Stylist's Notes: Breaking Down Poppy Barley's S/S '16 Campaign

Except for celebrities, no one seems to travel in style anymore. It seems like it's become almost "wrong" to dress up for a flight, but I wholeheartedly disagree.

After seeing the Poppy Barley's S/S'16 collection and learning of the concept to shoot at the Edmonton International Airport (#PoppyBarleyxFlyEIA), I wanted to recreate the time in the '60s and '70s when travel was still very glamorous and everyone’s style was on point. The woman who wears Poppy Barley shoes is exciting and fun. She is classy, with a touch of sass. I feel like fashion is taking a turning point this season with a "less is more" mentality: silhouettes have been simplified, bags have become smaller, accessories are less. So, I decided that I needed to combine elements of simplicity for each look and use some pieces that really reflect an era when jet-set fashion was still glamorous, but still keep the styles current. Simons is a big supporter of the Canadian fashion community and I was able to get some incredible spring looks there that fit the bill. Holt Renfrew also has some incredible brands and accessories which helped these looks come to life. For an authentic touch of retro, I went to Swish Vintage in downtown Edmonton. There, I found some amazing vintage designer scarves, which you can see in several of the looks below. Whether you tie it around your neck for something more fitted, or just drape it over the shoulders, it's a total hit right now. Further, being able to use actual vintage suitcases from the '60 and '70s was just too perfect. For a luxurious, modern spin, we also shipped in luggage from Ebby Rane in Toronto just for the shoot. Here, I break down the all the looks I created for Poppy Barley's S/S '16 campaign. Hair and makeup by the amazing Nickol Walkemeyer, photography by Nicole Ashley. Enjoy!

The D'Orsay Flat

In Stardust Silver + Ivory Snake (Sign up to get first access!)

This Camilla and Marc dress from Simons is one of the Pantone pink colour trends that we will really start to see more of this spring. The soft tones are everywhere. The Chanel sunglasses from Holt Renfrew and the blue vintage carryon travel case from Swish Vintage makes her look really polished. But the look would not be complete without Poppy Barley's D’Orsay Flat in Stardust Silver; they keep the look dressy, but not too formal that she would look out of place.

The Slip-on Oxford

In Black + Ivory Snake (Sign up to get first access!)

Jumpsuits won't be going away this season, and we're celebrating! This one (from Simons) is so perfect for any occasion. You can dress it up or down, and this light green colour, in particular, is going to start filling up display windows everywhere. Plus, the Slip-on Oxford is the perfect way to style an outfit without wearing heels and still keep the look edgy. If you want to go all-out, the fur knit vest (from Holt Renfrew) will step up the glam.

The D'Orsay Flat

In Leopard Calf Hair + White Cheetah

This look is more '70s inspired with the wide legged pant. The off-the-shoulder trend again is going to be something we see a lot more of heading into spring and summer. This look (all from Simons) has a little bit of a European-Spanish girl influence too with the textures of the shirt and its layered ruffles -- such simple details that create something effortlessly elegant. Add a bold statement with an animal-print flat like The D'Orsay in Leopard Calf Hair and White Cheetah (and don't be afraid to mix prints!).

The Flat Bootie

In Leopard Calf Hair + Black

Who doesn’t love a Burberry trench coat? This one (from Holt Renfrew) is worth the investment because spring, at some point or another, will call for it, and trench coats are timeless. The Leopard-print Calf Hair Flat Bootie makes this classy look more fun and outgoing, and is so easy to style with any black, white, or tan pant, especially with the close cut at the ankle; they are totally an accessory for your feet! I have to thank Holt Renfrew in Edmonton again for their incredible eyewear department. Finding the right pair of sunnies really makes anyone look and feel like a celebrity (these ones are Prada).

The Chelsea Boot

In Ivory Snake (Sign up to get first access!)

This Chloé shift dress from Simons has such a perfect silhouette and material, I couldn't not pair it with these sleek Ivory Snake Chelsea Boots. (Doesn't she look like she's getting ready to board a plane to somewhere fantastic?!) It’s loose fitting, but still flattering, and I tried to reference a bit of Mod and a bit of '70s with the bright yellow neck tie from Swish Vintage and the mustard tone tights.

The Zipper Bootie

In Black + Ivory Snake (Sign up to get first access!)

This look is so "Alberta" in the '70s. The fringe skirt (from Simons) paired with a simple '70s inspired blouse is something fun and something different. Poppy Barley's two-tone Zipper Bootie with a 2.5-inch natural brown stacked heel really becomes the focus point of the look and adds to the modern '70s vibe I was trying to create.

The Heeled Mule

In Italian Leopard-print Calf Hair

This red button-down dress (from Simons) is, again, so '70s -- especially with the Heeled Mules; it’s honestly to die for and a huge fashion trend for the spring. I think it's a misconception that long sleeve dresses are just for winter. If the fabric is light and airy like this one, you can wear them year-round. I just added a simple vintage neck scarf and suitcase from Swish Vintage to make the look feel like she’s on the go, but ready to show up in style. Throw on a soft brown leather jacket over the shoulders to make this look really effortless.

The Strappy Sandal

In Italian Leopard-print Calf Hair, Black Nubuck + Desert Tan

This outfit is one of the most relaxed, resort-style looks from the whole shoot, and, naturally, we saved it for The Strappy Sandal in Leopard-print Calf Hair. The neutral colours of the pants and knit top from Malorie Urbanovitch look cool and comfortable, and then I added the hat (don't be afraid of hats!) to make the look a bit more edgy. She's definitely ready for a safari.

The Two Point Five Ankle Boot

In Desert Tan (Sign up to get first access!)

It seems that when the warm weather comes, people forget about their ankle booties. You can wear boots with dresses or shorts, and it still looks good! That gorgeous white lace dress from Simons paired with Poppy Barley's Two Point Five Ankle Boots in Desert Tan is stunning and makes the look more causal for everyday wear. Summer, here we come.

The Zipper Bootie

In Stardust Silver (Sign up to get first access!)

One of my favourite looks from this whole shoot is the Malorie Urbanovitch matching top and skirt with frill detailing (she is a Canadian designer whose designs are also sold at Simons!). Paired with the Poppy Barley Stardust Silver Zipper Bootie, the look is summertime chic and put together, and the brilliant metallic shine on the silver ankle boots just makes the who thing pop.

The Heeled Mule

In Black Nubuck (Sign up to get first access!)

Another piece we pulled from Malorie Urbanovitch: these army green cropped pants. Forget your standard folded crop, this pair is cropped at an angle, which is such a great way to show off those Black Nubuck Heeled Mules! I added a leopard belt to sprinkle some fun into a minimalist get-up and tie it with Poppy Barley's Italian Leopard-print Calf Hair for Spring. If you've learned anything from this post, I hope it's that leopard and snakeskin are two really big trends this season -- and you know where to find it! I hope this inspires you in your spring shopping adventures. After all, your next dream trip is just around the corner...