Dissecting Our S/S '16 Collection

Spring fashion is always fun, with its opportunity for more colour and greater sex appeal. This season is particularly exciting, as fashion channels the '70s. Off-the shoulder tops and dresses, raw denim, and floral and animal prints are all trends we are embracing and, in footwear, mules, stacked heels and fancy flats are the newest must-have additions to our closets.

This spring, we’re introducing four gorgeous new styles on that same beat and four leathers we can't stop talking about. If you haven't noticed yet, this footwear collection is heavily inspired by travel: Wear our ankle boots on an 8-hr flight and walking around the a city all day. Throw our flats into your carry-on and forget about it, whether you've got a dressy event ahead or not. Our shoes are designed to be ultra stylish and our team of artisans in León, Mexico, make them even more comfortable. Here, I break down the designs. First up: The Flat Bootie, the perfect everyday ankle boot (it's even flatter than our Chelsea!) Our version has zippers on both sides to add some edge and interest with a slightly higher front and a snug ankle. This ankle boot is a wardrobe staple that transcends seasons and trends, and will probably get the most wear in your shoe closet. Order it in Black, Brown or Leopard Calf Hair and in sizes 5 thru 12, narrow, standard or wide. Next, the Heeled Mule, and one of our most buzz-worthy new styles thus far. It combines sex and comfort, with its 2.5” stacked heel and just enough lip at the heel to help keep them on your feet. A popular indoor style in the 18th century, this close toed, backless shoe experienced a major resurgence in the '50s thanks to Marilyn Monroe, but we’ve seen it slide into several decades since then. We're officially calling our version the "Next Generation" mule.

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The flat mule is also one of this season’s hottest trends; our D’Orsay Flat combines the toe of a mule and adds a heel to keep them super functional and in place. We added a strap across the vamp for variety and colour blocking options. And if you’ve got wide feet, rejoice: the cut-out sides on the D’Orsay were originally designed to accommodate a larger foot width! Exposing the curve of your instep, it’s a sleek and surprisingly sexy style that looks good on anybody.

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Take a ballerina flat, sharpen up the toe, dip it in high octane Stardust Silver and voilá! Bring on summer. Threading delicate, ribbon-like laces that crisscross at the vamp, you can wrap them up around your lower legs, or let them relax at the ankles. The Delicate Lace-up will also be available in Black.

This season also marks the return of our most popular summertime shoe yet: The Strappy Sandal. This year, it comes in a chic Leopard Calf Hair, Black Nubuck and Desert Tan colourway that signals the return of warmer weather. (And maybe a safari?)

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The Slip-on Oxford was our most-ordered style in 2015, and for good reason. It's ideal for transition seasons, not a boot, not a typical ballet flat, it's like wearing a slipper that's acceptable in public. This Ivory Snake and Black version above is a nod to the two-tone men's dress shoes of the 1920s. Made with a textured off-white snake-print and colour-blocked toe and heel, call it classy, call it laidback, call it whatever you want; this shoe is a trendsetter.

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" data-sheets-userformat='[null,null,13249,'>In the Zipper Bootie, we've combined black and white for the woman who has classic tastes, but isn't afraid to say something. Consider it the yingyang of our S/S '16 collection--a glossy Black leather colour blocked with a textured-snake print in a bone-coloured hue. Don't forget to heel click, this style demands it. As for leather colours, the palette features two animal prints: a sophisticated Italian Leopard Calf Hair and, back for another season, a happy White Cheetah print (you can see it in the D'Orsay Flat above). Animal prints are statement making neutrals that make that help transform any outfit into something chic.

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The other exciting animal print we've added this year is a little more subdued, but just as statement making and maybe even a little more chic: Ivory Snake! As seen in the Chelsea Boot and several other styles above, trade in the classic all-black ankle boot for something unexpected, but equally neutral. The soft texture is guaranteed to be the coolest material in your closet.

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Next we have Stardust Silver, a high octane metallic leather that is one of this Spring’s "it" colours. An accessory like footwear is a great way to incorporate this colour into your wardrobe--a small piece goes a long way.

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The last new addition to the leather line-up is our Desert Tan, which has the same suede-like waxy finish as our incredibly popular Gotham Grey leather. Above, you'll see it in the Two Point Five Ankle Boot, but it will also be available in our new Flat Bootie. Everyone needs a neutral suede ankle boot or flat as a basic piece to build outfits on. Insider tip: For those lucky people living in Edmonton, you can shop the full S/S '16 collection in person in our showroom (even the styles unreleased online). We can't wait to hear what you think. E-mail me at justine(at)poppybarley(dot)com