Structurally Sound

Summer can be a dangerous season for fashion, thinks the Grand Mademoiselle. While the easy attitude and light attire is a wonderful shift from heavy winter wear, a singularly lazy lull hangs among the racks, and everything seems so ... beachy. The most inspiring alternative to straw totes and rubber thongs is the current trend of urban sophistication invading shoes and handbags, which breathes new life into overly casual ensembles through strict attention to shape, construction, and color. An architectural minimalism is taking hold which lends itself to luxurious accessories that are muted and simple; the epitome of summer sophistication. Paired with skinny jeans, a loose, plain top, and minimal jewelry, this new breed of shoes and handbags is an absolute necessity for the casual, summer nightclubbing Grand M.

Two designer collections come to mind as the best representations of this effortlessly chic summer style: Bernardo footwear and Caprice Bianca handbags. Bernardo's sandals are a wonderful complement to Caprice Bianca's bags insofar as both exude luxury through simple designs and richly pigmented leathers. The excitement of these pieces resides in their austere approach to seduction, achieved through meticulous selection of material and careful consideration of form. The Grand M has picked her favorites from each line and it's up to you to mix and match.


The 'Mistral' sandal is the ultimate conjunction of high fashion and summer comfort, delicately constructed of black, snake skin embossed leather with contrast stitching details. The unusual shape is stylized yet subtle and allows the 'Mistral' to transcend the boundaries that separate acceptable attire for day and night. The 'Matrix Mirror' sandal is undeniably the Grand M's favorite, and the innovative mirrored, shiny leather upper, adorned with a large open ring across the vamp is breathtaking. The pewter hue and forceful design are reminiscent of the strong yet graceful curves of the Chrysler Building's spire, transforming the 'Matrix Mirror' from a shy thong to a polished, art-deco masterpiece.The minimalistic, enlightened mood of Bernardo's sandals is reflected perfectly in the Caprice Bianca 2008 handbag line. Launched in 2007 by designer Alyssa Black, Caprice Bianca has risen remarkably fast through the fashion ranks to become one of the most highly coveted handbag collections around, and for obvious reasons. The bags are constructed from subtle, supple, and exotic leathers and skins, ranging in a fabulous variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. However, the underlying thread is luxurious simplicity, and the Grand M believes that you can never go wrong with an understated, well-made handbag.


The simply shaped 'Fold-Over Clutch' is bound to become a classic. Its softly square cut and uniquely incorporated handle allows the bag to be carried as a slightly over-sized clutch when folded, forming an envelope of enviable leather heaven. This bag is worth coveting for its versatility and easy elegance, proving that sophistication lies in an ascetic conception made rich by virtue of gorgeous materials, deep colors, and unfussy designs. The 'Large Weekender' is similarly destined for eternal It bag grandeur with its gracious proportions and superbly conceived structure, which is both remarkably functional and enthusiastically hip. The top handles and shoulder strap maximize its usability and the cleanly unadorned exterior, save for a well-placed zippered compartment, exudes a cultured relaxation - perfect for a sophisticated summer ensemble. Pair your favorite Caprice Bianca bag with your favorite Bernardo sandal and you're already at the height of urban summer chic.

Manhattan Meets Mexicali Giveaway

The ethereal blooms of spring have barely begun to fade and already the Grand Mademoiselle is endlessly daydreaming of hot, sticky, city summer eves. There is a certain glamour to the humid air that clings to the streets of uptown Manhattan in July, a sodden heaviness offset by the gaiety of a carefree night out. Imagine Rita Moreno and Natalie Wood languidly strolling about a balmy, darkened Upper West Side, the sidewalks glittering with fragments of mica below the yellow halos cast by sputtering street lamps. Despite the lethargy induced by the remnants of a searing summer day, a nocturnal Manhattan foray is torrid and sultry, evoking old Hollywood glamour mixed with the peppery zest of Baja bohemian sass. The blend of blistering inertia with feisty vigor is a clash of titanic fashion proportions, and the Grand M has found just the right pieces and new designers to make you wish you were posing seductively on the concrete steps of a brownstone, freshly laundered shirts hanging limply from balconies above.

The first step toward translating this feeling into fashion is to go bold with a crisply tailored, old-fashioned, classic playsuit in demure black. Granted, the look is not for the faint of heart, but the Grand M believes the style rewards are worth the risks. 12th Street by Cynthia Vincent has the perfect piece to achieve part of the Hollywood glamour that this look evokes. The 'K Town Playsuit' fits the bill with its plain, black cotton weave, gold buttons, sharp tailoring, and deliciously devilish halter ties. The sweetheart neckline, easy hip pockets, and slight bustier effect make this playsuit the centerpiece of a beguiling and impossibly magnetic ensemble. There is nothing more sinfully feminine than a beautifully made, alluring playsuit, and it recalls scenes from West Side Story with an added twist of California screen sirens lounging poolside at the Beverly Hills Hotel.


To keep this ensemble from looking too campy, opt for a pair of casual, flat sandals in an unorthodox style that seems to betray the glamorous nature of the playsuit. This is where Manhattan begins to meet Mexicali. The 'Blair' sandal by designer Lovely People is the perfect shoe to wear, and its gold woven straps, intermingled with surprising strands of braided leather, is faintly reminiscent of that Baja staple: huaraches. The demure wedge heel prevents the risk of channeling a street-walker, and the unexpected mix of low-brow concept with high-brow construction is simply mesmerizing.

What better accessory to spice up your south-of-the-border Manhattanite outfit than oodles of gleaming golden bangle bracelets? Pile on Allison Daniel Design's flat stackable gold bangles to your heart's content. The Grand M believes that gold bracelets are literally a dime a dozen, and they can easily go from chic to cheap. Thankfully, Daniel's brilliant design has forever changed the Grand M's mind and moreover, her sensitive take on a classic accessory staple is simply breathtaking. The gently flattened, softly angular bangles are style miles beyond the rest of the pack, and when stacked together, they transform into a charmingly organic shape. Remarkably wearable and ridiculously gorgeous, these bangles are the best way to complete the look by adding a touch of whimsy to the vintage rigidity of the playsuit, while glamming up the laid-back attitude of the 'Blair' sandal. The BEST news? Allison Daniel Designs, represented by Shine Media Public Relations, is offering a set of 5 flat stackable gold bangles to one lucky Grand Mademoiselle! To enter to win, simply send your email, name, and address to grand.mademoiselle@gmail.com and you could wake up to find these gorgeous creations in your mailbox. The Grand M is running this offer until May 25th, so send in your information and get ready to revel in the luxuriously soft jingle-jangle of a set of bangles about your wrist.

Maternally Yours

The beauty of Mother's Day lies in the opportunity to give back an iota of all the wonderful things our mothers have given us. While so many so-called "Hallmark" holidays are fairly useless celebrations that benefit retailers more than consumers, Mother's Day is different insofar as it recognizes the most precious asset of our existence, that is, we all came to be because of our mothers. What better reason could there be for devoting a day of celebration to the source of life itself? We learn how to become women from our mothers, how to be strong yet fragile, bold yet innocent, and sensual yet modest. This Mother's Day, the Grand Mademoiselle asks you to think of your fondest maternal memories, be they of your own mother or of your experience as a mother yourself. Hold fast to such lovely thoughts, because before you know it, time will have swept these tender moments away...

Thanks to the generosity of online shoe retailer Barefoot Tess and shoe storage company Shoe Stor, Grand M's can give back to their mothers in a most fashionable and practical way. Barefoot Tess is offering Grand M's a 20% discount on all gift card purchases. Simply place a gift card order by Saturday, May 10th and Barefoot Tess will email you a printable gift card to proudly present to your mother. This way, she can pick the shoes that she likes, which is a great way to honor her own sense of style and personal taste. To purchase your gift card, simply call 410-337-7722 or send an email to customer@barefoottess.com. The Grand Mademoiselle recommends a comfortable but oh-so-stylish pump for mom to celebrate her womanly ways while keeping her feet from aching as she works tirelessly for others. The "Fresca" heel by designer Zita Maria is a great pick, with its fun, flirty metallic silver lame fish scale embossed upper and subtle peep-toe. The 2.5" stacked heel is high, but not too high, and will give mom an extra boost of feminine power. If silvery scales and peep-toes are a bit too flashy for your mother, opt for the subdued yet superbly constructed "Dancy" heel by designer Taryn Rose. The subtle black crocodile embossed patent leather upper is gentle and sophisticated, and the 2.5" stacked heel is tempered by generous insole padding and arch support. Comfort is key, but style is priceless, and this heel combines both in a singularly captivating way.So much for the fashionable, but what about the practical? Enter an enormous deal from Shoe Stor, who has agreed to offer free shipping on all orders to Grand M's with code ShoePhD at online checkout. We all know that mothers are experts at organization, and Shoe Stor's wide selection of shoe storage options will please even the most stringent. In addition, Shoe Stor has generously offered a giveaway for Grand M readers. Simply send your email address to jabbottb7@gmail.com to enter to win 2 sets of 5 packs of large-size women's clear shoe storage boxes, specially designed to accommodate shoes up to a size 15.5. The winner will be notified by Friday, May 16th and your free boxes mailed! Ah, the generosity of those kind shoe spirits who understand the plight of the Grand Mademoiselle... This is the true essence of giving, which mothers know better than anyone else.

Of Pirouettes And Paso Doble

Dance, in all its wild variations, has always maintained a sacred kinship with fashion. Whether you don a crinoline tutu and pink satin ribbons or flaunt the brashly neon ruffles of a flamenco gown, the essence of dance unavoidably boils down to style. The difficulty of translating this style to the street turns on the fact that the fashion of dance retains a flair for the dramatic and an exuberantly costumed air. Surely, no one would walk off the dance floor in a sequined leotard and leggings to dine at the Plaza Hotel. However, there are exciting ways to convey the style of dance while keeping one's head below the clouds. The latest interpretations of the Mary Jane offer a glimpse of this possibility by evoking long hours spent dancing the night away on shiny, gleaming hardwood floors, flanked by walls of mirrored glass and portraits of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. With their towering heels and matte leather uppers, the new Mary Jane's are decidedly simple, austere, and old fashioned in a most glamorous way.

The Devay heel from designer Taryn Rose takes this two-stepping theme to perfection, with its three inch partial-wedge heel, matte black patent leather upper, and surprisingly chic elastic gore strap. The elastic strap serves to separate the Devay from the pack as an inspired portrayal of the balance between fluidity and musculature that epitomizes the dancer's physique. The Grand Mademoiselle also adores the Dance heel from designer All Black, which comes in a variety of subdued shades and enjoys a hidden platform, a glorious three and a half inch heel, and an oversize strap and buckle. From these towering heights, your calves will be thrown into high relief, while the sturdiness of the heel's construction disallows tumbling down.
The next question is what to wear with these gorgeous ballroom, bossa nova belles. To avoid looking like you just came in from dance lessons, pair these hokey-pokey heels with unexpected and seemingly ill-suited pieces. The Grand M would love to wear Taryn Rose's Devay with See by Chloe's short sleeve Ethnic Print dress, fashioned of luxurious silk twill and patterned with a cheeky tribal print that works against the overtly stylized Devay. Additionally, the thigh-grazing length of Chloe's dress creates pure limb heaven when paired with the towering height and stark shape of Taryn's heel. This is truly a glorious combination, and the effect suggests a wild tango performed alongside an Aboriginal Red River jig.

Take a harder edge with All Black's Dance heels by wearing them with Loeffler Randall's khaki satin bomber jacket, adorned with stud details at the pockets and subtle ruching at the hem and cuffs. This represents a new twist on dance style mix, combining the ballroom elegance of the Dance heel with the punky, disco stomp of the bomber jacket. What makes this match work is not only the marriage of two completely different styles, but the complimentary hues and the waltz-like refinement of the bomber's satin coating. The contrasts keep these pairings fresh, modern, and far from costume-y while evoking the buoyant joy of dance, heightened by the meeting of radically different styles, eras, and tones. Tie Nightcap Clothing's long, braided leather Fairy Headband, accented with faceted crystals and beaded fringe, around your forehead and the world becomes your oyster as you two-step, salsa, and watusi your way down the city sidewalks...