Category Archives: Footwear

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Review: Poppy Barley

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Soft-Oxford-Black-pair2_1024x1024Faithful readers will recall that I just posted a story on my latest Poppy Barley acquisitions… but that was before I had a chance to wear them. (Spoiler alert: They’re amazing!)

When Kendall and Justine Barber started Poppy Barley in 2012, I and my husband became enthusiastic supporters. We bought into their first kick-start fundraiser campaign, which provided me with my first riding boots. I became a Poppy Barley Ambassador (formally) and have been one ever since informally.

Since my first purchase, I have gone on to buy another pair of boots (black nubuck heeled), two pairs of ballet flats, one pair of smoking slippers, and a super comfy pair of block heeled booties. That was, until a couple of weeks ago.

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I recently purchased the soft oxford in matte black, hands down the most comfortable flats that feel like slippers.

Super cute with jeans or ankle pants, these shoes are go-anywhere style and comfort.

I also bought the heeled loafers, which I wore just this week. Poppy Barley now puts squishy-comfy foam inside its shoes – and it makes all the difference. I wore these heeled loafers with a knit skirt and tights. Very cute. I will also wear them all winter with trousers because the block heel height is perfect. They’re very walkable.

Meanwhile, my wonderful husband owns a pair of men’s Edmonton oxford lace-up shoes in buffalo. He’s anxiously awaiting the day Poppy Barley makes a loafer style, without laces. He’ll be the first in line to buy!

Check out the amazing selection of shoes and boots at Poppy Barley.

(NOTE: I have received no compensation for this review – I’m just a huge fan.)

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Fall’s best foot forward

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Even though I know that fall precedes winter, it’s still my favourite fashion season. The colours are rich and luxurious, with golds, rusts, wines and browns flooding our closets. We are also able to dig into new footwear styles, leaving open toes behind for another year.

With fall/winter, so many footwear styles come into play. Pumps, of course. Booties, naturellement. Knee-high boots, de rigueur. And trending this year, over the knee styles. For formal evenings, delicate strappy heels add bling to formalwear. Sigh. It’s shoe heaven!

Poppy Barley front window

I stopped by Poppy Barley‘s new flagship store in Edmonton this past weekend. I’ve always ordered their footwear online, but I must say it’s delightful to be able to slip on new styles before you buy.

I love the rich colours and lux leathers that Poppy Barley is using for its F/W18 collection. The craftsmanship is superb.

If your size or colour is not currently in stock, you can order a pair in store or online.

I couldn’t resist these new soft oxford flats in matte black (left)… and the heeled loafter in black were begging to join my wardrobe!

Poppy Barley flats and oxford heels edit

The soft oxfords are just that – incredibly soft and easy to wear with a solid subber sole. They’re like wearing slippers! I highly recommend them if flats are your thing. These are versatile enough to be worn with jeans and casual looks, or with smart casual attire.

The heeled loafer will be my 2017-18 go-to to pair with business trousers and suits. Again, soft memory foam insole means incredible comfort, while the styling is on point with this year’s trends.

Poppy Barley has set the highest standards for ethical and sustainable operations. This means paying a good wage to workers, properly handling chemicals, and reducing the impact on the environment. Read more.

It’s the whole package. Artfully designed, on-trend footwear, made in sustainable factories by employees paid a fair wage.

And, comfy too!