Backstreet Babe

Hey there, lovelies! All is back to normal this week with a regular fashion post! Writing about style is my true passion, but I am also a skincare junkie, so I did have a lot of fun with my review. I am excited to be back in actual clothing, though, instead of wearing pajamas on the blog and in real life. I came down with the sickness that literally everyone has, and most of last week consisted of me moping around my house in pjs, with a tissue stuck up nose (my family likes to refer to me as looking like a “walrus” with my Kleenex hack, to give you a visual). It is such a good feeling to get dressed after lying around for a few days! My sniffles still weren’t quite over, but I sucked it up, buttoned my dress, zipped my shoes, and headed outside. I wore a black long sleeve shirt layered under a trench dress, put some sock booties on my feet, and accessorized with a leopard print bucket bag and bangle. I love this look because it is so chic, unique, and a little edgy. After all, it is the kind of mix of classic and urban that I was going for to fit my backstreet vibe. I have to admit that I had no idea what I was going to title this post, and while I was racking my brain for a catchy title, the song, “I Want It That Way” by the Backstreet Boys came on my Spotify, and I became inspired! I mostly like the title because I truly was running the backstreets of Punxsutawney to scope locations! And if we were to be honest, those guys wore black and and trench coats, so they would probably appreciate this look. My intention wasn’t to mimic the style of boy bands, but if you keep reading, I can give you style tips on how to dress like a backstreet babe in 2019!

The trench coat is such a timeless, iconic piece that is a staple in the closets of fashionistas from all over. The trench dress, however, is a different take on the quintessential outer garment. It is the article of clothing I never knew I needed until I saw it hanging on a rack, in all of its glory. Of course, Meghan Markle stunned in a trench dress that was a similar style (though her’s was longer and more of an oatmeal color), and if it is good enough for royalty, then it is good enough for me! Whether or not Meghan donned a trench dress, I will always be a huge fan of them. The piece exudes sophistication with its double-breasted buttons and exaggerated lapels. Because of the belt, you can cinch and define the waist, creating a flattering silhouette to show off your figure. I love the length of this dress because it hits right above the knee, so it doesn’t lose its elegant roots, but it remains very fresh and current. The color is, in my opinion, a bit darker than the typical khaki associated with trenches, but it’s another small twist that sets it apart. My favorite feature of this dress is the fact that it is sleeveless. I have come across trench dresses before, but when they are long sleeved, I honestly mistake them for coats. This sleeveless characteristic enables you to differentiate and also wear this in different seasons. In frigid January, I embraced the concept of layering by adding a black shirt underneath. I love the look of the black peeping through because it adds so much contrast and dimension. In a few months, when the sun is shining and the temps are warmer, you can fit this into your spring wardrobe by ditching the undershirt and throwing on some wedges. No matter how you look at it, this is a versatile garment—it is effortless to style for numerous occasions and is so classic that it can be worn for many years to come!

By now, I think we can all agree that leopard print is a neutral! I am so obsessed with my new bucket bag because I have never owned a bag this style. Popular in the 70s, bucket bags are an efficient type of handbag because there is no wasted space—there are no strange pockets or compartments—it is simply a bucket! I love the gold circle handles because they are different than your average straps. This bag isn’t designer and was not pricey, but the gold detail really feels luxurious and expensive. The print takes it up a notch, also tying in the black and beige from the outfit (and it matches the bangle on my right arm)! Luckily, there is a cute little drawstring that holds in all of your belongings, so you can focus on being fabulous! This purse it the perfect size because it is big enough to fit my phone, hairbrush, keys, lipstick, and sunnies! Speaking of sunnies, I did throw on a pair of oversized sunglasses for a few pics. Believe it or not, the sun has been shining a decent amount, considering it is winter in PA, and I am not mad about it one bit! They really aren’t the focus of the outfit, but you can’t go wrong with a big pair of sunglasses!

Lastly, these boots are some of my most worn shoes to date. They are black, suede, and fashionable, so it is of no surprise that they go with everything. The sock bootie is everywhere and makes even a pair of sweats look like something you would see on a Kardashian (sweatpants and heels are a thing, people)! You are no stranger to my friend, the sock bootie, but you can also wear a pair of Doc Martins for all my edgier gals out there, or pair this with flats or stilettos for a more refined look. Because this ensemble is made up of neutrals, feel free to add your own flair with different colors, prints, and styles, when it comes to accessorizing!

In case you needed proof, the sun certainly showed up for a cameo in my shoot. Some photos thrive in the “golden hour,” but the rays were not in my favor because my face looked a little too ghostly. Unfortunately, I had to wait until it got later, and consequently colder, to capture my look. As much as I love to complain, I actually don’t mind winter (at least for now, but there are many months of cold left). There is something about the snow that makes me want to curl up with a blanket and hot cocoa! However, when I go back to school in week and have to trudge to class, I know I will feel differently! haha! How about you guys? Do you like the winter weather, or are you ready for bikini season? Let me know in the comments! Don’t forget to comb those closets for chic neutrals and styles, as well as adding a splash of leopard to get in touch with your wild side! If you are too cold to bother with that, then stay under the covers and shop my links! As for me, I will be here enjoying my last week of vacation before the spring semester starts. With adjusting to a new semester and getting back into a new routine, my blogposts may not be published on a specific schedule! Keep in mind to check my social media (Instagram: @theclosetcomber Facebook: The Closet Comber….or Maggie Prutznal if you want my personal page) for updates on my posting! I do have my pictures ready for my next post and they are going to be very, very festive (hint! hint!). Stay warm, babes, and Happy Closet Combing!

Links to same/similar pieces:

Dress (linking different price points):

https://rstyle.me/n/den4mpch55f

https://rstyle.me/n/den4ngch55f

https://rstyle.me/n/den4pvch55f

Shirt:

https://rstyle.me/n/den4rnch55f

Tights:

https://rstyle.me/~aLuZE

Shoes:

https://rstyle.me/n/den49uch55f

Bag (EXACT..and on sale!):