Model off Duty

Not so long ago in a land not so far away, the phrase 'model off duty', or M.O.D., became the buzzword du jour of the fashion flock. The catchphrase became synonymous with the look of cool-girls-on-the-go that typically featured a monochromatic palette, sharp leather jackets, gossamer-thin t-shirts, and distressed denim.

The origins can be traced back not so surprisingly to none other than Alexander Wang himself.

Wang exclaimed, following his critically-acclaimed spring 2008 show, that his customer is his muse: the aforementioned elusive cool girl with inherent style that transcends the trends. At the time, he was referring to supermodel Erin Wasson, whose I-woke-up-like-this look of disheveled hair and smudged kohl-rimmed eyes were the epitome of model off duty.

This outfit was inspired by the models off duty shebang but also by literal model off duty Candace Swanepoel, below. And because it would've been obvious to use T by Alexander Wang (his line of the perfect basics) in this outfit post, I found a cool take on a black tee from Carven and the dopest distressed denim from Saint Laurent.

Add a two-tone pump with a twist (the touch of transparency on this Gianvito Rossi shoe is hella chic) and a sleek jet black belt with a bling-bling Gucci logo. A glossy red top-handle bag gives the perfect pop to a black-and-white look. 

Because it's freezing outside, add a streamlined black topcoat - I love this one from Zara. And feel free to tie a denim chambray shirt around your waist like Candace and you're good to go!

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THE LOOK

Gucci leather belt, $330  /  Carven cap sleeve top, $170  /  Gianvito Rossi 'Plexi' pumps, $745  /  Saint Laurent jeans, $890  /  Saint Laurent bag, $2,750

THE LOOK FOR LESS

ASOS belt, $9  /  H&M t-shirt, $10/  Carlos by Carlos Santana pump, $80  /  H&M jeans, $15/ Maykool bag, $24

THE B@$%! WEARS BALENCIAGA

DECEMBER 9th

If the Devil wears Prada then the bitch wears Balenciaga. Excuse my French but when you invent the most brilliant phrase of all time - OF ALL TIME! - you have to share it with the world dontcha? Well I did and you're very welcome. Actually, to pay me back, you can buy me this coat. It's a Balenciaga beauty - the 80's biker dude collar and splotches of artfully-applied pink spray-paint embroidery take this bouclé jacket from ladies who lunch to bitches who brunch.

In other words, the cocoon shape and tweedy look could have just another coat for Grandma Sadie's collection but in the hands of Alexander Wang (who tragically has dipset from the house of B), this coat is now for Grannie Baddie Winkle. In still more words, the coat is just freakin' cool!

And because you've been wearing that same puffer for the past three years (same here), it's time to invest in a coat that screams with style. You owe this Balenciaga coat to yourself for being so gosh darn beautiful. So what if you have to sacrifice six months of eating? Isn't it worth it in the end!

Anyways, when wearing coats that hit just above the knee like this Balenciaga, do yourself a favor and stick ONLY to sleek, tailored pants. They keep the silhouette looking trim and are office-appropriate for your 9 to 5 grind. Grab a glossy structured bag - M2Malletier are a thing of beauty - and a ankle-strap sandal with a little bit of edge (these Alexander Wang ones pictured are on sale so clickity-click quick!) And voila! You have an outfit that's quicher than quiche.