My Shoe Stock Stimulus Package

The title of this post is somewhat misleading. The Grand Mademoiselle has no grand scheme for retail reinvigoration, nor does she gasp in astonishment at the current state of economic affairs (if we promise to pay for something, but don't have the money to fulfill said promise, isn't the whole thing bound to collapse?). Just a thought. However, the Grand M has taken a page from the powers that be, and has decided to throw real money at the problem anyway, hoping it will all just go away. The fantastic part? My shoe collection (which was growing dusty from a general lack of enthusiasm) has been remarkably restored thanks to some brilliant new designs by some brilliant shoe designers! It's time to wipe away the doom and gloom and step out in a gorgeous pair of decidedly different shoes. The Grand M had just about given up hope of finding anything really exciting to ignite her footwear fashion passion, when lo and behold, oodles and scads of delicious designs turned up (and all at once, it seems). The following are my four most recent acquisitions:


The 80%20 'Molly' open-toe hidden wedge heel, in a fabulously proletarian olive canvas, are made impossibly chic by oiled chestnut leather straps that adorn the vamp and twist and turn about the ankle, held closed by a darling buckle. The result is a bootie-slash-wedge-slash-sandal that makes the Grand M swoon with delight. The leather ankle straps cause the shaft to ripple, fold, and crease, creating a blooming blossom of green around your legs, while offering a hint of the red and white striped lining within. Plus, the 3" hidden wedge heel adds effortless height without seeming garish or pushy. Truly, the Grand M has never seen a shoe like this before, and intends to wear it with everything from jeans to shorts to skirts to harem pants. Top the whole outfit off with some subtle but flashy jewelry. If you really want to pop, try wearing anything with princess cut diamonds.


For something a bit more tame, the Grand M went in search of the perfect, most comfortable, everyday-wear type of sandal, and was thrilled to find the Corso Como 'Santorini', which manages to blend simplicty and elegance to perfection. The supple leather upper, which comes in brown, black, and white, is effortlessly design-conscious with its T-strap contour and tiny stacked wedge heel. The footbed screams heaven to tired tootsies, and this is the kind of sandal one can wear all day and with anything, always pulling off that ineffable "I just look good" vibe that seems so out of reach. I intend to wear mine with a pair of dark rinse skinny jeans and a gossamer cotton men's style broadcloth shirt, loosely tucked in, and perhaps a set of paper thin gold bangles.


For a sandal with a little more panache, the Grand M chose the 'Moon' by Dolce Vita. This is a girl's night out type of sandal, which also easily translates to both casual and elegant events. The unexpected pairing of metallic leather and dreamy suede ankle straps makes the 'Moon' an archetypal shoe-lover's fantasy. What's more, the rubber sole makes this sandal extremely comfortable for traipsing about town in, and the flashy metallic vamp can easily be tempered by the subdued, elegant suede ankle wraps, and vice versa, lending a high degree of versatility to this sandal. Perhaps I've just been bored to death by last season's turnout, but I feel absolutely captivated by this design and am newly inspired by the beauty of shoes. The Grand M will step out in a corseted, bustier-style maxi dress in some bold tribal print, or perhaps in some unexpected hue (emerald? garnet?) while wearing these sandals.


The Grand Finale: The Grand M stepped out of her comfort zone and got herself a pair of Dolce Vita 'Marcel' gladiator sandals. With their brasstone studs and buckles, impossibly tall shaft that hits just below the knee, and easy access back zip closure, the Grand M simply couldn't resist. There's nothing quite like walking around while wrapped in layer upon layer of leather straps; a cage for the calves, if you will. The toe thong is an unexpected treat, and the flat rubber sole keeps the 'Marcel' from being too silly. In truth, the Grand M found it to be quite easy to pair with many wardrobe staples, and it seems to work best when it doesn't have to compete with anything else that's too showy. The 'Marcel' is enough on its own. Wear them with an ensemble in a contrasting style, such as a demure, mid-thigh poplin skirt in cherry red, paired with a simple gray cotton tee and topped off by a delicately printed, monochromatic scarf and diamond studs.

In sum, to hell with the economy. My shoe stock has now been properly stimulated.