How to Order Your Monogram Slippers from French Sole

monogrammed slippers by French Sole via Pinterest

I've always wanted a pair of embroidered slippers from French Sole. There's something fancy yet boyish about it, which by now you'd know I'm a sucker for. A few weeks ago, I finally made a go for it, and I'm pretty sure many of you have also been wanting to do this.

So, I'm sharing with you the order process, for when you also decide on it! Here goes:

STEP 1: Inquire.

Whenever I am at French Sole, I always find myself looking at this slipper, imagining my initials on it. But at Php19,000 a pair, it cannot be categorized under an impulse buy. I planned on saving the experience for a special occasion.

Knowing how long it takes to get these slippers embroidered, because they are made to order all the way in Spain, and with Mother's Day just a few weeks away, I estimated it was about time for this mother to get it.

So I finally braved asking the Sales Associate about their Monogram Slipper services. I was told it takes about 90 days from order to delivery. Of course, I was already decided, and definitely willing to wait. 

STEP 2: Decide on your size. 

After some discussion on the waiting time and an overview of how to personalize the slippers, I was asked what I size I wore. I told the SA that I wear a 6.5 in French Sole Henriettas.

I was given a pair of 6.5 and 7 to try on. The SA shares that most customers opt to go a half size up. Which is what I did. I went in the morning, when my feet hadn't expanded as much as it would in the afternoon. I figured I'd be better off with a 7, which while roomy, didn't fall of my feet. 

STEP 3: Decide on the color.

This was easy. I wanted black slippers. They also have it in red, and will soon offer these in navy, but I figured, I'd still go for a classic black pair. It's more me.

STEP 4: Decide on the initials for the monogram, color of thread, font style and layout.

This is where it gets complicated. Here are the options:

Font Color: Black, Red and Gold.

Font: Serif and Script.

Layout: Single Serif, Double Serif, Overlap Serif, Single Script, Double Script and Overlap Script.

I decided I wanted my initials "CD" on each pair. I chose the thread in gold double script, so it has a clean, elegant feel. I can imagine it already. It's gonna look fantastic.

STEP 5: Putting it all down in paper.

Just to make sure they get everything right, I filled up this form with my contact details, and ticked out the boxes that summarized the size, initials, font color, font style and layout I wanted. Then I signed off it!

STEP 6: Pay. Then the waiting begins.

This is probably the most difficult part, the waiting! Heehee. I just need to wait for the store staff to call me once the shoes arrive, for me to pick up. 

Note: It is up to you if you want to pay in full price, or pay half upon order and then pay the remaining half when you get the shoes from the store.

My pair should arrive sometime in May, hopefully in time for Mother's Day! I'll show you my shoes once I get them! Exciting!

French Sole Philippines

Bonifacio High Street, Solaire and soon in Greenbelt

Email: customercare@shoemakers.com.ph

Tel: +632 941 7877

Website: http://www.frenchsole.com.ph

Pony Up

I used to think of pony hair shoes as too high maintenance, but because I was unable to resist the urge to own leopard print sandals (from Anthology) and ballet flats (Yosi Samra of course), I eventually caved in. 

And now, it seems I can't just stop at one pair because I want the White Giraffe and Wildcat Samaras by Yosi Samra too!

 Leopard, White Giraffe, Natural Wildcat pony hair Samara flats

My leopard print flat was from several seasons ago, so it didn't have the YS logo that the newer season flats have.

Just look at these beauties! No real endangered leopards, giraffes or wildcats harmed in creating these flats too.

Meanwhile, if you'd like a touch of pony hair only, these Abbey flats with a detachable ankle strap and grommet detailing will do just the trick!

For the pony hair, it comes in natural/wildcat and black/white giraffe versions only. If you're looking for something a little bit wild, a little bit rock & roll, take the Abbey road! ;)

For stock availability and reservations, contact your nearest Yosi Samra branch: 

Yosi Samra Abreeza Davao, 0915-4797156
Yosi Samra Alabang Town Center, 0915-4797133
Yosi Samra Ayala Center Cebu, 0926-6725001
Yosi Samra Glorietta 4, 0915-4797192
Yosi Samra Rockwell Powerplant Mall, 0915-4797138
Yosi Samra SM Aura Premier, 0915-4797121
Yosi Samra SM City Cebu, 0927-3250166
Yosi Samra SM Mall of Asia, 0915-4797127
Yosi Samra SM Megamall, 0915-4797155
Yosi Samra Trinoma, 0915-4797142
Yosi Samra Gas, Greenbelt 3, 0915-4797224

French Sole Now in Manila

This is my first pair of French Soles - soft, suede pirouettes in black.

This style has since been phased out, but was revived as the India. I've had them for almost a decade now, but I

• first shared them in the blog in 2006 
• influenced my friend Conci to buy a pair in red by 2007
• wrote about it's history + a review on it, swearing by how comfortable they are, in 2008 
• talked about sizing and styles for a reader who was asking for advice,  
• waxed sentimental on how I could not bear to throw this pair away when it became too battered in 2009, 

you could probably say I am the longest reigning, biggest French Sole fan this side of town.  I really do love my pairs.

I bought them not because Princess Diana wore them:

And I sure as hell wore French Soles way before these young girls did!

Kate Middleton

Princess Beatrice

Poppy Delevingne

Many years ago, I made my sister go to Sloane Square for my French Sole Fix because I was not compromising on shape, style, quality and comfort when it comes to my ballerina flats. Really, I don't need to convince you on why you should buy a pair. Or ten. I have written about it extensively here in the blog for years. But here's an extra push on why you can and should.

Because French Sole opened its first store on Bonifacio High Street in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig!

Now if that doesn't make you want to stand up and head for the door right this minute, I don't know what will! I am kind of itching for those embroidered Heffners actually!

French Sole
Bonifacio High Street (across Krispy Kreme)
Global City, Taguig

The 12 Yosi Samras of Christmas: Part 6

The last two girls in my Yosi Samra gift list are friends who I am extremely proud of. They are often in the spotlight because they excel in what they do. Kristine is a jewelry artist who often gets featured in magazines and newspapers, while Gretchen hosts a TV show on GMA Bacolod called “Isyu Subong”. I am excited to share with them these equally fabulous flats from Yosi Samra’s Holiday 2012 Collection. 

Day 11: Pewter Glitter

When I think of Kristine, I think pretty, sparkly thoughts, because that’s exactly what she does. She makes gorgeous jewelry that any girl would love to have. I picked out these shiny glitter flats in pewter for her, because they are as stunning as her pieces. Which reminds me, Kristine’s jewelry comes prettily packaged in orange jewelry boxes. As with all things precious, presentation is everything. Thankfully, her Yosi Samras also come in a sturdy, elegant box that is a promising precursor to what can be found within. Fine, not exactly as awe inducing as her designs and not as expensive, but just as fun to wear!

Yosi Samras are elegantly packaged inside a pouch, which goes inside a sturdy black box. Just wrap a ribbon around it, and voila! Gift-ready! 

Day 12: Quilted Gold

Gretch is sweet, soft spoken and always looks so prim and proper that I never expected for her to work in front of the camera. Then again, she is one tough cookie, and is in fact a feisty girl inside that demure exterior. When I saw these gold quilted Yosi Samras, it made me think of her - looks delicate but packs a punch! It’s great for slipping into between shoots, and perfect for running around Bacolod in. I am also sure her kids Gabe and Ella would love to see their mommy wearing such pretty flats.

My 12 favorite girls and the 12 Yosi Samras of Christmas, they’ve all met their perfect match! Now if only it were as easy to give gifts to husbands, brothers and dads no? Happy Holidays dear readers! Make sure you’ve got your own pair of Yosi Samras as well!

About Yosi Samra’s Holiday 2012 Collection: 

Yosi Samra fold-up flats are known for their unmatched comfort. The flats are made from the softest leathers, with elastic straps to ensure a secure and snug fit. So versatile that they fold up to fit anywhere for convenient shoe changes on the go. 

The Holiday 2012 Collection features the same ultra-flexible design, but in this seasons hottest materials – from tweed and velvet to glitter and patent leather. Trendy cap toe details and studded metallics highlight the collection. 

Tweed Series from the Holiday 2012 Collection

Velvet with Glitter Cap Toe Series from the Holiday 2012 Collection

In the Philippines, Yosi Samra is available at GAS in Greenbelt 3, Trinoma, Rockwell Power Plant Mall, and Alabang Town Center. The first Yosi Samra concept store opened at Mall of Asia in November of 2012.

The 12 Yosi Samras of Christmas: Part 5

Sometimes, when you read a person’s blog, you instantly feel like you know her, and that if she knew you, you would be friends. That’s exactly what happened to Kris, Karrots and myself. We started off reading each other’s blogs and today, I meet up and hang out with them like we’ve been friends forever. They are not just my online buddies, but fellow moms of two who are also accomplished women that I respect and admire. With such busy lives online and offline, they deserve nothing less than Yosi Samras. 

Day 9: Metallic Bronze

Kris owns a boutique marketing agency with her friend and partner Jenny Reyes. Her days consist of client meetings, photo shoots, organizing brand activities and such. But she is better known to her online followers as OC Mom in Manila - a blog where she chronicles her OC tendencies. I fondly call her Donya Aquasana because she brought in Aquasana water purifiers to the Philippines. At home, she is wife and partner to her husband Jake and mom to two precocious little girls. Obviously, she’s got her hands full with work and the demands of her daily life. As a friend, I see that it is in her best interest that she wear comfortable flats that can do double duty for busy work days and family activities. Being OC about everything, I am pretty sure the comfort, fit and structure of metallic bronze Yosi Samras will pass her scrutiny.

The Metallic Series comes in gold, rose gold and silver too. 

Day 10: Quilted Pewter

Karrots is always fun to be with because we can talk about anything and everything. She is kengkoy and kalog yet kool and klazz. She is such a natural talker that she has taken her talkativeness to a whole new level – she hosts a podcast entitled Live Love Lolz where she and her guests talk about well, their lives and what they love, with lots of laughter thrown in. She is also a wife to her long time buddy Bryan, and mom to their two boys Santino and Luca. Her days are filled with donya duties (her glammed up term for household errands/chores) and driving her young boys to and/or from school. Like any busy mom, comfort is key but losyang should never be in our dictionary. Yosi Samras in quilted pewter provides just the right dose of glamour that Karrots’ brand of motherhood needs.

 The quilted detail makes this pair extra pretty. The vamp is not too long, nor too short – so if you don’t like toe cleavage, this is the perfect pair to wear. 

10 girls and their gifts done, 2 more to go!

The 12 Yosi Samras of Christmas: Part 4

They say birds of the same feather flock together, so meet my gorgeous friends Nina and Aileen. Heehee. Seriously though, these girls have been my bestest friends since we were in our early teens. We’ve known each other way back when we were stick thin kids who hadn’t sprouted boobs yet. We saw each other go through life with ugly braces on our teeth and zits on our faces. Nina and Aileen have bloomed into motherhood and are blessed with equally gorgeous little ones today. As first time moms, they need stylish, reliable flats in their mommy arsenal. Just the pair to wear when caring for their wee ones.

Day 7: Two Tone in White

Nina is a devoted mom to her 7-month old Stella. So much so that she bring her baby girl along everywhere, so she can breastfeed her directly. That sounds easy, but her work as a news reporter takes her all over the city, and even to far-flung provinces. Like any super mom, Nina juggles work and motherhood with so much ease. In most scenarios, fashion and dressing up is the least of a mom’s concerns but Nina has always been stylish in her own classic, elegant way. A pair of Yosi Samras in two tone black and white is just the pair to add to her closet. It’s got loads of comfort and style, and can be worn with practically anything. So she can just throw on a dress, or a top and trousers and instantly look good, without having to worry about her shoes matching. This way, she can focus on the task at hand, while taking care of Stella. 

I have a similar pair as Nina’s, but in two tone nude. These flats surprisingly go with a lot of things in my closet and are super comfortable. 

Day 8: Stud Cap Toe in Black/Bronze 

Aileen is blessed with fraternal twins - two boys who are quite a handful, but are thankfully too cute that she doesn’t mind spending time with them 24/7. Her boys recently turned a year old two months ago, which means she will be running after two boisterous boys in no time. I’ve picked out these studded cap toe Yosi Samras for Aileen, because I foresee she will be living in these comfy, buttery soft flats till the next year or so. Forget all your other shoes, these flats are a new mom’s best friends. 

This style looks edgy and tough, but the leather is the exact opposite. So buttery soft and molds to the shape of your feet. The elastic sides guarantee a secure fit, and don’t dig into the back of heel. So comfortable you can sprint in these babies. 

8 girls and their gifts done, 4 more to go!

The 12 Yosi Samras of Christmas: Part 3

Sisters, sigh! Sometimes it’s just so hard to find the perfect gift for them, unless they tell you what they want outright. I often give my sisters clothes or accessories when gift-giving season comes around. But this Christmas, I’m excited to share with them my latest, greatest find of the year!

Day 5: Black Glitter

My sister Nicole’s job requires her to help in planning and organizing high-level corporate events (think guests composed of business owners, CEOs and presidents). Her responsibilities often require her to be in the office by day, and to help out with the logistics of the event in the afternoon and evening. She is constantly on the go - meeting with her boss and colleagues, talking to suppliers, and running around making sure the event starts on time, runs smoothly, and ends without a hitch. This is why she has to be in comfortable flats that are understated enough to be worn in the office, and yet appropriate enough to be worn at night.

I’ve chosen Yosi Samra’s black glitter flats for Nicole because it’s the right mix of proper and polished. It’s pretty enough to wear with just a simple shift dress. So when Nicole gets tired of wearing heeled pumps, she can always slip into this pair, and not feel underdressed at all.

The Glitter series comes in silver, pewter, gold, rainbow and black. Each one is so pretty - the perfect day to night pair of flats.

Day 6: Burnished Ostrich and Taupe/ Navy Leather

Dianne enjoys wearing flats as much as I do. Maybe because comfort is key to her lifestyle too. She’s always off to a meeting - from Binondo to Laguna, not the most glamorous places, but that doesn’t stop her from dressing up, because she enjoys doing that too. Her style is casual and relaxed but never boring. She often wears ballet flats with trousers and silk shirts to work. That is why I chose these taupe flats with a burnished ostrich detail in navy from Yosi Samra. Simple, classic but with an unexpected, stylish twist.

The heel area of Dianne’s Yosi Samras have a burnished ostrich detail in navy. Definitely not just any ordinary pair of flats!

6 girls and their gifts done, 6 more to go!

The 12 Yosi Samras of Christmas: Part 2

My girl friends abroad won’t be missing out on Yosi Samras. Amongst all my friends, I think Naomi and Mary Anne will be getting the most use out of their new shoes. Naomi lives in Singapore and Mary Anne works in Manhattan. Their lifestyles simply demand walking around in comfortable, and of course, stylish flats most of the time.

Day 3: Black Leather with Black Studded Cap Toe

Mary Anne is one of my dearest, dearest friends, our neighbor in the States, and my shopping partner-in-crime. When I saw the black leather flats with black studded cap toes from Yosi Samra’s Holiday Collection, it was just so “New York” that I knew it would be perfect for her. Like most Manhattan commuters, Mary Anne goes to work and back home in flats during the summer and Uggs during the winter. She only changes to heels when she gets to the office. These foldable flats that I picked out for her packs so discreetly in a black canvas pouch, so she can dump it in her work bag without making it bulge.

Yosi Samras come packaged in a discreet and compact black drawstring pouch so it can be brought along any time, any where

After all, a stuffed bag isn’t a pretty sight when you’re stepping out to meet clients at their office. I am pretty sure Mary Anne would love this pair, enough to also wear on weekends.

Day 4: Navy Leather

Naomi, my friend from high school and business partner in Singapore, is tres chic. Every outfit she wears is well thought out and yet effortless. She intuitively knows the exact piece to add to her wardrobe each season, but her overall aesthetic is always timeless. I always look forward to the outfits she and her adorable twins wear. (Her son Tristan, who is always dressed up in preppy outfits, is my peg for Xavi, actually.) I can totally see Naomi wearing the navy Yosi Samras in flat leather for her school runs, store visits and grocery days.

The rubber split soles are anti-slip and sturdy enough for running errands and walking on city streets

When I think of navy flats, I think Parisienne style and understated chic. Just like Naomi.

4 girls and their gifts done, 8 more to go!