Tru Bleu

The magic and mystery of Truman Capote's ubiquitous Black & White Ball is best captured by the glitz and glamor of fabulous evening footwear, crafted of satin and laden with opulent embellishments. The Ball was a masked affair, so one's ensemble had to do the talking, and nothing speaks louder than beautiful shoes, my dear Grand M's. In truth, good evening collections are difficult to find, with most tending toward backyard bridal or sequined sweet sixteens. To sidestep this conundrum, the Grand Mademoiselle suggests sticking to clean lines and tried-and-true satin when selecting solid colors, or simple adornments in elegant materials like pearls or crystals.

When opting for a white shoe, it's easy to slide too far toward the bridal side of the spectrum, so your best bet is to go simple. In the Grand M's experience, Solestruck has a wonderful selection of Nina pumps that are classy enough to fit the bill without breaking the bank (and available in larger sizes). What's more, they have a remarkable customer service program, and in today's online world of shoe shopping, this is quite a feat. Nina's 'Sorbet' satin pump is lovely and will work well for any evening affair that requires black and white attire. The heel is a staggering height at just under four inches, and the sumptuous white satin with delightful ruching across the vamp adds just enough interest to keep the 'Sorbet' current without being precocious. If you're searching for something with a little more pizazz, the Grand M suggests turning to none other than Christian Louboutin, who is destined to please with that signature red sole alone. The crystal S-shaped sandal is designed to be a show-stopper, and can find no home more apt than Capote's world of romantic decadence and solemn affection for fashion. There is a singular, dazzling solemnity to the Black & White Ball that is wonderfully captured in the old-fashioned S-curve of Louboutin's heel, paved with clear crystals beset in gold, which the Grand M finds absolutely captivating. This evening shoe is the pinnacle of Capote style and the highest point in chic footwear, leaving the Grand M drooling in its gorgeous wake.

Finding a fabulous black shoe is considerably easier, with more designers turning out black pumps and sandals each season. With such a high concentration already saturating the footwear market, it's a cinch to find beautiful, elegant black evening shoes. Still, selecting a properly dressy black It shoe comes with its own challenges, as one traverses the world of pompous straps and overly embellished peep-toes. The idea is to make 'ole Tru proud without being redundant or showy. To that end, follow the same rules when searching for a black shoe as when searching for a white pair. When opting for a solid colored heel, stick with a traditional satin upper and use vamp ruching as your detail. Designer Something Bleu has a gorgeous collection of evening footwear in Grand M friendly sizes, and the 'Claudia' (available in both black and white) is a perfect fit, with its delicate origami fan of pleats and cheeky peep-toe. If you're looking for something with a bit more flair, go bold with a retro-feel Valentino, whose stylish lines always please. The Grand M is mad about these satin pearl sandals, with their smooth black satin straps, glossy ivory pearls, and chic bow detail. Truly, these beauties are one of a kind and you'll storm any evening event with panache and gusto, leaving other dames in your Hepburn-esque wake as you chat up a roomful of tuxedoed gents!

Que Syrah, Syrah

Wine is undoubtedly the premiere symbol of seduction, relaxation, and all things classy. Nothing seems to let the world know that you're, well, wordly better than spewing forth tidbits of obscure wine trivia. If you prefer to refrain from indulging in either the drink or its associated hoity-toity behavior, the Grand Mademoiselle suggests retaining an element of its elegance by donning similarly tinted shoes. Running the gamut from glossy, ruby-colored pomegranate to blushing, blooming rose, a little vino goes a long way toward providing a veritable cornucopia of lovely purples, pinks, and reds. The Grand M is wild about wine-hued flats in all styles, and the rich tones lend an air of sophistication and style sensitivity to even the most casual ensembles.

The Crosstoe flat, by designer All Black, is the perfect Cabernet color to kick off this trend (aptly dubbed Wine), and its luscious combination of snakeskin and eel is playfully enhanced by a reflective strip of golden patent leather. The Grand M could swim in the Crosstoe's deep Merlot upper for days, the rich hue a delightful commingling of tart cherry tones with vibrant burgundy notes. This is vino luxury at its finest, and All Black has created a timeless pointed toe flat, made even more elegant by the gathered elastic heel to ensure a proper fit.

If you're looking for something a little lighter, try Miu Miu's playful Scrunchy Oxford, fashioned of sumptuous leather in a remarkably original blush tone with a heady mauve bouquet. The Oxford is classic Miu Miu, made of ingenuity, risk, and ritz to combine in a delightful twist on a tasteful gentleman's staple. This is vino swagger at its finest, and Miu Miu dials up the It factor with an unsuspected scrunchy elastic shape.

Pair Miu Miu's deliciously ostentatious jeweled ballerina flats with anything and witness the power of wine, which transforms by virtue of its deeply seductive, intriguing composition. These Miu Miu flats may not run to size 14, but they manage to pack a lot of punch in a little bit of shoe! The Grand M simply cannot ignore them, and the metallic grape leather upper, offset by large blue jewels, is vino decadence at its finest. You can practically smell the vineyard soil ...

Easy Does It

The end of July makes the Grand Mademoiselle feel, well, slow. Oppressive heat, combined with the heady gloom of East Coast humidity makes every surface sticky, and one regards any article of clothing as far too much for comfort. However, a plain white ribbed cotton T can only take you so far, and my best advice, dear Grand M's is to keep it simple, searching out easy, forgiving cuts, loose designs, light fabrics, and gentle flats to offset summer's angry glare. Dressing up for even a casual dinner date seems downright cruel in the dog days, but the chore can be made enjoyable by sticking to simple pieces and selecting punchy colored accessories to add a bit of fun back to the lethargic atmosphere.

Instead of skinny jeans, which turn to glue in the summer sun, opt for breezy, unlined trouser jeans in a dark rinse to maximize elegance while dialing down 90 degree temperatures. The Grand M loves trouser jeans in all seasons, but the decidedly laid back style is especially suited to the languid summer months when the body feels a bit out of sorts. J.Crew is wonderfully chic when it comes to all things denim, and they don't disappoint with their latest incarnation of the trouser jean. The lightweight stretch cotton denim is endlessly forgiving and wildly classy, providing an easy-does-it style with no fuss. These trouser jeans are the perfect way to wear denim without being bogged down by too many buttons or too heavy a fabric. Pair your trousers with an easy shirt and let your accessories do the talking, donning happy-go-lucky tones and comfortable flats that impart interest to your otherwise lackadaisical ensemble. The Grand M adores all things Botkier, and the teensy-tiny little Lita Lambskin Clutch is a no-muss-no-fuss way to carry only the essentials because let's face it, in July less really is more. The delightful turn-lock hardware with logo and gently gathered front folds scream slow down, while the bright fuchsia leather is a flirty little pick me up for the lazy days of summer.
To keep your tired, hot tootsies from turning on you, stick with flats in forgiving fabrics like cotton for day and satin for night, keeping in mind that summer weather does not demand an open toe - comfort is key. To sidestep the risk of alienating her small-footed friends, and at her readers request, the Grand M has decided to include all shoes in her search for the perfect pair, while keeping in mind that the larger sizes are her true niche. As such, the first pair to make the cut are the Zoe satin flats by Maloles. The adorable lilac bow and center vamp cut add girlish interest to an already feminine shoe, made unique and fun by a cheeky purple satin upper and gathered toe. What's more, the bright satin is unbelievably comfortable while retaining an easy, uptown elegance that gives any lazy summer ensemble an extra dose of oomph that is unforgettable. If sandals are really your cup of tea for this time of year, stick with something design-conscious in a gorgeous, punchy color, like Matt Bernson's classic Love sandal in yellow leather. The beautifully criss-crossed leather straps and deeply oiled leather foot-bed are insanely forgiving and allow in what breeze there might be.

Fire And Rain

Contrasts are always strangely compelling, holding the fashion critics hostage as they attempt to decide which mismatches are allowed and how far they can go. Sporting uniform duds is certainly for the birds, but going out on a limb by pairing articles that bear no resemblance is not for the faint of heart, nor is it as easy as throwing on two tank tops. Successfully styling a contrasting ensemble requires patience, daring, and a little dash of bravado to steel yourself against the hard looks that you will undoubtedly garner from fashion traditionalists. The Grand Mademoiselle adores translating contrasts into entire style genres, rather than merely wearing a piece from each end of the color spectrum or lazily donning multiple layers. The point is not to look like a rebel or garbage lady, the point, my dear Grand M's, is to achieve the height of current trend awareness-ness. To this end, the best approach is to select your favorite trend, be it bohemian or buttoned-down, and pair it with an opposing trend that also defines your style and interests. The Grand M suggests reserving this approach for accessories only, letting contrasting shoes and handbags do the talking to avoid looking like an old Halloween costume, unless that's what you're going for.

For example, take a gorgeous, ladylike kitten heel and pair it with an outrageously wild clutch to pay homage to the likes of Jackie O and Jerry Hall in one fell swoop, indicating that you dislike being restricted to only one fashion point of view. You'd make dear Jackie awfully proud by slipping into Butter's delectable 'Gardenia' heel, with its cheeky peep-toe cutouts and playful violet hue. As the name suggests, Butter's shoes are impossibly comfortable, crafted of sumptuous Italian leather as soft as cream and enhanced by their signature cushioning. The Grand M is delighted to find them in larger sizes and she'll do 'ole Butter a good turn by letting the world know. Given the prim yet chic look conveyed by the 'Gardenia', be bold and carry Carlos Falchi's serpentine Python Gathered Clutch in bad girl black metallic. The gathered pleating on this oversize envelope clutch exaggerates the snaky scales, fanning them out in a suggestively scary spray. The marriage between these mismatching accessories represents the most prominent trends that fashion has to offer, as uptown meets downtown in a titanic pairing of style greats.

If neither Jackie O nor Jerry Hall light your fashion fire, choose entirely different themes by donning Butter's prom Queen perky 'Flamingo' sling backs with Kate Spade's bohemian south-of-the-border raffia flat tote. Butter's open-toe heels are classic pent-up, well-coiffed, fifties teenager, reveling in the pink light by the punch bowl that catches the glitter suede silver uppers. The Grand M loves a good retro revival, and the 'Flamingo' manages to capture the best parts of a motif while leaving the cheese puffs behind. Show off the depth of your fashion personality by letting the 'Oaxaca-Reyna' tote dangle lazily from your elbow, stuffed to the brim with Joan Baez lyrics written on torn scraps of paper. Kate Spade's lovely creation ensures that you will indeed be a Mexican Queen, albeit of a different kind. The simple shape and orange embroidered bird details epitomize carefree boho style, providing a perfect contrast to the priss and girlish dreams evoked by Butter's sparkle-spangle heels. Mix and match to your heart's content!

Wanted: Fabulous Flats

The Grand Mademoiselle is far from alone in her search for the perfect pair of flats. A great set of ballet flats are versatile, chic, and most importantly, easy to wear with everything from mini's to skinny jeans. Sadly, most flats are either poorly designed, uncomfortable, or quite simply ... uninspired. Lanvin's iconic creation comes as close to flat heaven as earthly possible, but carries with it a tremendous price tag and lack of options in larger sizes. What's a girl to do? Enter the 2008 private label collection from Barefoot Tess to solve the mystery of the ages by creating two flats that are not only impossibly stylish, but perfectly cut in sizes 7-15, accommodating every girl's needs. What's more, the collection was designed by uber-trendy, fashion wonder, media darling Matt Bernson, whose popular sandals are a Grand M must-have. These gorgeous goodies have Bernson's trademark whimsy and panache written all over, and the luxurious leathers translate to serious style.

The delectable 'Tess Classic Scrunch' is fairly guaranteed to become an It flat overnight, with its timeless elastic top line that ensures a snug fit, simple construction, rich leather upper, and full metallic lining. The wide variety of colors, ranging from Blueberry and Black to shiny metallics, offers a plethora of options, and the Grand M imagines herself with a different flat for each day of the week. The Rum tone is particularly gorgeous, with a depth and hue that inspires without being unwearable or difficult to match. Bernson's collaboration serves Barefoot Tess well, and the Scrunch captures the elements of comfort and chic with an effortless ease that makes this flat absolutely fabulous. The private label collection also boasts the more modest 'Tess Classic', which feigns simplicity while moonlighting as a seriously well-designed masterpiece. Its cheeky crinkle patent leather upper, gently gathered elastic heel, and perfectly shaped toe (neither too pointy, nor too round) ensure that the Classic is poised to live up to its name, securing a spot in the Flat Hall of Fame. Like the Scrunch, the Classic is available in a rainbow of lovely leathers, the candy-apple Red being the Grand M's personal favorite. With these flats, my dear Grand M's, flat heaven is indeed possible to attain, and both Bernson and Barefoot Tess can rest assured that great minds really do think alike.

It's Academic

Beneath the sandy glitz of summer style, a gentle undercurrent of delicious autumn tones streams almost imperceptibly, noticed as if by accident in broadly cut designs and romantically austere patterns. The Grand Mademoiselle, always a sucker for the fall season, is thrilled with this turn of events although disheartened by the oppressive heat wave which dutifully reminds her that this is not the time for wool and plaid. Still, she wonders aloud, might there be a way to evoke the feeling of fall despite the meteorological necessity of scant summer garb? The faithful allegiance of accessories comes to the Grand M's aid in the creations of three glorious designers: Nest, Love Rocks NY, and Corso Como, all of which collectively represent the mood of autumn and round out any summer ensemble by adding depth of spirit and warmth of heart. In drawing inspiration for these seasonal obscurities, think of a high brow New England institution in the mid 20th century, complete with a campus of mossy stone outbuildings amid gently rolling hills covered in golden deciduous trees, with lonely conifers standing guard at the base of an old chapel. The schools and universities of the eastern United States are truly glorious in the fall, and no other image better captures the eerily silent, serious, and romantic autumnal attitude better. Glen plaid blazers, tweed day skirts, Oxford blouses, Kelly-striped ties and letterman jackets all serve as wonderful examples of this style, which, although closely allied with fall, is easily translated to the warmer months in chic handbags, jewelry, and shoes.

The Grand M is wild about Nest Handbags, which is a demure collection in scholarly prints and textiles, constructed of simple shapes and timeless colors that reflect the School Ties motif which is so classically autumnal in spirit. The Large Satchel in Sweater Brown has ample room for notebooks, pencils, and a cardigan to keep you warm in the reality of an over air-conditioned office while you daydream of chilly nights spent with school mates in a Chevy Bel Air, speeding towards town along leafy, darkened streets. Easy fabrics and solid design add more heft to this gloriously sizable bag, and even the item name and color evoke images of this optimistic though chilly autumn gesture. Furthermore, the satchel's down to earth handbag straps, practical brass button details, and liberally proportioned exterior pockets represent the stoic attitude of 1950's eastern seaboard college life without losing any of the warmth, all seamlessly blended with a dash of modern style. The functional and generous size will ensure that the Large Satchel becomes a wardrobe staple in any season, bringing with it a heady dose of hopeful fall spirit and youthful exuberance. The Colorblock Clutch in Rust Ultrasuede is another beautiful example of autumn winds in summer heat, reinforcing the Grand M's belief that Nest is really onto something here. The rich auburn Ultrasuede is flanked by lovely blocks of paisley textiles in a perfect fall palette, replete with quiet taupes and ecrus, made bold by deep accents of burgundy and mauve. Nest's attention to detail and subtly deferential posture ensures a successful way to add autumn accents to summer attire, evoking the spirit of literary behemoth A Separate Peace without the discomfort of wearing suede or corduroy in July.

If carrying a seasonally disparate bag goes against your fashion grain, think of realizing this idealized autumn outlook in less obvious ways, for example, monogrammed jewelry in classic gold with romantic block lettering. Think of the first gift given to you by a youthful lover, hair silhouetted against a muted blue sky, still ablaze with the icy sunshine closing out another day on campus. These moments of hopeful sentiment and Emersonian quietude are given modern expression in Love Rocks NY latest collection of charming pendants, rings, and earrings, all of which inspire flashes of starry-eyed love on hallowed Hopkins grounds. The School Ring, with its cheeky oval face, 14K gold luster, and tasteful micro pave white diamonds has a delightfully autumnal point of view that represents a gorgeous throwback to the mid-century Princeton university experience. There is nothing more romantic than the giving of rings, and Love Rocks' School Ring embodies the bold gesture of a head-strong and hopeful lad sending an engraved ring to his lady love at Wellesley in October. The Grand M loves letter jewelry year round, and Love Rocks' Love Letter earrings, each adorned with a hefty length of gold caviar ball chain, are a heavenly depiction of Dead Poets Society aesthetic.
Finding the proper shoes to carry this aesthetic along proved challenging for the Grand M, and her best advice is to look for off-white or beige solid tones in light but luxurious leathers, choosing flats and low heels, and resisting the urge to go full fall-frontal with riding boots or other seasonally charged options. The trick is to stay away from the heaviness of autumn footwear in the hot summer months while retaining the spirit of this admittedly warm gesture. The Grand M has always loved Corso Como, with their sumptuous leathers, richly vibrant colors, and sinfully comfortable designs. Choosing from within their latest collection, the Grand M recommends the Posy ballet flat and the Cameo heel, both in Bone. The Posy is as classic a flat as you are likely to find, constructed of supple leather Butterskin with a snug elastic fit and adorned with a playfully romantic gunmetal heart charm on the toe. The baroque style detailing on the charm makes the Posy a wonderful compliment to this fall theme without being too much shoe for a lighter season. Additionally, the cutesy bow detail adds just enough feminine touch to make the Posy a perky showpiece, calling to mind college coeds skipping along the chilly paths of Brown as fiery-tipped maple leaves scatter in whirling dervishes. If you prefer a little more ... oomph, then pick the Cameo, which captures the mood of carefree collegiate life in whimsical toe-cap top-stitching, reminding the Grand M of sitting in the bleachers, popcorn in hand, sweater about the shoulders, taking in a Harvard versus Yale baseball match. There's nothing silly about the Cameo, but far from being overly staid or frumpy, its delightful design evokes daydreams of sneaking beer (or boys, or both) into the Gothic-columned halls of an old school campus, then retiring to a dorm lit by firelight to giggle with friends beneath a green Tartan throw. Who cares if it's really just the summer of 2008 ...