Hi my loves! You knew it wouldn’t be long until I was back in a skirt! I have been keeping things rather casual on the blog lately, so I felt it was time to amp up the fancy. Do you know that feeling when you are just itching to dress up?! Well, I have been feeling the need to satisfy my glam side, too. Don’t get me wrong, I love the ease that comes with summer—I spend more time at home (or at the pool) and don’t stress as much about my hair, makeup, and outfits, as opposed to during the semester when I am constantly running and wanting to look cute for my classes and extracurriculars. The dynamic is definitely different in the summer, but I can only take so much of my comfy clothes! I still wanted to keep the pieces relaxed, though, because effortless is key, especially in the summer heat. So, I wore a tie front crop top, a mixed print midi skirt, pointed-toe slingbacks, and accessorized with a fun fringe bag! This look has lots of character that makes it flirty, boho, and fashionable, of course! An ensemble like this can be worn on a summer date night, to parties, to picnics (just throw up your hair and throw on some sandals), and everywhere in between! Together, the pieces are amazing, but they can also be combined with other garments to make more chic looks. With a tucked-in blouse, this skirt would be office appropriate, or with some denim shorts, this crop top is a perfect festival look! There is nothing better than clothes you can mix and match. Speaking of mixing, this mixed print skirt is total eye candy… now just keep on reading to hear how I styled this look filled with snake print and floral hints!
I went many years without owning a crop top, and looking back, I don’t know how I functioned. The trick to rocking crop tops is super easy, and I am almost positive I have mentioned it before, but I am going to break it down for you! There is a simple equation that is the only math I am requiring you to learn this summer: high waisted anything + a cropped top = Cutest outfit ever!! High-waisted bottoms are sometimes hard to wear because you want to show off the definition they give your midsection, but it can be a hassle to tuck in a shirt. I love the tucked look, but depending on the fit, tucking can add extra, unwanted bulk (this skirt is flowy, so if you want to tuck in a top, you can)! I chose the crop top because it enables you to show off the high-waisted silhouette, and it adds a bit of playfulness when paired with the longer skirt. There is nothing wrong with showing a little skin, and wearing a crop top gives you that hint of allure without exposing too much. I happen to love this particular top because of the button front/tie details. These little things make all the difference, taking a basic black crop up a notch or two! Buttons are very pretty and delicate and give you the ability to, again, show a little more skin. For example, I actually thought the top was a teensy bit long (ironic, I know) so I unbuttoned the bottom button, giving me more room to knot it. Knot to mention (see what I did there…?!?) the tie feature is absolutely adorable and reminds me of when I was in middle school and all the girls knotted their tops. Was that a thing where you went to school, too? Anyway, a crop top is perfect because it makes the look seem as if you are a fashionista who doesn’t try too hard!
For once in my life, the wind was actually working in my favor! Usually, the wind is blowing my hair in my face, or it is causing me to say a few extra prayers to avoid a wardrobe malfunction. But, when I was shooting these pictures, it beautifully caught the essence of this skirt! I was so excited to find this little number because it combines all of my favorite things into one garment! It has snake print, floral print, and it is blue, so it has “Maggie” written all over it! There is nothing boring about this skirt because of the fun mixed print, patchwork design. Mixing prints can sound scary to those who love matching, but in reality, the mixing does match! The secret to print mixing is to combine prints that are in the same color family. Since the snake and flowers are both blue hues, there is no need to call the fashion police as this look follows all the rules! In fact, I think it is very unexpected to pair an edgy snake print with a dainty floral, but together, they balance each other to create a feminine piece. As if the print wasn’t enough, the asymmetrical hemline is just another layer of interest! The hem feels raw in a sense that it isn’t perfectly straight and overworked— it mimics the organic nature of the prints. At first glance, you wonder how all of these elements can come together to form a cohesive look. But, when you think about, everything is interconnected in a thoughtful way to ensure a visually stunning article of clothing. I swear, the more I look at this skirt, the more exciting it gets (and that is what I love about fashion; it never gets old)!
With festival season and summer in full swing, I thought now is the perfect time to introduce my lil’ fringe bag. Fringe matches the bohemian vibe of this look and is a textural element that provides all the fringe benefits (remember that blogpost?)! I love this Michael Kors bag because it is great for traveling. In the summer, if you can believe it, I like to keep minimal items in my bag. I opt to carry a light load because, when I am vacationing, I don’t want to be burdened by a heavy bag. I can only fit my phone and a lipgloss in here, but it forces me to be the minimalist that I am not, though sometimes it is a good thing! Because you made it this far reading this post, I will let you in on the inside scoop of this bag; it is actually a belt bag! I had a moment of weakness and was so confused as to why there was a size sticker on this bag (but I got it for an AMAZING price, so I think my brain was just foggy with excitement). Then, I realized that what I thought was a strap, was actually the belt. Luckily, the belt fits me, but I prefer to carry it like a purse, and no one knows the difference. If the occasion ever arises and I feel like wearing this as a belt, then I have the option! Someone get me a ticket for a festival and I may just bust out the belted style! Belt bags are very on trend as everything you need is attached at the hip, literally! If you would rather wear belts to hold up your jeans, then you can either wear this bag like me, or carry a black bucket bag or clutch for all your essentials!
Instagram is by far one of my favorite apps because I love following fellow bloggers to not only support them, but see what they are wearing. It is very easy to spot the trends when scrolling through my feed (P.S. you can follow me on Insta @theclosetcomber for fashion inspo), and I couldn’t help but notice that some of my fav bloggers were sporting slingbacks. As soon as I spotted them, I knew they were a shoe I had to have. I really love my slingbacks because they are different than all the others I have seen, given the fact that they are snake print, rather than solid. Of course, other bloggers styled the solid colored shoes fabulously, but I thought the snake was a fun find that slithered into my heart (and, consequently, on my feet)! A printed shoe is the icing on the cake and is a cute touch when wearing basic pieces. My pieces, obviously, aren’t so basic, but the snake print is still complementary of the look because it is neutral tones. Just like a solid black, beige, or white shoe, these slingbacks are extremely versatile. In fact, the print gives the shoe a modern update that has made these a go-to of mine for the season! The small kitten heel makes walking easy, and the back strap keeps the shoes on your feet. Judging by the looks of Phil’s face in the background, he too, thinks they are fantastic footwear!
I would say that it is time to wrap things up for this week! I don’t really have any crazy stories to tell when shooting this look, but as usual, I am always a spectacle in town! I can’t tell you how many stares I get when taking pictures, especially on main street on a Saturday night! In peoples’ defense, there is not much action on the streets of Punxsutawney, so I certainly stick out when I do my photo shoots. Fortunately, I grew up performing (dancing and acting in plays), so having all eyes on me doesn’t bother me! I just wish I could have set up a sign that read, “If you want to know what I am doing, log onto theclostcomber.com.” Hmmm…maybe that should be my next art project?! Do you guys love or hate being the center of attention? Let me know in the comments below! Being in front of people can be a bit nerve-racking at times, but I like to remember that we are all human and there is nothing to be afraid of! I can assure you that this outfit will get the attention it deserves, so be sure to comb those closets for cute crops, pattern play skirts, slithery slingbacks, and fierce fringe! If you are too busy soaking up the summer vibes, then get this look the easy way and shop my links below! Happy Closet Combing!
Links to same/similar pieces:
Shirt: https://rstyle.me/+mn4dbJ54D8n2OJ65J0u-1g
https://rstyle.me/+c9zrSyeBrJCy7ZXcA-4-rg
Skirt: (same style, different color) https://rstyle.me/+rUERPtEuXREMYpPVLgJl_g (Straight size)
https://rstyle.me/+I1qmxCNZOPUtQtQ8NbImbg (Petite size)
https://rstyle.me/+wDyfvnEW_AhLyNZJAqAKhQ (Plus size)
https://rstyle.me/+K39sPtY3xd4cPnIPxt4a3A
Bag: (EXACT) https://rstyle.me/+LjJddmVMNKdT7PSwvhaEbQ
Shoes: https://rstyle.me/+SLsbbHfDo4PlBnVfxNMLWw
The Closet Comber 
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