Up The Wattage

Live life colorfully, but dress in black and white. There's something familiar yet fresh about this dual-colored look. A patriotic-tinged star print and a Lolita-esque bow up the wattage on what could've veered into basic black-and-white territory.

Given the 70-degree weather in the forecast, today's outfit feels right on target for a spring style statement. If the pants are a bit loud for your comfort zone, opt for a print-free black wide-leg style for a similar effect. But, remember reader, life is short. Try the freakin' star print! 

RED Valentino top, $367  /  Chloé bag, $890  /  Max Mara wide-leg pants, $745  /  Gianvito Rossi shoes, $623

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

Mad Plaid

Perky plaids have proven to be the best line of defense for the onslaught of nippy temperatures we've been shivering in. It's fashion-forward yet louche, casual yet cutting-edge cool. I think every fine feline should whip out their credit cards and clear some space in their cluttered closet for this mad plaid from Madewell. Roll up the sleeves then pair with an off-kilter, bejewled denim skirt from Topshop and rosy pink Ray-Ban aviators that give the go-to grunge staple a breath of fresh air. For accessories, opt for a winter-white heel to add pizazz and grab a straw clutch emblazoned with hibiscus and palm-trees.  

The Outfix is all about fashionable realism so I do catch your drift if a skirt is out of the question at the moment. But paired with a warm topper (perhaps one of those ubiquitous pink coats from fall), you will make the sacrifice in the name of sartorialism. If worse comes to worst, swap the skirt for boyfriend jeans and add in standout satin heels in a brilliant cobalt hue for a similar impact. 

1. Shirt by Madewell

2. Denim Skirt by Topshop

3. Sunglasses by Ray-Ban

4. Shoes by Gianvito Rossi

5. Clutch by Kayu