2010 here we come...

Let's raise a glass and toast to 2010, the year of Strawberry Blondes :) Its going to be a great year!! Wishing everyone a fantastic New Years Eve! Have fun and be safe...

xoxo

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Hope everyone has a safe and happy Thanksgiving :) and just think this time next year you will be able to wear your Strawberry Blondes for turkey day!! Now that is exciting...

xoxo

Jamie

Updates...

I went down to the factory last weekend to check on my samples and let me just say they are gorgeous ♥ The pair I was able to try on have a 1" platform and a 4 1/2" heel :) they are soOo comfortable and the fit is perfect. I can't wait to show off the spring line!

I know you all have been very patient on this journey of mine and I really appreciate all of the love and support...

xoxo
Jamie

Pleasantly Surprised...

Good news... I received another sample from the Miami Factory and it looks great! They really surprised me and pulled it off :) I still have some finishing touches to put on the shoes, but I'm excited to say they look beautiful. I think we are all finally on the same page.

So I may be staying in Miami after all :)

News...

So ladies, I have hit a small speed bump and I've decided to switch manufacturers... After a few months working with the Miami factory I wasn't happy with their work. They put together two samples of the blue suede pump, which did not meet my expectations. Since I cant have you rockin less than perfect Strawberry Blondes; I have decided to move on...

I've been talking to a factory in California who is interested in doing the production. As soon as I work out all the details I will let you all know.

Spring 2010 is still in my sights so start clearing out your closet space....

xoxo

The logo...

I have been working on a logo for months now... I wanted something simple, fun and orange :) nothing too crazy or busy. Just something that represents the label. So without further ado, here is the new logo...

Factory News...

After two meetings with the manufacturer I decided to work with his factory in Miami Florida!! The quality of his work is incredible and everything is done with the best of materials. We are currently buying lasts (the form on which the shoe is made), leather and heels to begin my sample shoes... As soon as I get the samples I will post them so I can begin sales! I am so exited for production and I cant wait to show you all what Ive been working on for the past couple of months :)

Next time I go down to the factory I will take some pictures so you can check it out...

Again thanks for all the support!

Jamie

Fine Feather Parade...

This season I'm working with peacock feathers for one of the spring styles... I'm still playing with the design but I've narrowed it down some... I'm thinking about either layering them around the side of the heel in a whimsical way or hanging one from each ankle strap (as prepared in the photo). This is different from anything I've seen before and it really adds a little something to any look!

Peacock feathers have always been a symbol of beauty and now they will finally be worn by the right sex :) I love how unique they are and the way they pop when paired with the royal blue suede I'm using for the pumps. This pair is one that I'm excited to create because it's so playful! This shoe was designed for nights out on the town, but be prepared because all eyes will be on you...

Color...

Leather swatches have been coming in daily now and I'm finally starting to feel like this is all very real... Currently I'm trying to find the right colors for the designs Ive been working on. I'm really into purples, light pinks, blues and of course some oranges. Then there's the croc and gator skins that are just gorgeous! I keep finding myself adding to the collection just so I can use a certain color or skin :)

What are some of your favorite colors? Do you only wear certain colors for spring or do you find yourself going for style rather than sticking to the rules?? I'd love to hear from you. Let me know what you'd like to see in the Strawberry Blonde Spring Collection... You never know, your ideas may inspire a new design!

Some of my favorites so far...

I love these colors...

All in the family...

All my life I have been around fabulous shoes... My Grandpa Benny Bonanno was a cobbler and owned Dixie Shoe Repair in the heart of Downtown West Palm Beach. He and my Grandma Eva designed the Bonanno Sandals that we all know and love today. I spent much of my childhood with my grandparents in that shop, stacking dye jars and dressing my dolls in leather that my Grandma would give me, all while these exquisite women would stroll in and out wearing beautiful heels that my Grandpa Benny would repair...

My Uncle Stephen Bonanno took over the business after my Grandpa passed; designing more styles, adding colors and keeping the legacy alive. He now handcrafts all his sandals in Stuart Florida in his factory. My first job was for my Uncle when I was about 10 years old; I would work around the factory doing little chores, sweeping, taking small orders and he even let me whipstich some of the sandals on occasion.

Then in 2004 My Aunt Vivian and Uncle Domenick opened up a Stephen Bonanno Signature Store in Downtown Stuart. I went to work for them in 2005 as the store manager where I spent a year learning the business and studying color.

One night while having a conversation with my mom I thought why not start my own shoe label?! Ive always loved shoes in fact some would say I was obsessed! So it began; I started talking with my Uncle Steve about my ideas, I started sketching designs and working on my Spring 2010 collection! Here it had been my whole life leading up to this one idea, why had it taken me so long to realize I was born into Shoe Business...