Given how charming Poppeto shoes are, it’s no wonder that the woman behind the brand – mother of two Elizabeth Ferrier – used to be the fashion director of InStyle magazine...
The fashion-stylist-turned-footwear-designer created Poppeto, a beautifully crafted line of children’s soft leather traditional Menorcan sandals and suede desert boots, shortly after her boys arrived. “I was looking for shoes that were high quality, looked great and were easy to get on,” she says. Stylish, comfortable and most importantly, quick to put on, the sweet sandals and boots certainly tick all the boxes. We spoke to Ferrier about her career in fashion, her time management tips (“don’t try and do anything when the children are awake!”), and what her mother taught her.
Go to www.poppeto.com
When I wake up...
I have two little poppets standing by me asking for breakfast, and it’s usually very early. I need to swap sides of the bed so that my face isn’t the first they come to.
Before I go to bed...
I always check in on the boys. The little one has a habit of ending up on the carpet. He was out of a cot by 18 months and shares a bunk with his brother. And I usually have one last scroll through Instagram. I admit I’m addicted.
Motherhood has taught me…
To multitask and be able to decipher what multiple voices are saying at one time!
My approach to wellbeing is…
Very relaxed. I wish I could talk about the healthy meals I consume and all the exercise I do, but if I can get to a yoga class that is a win for the week!
I treat myself by…
Having a weekend away with my girlfriends, no children. Once a year we rent a house somewhere and hang out with out having to push a child on a swing, or make sure no one is drowning!
My role model is…
My mother. She has now sadly passed away but she was an incredible person, who worked very hard her whole life so that she could give us a magical upbringing.
The definition of success is happiness…
Family is a priority and having them happy is above any career success.
If I wasn't doing what I'm doing today…
I’d like to be travelling. I didn’t do enough when I was younger.
My mother taught me…
To get on with life what ever hand you are dealt. She battled cancer for 15 years which in itself is amazing, but she did it with no fuss or concern for herself.
Happiness is...
A day at the beach. We are very fortunate in Sydney to have fabulous beaches on our doorstep and amazing weather so we can spend most of the year there.
My career path has…
Taken one direction. I started off aged 20 in the fashion cupboard of Elle UK and have continued in fashion from then on.
I’d describe Poppeto as…
A place to buy well made classic footwear for little poppets. The factories that make the shoes have been doing so for over 100 years and still produce a product that is well loved in Spain and I hope to be just as popular in Australia.
A great pair of shoes is…
Ethically made, well priced without loosing any of the quality. Children’s shoes especially have to be durable, and up to a lot of wear. The Spanish sandals and boots at Poppeto are hardy enough to last for another sibling.
I like to dress my children in…
Whatever is clean. We have pants and T-shirts from bassike as they are light weight which is great for our hot summers, super cute shorts from printebebe, and other pieces from Zara.
My biggest career highlight was…
Being the fashion director of InStyle Magazine. There was a fun and talented team of people and I got to travel and dress celebrities I admire.
2016 is going to be the year that I…
Reconnect with family in Europe, learn to sew, and add to the products sold at Poppeto.
My new Poppeto collection is…
Comfy, easy to get on and off as half the range have velcro fastening and perfect for little boys and girls to wear this winter. There are a lot of colours to chose from, so can match with any outfit.
Social media is…
A great way to find people making and creating beautiful products for kids. I love the camaraderie, and the support you get from followers.
I’d describe the Poppeto child as…
Curious, fun, adventurous, and able to do it all in a pretty and functional sandal or boot.
My time management secrets are…
Don’t try and do anything when the children are awake! Without fail if I try and write an email or make a phone call one of them will want a snack, the loo, or need help building Lego.
Having my own business is…
Exciting and hard work. I love the creative side, and engaging with people but the Excel spreadsheets not so much!
Today I’m wearing…
Zara jeans, a bassike knit, and Minnetonka boots. I wear a lot of bassike as I like the easiness of their clothes. I swear by their tank dresses through summer. I wear them to the beach with flip flops and then can put on some heels and some bangles to wear out at night.
The last meal I ate was…
A tray of seasonal roasted vegetables, with chicken. I like simple, quick and hassle free meals, usually that can be done in one dish.
A selection of Poppeto leather sandals and desert boots
My style essentials are…
Black T-shirts in every shape, slouchy pants from bassike, a pair of white sneakers and tan sandals for summer. That is pretty much my uniform.
I get stressed when…
I can’t get a coffee. I never drank coffee in the UK but for some reason it has now become a habit that I can’t break.
My next travel destination is...
The UK to visit family, and Spain, where I’m looking forward to visiting suppliers and choosing new colours for sandals and boots.
After I finish writing this…
I’m going to a BBQ, fully embracing the Aussie way of life.