woman working in a boutique who depends on her commissions, to truck drivers, to the artisans, artists, and designers who make all this beautiful stuff.

It is hard to wrap one’s mind around how many people are involved in the production of even the smallest item or service - everyone is impacted. It may be a little counter intuitive, and require some courage, but spending a bit more is actually the responsible (and dare I say altruistic?) thing to do right now.

It was just Chinese New Years this past weekend and you know what they do a lot of to celebrate? They burn money, well, mostly ritualistic money, but the idea is there - to let go and make offerings to the gods of good fortune. Its actually quite liberating. Why not go and burn a little money? (figuratively of course) Make some additions to your living situation, buy a nice pair of shoes or whatever, and feel good about the good you have done for so many!

I hope to encourage my blogger friends as well as visitors to What is James Wearing to help create some momentum with this idea. While there is no doubt that much of the current situation was touched off by poor lending and market oversight and regulation in our country, and it is harder to get a business loan now, our current paralysis has much more to do with our attitude and a subjective sense of insecurity than with a true lack of abundance. We can all do our part to stimulate the economy by purchasing something today. ( :

Elated that my shopping spree has helped so many people, with purchases from Gucci, Tom Ford, Etro, Cartier, and Ralph Lauren, I am wearing Tom Ford sunglasses, shearling coat by Gucci, yellow cashmere turtleneck sweater and brown tweed motorcycle pants by Gucci, brown wool scarf Paul Smith, and silver leather sneakers by Dior.

I want to give a special thank you to the extremely talented Lars Stephan for this brilliant photograph.

I Love ...

... when our customers tell me they follow my blog.
... when our customers call to tell me they just got their sandals and they LOVE them!
... when our customers make us a "must stop shop" when their family and friends are in town visiting ... and they too become Bonanno fans.
... when my fellow bloggers make it a point, when in Florida, to come by and say hello.

President's Day was a busy Monday with lots of shoppers, when in the middle of all the insanity a sweet and soft spoken woman came up to me and introduced herself as NED from the Peyton Place blog. How cool, I read her blog! She mentioned she was chatting with Lisagh from Grosgrain Garage and told her she was heading to Stuart for her Bonanno fix ... "Lisagh's going to be so jealous."

Lisagh's response to NED's post: WAHHHHHHHH!!!!




















Ned ordered the Palm Beach Classic with our newest leather, the "Brown Patent Croco" with Puma whipstitch. It's a deep rich brown and so beautiful.

Check out NED's blog:
http://thepeyt.blogspot.com/

Shopping Cart Down

We are currently updating our shopping cart ...
for all on-line orders please call our toll free number
866-313-FEET (3338)

thank you!

Bonanno's and Denim ...

... two American Classics come together to make the "Blue Jean" series.
The "Blue Jean" Denim Series comes in the Palm Beach Classic and the Emma Monogram style sandals.
Customizing available in Light Denim and Dark Denim and can be mixed with any color leather your heart desires. The Denim is backed with our soft supple kid-skin leather. Simply Fabulous!














"Palm Beach Blue Jean": $115.00
"Emma Blue Jean": $170.00

Available at Stephen Bonanno Signature Stores:
Stephen Bonanno Sandals, Stuart 772-219-8008
Stephen Bonanno Sandals, Vero Beach 772-234-8377
Stephen Bonanno On-Line Store 866-313-FEET (3338)

Leather Color Swatch Update

New Colors:
Black Patent Croco
Brown Patent Croco
Camel Ostrich
Silver Iguana
Platinum Iguana

For Bonanno fans with a color swatch set at home, please e-mail me at vivianb@stephenbonanno.com wth your name (under the name you ordered your swatch), and we will get the new colors out to you with your next sandal order.

Colors no longer available:
Please take the following colors off your ring:
Most of you will not have them on your ring, but if you do ... toss them, please.
Caramel
Brown Gator
Aqua
Angel Blue
Essex Blue
Parched Wheat
Barbazon

A Funny Post from PreppyMama

Why Bonanno's Make A Great Push Gift

Just Humor me please!
I am in the shower this morning and thinking about gifts (yes, selfish I know), not just for me for women everywhere. I know times are tough so I wanted to be sure that my gift or gift suggestion would be worth the money spent.

I have lots of jewelry and nick knacks. My body, oh my body....you get the idea. When I feel fat and gross...I think jewelry, handbags and shoes! You know, the things that are size-less. The wonderfulness of accessories!! It doesn't matter what size or shape you are, they always make us feel better.

So, I thought about what I can't wait to wear again since I really loathe the winter. Oh and so happy this baby is being born in the summer. I can't wait to wear my flip flops and sandals. SANDALS!!!! That's it! My most favorite summer time accessorie...my Bonanno's!

Oh how I covetetd them. Took hours, days even weeks to pick out the colors. They were a mother's day gift from my husband. The wait. Yes there was a wait. Hey, its takes time for these beauties. Oh I remember the day they came. Joy, as almost comparable to the birth of my son ;). I rememer slipping them on and oh...Like butter. Perfect fit.

So, back to my shower. Yes, I thought. I can't wait to wear my Bonanno's. I live in the north east, I have to wait until June and I only get a couple of months to enjoy my little beauties. Then, as I was scrubbing my feet (they are so dry these days) I thought about how they have not swollen yet. SWOLLEN FEET!!!! Foiled!

The one thing I was looking forward to was now foiled!! I remembered when I had my son my feel were so swollen before and after his birth that it was almost three months before I could even get back in to some of my shoes and I was one of those people who's foot "grew" half an inch so I had to replace all of my shoes. Oh God, please let my Bonanno's fit! Can you imagine my dissapointment?

I am tempted to call Vivian and ask her advice. Do you think Bonanno's has a registry?

So, what is boils down to my friends is I will most likely be needing a new pair. I was thinking of taking up a collection (read wonderful family and friends). I really don't need the cute little frames and stuffed animals. Oh, the baby really doesn't need new clothes, I'm having a boy afterall. Just Kidding. (kind of)

Oh, if I was writing an essay here is the part where I tell you that Bonanno's make a really great gift for anyone, especially a mommy!


Dear PreppyMama,
I've heard from so many women who say their shoe size changed after having babies.
The good news is ... if the tops of your sandals are still in good shape, we can "resole" your old Bonanno's to a bigger size if need be. This way you can hold on to all your favorites.
-- Vivian

Bonanno Fans

Sorry I haven't posted in a long time.
We've been getting ready for season ... Good things to come.
Stay Tuned.

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)