Smarty Pants

Allow me the indulgence, my fellow Grand M's, of departing from the usual in order to bring you a bit about my current obsession - the high-waisted trouser.

This week, the Grand Mademoiselle bids adieu to her skimpy summer frocks in favor of glam monochromatic ensembles (today’s choice is a simple black Splendid trapeze dress paired with a chunky white Citrine by the Stones pendant). Still, like all fashion-obsessed Grand M’s, she can’t help anxiously awaiting fall’s more covered-up styles (after all, it’s hard to look chic and polished when it’s 90°F with 90% humidity). In particular, the resurgence of the feminine trouser has her frantically stowing away boxes of skinny jeans to make room for the new, more sophisticated shapes.

Be forewarned: the super high-waisted and exceedingly baggy versions favored by pint-sized celebs like Mary-Kate Olsen can be quite unforgiving on even the slimmest gal, so stick to more timeless straight-leg looks. This fall, Marc Jacobs, a.k.a. the Grand Monsieur himself, paid homage to retro Yves Saint Laurent by showing a number of classic, feminine trousers in his collection.
http://www.style.com/fashionshows/collections/F2007RTW/complete/slideshow/MJACOBS?loop=0&event=show1543&designer=design_house57&iphoto=20&play=false&cnt=15

If you’re not on a runway budget, the Grand M has rounded up the best of the rest in every price range.
Boutique shoppers--check out the lengthy Navarro pant from the always brilliant Diane Von Furstenberg.
http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/main/ProductDetail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524446161779&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=282574492099453&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=1408474395222441&bmUID=1185147847618&ev19=1:6

Or scope out the selection at your local J. Crew, where you’ll find surprisingly hip offerings available in Tall sizes, which come equipped with a 36’’ inseam. I especially like the wool City-fit styles.
http://www.jcrew.com/catalog/product.jhtml?id=prod82539361&catId=cat200156

Lastly, for those who want a minimal commitment, the Grand M suggests the flattering Smart trouser (also 36’’) from the Tall department at Topshop, which is fast becoming one of my favorite online resources since the UK store’s web launch last spring. Just remember to convert the sizes--I find that subtracting six is usually a good bet. (Thus, their 10 is our 4, their 12 is our 6, etc.)
http://www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=19551&storeId=12556&categoryId=42382&parent_category_rn=42379&productId=182597&langId=-1

For the Grand M, proportions are key here. Opt for slim, tailored looks up top, like a belted tunic (à la Jacobs) or a simple tee. And as the weather cools off, this outfit will transition perfectly with the help of a cute cropped cardi or bomber jacket, like one from S.W.O.R.D.