With the onset of winter's blustery winds and snow-flurried vistas, the Grand Mademoiselle is dreaming of a thrilling and chilling day spent on horseback, riding hard through icy streams, leaping over frozen logs, and brushing crystallized holly berries out of her noble steed's mane. The horse is a fascinating and beautiful creature; possessed of intense power and strength yet touchingly sweet, loyal, romantic, and soft. The equestrian world has its own fashion, mostly functional, but surprisingly attractive, and the rich, waxen leather of a handsome saddle is hard to resist. Now, mind you, the fashion that the Grand Mademoiselle prefers really doesn't translate to a day spent sweating under a helmet in the freezing cold. Still, the sentiment is there and with that spirit in mind, the Grand M brings you the more
pedestrian equestrian. You don't have to giddyup to get these gorgeous garments!
Vivienne Westwood's Anglomania Jabot Checked Blouse is a perfect example. The rich, multi-colored cotton checked blouse with its romantic folds and delicately pleated front is reminiscent of a trek through the English countryside on horseback - without the mud. The blouse is simply gorgeous, and its elegant construction, subtle shape, and curved hem lend a distinctly equestrian feel that transforms it from an ordinary plaid shirt into a whimsical adventure, replete with the grace and curvature of a horse's strong neck and flowing mane. No need to actually go fox-hunting in it...
Since we've established that there will not be any
actual riding involved, the perfect shoe to
pair with
Westwood's blouse is
Corso Como's Vienna bootie heel. This stacked-heel lace-up oxford comes in a luscious, crocodile embossed mahogany leather with patent leather piping. The
Vienna conjures all the vitality and graceful resilience of a carefully constructed saddle; you can almost smell the saddle soap! While the Grand M wouldn't recommended riding in these shoes, they make for the perfect pedestrian equestrian attire. To rejuvenate your tired, aching feet after a long and cold day's ride (or a day spent shopping on Fifth Avenue in
Corso's Vienna), slip on
Manimal's Vintage Button Moccasin's as you relax by the roaring fire with a mug of hot spiced cider cupped between your thawing fingers.
Manimal's unique twist on the usual moccasin is the dark green leather detail and button on the vamp, which resemble a damp leaf and a wilted flower (perhaps picked up along the trail?). The sumptuous, tan suede and luxurious fleece lining ensure that your tootsies will be high and dry in no time. The earthiness of
Manimal's designs is unmistakable, imparting an otherwise bland slipper with the spirit of nature; slip them on and you can almost hear the soft clopping of hooves on mossy, frozen soil. To complete the pedestrian equestrian look, wear a fabulously outrageous bit of horsey jewelry. In the Grand M's experience, most equestrian baubles are gaudy and silly, but some are just gaudy enough to be magnificent.
Ashley's English Saddle necklace is just the right piece. Made of two-tone 14k gold and adorned with a white-gold stirrup and diamond button on a thick rope chain, this necklace seals the deal and will shine gloriously beneath the folds of
Westwood's blouse. Now that you've got the look, go out and imagine your own winter equine journey!
A perfect place to start is with Mayle's Gia Poet Sleeve Dress, which combines old-fashioned black lace with a demure mandarin collar and subtly sensual button-down shape to breathe new life into the concept of dressing like a lady. The loop-trimmed deep V-neckline is simply gorgeous and the button-detailed collar and waistline accentuate the female form in all the right places without being over the top. Add a peek of camisole and the look is undeniably feminine and lady-like, but also very now. 
To keep this remarkably stylish yet simple dress from being too rigid, add a daring accessory, like Leiber's Cylinder Minaudiere. Nothing says "I'm a lady, damn it" better than a sparkly, off-beat clutch, and with its stark black and white geometric Aphrodite pattern rendered from Austrian crystals, this bag is sure to take you into the realm of the modern lady-like. A lady knows how to mix pieces such that each one complements the other without being too matchy-matchy. Nothing is more boring than dressing in one style from head to toe, so take these looks to the next level with a quiet, black suede pump. Of all the designer shoes out there, the Grand M believes that Delman is absolutely the most lady-like brand that a woman can wear. 
To offset the rich details of Mayle's dress and the flash of Leiber's clutch, opt for Delman's Brett suede pump. The subtle curves of the vamp, adorned with a low-key bow and tasteful 2.5" heel make this pump the perfect way to complete the transition to lady from head to toe. All you need is a great set of pearls and a place to perch at the party...remember, a lady shouldn't have to lift a finger, and with these fashion choices, you'll have every man scrambling to bring you another hors d'oeuvre (because real ladies also eat with their fingers).
