Punched-Up Pairings
Certain elements inescapably compliment each other in a multitude of arenas, from the rustic simplicity of a perfect wine pairing with a buttery brie, to the devout conviction in harmonious zodiac attunements.  With the spirit of made-to-be-together in mind, the Grand Mademoiselle would like to burglarize the elite enclave housing fashion's elemental edicts.  Perhaps the perfect pairing is achieved by mixing an impeccably tailored coat with rugged boots, or a delicate chiffon Marchesa gown with a bomber jacket (a la Ralph Lauren's inimitable grace and genius for intuiting what makes a combination sing).  Let the halls of Harper's Bazaar adumbrate with car

Gold-Plated Art Decoratif
The Grand Mademoiselle has always harbored a secret hatred of studded embellishments, whether on shoes, bags, lapels, what have you. However, there remains a certain intrigue to this style, spawned by the decorative art of the 1920's, that is both harshly industrial and artistically irreverent. The gilded, art deco appeal of studs currently conveys a lack of originality, yet the Grand M is simply positive that when done right, it's really right. The key, as with most things fashion, is to keep it simple, unexpected, and well-blended. No black leather bags engulfed by geometric, metal adornments, no jeans with gold studs running up the inseam, no faux leather cuffs crammed w

Chic Shoes, Chic Home
Of the numerous fashion burdens plaguing the Grand Mademoiselle, perhaps none is more frustrating than finding a chic way to store so many chic shoes. When the shoes are beautiful, the home decor should be beautiful as well, and that involves finding a way to seamlessly blend your collection with your furnishings. Speaking of chic shoes, here are my latest picks that I desperately need to find a home within my home for:

New Beginnings: Luxury In Lean Times
Yes, yes, the economy stinks. Yes, yes, fashion has reacted to the current downturn very poorly by churning out uninspired, drab, been-there-done-that cheap-looking blazers to pair with terribly boring flats. It seems as though we've lost our ingenuity, our slightly crazy bravado in our attempt to express solemn solidarity.