Naval Salute

The Grand Mademoiselle fully supports all the boys in blue, and although she could never be a Naval Officer (too many rules), the color scheme is undeniably, fabulously harmonious and nationalistic. Inspired by old footage of the then Princess Elizabeth touring South Africa via naval ship, navy and white have never seemed so chic, and the key is to pair these incomparably compatible colors in simple, unexpected ways, with sexy silhouettes and feminine flourishes. As an ode to Elizabeth, remember her faithful trip on the high seas, the world anticipating her joyous return to the love of her life. Surrounded by Navy shipmen in cute as hell uniforms, Elizabeth blended in perfectly with her navy and white pin-striped A-line smock dress and perfectly coiffed hair. Take a cue from our gal and opt for your own interpretation of smart Naval dressing, without the rigidity of a staunchly pressed pair of white slacks (and minus the gold buttons and medals, it's not a costume after all). You don't actually want to look like you're in the Navy, you just want to emulate the spirit and capture the glory of a tried and true color combination. Build your ensemble around Nanette Lepore's gorgeous Ruched Pencil Skirt, in navy cotton with a high waist and ruched side panels with a demure below the knee length. This is the perfect skirt to start with, and just imagine yourself waving to your Naval lover as he boards the U.S.S. Whatever bound for God knows where! Break a champagne bottle on the hull of a grand ship while wearing your Nanette skirt with a Robert Rodriguez Ruffled Top, with its sensual tie-waist, cut-in shoulders, and ruffled collar and bib made of pure silk. Can you really say Naval chic any other way? The top epitomizes the easy, breezy atmosphere of a day at sea, and while you certainly won't be scrubbing any decks, you're bound to catch a sailor's eye. Carry Lanvin's Patent Kentucky Tote in Marine Blue, with its simple, clean lines and eye-popping navy patent sheen. The rolled leather handles and slightly masculine details add to the overall feeling of the look and contribute to a rustic, salty, Naval ensemble without the effort and commitment. It's big enough to carry all the goodies your Naval honey brings back to you from exotic locales; an African mask, a grass skirt, herbs from Morocco, a diamond ring perhaps? To make the look complete, wear a timeless and elegant flat. It would be unseemly to tie knots or run across a wet deck in heels. Nothing fits the bill better than Delman's Wimbley, with its quilted glove leather upper, patent leather toe cap and grosgrain bow detail. The flat comes in both navy and white, so pick whichever one suits your fancy and get ready to run down the pier to bid adieu to your beloved. My advice: stay away from gloves or a hat. You aren't actually Elizabeth and you certainly don't want to be forcibly enlisted for looking so chic...