Agri Culture

The appealing simplicity of farm life never fails to captivate the Grand Mademoiselle, setting off a delightful series of daydreams full of haystacks, apple pies, and corn cob wreaths. Sadly, there are some style stigmas attached to this bucolic scene that have traditionally prevented a suitable translation from barnyard to Bazaar. While the Grand M certainly has more than her fair share of fashion biases, this one is particularly frustrating insofar as it is continuously perpetuated without contention or review. However, with a little imagination, it's easy to pick out certain elements of the more agriculturally-minded point of view without looking like an extra wandering about the set of The Beverly Hillbillies.

Take gingham for example. Almost synonymous with Grandma's red-and-white checkered picnic tablecloth, this lovely patterned fabric is rarely considered top drawer. Ah, what a waste! Gingham can be fabulously stylish, if done inconspicuously and with a little panache. The Grand M adores the Covet dress from Urban Outfitters, with its gently over-sized navy gingham checks, farm-y buttons, and square neckline. The poplin cotton is absolutely perfect for conveying a paired down, simple aesthetic without association, which is really where all the trouble begins. When expanded to large, unexpected proportions and elegant tones, gingham is quite beautiful, and this little dress exhibits a classically fashionable take on a traditionally rural icon without resorting to the usual gimmicky interpretations of beloved trademarks. Furthermore, the tunic silhouette and chic colors are miles away from the silliness attributed to gingham, making this dress a wonderful example of agricultural style gone right.

Another iconic yet often abused agricultural style touchstone is the jumper. All too frequently, this formidable fashion challenge is thrown to the dogs, idly regarded by those in the know as a shameful style secret best suited for low brow countryside dilly-dallies or small town parades. "No more!" she cries, "Unfair!", and with these words, the Grand M is happy to herald this downtrodden dress into the pages of Vogue with Vince's gorgeous reinvention of an agricultural silhouette with a sorry reputation. This fantastic Jumper Mini Dress boldly stands astride the divide in brilliant muted gray glory, proving once and for all that you can indeed take the girl out of the farm without consigning her to annual transcendence of bumpkin impulses. The lavishly gathered Italian wool, center pleating, V-straps, and stylish slash pockets offer a deliriously demure twist on an often overlooked farm classic, and with the weight of Saks Fifth Avenue behind it, even the most jaded fashionista has to accept the jumper as here to stay ... and for the better.

For the Grand M, the most satisfying way to complete this gesture is with playfully pastoral footwear, blending city chic with agricultural adornments. Start with a timeless tone, add in a whimsical dash of floral detailing, and witness the clever unfolding of a true Cinderella story. Chie Mihara's 'Heya' sandal is a dazzling display of farm style with an urban attitude, replete with luscious flowers on the vamp and intricately gathered leather pleats, spreading like rich and heady summer leaves across the toes. Begin here and this fashion bias might just have met its match ...