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!