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 Only Outfit You'll Ever Need

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22nd

WHAT TO WEAR ANYWHERE

THE SCENARIO: For the days you feel you have nothing to wear and spend hours mulling over every item in your closet, you should wear this.

THE CORE ITEM: The perfect Sonia Rykiel sweater and Chanel slingback.

You know those times where you have absolutely nothing to wear, even though your overstuffed closet speaks an entire different story. Well, this outfit is eazy-peazy lemon squeezy. A stripe sweater (we all have one of those but this Sonia Rykiel one takes thaaaaa cakkeeee!) paired with high-rise vintage feel jeans and the MOST PERFECT SHOE IN HISTORY (check out 4 more ways to wear it here) is a great combination for an instantly stylish look.

You can wear this to work (so long as you work in a more casual environment); to Sunday afternoon brunch at Catch in the Meatpacking District; to plot revenge on your cheating husband like Amazing Amy in Gone Girl. I mean, the places and scenarios to wear this look really are endless.

The pop of red bag and the forties-style shades add a whiff of sophistication. Swap out the slingbacks for some sexy Loboutins for date night or after-work happy hour. 

FRINGE AND FLORAL?

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15th

WHAT TO WEAR TO HOLIDAY PARTIES

It's that time of year again. The one where you drink four too many cocktails and gain seventeen pounds in a week (don't worry - you'll lose it all in the new year, or so your New Years' resolutions promise). It's holiday season again! You already bought mommy those earrings she not-so-subtly hinted at and you're already furiously fielding through gaggles of group texts about New Year's Eve plans.

And while you love Christmas and the promise of an ugly sweater party - don't worry, I'll do a round-up of all the best ugly sweaters really soon! - your company holiday party is this week!

And because you ended up ferociously flirting with that intern followed-by a classless vomit session in the bathroom (you forgot what tequila does to your liver) at last year's holiday party, it's time to redeem yourself and let those SLAY bells ring. Your #goals: impress the boss and shut that minx of a secretary up (you know that secretary - she who hyena-cackles at her own jokes and has a different Forever21 faux-fur dress for each day of the week).

Every girl in the office will be wearing some type of sparkle with some form of cheap sweater so why not opt for a fashion-forward look that might have sprung joyously from the pages of Harper's Bazaar?

A festive fringe jacket (this one is Saint Laurent) coupled with a Hibiscus-print tiered dress (thank you for the fashionz Marc Jacobs!) is the bee's knees. The juxtaposition of fringe and florals makes this look sing with style! Pair with chocolate brown booties and a Christmas-colored bag and you're ready to knock the socks off of that snooty little secretary. Goodbye socks! Farewell Felicia!