Monochromatic Monday [6]

Monochromatic Outfit | Gray Beanie, Black Tee, Denim & Oversize Sweater | The Kina's BlogUrban Outfitters Beanie | Hinge Oversize Sweater | Lush Tee (similar) | American Eagle DIY Distressed Denim | BDG Black Sneakers (same sneakers, but mine don’t have a wedge) | Brooklyn Charm Monocle Charm Necklace

Grunge Inspired | Black Distressed Denim + Sneakers + Beanie | The Kina's BlogBlack Hi-Top Sneakers | The Kina's Blog90s Grunge On Trend Outfit | Beanies, Distressed Denim & Hi Top Sneakers | The Kina's Blog

Photos by Glitter and Grace

If you want to catch up on some more Monochromatic Monday Looks, click here.

Monochromatic Monday [5]

Winter Black Beach Dress | The KinasForever 21 Denim Jacket (similar) | Black High-Low Dress | Pied Juste Canvas Boots

Monochromatic All Black | The Kina'sAnthropologie Pied Juste Black BootsLately all black monochromatic looks have been in heavy rotation. I feel like whenever I’m in black I look much more put together and my life feels like it’s all coming together. Must be a mind trick my clothes play on me. What are your thoughts on all black? Love it or Hate it?

Here are some more monochromatic looks and I just realized, I had a nearly identical shoot this past summer with Sara B at the same dock.

 

[Gift Guide] Black Is Always The New Black

Gift Guide: Black is Always the New Black

Tis the season. I knew I wanted to post at least a few gift guides this season, but wanted to arrange them in a unique way so I opted to theme them around some of my Pinterest boards. Today’s post is based off of my Black is Always The New Black pinboard. I can never ever get enough of black, it’s always incredibly chic and appropriate for any and every occasion. Without further ado, here are some of my favorite gift ideas for any gal who loves to rock some black.

BDG Studded Lounge Pant || Rebecca Minkoff ‘Mini Mac’ Bag || RumbaTime Jane Lights Out Watch || J.Crew Shearling Earmuffs || Deborah Lippmann ‘Cleopatra in New York’ Polish || Ora Birenbaum Art Black & White Acrylic Painting || Forever 21 Faux Leather Sleeve Varsity Jacket || Studded Bracelet || C. Wonder Monogram Jewelry Box || Jonathan Adler Antwerp Table Lamp || Sunburst Ring || Nespresso Espresso Maker 

Monochromatic Monday | Black is Always The New Black

I know, I know last weeks Monochromatic Monday was devoted to Black, but I just can’t help myself. I’ve been in NYC for the past few days and have been incredibly inspired to continue the ever so flattering black on black tradition once I’m home on the west coast. So, for your enjoyment, here are my most recent fave looks from my “Black is Always the New Black” Pinterest board. And if you’d like to catch up on some more Monochromatic Monday’s, here they are.

Image source: I could only find sources for image 3, let me know if you know other sources

Monochromatic Monday

Forever 21 Black Moto Inspired Jacket | Forever 21 Black Tunic (old, similar) | Cotton On Liquid Faux Leather Leggings (similar pair)| Miss Sixty Knee High Black Boots (similar)

Inspired by all the black looks on my Pinterest board, I indulged and rocked my own monochromatic look last week. I’ve been in love with the quality of faux leather options out there this season, it makes rocking the look affordable for all of us. Luckily, I invested in these knee-high Miss Sixty leather boots a few years ago during a Bloomies Friends and Family sale. I’ve worn these every season since and definitely recommend a black knee-high as a basic Fall/Winter shoe option for your wardrobe.

Side Note: I have super short arms and this Forever 21 jacket was the perfect length for me. So for any of you petite ladies I recommend it, it’s a steal at $32.80.

Photos by the lovely Glitter and Grace

How to Rock the Moto Look for Under $100 Bucks

H&M Black Moto Inspired Vest (similar)| Black Sheer Hi-Lo Sleeveless Button-Up | Two Toned Gray & Black Target Leggings | Leopard Booties (similar)

I’m here to tell you that a moto inspired look doesn’t have cost you an arm and a leg. I know what you’re thinking, “but leather is expensive Bettina,” and while real leather is expensive, our faux friends can do a lovely job at substituting for the real thing. The look is easy to create and can be done on a budget, here’s the simple recipe: take this H&M faux leather vest, pair it with a sheer button up, leggings, some edgy boots and bam you’re set. What’s great about each of these pieces is they’re affordable AND you can integrate these pieces into so many other looks. Each piece can be layered into pretty much any Fall look.

moto inspired vest was only $34.50 at H&M
sheer button up is on sale at Nordstrom’s for a lovely $18.90
Target leggings are a fab $19.99
similar Target booties $25.49

Total Cost: $98.88

Black is slimming and gives you the extra edge that makes you want to strut your stuff on the concrete catwalk. Throw in the leopard booties and it’s pretty much going to be a strut/dance party on the streets. Well, maybe not on the streets, but for sure in the mirror after you’ve put on the whole outfit!  xoxo – Bettina

Photos by the lovely Sara B

TGIF

Leifsdottir Silk Jacket from Anthropologie (got this on super sale ages ago) | Black Bar III Romper from Macy’s (similar) | Steve Madden Cognac Wedges (similar)

Even though it was a short week I’m still so incredibly happy that it’s Friday! This means I can get around to finally unpacking the rest of our things and getting the apartment all set-up. I wore this romper the other day to work after I had scored it on super sale at Macy’s for only 8 bucks! For work, I tied an oxford shirt and added in an neutral belt to make it more office appropriate. But for dinner, I decided to jazz it up with this silk purple jacket from Leifsdottir that I got at Anthropologie at the beginning of Summer.

I do want to check out some more super sale items that may still be on the racks from Labor Day, so hopefully I’ll have some time to do so. Did any of you score some amazing deals over the holiday weekend?