Add an Icon to Your Closet!

Many of you have either owned or seen a pair sandals very similar to the iconic ones I’m wearing.  I’m not going to name that retailer because, well, you’ll probably recognize them, and I don’t want to get into any trouble with that company.  But, what I do want to tell you is the real truth to the Navajo sandals made absolutely iconic by Jackie Kennedy in the early 1960s.  I have owned sandals by that other maker but always found them to be too big around my foot.  That’s kinda weird because I don’t have narrow feet at all. 

A discovery…

I discovered Tony Bonanno Sandals via Catherine of Atypical 60 (blog) and @ThisProAgeStyle on Instagram.  I really don’t remember how or when, but I always wanted a pair of these handmade sandals.  I saw these sandals and thought these are the ones I want!  So, lots of back and forth went by via DMs on Instagram so that Tony could create the perfect sandals for me.  When they arrived last week, I was smitten!  The first thing you should know is these were not gifted to me so you know I’m telling you the truth.  The second thing I wanted to tell you is the history of the sandals and the Bonanno family legacy.

A little history…

Let me set the stage for you.  For many years, Rose and Jacqueline Kennedy would travel to West Palm Beach to have their shoes dyed to match their gowns at a little shop called Benny’s Shoe Service.  Eva Bonanno, Tony’s grandma, dyed those shoes. 

Benny’s Shoe Service…

Benny Bonanno, Tony’s grandfather, owned Benny’s Shoe Service in West Palm Beach, Florida.  “Known for his precision and commitment to quality, Benny’s humble shop would become the unlikely birthplace of an American fashion icon.”  On one fateful day, Luigi Pucillo, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis’ personal shoe designer, walked into Benny’s shop and showed him the design for a sandal.  Benny, Tony’s grandfather, used that design to “handcraft” the Navajo sandal.   Jackie happened to see the handmade sandals and wanted a pair made for her.  “From that point on, the Bonanno family name became synonymous with timeless style and impeccable craftsmanship, one sandal at a time.”

The making of an icon…

Jackie wore the sandals to St. Edwards church where Time magazine spotted her and snapped a photo.  Of course, everyone wanted a pair of those sandals!  While Benny Bonanno continued to hand make sandals for Jackie, big investors saw an opportunity to capitalize on a photo and a pair of sandals.  The iconic Navajo sandals were mass produced by another company.  Jackie’s sandals, however, were made by the Bonanno family.   

A new name…

At Benny’s passing, the shoe repair business was entrusted to his son, Steven, and renamed Dixie Shoe Repair.  Steven, his wife, Monica White, and Eva, Benny’s wife (Steven’s mother) continued the family business and expanded it into a “full-fledged sandal production company. Their passion and dedication to quality craftsmanship brought the Bonanno Sandals brand into homes and boutiques across the country.”  Unfortunately, family dynamics led to the closing of the business after several years. 

Reviving the iconic sandals…

In 2019, Tony and his wife, Allison, “proudly relaunched Bonanno Sandals, determined to revive the heritage and heart behind our name.”   Unfortunately, after the pandemic, Tony had to shutter the business.  But, recently, I saw a post with Tony announcing they were back!  I was thrilled to see this small family business coming back.   

“Today, we stand proud as the third generation of Bonannos to carry forward a tradition rooted in artistry, integrity, and family. We are here, we are back, and we remain devoted to delivering comfort, style, and quality—crafted with pride and worn with joy.   Thank you for being a part of our continuing story.”

Making my sandals…

When I commented on Tony’s post showing these sandals, he replied, and we chatted back and forth about what I wanted.  The hardest part of this was picking out colors.  I am so happy to say these sandals are even more beautiful in real life!  The leather sole is stiff right now as one would expect.  But, and this is the most important part to me, the band fits my feet just right.  There’s no slippage like there is with my other sandals.  I’m just thrilled with my color choices.  I’m hoping to be able to order some more flowers so I can wear these sandals with even more outfits!  As you can see from the photos, they are attached via Velcro.  And, yes, they are white!  How many of you recalled I don’t like white shoes?  I decided to take a chance on these because I thought the white would better show off the varied colors of the flowers. 

Want your own icons…

If you’re interested in your own two “pairs” of a version of the iconic sandals worn by Jackie Kennedy, contact Tony via his Instagram or his website.  My particular sandals do not appear on the website, but you can just say you want a pair like mine! 

The outfit…

I bought this cute jumpsuit this past week at a boutique here in Brownsburg called Ella Mae’s. I’ve been in there a time or two, bought a pair of leggings, and hadn’t been in there in ages. A few weeks ago, I went in with my oldest granddaughter and spotted a couple of things I kinda liked. I didn’t make it back in until just this week. Of course, what I had seen earlier was gone. I guess their turnover is pretty fast because it’s there, Kohl’s, or WalMart when it comes to shopping for clothes in the Burg. Anyway, I was delighted when I tried on the jumpsuit and realized I didn’t even have to shorten it. I see it’s described as cropped on the website so that explains that! I did pick up the olive colored one, too. Won’t it look fabulous this fall with any of my boots? The long cardigan is from J Jill. I bought this right as the stores were beginning to open up after the pandemic. I called my local J Jill store and asked about something, then asked what else I needed! Remember, I hadn’t shopped for a couple of years by that point! Luckily, the manager suggested this one. I also have it in several other colors because, no matter what anyone else says, you can wear these forever! I loved the way it picks up the colors in the flowers as well as accenting the jumpsuit!

The Lewk!

Unfortunately, I can’t link to these exact sandals on the website. But, if you contact Tony, and tell him Marsha in the Middle sent you, he’ll know exactly which ones you mean. Or, you could say the sandals with the changeable flowers! The necklace and earrings are called the Kimberly and are from Stella & Dot. As usual with my S & D jewelry, it’s over a decade old! The fun thing about this necklace is that it jingles as you walk! Luckily, the earrings do not, or I’d be hearing even more bells than I do now!

Wrap it up, Marsha!

All of the information I have quoted came from Tony’s website. I found communicating with Tony (or maybe his wife) to be very easy via Instagram. But, there is an email option on the website if you don’t have Instagram. Will I order another pair of sandals? I’m not sure. I’m saying that only because of my Frankenfoot. I need lots of support, and flat sandals don’t really do that for me these days. I truly believe the craftsmanship on these sandals is superb and wouldn’t hesitate to buy another pair if I would wear them more often. These sandals will definitely be worn a lot, but I won’t wear them for museum tours or when I’m going to be on my feet a lot. That being said, I did see some on the website that really interest me! So, can we talk? Did you know about Jackie Kennedy’s iconic sandals? Do you own a pair by the other retailer? What do you think of the ability to change out the flowers and create a completely new look? Please leave me a comment or two, and we can talk. I promise to respond as quickly as I can.

Thank you!

I want to thank all of you from the bottom of my heart for reading, commenting, subscribing or emailing! It truly means so much to me! If you’d like to follow me on Instagram, you can find me here.

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Just a reminder that Marsha in the Middle may use an affiliate link. Those links are usually italicized. If you click or make a purchase from an italicized link I provide, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you. Thank you for your support.  My April Cornell code, MARSHA15, now works, but it’s good for only one use. You can get $15 off $100. I’d wait and use it during a really good sale! Use Marsha12 for 12% off any order of $65 or more at Buykud. I have also become a Halftee Partner. Use the code, MARSHA2098, for 20% off any purchase. I am also an affiliate with Clara Sunwoo. You can use my code, MARSHA10, for 10% off your entire order. In case you didn’t know, bloggers must disclose the use of affiliate links. That’s why I include this in each post.

Where you can find me:

Linking up with Nancy’s Fashion Style,  Fine-Whatever, Is This Mutton, Shelbee on the Edge, Chez Mireile, Suzy Turner, and Away from the Blue as well as Deb’s World and A Fresh Cup of Coffee. I also link up with This Blonde’s Shopping Bag, Doused in Pink, I do deClaire, Mummabstylish, Style Splash and Elegantly Dressed and Stylish as well as the Senior Salon Pit Stop (Esme’s Salon) and Slices of Life. Please check out these wonderful ladies and their blogs! I also am a co-host for Ageless Style on the third Thursday of the month and Songful Style on the last Monday of the month. I co-host Traffic Jam Weekend every Thursday with Melynda, Lisa, and Sue. I also host Final Fridays on the last Friday of the month as well as 10 on the 10th on the 10th of the month! I do hope you’ll check out all of these blogs and link parties!

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