Yosi Samras & Me

It was fun reading about everyone’s dream destinations! I realized, that while I have been around, lived in some of the places you mentioned even, there are still so many places to discover, really. If only we can just pack up and fly, or sail and see the world with our family at the drop of a hat no?

I wish I can say I have gone all over with my Yosi Samras, but with two little ones, jetting off isn’t that easy. Hence, the farthest I have gone in them was during our last trip to Hong Kong. 

I only bought two pairs of shoes for that trip - my Isabel Marant Betty sneakers and my multi-glitter pair of Yosi Samras, which I ended up wearing most of the time with the day to night walking + Xavi in a sling that I did. 

Wearing my Yosi Samras on our way to grab dinner at Hysan Place in Causeway Bay

As much as it would be exciting to say, “Oh, I’ve been out traveling every week this month!” my Yosi Samras and I have been on a staycation, pounding the grounds of Metro Manila one pair at a time: 

 Italy? No, just having coffee at Cibo with Coach Pia, Janice, Kris & Jenny 

Gathering produce in the verdant green hills of San Juan aka Unimart 

ala New York Market Week, shopping at the Rags 2 Riches showroom 

Picking up a painting I commissioned from Soleil Ignacio’s studio in Pasig

As for you dear readers, where have your Yosi Samras taken you? Spill!

Yosi Samra x MFO Giveaway Winners: Batch 2

Let’s cut to the chase. I am excited to announce the last two winners of our Yosi Samra giveaway! 

Bea Dacanay: Nantucket, MA

I'd like my Yosi Samras to take me to Nantucket Island in Massachussetts. There are other places to visit in the US aside from the "usual suspects" SFO, LA, NYC, Vegas and Nantucket is one that's not yet fully explored by many. I'm quite intrigued with the small town/preppy vibe of Nantucket. 

Nantucket is an island with a beautifully preserved village that posseses pristine beauty, a charming downtown, picturesque cliffs and beaches, colorful gardens, iconic lighthouses, historic homes, that serves as a perfect setting to any story, like what Nicholas Sparks usually describes in his novels. I have read about Nantucket many times before and it will be a dream come true for me in this life time to be able to go there-- just like the preppy old rich does when they need to unwind during the summer break. 

Nantucket has no traffic lights, neon signs and fast food chains, which is very perfect for anyone who wants to get lost in its cobblestone streets lined up with art galleries, small cafes, and restaurants. They have a free weekly newspaper available in most local shops and restaurants, which has a detailed map of the island. From there, you can lose yourself in Nantucket's rich culture by walking comfortably with your Yosi Samras :) There is also a 26-mile bike path along the shore which is a perfect way to explore the island--- no need to rent a car! Boating around Nantucket is very popular since the harbor is full of yachts, sailboats, fishing boats. Nantucket was known before as whaling capital of the world.. and thus, whale watching can be done if you have kids and if you are a kid at heart. 

The entire island is a historical landmark since there are still 800 homes built before the civil war and still beautifully preserved up to this day. There are small bed and breakfasts I can imagine myself checking in and afterwhich, I'd get myself to munch on some local yummy treats like those in the Nantucket Bake shop, since lines tend to get long and their very popular donuts really get wiped out very quick! Or better yet, set up a picnic and buy some food from the deli shop and enjoy the cool winds and watch the sunset overlooking the Atlantic ocean on top of 3 of Nantucket's famous lighthouses Whether your single, in a relationship or already have a family, I think Nantucket is indeed one of a kind dream getaway. And in my dream getaway, I'd like my Yosi Samra to be with me :) 

Mara Tutay: Ireland

Someday, when the time is right, I'll pack our bags and fly off to Ireland. I imagine waking up to the smell of my husband's freshy brewed coffee with the Ring of Kerry or the Cliffs of Moher just a stone's throw away. I'd slip on my Yosi Samras, let my feet carry me and take me through the majestic wonders of Ireland as I stare in awe at the marvel of God's work. Everyday would be a new day, a mini adventure, with so little time and so much to do. 

I'd grab my daughter's hand as I take her to visit old castles such as the Cahir Castle, Kilkenny Castle, Rock of Cashel and of course, the Trim Castle, where Braveheart was filmed. We'd breathe in the crisp cool air and lounge on the lush green grass while indulging ourselves on a hearty Ulster fry picnic. We'd spend the day pretending to be princesses and proper ladies. We'll brush up our Irish accents and laugh our hearts out at our lousy interpretation of it. We'd let our hair down and run around their elaborate lawns, pick up sticks and pretend to be knights and kings of the old Irish country. After all, who doesn't dream of doing a Mel Gibson and shouting "They may take our lives but they will never take away our freedom." 

In the evening, I'd soak in the night spots with my husband dragging me to every pub possible, trying out each and every kind of beer (and Irish stew) at our disposal. We'd immerse ourselves with the locals and share in their stories and rich history. We'll nourish our minds and our souls, as well as feed our bodies with nourishment uniqie to Ireland. And of course, it wouldn't be complete without a trip to the Guinness Storehouse! One day, I will pack our bags and give in to the wanderlust, but for now, a pair of Yosi Samras will do. For now, I'll take the simple adventures with my trusty travel companion, hold on to them dearly, wear them and wistfully wish that one day, my Cinderella shoes will make my dreams come true. 

Congratulations Bea & Mara! Thank you for your very descriptive stories. Bea, I have always wanted to summer in Nantucket. We love it for the same reasons. Mara, I have always thought of Ireland as grey, cold and full of damp, musty castles, but you just made me want to see it for myself. I will be in touch with you two via email on how you may claim your prize! 

*FYI, winners who are Metro Manila residents may claim their pair at their nearest Yosi Samra outlet. Winners who are not residents of Metro Manila will have to advise us of your size, preferred style and address so the Yosi Samra/Nuffnang representative can send your shoes. Please wait for my email so the Yosi Samra/Nuffnang representative can coordinate with us accordingly

Yosi Samra x MFO Giveaway Winners: Batch 1

I have travel on my mind, mostly because it has been months since we had our family vacation. So it was with much glee that I went through all the comments, reading about your dream destinations. I felt like I was right there in Japan one minute, then Morocco, then Fiji next.

I want to thank everyone who joined the giveaway because reading your entries not only transported me to your dream locations. The best ones inspired me to add your destinations to my own list, and made me feel that if I closed my eyes and imagined hard enough, I am seeing the place right that very moment. 

It was difficult to choose, I wish I had 100 pairs to give away, but my list had to be whittled down to 4. Here are the first batch of winners, winners 1 and 2: 

Pia Panganiban: Florence, Italy 

This excited traveler has been dreaming of a trip to Firenze, or Florence, Italy. 

I would don my Yosi Samras and head straight to the city’s tallest structure, il Duomo or the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. I would admire its intricate façade of pink, green and white marble, including the Campanile with bas-reliefs by Pisano. I would enter its great doors and in keeping with my personal travel tradition, pray and say thanks for another great adventure. I would roam this immense structure starting from the ruins of Santa Reparata Church down in the crypt. Then I would climb the more than 400 steps to Brunelleschi’s famed dome, and from there step out to catch my breath and have it swept away again by the magnificent views of the city. 

Just outside il Duomo is the Baptistry where famous Florentines including Dante were baptized. I hope I don’t get a stiff neck from viewing the colorful mosaics of the Last Judgment adorning the ceiling! 

A visit to Florence would not be complete without immersing oneself in the plethora of masterpieces that the city is known for. I would love to see the treasures in the Uffizi, including Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus, Michelangelo’s The Holy Family, and Leonardo da Vinci’s The Annunciation, to name a few. 

It is said that there are only three “shopping bridges” left in the world, where you can walk across each of them and marvel at the quaint stores that have lined these bridges for many years. I have been fortunate enough to visit two of the three: the Pulteney Bridge in Bath and the Ponte di Rialto in Venice. To complete this unique bucket list, and to round off my amazing visit to Florence, it would be absolutely amazing for my Yosi Samras and I to walk across the famed Ponte Vecchio and admire the work of local artists and jewelers, and perhaps pick up an interesting souvenir from this truly Renaissance city. 

Jenny Reyes: Poseidon Sea Resort in Fiji 

My dream destination is the Poseidon Underwater Resort. The first of the chains was supposed to open on Fiji Island in 2008, however it is still reportedly "under construction". 

I love the concept of an underwater hotel. Prior to motherhood, one of my passions was scuba diving, and my husband and I would travel the different parts of the world looking for the best diving destination sites. Fiji was on the list. 

But imagine, diving with the beauty of the ocean during the day, and still being able to SLEEP with the water and the fish around you at night! There's so much one can see and love and enjoy in the underwater world, I don't think I'd ever get tired of it! 

And now that I have kids (and I don't dive anymore), I'd love to take my kids here too. It's the perfect way to take them into this other world that we may never get to "see" together in this lifetime. Does that make me a fish-wannabe? ;) 

Congratulations Pia & Jenny! Thank you for your very compelling stories! Pia, I loved that trivia about the shopping bridge. Jenny, I did not even know such a place is being developed. I am sure it will be equal parts amazing and fascinating. I will be in touch with you via email on how you may claim your prize! 

* FYI, winners who are Metro Manila residents may claim their pair at their nearest Yosi Samra outlet. Winners who are not residents of Metro Manila will have to advise us of your size, preferred style and address so the Yosi Samra/Nuffnang representative can send your shoes. 

Please wait for my email so the Yosi Samra/Nuffnang representative can coordinate with us accordingly.

Yosi Samra x MFO Giveaway: Where do you want your Yosi Samras to take you?

OMG. OMG.

I am so thrilled to share with you this exciting news from one of my favorite footwear brands - Yosi Samra!

Ok, here it is, drumroll please… 

Yosi Samra Philippines and yours truly will be giving away a pair of Yosi Samras to 4 readers! 

Yes, not just 1 but 4 readers! To spread the Yosi Samra love around.

Let’s cut to the chase. How does this go? Simple.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
 

• Like Yosi Samra Philippines on Facebook 
• Like Manila Fashion Observer on Facebook 
• Email a photo of your dream destination to manilafashionobserver@gmail.com 
• Leave a comment on this post and tell us where you want your Yosi Samras to take you! Be as descriptive as you can.

The 4 most interesting entries, the kind that makes us want to pack our bags and put on our traveling shoes right this minute, wins a pair each!

That said, let me share with you where I dream of going with Dada and the kids. I cannot wait to show them the world, and these three places I feel, would be great settings for family adventures.

St. Tropez
 

While known as the playground of the rich and famous in its heyday, St. Tropez still is essentially a picturesque fishing town that also happens to be filled with expensive restaurants, yachts and high-end shops.

But it is not purely the glamour of it all that I am after. I know I will not be able to resist popping into Rondini and K. Jaccques. The idea of sunning in the South of France, shopping for fresh produce during marche days at the Place des Lices and going on a road trip to sample the wines of the nearby vineyards, and visit the scenic, charming village of Gassin would be an experience for the senses like no other.

 boats docked at a St. Tropez port 

Provence 

Speaking of sensual experiences that inspire, there is nothing like the whole of Provence, actually. I can practically smell the lavender in the air as I write this. Images of sun-kissed produce, truffle and herb plantations, handmade soaps, artisanal food - its communing with nature at its finest. I dream of spending a whole month just driving and eating our way through Provence, visiting Cezanne’s workshop, passing through historical and cultural landmarks and simply taking in the breathtaking landscape while munching on macarons, almonds and other local treats.

daily life in Provence from Wikimedia.org

Santorini

I have always dreamed of visiting Greece. Santorini to be more precise. The landscape of whole villages carved onto cliffs is simply breathtaking. Imagine walking past homes bleached white by the sun, topped by blue domes the color of the sea. Think of sunsets that paint the sky a vibrant orange, and beaches that run the gamut of red, black and white. Now think about sitting down each day to a hearty Mediterranean meal of fresh grilled fish and crispy calamari, of vine ripened tomatoes and feta cheese drizzled with cold pressed olive oil. Now, that’s a vacation!

Santorini, from 1001traveldestinations.com

So fun to dream no? But for now, let’s get those Yosi Samras in your shoe closet, and then we can start planning that vacation!

 take your Yosi Samras when you travel, just like Jenny, Shopbop buyer, via the Shopbop Blog

Winners will be announced in two batches. Entries will be accepted until 11:59 PM of August 8, 2013!

About Yosi Samra:

Yosi Samra are fold-up ballet flats from the US. The flats are designed by 2nd generation shoemaker Yosi Samra, and come in leather, suede, satin, exotic skin and prints. They are meant to be worn after wearing heels all day, but they are made so well and are just so comfy, that they have become a busy girl's go-to flats. 

Look for Yosi Samra at Glorietta 4 Ayala Center, SM Aura Premier, SM Mall of Asia, Rockwell Powerplant Mall, Alabang Town Center, Trinoma Mall, and Gas at Greenbelt 3.