Trend: Soft Rock

As the summer months dwindle to a quiet close, the Grand Mademoiselle is itching to don something ... naughty, and head out on the town for a night of debauchery and mayhem. The fashion history annals offer much in the way of going-out-gear, ranging from the glitz and glamor of Studio 54 to the raucous, in-your-face chutzpah of the Bowery Ballroom. However, taking these styles and downplaying them to fit your life can be tricky, easily degenerating into cheap knock-0ffs and costume-y wannabes. The best way to ensure that you stay one step ahead of the style pack is to pick fabulous separates, mixing and matching demure pieces with wild ones to keep the interest without compromising good taste.


To avoid being the joke of Great Jones Street, steer clear of black leather biker jackets and torn jeans by throwing together an uptown, bad-girl ensemble from Olsen Twin brainchild Elizabeth & James. Their designs are, quite simply, thrilling, comprised of a surprising panoply of delectable pieces to choose from. The Grand M is wild about the golden fringe jacket, replete with oodles of glittering strands of fabulous fringe (a great disco throwback) without looking silly. The simple hook-and-eye closure, rounded neckline, and easy 3/4 sleeves ensure style success and are the epitome of modern soft rock dressing. To up the oomph factor, wear the fringe jacket over a gorgeous pair of slinky back stirrup leggings, the latest incarnation of an 80's icon. The new leggings are impossibly chic and look incredible when paired with pumps or boots.


Keep the motif alive and be the talk of Mulberry Street by slipping into a luscious pair of studded, knee-high, flat black leather boots. With great designers churning out gorgeous variations for the fall, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, and the Grand M suggests going for a soft rock aura by donning flats, since nothing screams vamp tramp louder than a pair of high-heeled black leather boots. Opt for the 'Ivy' by Loeffler Randall, with it's easy, demure low-wedge heel, golden snap details, and sumptuous Vachetta leather upper. The 'Ivy' is the pinnacle of soft rock style know-how, simultaneously conveying good sense and wild times in the same gesture. Go a little bolder with a good 'ol Sigerson Morrison concoction, always guaranteed to turn heads with great design and gorgeous details. The classic 'Studded Leather' boots are a true soft rock dream, made of luscious black leather stripes and adorned with studs that run to the knees. These boots would look wonderful when paired with leggings, keeping a rein on the rock-and-roll gesture and transcending cliches with fabulous style.


Be the toast of Canal Street with a great accessory to top off the look and prepare yourself for a night on the underground town. Load up on hardcore, overly-embellished rings with dangerous adornments juxtaposed with lady-like materials. Think bats and diamonds, lions and crystals, or skulls and pearls, as accomplished by this gorgeous 'Skull Charm' ring from Rachel Leigh. A good statement ring will take you far, and the cluster of shiny, multi-colored pastel freshwater pearls look decadently sinful against a pewter skull charm.