Verdantly In Vogue Written on April 22, 2008, by J Abbott.
The Grand Mademoiselle harbors a shameful style bias that has always dismissed eco-friendly fashions as dowdy and too burdened by political overtones to be convincing. However, part of appreciating design is in understanding the fluidity that accompanies the definition of style. As an homage to Earth Day, the Grand Mademoiselle has divested herself of all preconceptions and in doing so, uncovered gloriously green garments that will make anyone a believer.
Having been a longtime fan of shoe designer Manimal, the Grand M was overjoyed to discover a new line of vegan moccasins for the globally conscious consumer. Handmade in Massachusetts, Manimal’s “Ribcage” vegan moccasin is not only inconceivably comfortable, but undeniably chic to boot. The vegan upper is adorned with a riveting ribcage applique detail that is ever so faintly rock and roll while maintaining a distinctly organic flair. Certainly, what makes these shoes a perfect fit for Earth Day is their environmentally friendly construction, but the style lesson to walk away with is that the best way to celebrate “going green” is by seeking out organic motifs, lifted from the glories of nature that inspire them.
Stella McCartney’s Brass Leaf Necklace is a great example of the glory of green, which is so much more than synthetic reconstructions of typically eco-unfriendly textiles. The delicate leaf motif filigree dripping from McCartney’s necklace is the perfect place to begin when adjusting to the earthy look. What could be more fitting for the message that Earth Day exudes than a celebration of nature’s finest and most mysterious creations?
For more fabulous earth-friendly fashions and tips, the Grand M recommends paying a visit to Equa’s blog, devoted to raising awareness about the relationship between the environment and stylish clothing, proving that it is indeed possible to blend both. Ethical fashion has never been more appealing, and earth-friendly labels are taming the Grand M’s style bias by demonstrating that the essence of style is the now of any movement, and one with such heart is difficult to deny.
Cheap Frills Written on April 18, 2008, by J Abbott.
The Grand Mademoiselle adores a good shoe sale, and the ladies at Barefoot Tess never disappoint. While they always offer a Trunk Sale stocked with vastly reduced goodies, now the contents of the Trunk are guaranteed to disappear with an additional 35% off sale using online checkout code 35OFF. It doesn’t stop there! Much to the Grand M’s delight, her favorite brand, that inimitable Loeffler Randall, is marked down to 30% off every shoe with code LRN30.
While perusing the Barefoot Tess website in search of ways to wisely invest in these opportunities, the Grand M happened upon a happy marriage of two themes that are perfect for spring; ruffles and soft golds. Granted, the Grand M has always been a fan of gold, but the new gold is softer, less brassy, and infused with rose undertones that impart a gentle blush to an otherwise garish hue. This is the gold of springtime, in step with the lush mood of the budding blooms. It is impossibly feminine, subtle, and radiantly quiet, like the soft light of early morning. This is April’s gold.
The only thing that could make this new hue any better is frilly accents, ruffles galore, and unabashed ruching elements. The combination of color and playful adornment makes this a match made in heaven, and the Grand M has selected her two favorite examples of this style. The Dorrit flat sandal by Loeffler Randall, with its enticing metallic rose gold tone and delicious t-strap style is worth coveting for these reasons alone, but the additional ruched ruffle detail makes this sandal irresistible. The softly folded leather frills impart a silly femininity to the Dorrit, and it is surprisingly refreshing for its lavishness and extravagance.
The Cassia ballet flat by Sam Edelman is another success story in the tale of this lovely pairing of golds and ruffles. The soft foiled suede upper, gentle round toe, and front embellishment composed of grosgrain ribbons, leather rosettes, and gold metallic hoops all make the Cassia a dream to slip on and to show off. Although it’s a bit more restrained than the Dorrit, the Cassia is just as perfect an example of this happy union that successfully blends hedonistic tendencies with subtlety and grace.
The Grand Mademoiselle is really wild about this theme, and the best way to carry it through your entire look is by pairing your shoes with subdued skinny black jeans and a statement blouse that brings continuity to the ruffled gold embellishments while offsetting the vanity. 
Opt for J. Brand’s ankle skinny stretch jean, with a short 29″ inseam that will nicely display your fancy footwear. Then, add the
extra oomph and tie the look together with Vivienne Westwood’s Anglomania Fichu striped blouse. The fitted, short puff sleeves, crown shaped waist, and uniquely draped shawl collar blends seamlessly with the ruffly, frilly concept of the Dorrit or Cassia. What’s more, the red and white striped pattern lends an air of sophisticated casualness to this otherwise lavish motif, while the dramatic, flowery, face-framing halo collar is in keeping with the slightly showy, flamboyant flair of this look. The Grand M adores the clash between ornate and ordinary, and the composition of colors, textures, patterns, and shapes is essential in making what is discordant unexpectedly harmonious…
In Honor Of The Pope In America :) Written on April 17, 2008, by Ava.
Earlier Wednesday, President Bush, first lady Laura Bush and more than 13,500 spectators welcomed Pope Benedict XVI in an elaborate ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House.
As I thought about such an elaborate religious shindig, I wondered what shoes I would wear if I wear invited to said event. Would I stay with [...]
Pucker Up Written on April 14, 2008, by J Abbott.
With the arrival of pleasantly mild mid-April breezes, the Grand Mademoiselle cannot help but linger over the lovely sight and smell of blooming blossoms in an assortment of citrus shades. Tangy daffodils, punchy azaleas, impertinent dandelions, and wild forsythias adorn windowsills and line sun-dappled sidewalks. The bright yellows, pinks, and oranges remind the Grand M of childhood lemonade stands, her first pair of jelly sandals, the “buttercup trick” so popular in grade school, and the first time she discovered that squeezing an orange peel on one’s wrist doubles as perfume in a pinch. 
As an ode to these vibrant memories and the colorful flora of spring, the Grand M has selected a few of her favorite fashionably fruity items, with spherical patterns, citrus shades, and zesty accessories. The Delman Mona has been a must-have leather flat for the Grand M for quite some time now. Lo and behold the girls at Barefoot Tess have managed to reel in oodles more Mona’s, now in every shade of the rainbow. The Grand M simply cannot resist the orange appeal of the citrine shade, with its scrumptiously soft crinkle leather upper and puckered elastic heel detailing. Having gotten so used to trotting out a faithful pair of black Mona’s all winter, the color is undeniably refreshing and whimsical.
Be a bit daring and pair your citrine Mona’s with a floaty print slip dress, full enough in the skirt to sail in the spring air and subdued enough to pull off wearing with bright orange patent leather flats. The Circle Pattern Dress by Fendi is just the ticket for this look, and the multi-colored layers of chiffon, coupled with the unexpectedly chic circular design detail across the front are faintly reminiscent of grapefruit slices. The empire waist and clean spaghetti straps serve to make this dress unbelievably flattering, and the colors are just right to stand up to the boldness of a bright shoe.
Kick the flavor up a notch with Marni’s bright yellow resin disc necklace, with its chunky, oddly shaped drops and irreverently low-key leather corded strap. The best part is that the eye-popping yellow shade contrasts perfectly with the orange patent tone of the Mona, completing the spring citrus motif without being too matchy-matchy. Marni’s necklace looks good enough to eat, and all these deliciously citrous colors are making the Grand M’s lips pucker…