Honest Review | Poppy Barley Eyelet Oxford a.k.a The Perfect Travel Shoe

The Poppy Barley Eyelet Oxfords!  The shoes that feel like slippers. No seriously they do.  I first tried these shoes on about a year ago and was immediately shocked by how comfortable they were;  Sadly, I wasn’t in need of them at the time so I left them on the shelf but you better believe that I did not stop thinking about them.

So when I started packing for our trip to Italy and realized I was going to need to bring a single pair of shoes that basically looks good with everything and are very walkable I did not hesitate to order a pair! 

And let me tell you, I put some serious miles on those babies.  We walked around 14km a day exploring the streets of Florence, the beaches of Cinque Terre, and the Canals of Venice. If I’m honest, it still feels a little unreal!  The only shoes I wore were these oxfords and my Birkenstocks.  And you guys, I have zero regrets.  They were exactly what I needed.  My love for Poppy Barley shoes hath grown ever deeper.

Now that being said let’s dig into the pros and cons of this cutie little shoe!

PROS

1. I am cannot over state how comfortable these are from the first wear. Almost unbelievably soft leather.

2. No tie laces. I’m lazy about my wardrobe pieces. If it’s too much work I likely won’t wear it. Needless to say, these slip one flats have been worn relentlessly.

3. So versatile. These shoes have such a minimal, classic look that works with so many outfits.

4. Great quality, my oxfords are still in incredible shape despite constant wear, being shoved in bags, and traipsing through less than ideal terrain.

5. They are always available in a variety of colours! I decided on toffee because I really needed them to be able to match everything, but Poppy Barley has some seriously cool colours and prints that change throughout the year.

CONS

1. They are very flat. I am quite short at about 5’2” and I have to admit I sometimes missed the little bit of height I get from some of my other shoes.

2. The sole is super soft and fairly flat. To be fair I think this is partially why they feel like the most comfortable pair of slippers. But if you are someone like me who has really bad feet you may want to consider adding a pair of orthotics. I used a pair of inexpensive Dr. Scholl’s and it’s been perfect!

So there you have it, my new favourite traveling companion. Besides my family of course! If you have been in need of an everyday, versatile shoe this one is without a doubt an absolute winner. Me, I am 100% saving up for their brand new Victoriana Boot!! It’s the black boot of my dreams friends!

I hope this helped! If you have any questions about the shoes or Italy, get at me girl! <3

Warmly,

Karmen

P.S. For more Honest Reviews follow me on Instagram, @karmenmeyerphotography, and check out my posts on buliding a capsule wardrobe.

As always, in the interest of full transparency, I want to let you know that Poppy Barley traded me these shoes in exchange for photos.  My review however was NOT paid for.  It is just honest feedback on my experience. Additionally, I don’t make any money if you buy these shoes. I just know how intimidating it is to purchase ethical clothing as it often mean more $$$ and ordering online without seeing the garment first hand. It’s truly my hope to help make that easier for you with these reviews! Thanks for hanging out and letting me do a wee bit of reminiscing today!

5 Reasons I Love Linen

 Sooo, it's no secret at this point.  Yes, even my grandparents have noticed my new-found love for natural fibres.  And my favourite, LINEN!  Oh my word, I just love it.  I can't stop wearing it, can't stop looking at it with all the heart eyes and I definitely can't stop talking about (sorry friends and fam).  You see, I don't just come across things and decide THIS for me.  I slowly consider, I research it, I save photos and create mood boards to see if it fits my life (again, my poor family) and then I finally take the plunge and try it out.  So when it gets here and lives up to, actually exceeds, my expectations I am gushing fountain of success filled enthusiasm and facts.So here we go!!  5 reasons I LOVE linen. 

1. The texture. Oh my word, I have always loved the texture of linen. Truly, before I even knew that linen was it own specific type of material, I was attracted to its character and old-world charm.

2. PET HAIR, fellow animal lovers have I got good news for you!! The pet hair doesn't stick. I mean, EEEEE!!! I love my animals but I just HATE walking around with their hair stuck to me.

3. It's very hard to stain. So if I am honest, my biggest fear when purchasing quality clothing is that I am going to ruin it. I'm a wee bit of a hot-mess, with kids and lot's of animals. But all my linen washes up like an absolute dream!! A little anecdote for ya: Last summer we went for a little girls day and took my daughters to get their fingers painted at the salon. Nora choose a dark sparkly purple because it 'looks like a galaxy Mom!!!'. Well she accidentally rubbed her wet nails on the chest of my blue and white dress (cue inner turmoil). By some miracle I kept my cool and calmly (while crying on the inside of course) asked for some nail polish remover. Most of it blotted out, but it remained just a little grey-er in that area. I honestly didn't have the heart to deal with it for months. But just a little while ago I decided to give it a go. I washed it on the delicate cycle in my washing machine with a little natural stain remover and oxy-clean and wouldn't you know it, she came out as good as new!!! I still cannot believe it but I'm happy as a clam.

4. It is environmentally friendly! 'Nough said.

5. It's wears like dream all year long!! Linen is very strong and becomes so wonderfully soft with time. It is warm in the winter and cool in the summer!

 Ok and I am all about balance so here are couple things that you may not love about linen.

1. It wrinkles. I honestly don't find this to be a problem for myself. I love its rustic look!!!

2. It costs more than synthetic fabrics. Personally, I find this is 100% balanced out all the benefits of linen.

3. It relaxes with wear. If you love tight clothes, this may not be the best fabric for you.

4. It can be a bit rough if it is brand new. But this won't last long at all, after a couple washes it relaxes and softens!

 Thanks for joining me fellow nerd, capsule-curious, clothing enthusiast!  I really hope this was helpful for you and I would love to hear what you think!  Are you already a linen lover?  Do you think you might invest in any linen this year?  What is your fav fibre to wear?Questions welcome, always.Karmen P.S.  My absolute favourite responsible linen brands are Pyne + Smith Clothiers, Not Perfect Linen, and Only Child. 

Honest Review | Nisolo Heeled Chelsea

 Well the snow has made a return, so it seemed like the perfect time to give you an honest review of these gorgeous boots which have proven to be season-less.So I am not going to lie, I got off to a bad start with Nisolo.  I purchased a pair of smoking shoes (flat, loafer type) and even though they were absolutely gorgeous, there was a bit of damage on them from one of the shoe clamps and sadly I had to be send them back at my expense.  Then they were misplaced in their warehouse and the entire process ground to a halt.  In the meantime they sold out of my size, and on and on and on this story goes.  I swear we ran into every problem imaginable, but I do have to say that they handled it with grace and did everything they could to make it right!!And so at the end of it all, I ended up with these beautiful Brandy Heeled Chelsea Boots (even though I ordered black lol).  And I LOVE them.  They have been a perfect addition to my closet and have helped me create tons of new outfits with my existing wardrobe.  So let me break it down into pros and cons for you.

PROs:

1. Such classic, stylish looking boot! They are just beautiful friends.

2. Incredibly versatile. I love pairing them with everything from dresses to overalls. I have been loving wearing them all winter with wool socks!

3. Both available colours are perfect. They come in a weatherproof black and this brandy colour. I was worried the brandy would be to rich of a colour for my wardrobe but it turns out to be the perfect pop of warmth! Gosh I am so happy with the colour.

4. They are comfortable..... once broken in, which took a few wears. I wear them ALL. THE. TIME!

 CONs:

1. You have to order from a third party, Garmentory, if you are in Canada.

2. They take a bit of time to break-in. I was honestly worried I ordered a size to small but now they are perfect!

3. There is no padding in the sole. My beloved Poppy Barley boots have spoiled me with memory-foam in the soles. These boots are very comfortable, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't miss the cozy padding my PBs have.

All-in-all, these have become an absolute go-to pair of boots and have held up beautifully in Alberta's change of seasons.  I dont' want my struggles deter you from ordering from Nisolo!  It really seems that my experience is not the normal costumer experience for them.  And these boots were 100% worth all the little challenges!  I hope that helps!  Questions?  Comments?  Fire away!KarmenP.S.  I am also wearing Only Child Dune Pants and a notPERFECTlinen cardigan.*While the first pair of shoes I ordered were on my own dime, Nisolo gifted me these boots in exchange for photos.  My review however was NOT paid for.  It is just honest feedback on my experience.  Just want to make sure that these reviews are always 100% transparent! 

Poppy Barley Fall Launch

When Jane from Poppy Barley emailed me about attending their Fall Launch event, I thought for sure she had made a mistake.  I'm a full-time mom/photographer who lives in the middle of nowhere, I don't get invited to fashion launches!  Soooo naturally, I quickly wrote back so that she couldn't change her mind lol!!  But in all seriousness, I cannot tell you how happy I was to celebrate Poppy Barley's new store and their 2018 fall line-up.  You see, Poppy Barley was my VERY FIRST responsible shoe purchase and it was scary because, as we all know by now, responsible fashion costs more.  And spending money stresses me out friends.  I usually have to mull over purchases for weeks to months, and in this case YEARS.  Ya, that's right, it took me 2 whole years to finally purchase my ankle boots, and I have zero regrets.  In fact, I went back the next year for a pair of mules!!  To put it simply, I wear them All. The. Time.  They are comfortable and seriously level-up my outfits!I really want to to say a huge thank to the Poppy Barley ladies for having me, and for putting on such an intimate event.  I had so much fun hanging out with some of Edmonton's best humans!  And you guys I brought home a pair of the leopard print flats (which was a prettty bold move for me)!!  Eeee, I love them so much and cannot believe how many garments I can pair them with.  I had to turn down the most comfortable pair of oxfords I've ever had my foot in, but I just love how this pair of D'orsay flats completely changes the look of my outfits.  I swear, it's the shoe I didn't know I needed! If you haven't already, I can't encourage you enough to check out this Women-run Edmonton-based company, they are a dream.  If you have any questions about my experiences with them and their shoes ask away below!  I genuinely love chatting slow-fashion with y'all!

Warmly,

Karmen 

PS.  If you could have any pair of shoes from the Poppy Barley fall line, what would you get?!? 

I didn't mean to make you feel bad. | Ethical Fashion

 I just wanted to say sorry, I didn't mean to make you feel bad.  Truly I didn't.  In fact, causing you to feel less then was one of the main fears I had when I started to share this journey...In case you are feeling a little lost, let me give you some context. ***cue that weird musical transition they always do in movies when they change scenes for a memory haha** The past few months have been filled with many wonderful events and photo sessions.  I got to met and chat with so many incredible women and like-minded souls.  I dressed in clothes that I feel great in (and didn't immediately get covered in food, dirt or duck poop)!  For this fairly introverted, rural Mama of two it was somehow completely energizing and exhausting in the best kind of way.It was during these wonderful get-togethers that I began to notice a reoccuring dialogue that went something like this... 

A says, "oh I love your shoes, where did you get them?!"

B uncomfortably replies, "ahh, shoot, you had to ask me in front of these capsule wardrobe people haha." 

OR

C says, "you look incredible in that dress, I would love to find something like that."

D looks towards me with shame, "ummm, Zara."

 There was a lingering guilt or shame or maybe it was something else.  Either way, I have begun noticing it more and more where people feel that they need to explain to me why they can't currently purchase responsibly-made fashion.  But let me tell you, whether it's a postpartum body, the initial investments, or the fact that you just really like shopping, you DO NOT owe me an explaination.  I never have and never will look at your outfit and decide what kind of person you are.  And in that same breath, I do not think buying ethically made clothing makes me a better person then someone who doesn't.  It is, quite simply, a place in my life that I felt a need/desire/ability to make a positive shift.I began sharing my journey because I couldn't have made this change without the incredible help of those who bravely shared theirs with me.  You might notice the use of the word brave there and feel a deep desire to roll your eyes, but it IS scary to put yourself out there.So, long story short, I will continue to share about responsible fashion because I think it is a fabulous and much needed conversation, but please don't let it discourage you and if you ever have any questions or thoughts please share!!  You DO NOT need to own a single piece of responsible made clothing to join this club and conversation!!!Warmly,Karmen

The Straight Facts | Honest Reviews

 Hello Friends!As you know I began my journey into capsule wardrobes and responsible fashion just over a year ago.  I have learned so much and have discovered sooo many incredible brands and makers along the way (I'm talking rule-breakers, wave-makers who are genuinely making the world a little better).  And as promised, I am going to share as much of this info with you as I can!Before I get started, I do really want to clarify a few things. 1. Most of the clothes I will be sharing I have personally purchased.  BUT some have been given to me in exchange for photos.  2. NO ONE has given me clothing in exchange for my review.  Now why, am I telling you this?  Because if you are anything like me, you find it exhausting to try and navigate whether someone truly loves a product or if they are only saying so because they want to make money selling it!  (UGH)  So to be perfectly clear, I am making ZERO dollars telling you my thoughts on these pieces of clothing.Now all that said!  I am so exciting to start sharing some of my favourite ethically made garments, in hopes that it might help you!  Because ordering online is scary!!!  OK so are you ready? 

 I am going to start out with a review of the

FREE LABEL Tulip Tee

!  You have almost definitely seen me wearing this top whether on Instagram or around town.  I L O V E, love it.  Seriously. 

 Pros:

• It is incredibly soft and flowy

• Made from Bamboo cotton which is breathable, antibacterial, biodegradable and sustainable!

• Washes incredibly well. I wash mine on the hand-wash cycle in my washer and hang to dry. It has been washed ALOT and is in perfect condition.

• It can be dressed up or down. Ladies, I wore this top layered over a little black dress for a fancy dinner, and I've also worn it with yoga pants to dance class! It's very versatile!

• It's reversible!!! You can were the tulip in the front or in the back.

• Made in Canada by lovely people

Cons:

• There really isn't one. I love this top!

• The cost seems scary. (it is worth it though)

 If you have ANY questions!  Let me know.  I am more then happy to help! 

Pyne And Smith | Capsule Wardrobe Update #3

Hey Guys!  Its been a little while since I gave you an update! Honestly things haven't been super exciting, I have just been doing the best with what I have.  BUT I am working on my summer capsule wardrobe!  And I have been enjoying the two new purchases I told you about earlier!  One of which was this Pyne and Smith Clothiers Linen Dress.I was soooo excited to get this little number in the mail.  I immediately put it on, and then, had one of those moments of doubt.  You know the kind.  I wasn't sure if I could 'pull it off', if it was the most flattering dress for me.  Maybe it was just one of things I loved on other people?  So I let it hang in the closet for few days, but eventually decided that if I like the dress I should darn well wear it, and love doing so.Jump ahead to day of errands, peppered with compliments and I was completely sold! (I really try not to dress for anyone besides myself, but being on the receiving end of a compliment is always encouraging <3)    Needless to say, I have been wearing this incredibly comfortable dress on repeat ever since!   It is honestly so versatile (and the midi length is crazy practical when you are running after little ones). I've worn it on its own, with sweaters and belted so far.  (PS. the belted version kind of made me feel like Belle!! Honest to goodness the soundtrack played in my head allll day long lol)So I thought I'd share a few real life pictures that I snapped this afternoon while my kiddos splashed in the pool!  I am about 5'2" and am wearing an XS.  If you have any questions let me know!

Happy Weekend Pals,

<3Karmen