First look, first buy, first vote.
All these are important aspects to an exclusive party.

Last week Poppy Barley held their first design event in Edmonton at Cory Christopher's Flagship Studio. With Jacek Chocolate Couture, Frickin Delights Donuts, and Steam Whistle Brewing on site to provide bits and bites, Poppy Barley sure knows how to throw an awesome party. Cory Christopher also provided fresh flowers for everyone to design a floral crown to wear and usher in the arrival of Spring. I got so excited making one and was pretty happy with my results - what do you think?

Exclusive designs and leather swatches were available for viewing and polling stations allowed attendees to voice their opinions about proposed designs. And let me tell you, there's a gorgeous sunrise confetti leather that you're not going to want to miss! Poppy Barley has been making huge strides in the footwear industry and I'm so glad to see that they're listening to customers and offering so many new combinations of made-to-measure footwear.

If you were not available to attend, keep an eye out for future events! The design event in Calgary is sold out, but there's a pop up shop happening on May 23rd. I've been told they'll be hosting another party in Vancouver - so look out for that one if you live in the area.

On Monday, one of the local start up companies in Edmonton released a huge announcement in preparation for their first birthday. And today I want to introduce you to that company, and it is one whose philosophy I truly believe in and want to support. Say hello to Poppy Barley.

I first heard of Poppy Barley last year when founders Kendall and Justine Barber announced that they were taking on this new project to make bespoke shoes. If you've followed this blog long enough, you might think I have lots of footwear. And I won't lie, I do, but that's because finding shoes that fit me well is a huge problem and many of my shoes don't fit my perfectly. I have to resort to other methods like using inserts or foot pads to make up for the extra space that is in my shoes so that I can walk around comfortably. When I find a pair of shoes that fits *just about* right, I'll buy it, and there's no turning back.

Being petite has its perks, but also has its downfalls. Learning about Poppy Barley and it's philosophy really appealed to me because I've always had a problem finding footwear that fits. I stand at 4'10" with very small feet - I can fit into size 2.5 children's shoes, and usually cannot walk wearing a women's size 5 shoe without it slipping off my heel. Hence why I get pretty excited when a shoe actually fits. With Poppy Barley, they have a streamlined system for designing and ordering your shoes. Design, measure, shop, and the shoes get delivered to you!

As a local start up company, Poppy Barley has really made some pretty big strides in the footwear industry. Their brand has made me realize it's not just us petite ladies that have problems finding shoes - whether you've got runner's calves, high arches, long legs, or narrow feet, there's always a potential fit issue. Aside from believing that everyone should have perfectly fitted shoes, Poppy Barley believes in total manufacturing transparency. That means that not only do you know where your shoes are being made, but how it's being made, and the conditions that employees work under.

So what exactly was this big announcement yesterday? In anticipation of their first birthday, Poppy Barley is looking to find six brand ambassadors to represent them as a company! How exciting is that? Poppy Barley is on a mission to revolutionize the footwear industry and I want to be a part of it. Having personally felt the struggles of finding the right shoe that fits, I want to spread the word and let other women know that their feet can be warm and snug inside a chic pair of custom made boots, or fun and free in a cute pair of fitted flats. The company is committed to finding comfortable, wearable, and fashion-forward shoes while providing employees with proper wages and safe working conditions - and that's something I think we all would want and can agree upon.

I'm all for supporting local, and I'd love to see this company grow and attain greater success than it has in the past year. Good luck to everyone else applying to be an ambassador - I applaud you for backing up a company that is headed by founders so passionate in all that they do.

*All pictures thanks to Poppy Barley

It's days like Black Friday that make me fearful for shoppers out there. After waking up this morning, I was appalled while reading all the crazy stories. Concussions? Fist Fights? Pepper spray?! Is that seriously necessary?

Yes, I understand that the deals are awesome, but is it really necessary to harm other people just so that you can spend money? Yikes. Stay safe out there everyone!

Anyway, something I want to talk about today is the latest brainchild of the Beachmint family which debuted today - Shoemint, headed by Rachel Bilson, her stylist Nicole Chavez, and produced with the help of Steve Madden. This latest online retailer site has some great potential in my eyes.

Rachel Bilson is one of my celebrity style icons. She's got a petite frame, and a great sense of style - she always looks so effortlessly chic! With this new collaboration, she will have input on designing shoes for the site, and the shoes will be backed by the quality and craftmanship you expect from Steve Madden. Each shoe will be priced affordably at $79.98, which is comparable to shoes of similar style and quality for upwards of $150.

But what excited me the most was the fact that it's Rachel Bilson. She has small feet! Her normal shoe size is a 5, so what fits her must also fit my small feet. After browsing the debut collection, which runs from size 5-11, the shoes are all listed to run small, with the suggestion of ordering up one size. Jackpot!



But the shoes I want.. are either unrealistic or sold out! The Edith style is a whopping 6" heel. 6" stiletto heel with a 2" hidden platform to be specific. So my second choice would be the Jolly wedge bootie, which is currently sold out. But I'm thinking this is a good sign.. I'm going to wait for the reviews and opinions of shoes to come out before I make any decisions.



Unfortunately for us Canadians, just like Jewelmint, Stylemint and Beautymint, Shoemint does not currently ship to Canada. I don't expect them to ship out of the US anytime soon, as their sister sites have not taken the initiative to stat shipping to Canada, even after being so successful. Stay hopeful, guys!

I hate to admit it, but fall is most definitely almost here. The sky is gloomy, and its cold. Makes me want want to pull out my winter mittens in fear.

To tell you the truth, it wouldn't be so bad if the weather in Alberta didn't change so drastically. Last week I felt like a heat wave was going on, high 20's everyday, heck, the wind was even warm. This weekend? It's 10 degrees outside and I have to cover every inch of my body.

I'm slowly preparing myself though, starting off by buying a pair of cute shoes for this fall. I know they're not technically considered booties, but why do I keep calling them that? I can't picture myself wearing them in the summer.. they look like they belong on feet in Autumn. I think they're a great transitional piece from sandals in the summer to boots in the fall & winter.



I picked up this pair from Coach (addict, I tell you), and they're quite easy to slip into, contrary to what you may think. The straps are for show, and the shoes feature a zipper hidden away on the inside out of sight.



With a 4.5" heel height, they're very comfortable as there is a 1" platform at the front. The leather is oh so soft, but likely prone to scratches. We'll see how things go. The soles are also completely leather, so getting the shoes soled after a wear or two will be better for both grip to the ground and increasing the lifetime of the shoe.



I'm so excited to wear these shoes out soon! I think they'll look fantastic with skinny jeans or tights, and the colour is a nice neutral to go with everything. These are called the Sandra heel, and are currently available in black through the Coach website for $218.

About four months ago, *super late post, I know!* I finally looked into Kim Kardashian's shoe & fashion style website, Shoedazzle. With her at the wheel and her team of stylists, every month you receive a selection of shoes and accessories that they feel are most suited to your taste and style, based on an initial questionnaire you fill out when signing up for the website.

Every month, they charge you $39.95 for one pair of shoes, but you have the option to skip for the month if you do not see anything you like, and you will not be charged. It's a super simple concept, and I'm so glad that they ship to Canada! Although shipping and returns are free within the US, Canadians have to pay an additional $9 each way (only downside, I think!)

Anyway, about 1.5 months ago, I finally made my first purchase through the website because they sent me a 50% off code to use! Woo hoo, $19.95 + $9.00 shipping for a pair, I'm down!

I've been looking for a nice pair of nude pumps that fit, and are comfortable. For the last couple months, I've been looking high & low for just the right pair, and I haven't been able to find something I like until now. Enter: Chanelle.



After a mere couple of days, the shoes arrived. I was really impressed with the shipping time! When this pair of shoes made their way to my mailbox a couple weeks ago, I was super excited! Upon opening the box, I found that the shoes are shipped in a bright pink shoebox, complete with a matching pink dustbag to store the shoes in as well.



The Chanelle pumps are made of faux patent leather, and are available in black, grey and nude. When I opened the box, I was surprised to see just how high the heels were! They have a 1" platform for comfort, and a 4" heel. Holy moly, these are the highest heels I own for sure! They give me close to a 5" boost when I wear them!



I have small feet, and it's really hard to me to find shoes that fit well, that aren't too heavy for me to walk around in. The Chanelle style runs 1/4 size small, which was stated on the website. I was really hoping that the sizing was correct, as my feet are usually a size 5 or smaller. The smallest size available from Shoedazzle is a 5.5, so that's something to keep in mind for all the ladies out there that also have small feet! Make sure to read up on the sizing info before ordering :)



Last but not least, the Chanelle pumps featuring the Shoedazzle "signature sole" - A hot pink sole, mimicking the classic red of Christian Louboutin. This I could care less for, but it gives the shoe a edgy, chic vibe! It stands out in the crowd from other nude pumps out there.



I haven't personally worn the shoes out yet, since they are so high, but I have walked around in my house with them on, and haven't felt any discomfort at all. From what I have seen with my own eyes, the quality is very good for the price you pay. The shoe is sturdy, and should hold up for a decent period of time. I would definitely consider ordering from Shoedazzle again, just because of the great customer service I experienced, and the quality of the shoe I received. I will do an updated post soon on how the shoe holds up!

If you're interested in signing up, check my invite link here.