Strawberry Blonde

2010-10-25T12:44:00.000-04:00

The winner of the Junior League Raffle and a complimentary Monogrammed Strawberry Blonde Make-up Bag is Sarah Garcia!!

CONGRATS SARAH :)

2010-10-21T13:31:00.000-04:00

UP AND COMERS: JAMIE LEIGH CASTRO
By Lola Thelin Previous

After years of working for her uncle's
business Stephen Bonanno Sandals,
26-year old Jamie Leigh Castro launched
her line of shoes called Strawberry
Blonde this year.

Some people are born into a career.

Jamie Leigh Castro is one of those lucky few. She spent her entire adolescent life around shoes, thanks to her grandparents and, later, her uncle. It was only a matter of time before the 26-year-old decided to try her hand at designing a line of shoes.

“My grandfather, Benny Bonanno, was a cobbler, and he and my grandmother Eva designed Stephen Bonanno Sandals. As a child I spent a lot of time with my grandparents in their shop, stacking dye jars and dressing dolls in leather my grandma would give me,” explains Castro.

After her grandfather passed away, Castro’s uncle Stephen Bonanno took over the family business, and one summer he offered her a job at the shop. Then 10 years old, Castro began learning the twists and turns of the business. She swept floors and helped customers by placing small orders. “About 10 years later, my Aunt Vivian opened a Stephen Bonanno Signature store and hired me as their store manager," she recalls. "I spent a full year learning the business and studying color before realizing my dreams were right in front of me. I worked very closely with my Uncle Stephen on concepts, and by the following spring I had a sketchbook full of designs.”

This year Castro launched Strawberry Blonde, a collection of 100-percent soft leather ballet flats, ranging from sizes 6 to 12. They sell for around $250 and come in two designs, the Renee and Vivian, which features a monogram. Like her family’s business, Strawberry Blonde shoes are also custom-made at the Stephen Bonanno Sandals factory in Stuart. Castro personally designs, cuts and hand-crafts every pair of Strawberry Blondes that she sells. “My main inspiration, of course, would have to be my uncle, as he’s taken a small family sandal business and turned it into what it is today,” says Castro, a West Palm Beach native.

Currently, the line offers ballets flats and a leather clutch in 12 colors—lime green, gold, pink, gray, red, black and more. Castro is working on a line of high heels for the spring line. “Originally, when I started designing the ballet flats they were to accompany the heels I’m designing and take your look from day to night," she says. "The heels are still in the works but the flats just seemed to take off on their own.”

The high fashion and comfortable ballet flats are perfect for the everyday woman. “I like to say my woman is fun and flirty but still has a life; she is taking the kids to school, running errands and having brunch with the girls. I love how fashion can make someone feel a certain way, like slipping on that perfect pair of shoes can transform a woman.”

To purchase a pair of Strawberry Blonde shoes or clutch:

http://www.strawberryblondeshoes.com/

Stephen Bonanno Sandals
319 Belvedere Road, West Palm Beach
882 SW Enterprise Way, Stuart

Baby Shower...

2010-09-23T11:05:00.001-04:00

My girlfriend Shalyn is having a baby girl in a few months, so for her baby shower I made a pair of size 2 ballet flats in coral!! She absolutely loved them :)

I've named the baby ballets after Izabel and you can order them in any of the SB colors or have them monogrammed! They retail at $105.00 sizes start as small as 2.

xoxo

Strawberry Blonde in Key West...

2010-09-02T15:59:00.000-04:00

"I wore my coral strawberry blondes every day in the keys!!"

Michelle- Palm Beach Gardens, FL

Photo Shoot...

2010-08-28T16:18:00.000-04:00

Just in case you missed the pictures from the photo shoot I posted on the facebook page here they are again... It was a long and HOT day but everybody worked it and gave me some beautiful shots for the website! I have some amazing friends :)

http://www.strawberryblondeshoes.com/

Quote of the day...

2010-08-26T15:51:00.000-04:00

"Two things you can never have too many of, good friends and good shoes!"

http://www.strawberryblondeshoes.com/

Open for Business!!

2010-06-22T18:10:00.000-04:00

We are finally up and running!! I am still adding and tweeking the site so please check it out and let me know what you think :)

http://www.strawberryblondeshoes.com/

Website...

2010-06-03T09:44:00.000-04:00

Working on the website this week :)

This is a first for me, and Im trying to have it run as smoothly as possible. Does anyone have any insight or tips? Or even any pet peeves when it comes to shopping online?? I would love to get your feedback...

xoxo

The Vivian- Monogrammed Flats

2010-06-01T14:40:00.000-04:00

After much anticipation the Vivians are here! The Vivian is a monogrammed ballet flat hand-made with 100% leather in your choice of colors and initials... Perfect for women of all ages, bridal showers, wedding gift for the bride or even as bridesmaids gifts!

Named after my beautiful Aunt Vivian!

Whether your taking the kids to school, running around town or having brunch with the girls these light weight comfy flats are just what you need to get the job done in style...

The Vivians will be available for custom orders on my website this week. Stay tuned :)

xoxo

Sneak Peek...

2010-05-25T17:27:00.003-04:00

So here's a little sneak peek of what's to come at Strawberry Blonde!

The Eva in platinum iguana has a 4.5" heel and a 1" hidden platform. Notice the "Strawberry Blonde" hue that will be added to every SB sole :)

I love love love these simple yet elegant pumps and I cannot wait to wear them around town!

I pulled a few different looks that will take you from casual to all dolled up...

xoxo

Beachin it...

2010-05-22T11:45:00.000-04:00

The factory is closed today and Im taking a break to relax by the beach with my son Hayden! Something about the ocean air and sunshine always put me in a good mood :) With Memorial Day right around the corner, this gives me an excuse to work on a little color. Plus, weekends are best spent playing in the sand and soaking up some rays...

xoxo

All Things New York...

2010-05-18T21:35:00.003-04:00

Oh New York... how I love thee...

Anyone who's been to this amazing city knows you can't leave without being inspired in some way. The streets are brimming with art, culture and fashion. Even though I don't live in the city, I often dream of the crazy, fast paced lifestyle of Manhattan.

Some New Yorkers who Inspire me

Carrie Bradshaw

Cliche as it may be, the fabulous and eccentric style of this New Yorker has two generations of women in awe! And you must admit we all have a little inner Carrie...

Serena Van Der Woodsen

This Gossip Girl is one of my favorite upper east siders... She mixes elegance with bohemian chic and her look is always sexy yet relaxed.

My Uncle Steve...

2010-05-13T13:47:00.001-04:00

My Uncle Steve has been a huge inspiration to me growing up. He took the business my Grandma and Grandpa started in the 60's and turned it into this amazing brand name... Women of all ages, all over the world rock his sandals and know he is the best!

He gave me my first job, the summer before 6th grade :) teaching me the importance of hard work and responsibility... He was also the first person to see my sketches when I decided to join the family business! From the start he has been right beside me showing me the way, and for this I am grateful.

Thank you Uncle Stevie!!

xoxo

My Inspiration...

2010-05-11T21:03:00.000-04:00

My Grandparents (Benny and Eva Bonanno) have always been an inspiration to me. They started The Bonanno Sandals back in the 60's and always told us we could do anything we want in this world. It just so happens, I want to follow in their footsteps...

My Grandma and I today at the factory... She stops by every week or so to catch up and to see whats new! Today I showed her some of my samples and a new pair of monogrammed flats I'm working on :) Even after all these years she's still very enthusiastic about the business and inspires me in more ways than one.

I love you Grandma!!

xoxo

My First Pair of SB Flats...

2010-04-30T18:35:00.000-04:00

Finished up my FIRST pair of flats today :) They took me a few days to complete but I did it... After some trial and error, un-stitching and re-stitching and at least a hundred questions for my uncle I think Im getting the hang of things!! The pattern still needs some tweeking, but not too shabby for my first pair if I do say so myself :) As soon as I perfect the flats I will put them on the website! Stay tuned...

xoxo

Fingers Crossed...

2010-04-23T10:19:00.001-04:00

SoOo I was having my morning coffee the other day when the phone rang... It was my Uncle Steve, who said he had good news for me. After a few rounds of, "Uncle Stevie's the best in the world..." (he would make my brother and I say that when we were younger to get out of choke holds! LOL) he told me he thinks he found someone to make my shoes!! A man who used to work with him a few years ago is moving back to Florida in a few months. He is very good at what he does and should be back in May or June so we will talk then, but this is exciting :)

You all have been on this roller coaster ride with me over the last year, and I think we are due for some GOOD NEWS!! fingers crossed...

xoxo

Learning From The Best...

2010-04-16T20:37:00.000-04:00

I had so much fun today at the Stuart Factory... I started on a pair of size 7 flats in platinum iguana!! With my Uncle Steve helping me along the way I got a lot done. I cut the patterns, stamped the insoles, skived the leather and stitched the uppers and lining together... I must say, the perks of having such a talented uncle are not too bad ;)

xoxo

too cute...

2010-04-09T18:33:00.000-04:00

I went up to the factory today to start on the flats, and decided to start small... literally :) I made a tiny little pair for my girlfriend who is having a baby this month. They turned out soOo cute!! I can't wait to see her crawling around showing off her little Strawberry Blonde soles!

I'm actually thinking they would make great gifts as baby's first shoes... Or hanging from a clothesline at a baby shower! Just imagine the teeny little divas :)

As for the mommys... I'm making a pattern for a size 7 now, you know I gotta make myself a pair first ;) I will post more pictures soon.

xoxo

Coming Soon Strawberry Blonde Flats...

2010-04-07T09:27:00.000-04:00

SoOo Ive decided to start making flats in all my fun spring colors until I find a shoemaker for the line :)

I have always wanted to add flats to the collection as a complement to the heels. Something to take you from day to night without much effort. Pair the SB flats with jeans, a cute top and minimal accesories for day and later slip into your SB heels, add a smokey eye and some earrings and your ready for dinner and drinks!

I will keep you posted as go but I plan on getting started right away...

xoxo

Words for Women to Live By...

2010-03-30T12:05:00.000-04:00

1. If the shoe fits - buy them in every color.

2. Aspire to be Barbie - the bitch has everything.

3. Take life with a pinch of salt.. A wedge of lime, and a shot of tequila.

4. In need of a support group? - Cocktail hour with the girls!

2010 here we come...

2009-12-29T14:15:00.000-05:00

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!!

2009-11-23T10:55:00.000-05:00

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...

2009-11-19T12:23:00.000-05:00

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...

2009-08-19T18:13:00.000-04:00

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...

2009-08-03T13:53:00.000-04:00

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...

2009-06-09T12:59:00.000-04:00

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...

2009-06-01T13:48:00.000-04:00

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...

2009-05-04T11:58:00.000-04:00

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...

2009-04-03T14:58:00.000-04:00

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...

2009-03-18T10:28:00.000-04:00

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...