Stocking Stuffer Steal

The Grand Mademoiselle believes that you're never too old to experience the thrills of Christmas morning. Finding a stocking brimming with goodies on the mantle, padding down the stairs in your pj's to eat the cookies that Santa left behind, sneaking under the tree at midnight on Christmas Eve to shake the packages bearing your name... these are the silly traditions that never go out of style.

The only thing that could trump these traditions is finding the perfect pair of shoes to wear to all the Christmastime parties, and although many retailers offer fabulous sales during the holiday season, the Grand M is usually disappointed to find bins full of leftovers and last year's castoffs. So this year, she's doing something about it. The Grand M has secured the deal of a lifetime thanks to the girls at Barefoot Tess. From this moment on, Grand M's everywhere can take 15% off any purchase from Barefoot Tess at online checkout by entering the code GRANDM. 15%!! Talk about the Christmas spirit, this is the essence of generosity. Take advantage of this deal by perusing all the fabulous finds at www.barefoottess.com

The Grand M intends to purchase a pair of French Sole "Rythm" ballet flats, which are perfect for the season in black patent leather with an elastic trim and angular bow detail on the vamp. The Rythm also comes in brushed gold and silver, both fabulously festive hues.
To accompany this perfect pair of flats, and to perpetuate the patent leather theme, pick up Lauren Merkin's "Charlotte" clutch, trimmed with Merkin's signature pink striped shimmery lining, evoking all the charm of a shiny candy cane without the calories. With this deal, you're guaranteed to have the perfect Christmas, even if you get a cheesy Reindeer sweater with bells and angora snow. Really, who cares! Wear it to make the relatives happy and slip into a pair of sensational shoes feeling satisfied that you used GRANDM to get 15% off!

'Tis The Holiday Wish List Season

The Grand Mademoiselle loves a good list; groceries, work schedules, appointments, social events, and fashion must-haves to name a few. However, the queen of all lists is the Wish List, and the winter holidays present a rare and singular chance to craft the perfect one. The Holiday Wish List trumps the Birthday Wish List in virtue of the unique feeling that accompanies the Christmas season. Witness Neiman Marcus’ infamous gift book, a fanciful and extravagant list of impossible to afford items. The gift book represents the essence of the Holiday Wish List in all its festive glory. Drooling over that $10,000 diamond cuff? List it! Dreaming of a Lanvin gown? On the list it goes! The best Holiday Wish List combines extravagance and necessity with gusto, and the Grand M’s motto is: Anything Goes.

With the days of 2007 dwindling to a close, the Grand M has begun her List. This year’s theme is cozy and Christmas-y, marked by subtle touches of luxury instead of brash overkill. Here are a few choice items from the Grand M’s Holiday Wish List:


J. Crew's Cashmere Belle-Of-The-Ball gown is a sweet, surprising twist on the usual floor-duster. The Italian cashmere gown has a tulle underskirt for extra swirly-twirl, and the chic crewneck and sleeveless bodice makes it seem effortless.





Love From Australia's Nomad boots are the perfect blend of style and comfort, with a shearling lining and ribbons that lace up the front. Plus, the slightly asymmetrical cuff makes these boots great for wearing over skinny pants.


Nina Ricci's Ostrich Feather Oversized Sweater has been on the Grand M's radar since appearing on the cover of WWD a few months ago. The light gray alpaca and mohair blend sweater is swingy and loose, with elasticized bell sleeves, a scalloped hem, and glorious ostrich feather details peeking through the knit.



Juicy Couture's Princess Ball Floral Torsade necklace is a romantic, slightly hard-edged mixture of chain and crystal strands that intertwine to form just the right blend of girly-girl with hard ass. The cluster of leaves and crystal flowers adds the perfect amount of whimsy and carelessness.



Be sure that your own Holiday Wish List is prominently displayed in a high-traffic area to increase the likelihood of being able to check items off, just in case Santa doesn't come through...

Thanksgiving Shoe Sale-Gating

The Grand Mademoiselle absolutely adores Thanksgiving. The warmth of a roaring fire, the smell of delectable goodies merrily cooking away in the kitchen, the great joy of gathering with family to laugh together and peruse photographs and wax nostalgic...
But let's be honest, the best part of Turkey Day is the sales! The girls at Barefoot Tess have gone wild this Thanksgiving and are offering a week's worth of amazing deals and steals on gorgeous shoes.

Here's the scoop:

Too-Good-To-Be-True Tuesday
25% off all Loeffler Randall and Dolce Vita shoes. Pick out your favorite pair and enter code TUESDAY at online checkout. Below are the Grand M's picks: Dolce Vita's Moccasin and Loeffler Randall's Olivia boot. Working Girl Wednesday
35% off all Barefoot Tess brand shoes. Enter code WEDNESDAY at online checkout.

ThanksGIVING Thursday
10% off the purchase of gift certificates. Plus, if you buy a gift certificate for someone on Thursday, your grateful recipient will receive free shipping and free returns. Email Barefoot Tess's buyer Chelsea at chelsea@barefoottess.com to claim your 10%.

Friday is "French Sole Fever"!
20% off all French Sole shoes. Enter code FRIDAY at online checkout.

Sweetest Deal Saturday
40% off all Sam Edelman and Seychelles shoes. Enter code SATURDAY at online checkout.

"Day of Rest" Sunday
25% off all Penny Loves Kenny shoes. Enter code SUNDAY at online checkout.

Millionaire Monday
20% off all Bernardo shoes. Enter code MONDAY at online checkout. The Grand M's pick: Bernardo's Blondie boot.Last Chance Tuesday
30% off all Matt Bernson shoes. Enter code LASTCHANCE at online checkout.

Whew! The Grand M is going to be a busy girl this Thanksgiving...

The Art of Incognito

If only the Grand Mademoiselle was faced with the burden of constantly dodging the pesky paparazzi! Although not famous, the Grand M aspires to dress like a fashion heavyweight, and nothing is more chic than the art of incognito. Dressing like a style spy requires a classic Burberry trench, a timeless Birkin, a men’s Cartier watch, and over-sized YSL sunglasses (not to mention an entourage, but the Grand M has a vivid imagination). One can evoke the effortless glamour of those oft-named fashion icons while attempting to blend in with the crowd and avoiding the constant glare of the photog’s lenses … See? I told you the Grand M had a fabulous imagination!

But what about the shoes? When lurking around the corner of Fifth and 59th, one needs the proper footwear to pull off the glitterati sleuth image. The latest line of French Sole flats fit the fashion bill perfectly, and will allow the Grand M to run from the press without breaking her back.


The Rebel is a gorgeous ballet flat, classically adorned with an adorable leather toe buckle and sleek metallic leather lining. The trio of colors gets it just right: demure patent black, baleful gray, and just the right touch of taupe to make the combination sing with style.







For a slightly flashier touch, opt for the Rialto with its ingenious removable ankle strap and seductive patent shine with an understated grosgrain trim. The Grand M intends to tip toe her way down Madison in these flats without making a whisper of a sound.





However, to reach the loftiest heights of fashion spy chic, don the Rumor and become the hottest piece of style gossip on Park as you duck into the Plaza for tea. With its laid-back, York wool plaid and black patent Oxford toe, the Rumor takes the flat to a new level. The furry, sumptuous lining will keep the Grand M’s tootsies as warm as toast as she scampers about the wintry streets to avoid the constant barrage of interviewers.

Wrap an Hermes scarf around your head and wear your Tiffany diamond studs to achieve the art of incognito…fashionably! Find all of these paparazzi-worthy flats at Barefoot Tess.