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

BRIDGING THE GAP

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18th

WHAT TO WEAR TO HOLIDAY PARTIES, PART 4

THE SCENARIO: Your third-wave feminist hipster friend who resides in Williamsburg but also makes fun of people who reside in Williamsburg is throwing a holiday party in her studio apartment (or was it micro-loft?) Her friends will be arriving in matching leather jackets and some type of Biggie or Metallica t-shirt (brownie points or a glass of wine for the chick that wears both at the same damn time!) so you want to wear an outfit with a preppy undertone that stands out in the crowd.

THE CORE ITEM: Gap's flannel shimmer roll-sleeve henley

As a wee young lad, it wasn't visions of sugar plum fairies that danced in my head. It was GAP sweaters, emblazoned proudly with the logo. They would stare at me from the window of the stare, taunting me with their beauty and seemingly calling my name. Every Christmas, a GAP-branded gift was bestowed upon me. A baby blue ringer tee with black GAP logo. A cherry-red sweater with a cream GAP logo. A grey hoodie with a patriotic American flag print GAP logo (this one, fyi, was my absolute favorite - the epitome of high fashion!)

And while the GAP logo still speaks loud and clear to me from varying t-shirts at my local store, I'm here to direct you toward more fashion-forward staples, and this outfit of head-to-toe GAP magic nails that.

The subtle hints of Lurex shimmer peaking through this traditional plaid make this a wardrobe staple for seasons to come (and it's only $54!) The denim skirt pairs pretty with plaids and looks cuter than a baby's ass with black suede Chelsea boots.

Because the weather outside is getting frightful, let's toss in a wool-trimmed parka (this one is GREAT) and some tights. Top it all off with the red beanie pictured and you're good to go, girl. PLUS, DID I MENTION EVERYTHING IS UNDER $100!

Methinks you should wear this to your cool Williamsburg friend's Christmas Eve party. So what if those hipsterz scoff at GAP - you were born and raised in New York City before those assface transplants even knew what Brooklyn was.