The Sweet Life: Summer Giveaway

For the Grand Mademoiselle, there is nothing more satisfying than solving the infuriating puzzle of matching the perfect summer sandal with its equally perfect handbag mate to achieve a classy and understated warm weather wardrobe staple. While the winter months afford the ease of pairing chic leather boots with luxurious wristlets and sinfully supple hobos, the summer season proves to be an unrelenting source of fashion frustration. Does any bag really go with beaded thongs or sequined peep-toe slides? How can one possibly pull off a sophisticated summer solstice ensemble if footwear leans toward the casual and handbags morph into kitschy carryalls? The seemingly irresolvable discord between summer shoes and bags stems from the materials, colors, and shapes involved. Technicolor slides and plastic flip-flops invade a market already saturated by cutesy straw clutches and canvas totes emblazoned with cheeky messages, leaving the Grand M buried beneath the oppressive weight of summer style ennui.

However, hope abounds in the collections proffered by footwear and handbag designers Dolce Vita and Lesa Wallace, respectively. Both prove that it is indeed possible to find simple and chic creations, that when paired, reveal sultry summer style in all its steamy splendor. Lesa Wallace's recent handbag collection is absolutely stunning, replete with lush leathers and rich with the spirit of a singularly personal passion that translates to match every woman's inner style life. Designer Wallace launched her first handbag line in 2003, and has recently garnered loads of fashion media attention given the wonderfully sensitive point of view that is irrepressible in her collections. Wallace's mission is quite dear to the Grand M's heart: to design the ultimate handbag line that will bear witness to current trends while retaining that classic element which secures a bag eternal glory. It is more than fair to say that Wallace has successfully seen her mission through, and her latest collection makes the Grand M swoon.

For the Grand M who prefers a roomier companion, the Prosperity bag offers all the perks of a posh leather carryall without the fuss and fiddlesticks typically associated with summer styles. This magnificent shoulder bag features dual zippered compartments and handsome front pockets, all gently formed of tumbled Italian washed leather in a variety of subtle tones. The Grand M prefers the Prosperity in Black, however, don't be afraid to choose a bolder hue to carry on your journey through the blistering streets. Available in Medium and Large, the Prosperity is destined to enter the handbag Hall of Fame, alongside such luminaries as the Balenciaga Motorcycle or (dare I say it) the Hermes Birkin.

If the Prosperity proves too much bag for you, select the Nature Clutch in Cork, adorned with a hard-edged polished brass turn lock, and be-speckled with delicate flakes of shimmering metallic gold to offset the organic beauty of the Nature's Cork pattern. The feminine proportions and light hue of this wondrous clutch provide the perfect antidote to the doldrums of beachy summer totes. Make the most of Lesa Wallace's incredible creations by donning a pair of surprisingly elegant, chic, and un-stylized T-Strap thong sandals by Dolce Vita. Slide into the gloriously crafted patent shine of the Dahlia as you reach for your Prosperity bag or Nature Clutch and head out on a languid day of window shopping. Available in a sizzling quintet of patent Black, Red, Green, and Silver, the Dahlia epitomizes the happy union of laid-back summer style with modest fashion know-how. The demure and functional 1" rubber wedge heel adds an element of comfort to the Dahlia's uptown aura, and the adjustable side buckle ensures that your tootsies will be snugly confined despite the sandal's airy, open construction. Now, my dear Grand M's, for the really, really, FANTASTIC news! After calling upon the steadfastly loyal ladies at Barefoot Tess, the Grand Mademoiselle is offering a free pair of Dolce Vita Dahlia's to one lucky reader. To enter, kindly email your name, address, shoe size, and color preference to grand.mademoiselle@gmail.com. The winner will be notified on Friday, June 13th via email and her Dahlia's shipped merrily on their way!