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What to Wear With Those Ankle Boots: Meet Stylist Kara Chomistek

6-minute read

Biomedical engineer, turned fashion stylist, turned entrepreneur. Labeling Kara Chomistek as "successful" is a bit of an understatement. She's also the co-creator of PARK, Western Canada's principal fashion organization. Here, Kara tells us how she's pushing the fashion industry in Canada (and, perhaps equally important, how to style up those Poppy Barley ankle boots).
“We were seeing this exodus of creative talent out of Alberta," she reflects during a phone interview from her home in Calgary. "And it's because there's not enough support for designers and artists to have sustainable companies and businesses. So, a lot of businesses end up moving away to bigger city centres such as Toronto, New York or LA.” And so PARK (Promoting Artists, Redefining Kulture) came to be. A socially conscious organization, PARK aspires to create opportunities for developing artists and designers to sustain a profitable business, hosting two major shop-able fashion shows, in addition to multiple commerce events, each year. PARK also opened up unexpected opportunities for Kara. “It was kind of funny, because I vowed I would never be a stylist and wouldn’t want to go into the fashion industry. I didn't think there was any sustainability, or a career in it. However, the more I became involved in the fashion world through my work with PARK, the more my eyes opened to the many opportunities in the industry.” Opportunities like working with one of the biggest, brightest department stores in the world, Nordstrom, as they moved into Canada; styling for magazines like Avenue, Freq, and Vulkan; and, for Poppy Barley, styling our Fall 2016 campaign. We knew we'd hired one of the best in the biz. “Understanding and really knowing who you are styling for has the biggest influence on the styling," opines Kara. "When styling the Poppy Barley shoot, I had a conversation with the PB team beforehand, discussing who the Poppy Barley woman is. She is strong, confident, feminine and making shit happen.” Reflected throughout the campaign, our fall line-up is a mix of soft nubucks, wearable neutrals and the return of the ever-popular ankle boot. Below, Kara breaks down the styling of our Fall ‘16 campaign and why ankle boots can be worn with so much more than just your skinny jeans (although those look pretty good too). armygreen-blog KARA: We wanted to emphasize the Army Green leather, so we kept the look entirely monochromatic--and, contradictory to what you might think about focusing on just one colour, it really highlights the uniqueness of the Two Point Five Ankle Boot. This was achieved by choosing tones of green that were darker and more muted than the shoes, so that your eye immediately goes to the footwear. Poppy Barley Flat Bootie - Army Green KARA: That Flat Bootie. Similar to above, we used duller colours that would blend with the background, so, again, the footwear is the focus. Adding a skirt to a more casual flat ankle boot makes it super cute and dressed up. Kara Chomistek breaks down Poppy Barley's Fall 2016 Collection KARA: For this Black Heeled Chelsea Boot, we wanted to capture the Poppy Barley woman. She is easy going, but busy. She's always on her feet. I wanted to show an effortless, comfortable outfit that could easily be worn to coffee, to university class, to the grocery store or dropping kids off at school. The casualness of this look is completed with a sloppy, rolled cuff and neutral hat that she could go anywhere in. Kara Chomistek breaks down Poppy Barley's Fall 2016 Collection KARA: I wanted to show how a classic Chelsea Boot could be worn with any kind of pant, long and short. Culottes are huge for fall, and the variety of colours available can make pants the exciting item in your closet! This look feels more international to me, a girl that dresses effortlessly cool, you could see her snapped on your favourite street style blog. Kara Chomistek breaks down Poppy Barley's Fall 2016 Collection KARA: I wanted to give the Heeled Chelsea in Toffee some range and maturity. It's easy to style this boot with a cute dress or pair of dark denim. However, I wanted to show how to dress them up a little and create a look that would be appealing to women of all ages. Kara Chomistek breaks down Poppy Barley's Fall 2016 Collection KARA: This is definitely my favourite look! I LOVE the minimalist inspiration and showing how to perfectly dress up your Heeled Mules for work or a night out. I wanted to push the style of the shoe with a wide leg trouser, complemented by a beautiful, boxy jacket. Kara Chomistek breaks down Poppy Barley's Fall 2016 Collection KARA: These Heeled Chelsea Boots in Militare definitely have personality! I wanted to showcase the warmth and tonality of the shoes by pairing it with a look that was equally as warm and easy to wear. It's a perfect "rugged meets refined" look. Everyone on set loved this dress and cozy blanket-scarf, perfect for transitioning into fall. I think this outfit really makes you want to be a Poppy Barley woman! Poppy Barley - Black Nubuck Zipper Bootie KARA: I wanted to play off the texture of these Zipper Booties by creating an outfit with a juxtaposing feel. She looks cozy and comfortable in the oversized sweater, the skort makes it a comfortable way to wear a "mini" skirt and show off the ankle boots. With the right pieces, you can make bare legs and ankle boots work. Kara Chomistek breaks down Poppy Barley's Fall 2016 Collection KARA: This is our ultimate cool girl (a given--I'm told the Two Point Five Ankle Boot is the most popular Poppy Barley shoe EVER). She doesn't try too hard and she's not fussy. The silver skirt is a great complement to the sheen in the leather. The different textures in this look help to balance her out from head to toe, and makes her look great without even trying. Kara Chomistek breaks down Poppy Barley's Fall 2016 Collection KARA: Finally, finishing up with the cutest photo ever. I wanted to show how you can EASILY wear prints with any shoe from Poppy Barley's Fall Collection. We included some edgier influences, like the leather jacket, to match the hardware (bold metal zippers) on the Flat Bootie in Black. Her demeanour is anything but intimidating, which is exactly how I view the Poppy Barley woman.

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The Harley Heeled Sandal Ankle Size Guide

How To Measure:
The Harley Heeled Sandal: Take a tape measure and wrap it around your foot, right below your ankle bone as that is where the strap will sit (see product imagery and fit video for a visual demonstration). This measurement is based on the last adjustment point on the strap.

Size Strap length will accommodate an ankle measurement up to the size below
5 26 cm
5.5 26.5 cm
6 27 cm
6.5 27 cm
7 27.5 cm
7.5 27.5 cm
8 28 cm
8.5 28 cm
9 28 cm
9.5 28.5 cm
10 28.5 cm
10.5 29 cm
11 29 cm
11.5 30 cm
12 30 cm

The Esther Heeled Sandal Ankle Size Guide

How to Measure:
The Esther Heeled Sandal: take a tape measure and wrap it around your ankle, above the ankle bone, as that is where the strap will sit (see product imagery and fit video for a visual demonstration). This measurement is based on the last adjustment point on the strap.

Size Strap length will accommodate an ankle measurement up to the size below
5 23 cm
5.5 23 cm
6 23 cm
6.5 23 cm
7 24 cm
7.5 24 cm
8 24.5 cm
8.5 24.5 cm
9 24.5 cm
9.5 25 cm
10 25 cm
10.5 25.5 cm
11 26 cm
11.5 26 cm
12 26 cm

Belt Sizes

Natural Waist Measurement Typical Jean Size Belt Size for High‑rise Pant Belt Size for Mid‑rise Pant Infinite Belt Size
23-25" 23/24 26" 28" 1
25-26" 25 28" 30" 1
26-27" 26 30" 32" 1
27-28" 27 30" 32" 1
28-29" 28 32" 34" 2
29-30" 29 32" 34" 2
30-31" 30 34" 36" 2
31-32" 31 34" 36" 2
32-33" 32 36" 38" 3
33-34" 33 36" 38" 3
34-35" 34 38” 40" 3
36-37" 36 38" 40" 3
38-39" 38 40" 42" 4
40-41" 40 40" 42" 4
42-43" 42 44" 46" 4
43-44" 43 44" 46" 5
44-45" 44 46" - 5

Sizing Note: For the most accurate fit, measure around your body where you plan to wear the belt. Choose the closest belt size to that measurement.

Belt Diagram Accent Belt and Complement BeltThe Accent Belt, The Polished Belt and The Complement Belt size measurements start from the beginning of the leather to the middle hole.

Belt Diagram Infinite BeltThe Infinite Belt size measurements cover the entire length of the leather.



Belt Measuring Guide

Belt Measuring Guide

A - High-rise style:

If you plan to wear your belt around your natural waistline, wrap a measuring tape around the narrowest part of your midsection. Then, add 3” to determine your high-rise belt size.

B - Mid-rise style:

If you plan to wear your belt lower than your natural waistline, you will require a dierent size. If you have a particular pair of bottoms you intend to wear your belt with, wrap a measuring tape through the belt loops while in a relaxed position.

When wearing your belt in your preferred style, it should fasten in the middle hole. The belt will relax with wear allowing you to cinch it tighter, as needed.

If you plan to wear the belt in both the high and mid-rise styles, you have two options:

  1. Select your high-rise style and fasten it more loosely when worn in the mid-rise style.
  2. Select your mid-rise style and fasten it more tightly when worn in the high-rise style.