Put a Vest on It

Lessons in Layering. Put a Vest on It | The Kina's Blog

Forever 21 Faux Fur Vest | Free People Billie Jean Thermal | Levi’s DIY Distressed Boyfriend Jeans (similar) | Crystal Necklace (similar) | All Saints Canvas Boots

Layering. I can’t remember when it all started, but layering has become a VERY VERY important part of getting dressed. Whether it’s 2 or 5 layers, I honestly don’t think there are very many Fall or Winter days that go by when I haven’t layered. I’ve definitely made some huge errors in layering by either piling on too much, or not selecting the right lengths, but one conclusion I’ve drawn from my layering journey is when all else fails just put a vest on it. It works all year round, a faux fur for winter and a light linen one in the Summer. It’s just so easy and makes a the perfect third piece!

Crystal Statement Necklace | The Kina's BlogSimple Layering. Put a Vest on It | The Kina's Blog

Thanksgiving Wear: Dress It Up or Dress It Down

J.Crew Tartan Button Up | Forever 21 Puffer Vest (similar) | Levi’s DIY Skinny Boyfriend Jeans (similar) | Ecote Taupe Booties

Sara B from Glitter and Grace and I had such a good time collaborating on How to Wear Denim on Denim, that we decided we needed to do it again. Since Sara has such an amazing collection of party dresses I knew it’d be perfect to create a dressed up and down Thanksgiving themed post. So, if you’re at a loss as to what to wear this Thursday you can narrow down your options by asking yourself, “Is my soiree a dress it up or dress it down event?”

Sara’s beautiful jewel tone frock and leopard sweater are perfect for a fanciful dinner with families and friends. She did an awesome job at re-purposing this dress by wearing a leopard sweater over her dress. All she did was fold up the bottom half and belt it, and it was a whole new holiday outfit. Ladies I’d keep this tactic in mind when dressing for the holiday’s. Make sure you pick up some pieces that you can layer with to mix and match your options.

My go to dressed down holiday look always, ALWAYS involves a plaid print of some sorts. Make it red or green and hello you’re set. I opted for my favorite J.Crew Tartan print button up, comfy boyfriend jeans and my taupe puffer vest. Throwing some variation of these three pieces together guarantees you’ll be looking chic and be comfortable all at the same time. Whether you’re casually celebrating with your family, or you can’t make it home for the holidays and are attending a Friendsgiving, plaid, a puffer and denim always work.

Make sure you head over to Glitter and Grace to see her complete look! P.S she took these fabulous photos!

How to Wear Denim on Denim

Dark Denim Button Up | Distressed Boyfriend Jeans or Skinny Distressed Boyfriend Jeans | Urban Outfitters Woven Belt (similar) | Nine West Nude Pumps (similar)

The Canadian Tuxedo. I’ll admit, the first time I wore this look I was a little scared, but after I stood in front of the mirror all I could say was “Oh hey Girl!” It was love at first outfit. I love myself a good monochromatic look, so thinking back I realize I shouldn’t have been surprised by the outcome. Luckily Glitter and Grace had the same sentiments so when we got together last week we both wore our own takes on this trend. Make sure you pop over to Sara’s blog to see how she wore it! (P.S. Glitter and Grace is also the lovely friend who takes my lovely outfit photos!)

How to Wear Denim on Denim Tips

  • Light and Dark. When selecting your top and bottoms, pick one slightly darker wash. Sara opted for dark on bottom and light on top, while I wore the opposite look. 
  • One Shade. If you opt to go for a complete monochromatic look opt for darker denim. Wearing the same tone on top and bottom can be unflattering if you select light denim. Again, this all depends on your body type and comfort level, but dark will work for most of us.
  • The easiest pairing is going to be a collared button-up, and either a pair of cropped skinnies or skinny boyfriend jeans. These are pieces you likely already have in your closet and work together to give off a very relaxed vibe. 
  • Don’t look like a cowgirl. Well, unless you want to, then go right ahead. But, if you’re avoiding that look pair your outfit with a pair of cute wedges, heels or booties. This gives your look some extra height and adds a touch of chicness. 
  • The One Tuck or Half Tuck is Your Homegirl. Want to look like this was all unintentional? Ironic I know since I’m intentionally instructing you on how to wear denim on denim, but if you want that extra cool factor pop in an interesting tuck. Whether it’s a half or a one tuck, looking like you just rolled out in a Canadian tuxedo makes it that much better. 

Let us know if you have any questions, we’d love to help you all dabble in the world of denim on denim this season! xoxo- Bettina

Ps. I know I promised you all a post on how to distress your own denim. I promise it’s coming next week!

Time To Color Block

Red Silk Chloe Blouse | Mint Green J.Crew Skinny Jeans | Zara Shopper Tote | J.Crew Classic Bangles | Snake Skin Madewell Sandals

TGIF. It’s time for some Friday’s Fancies! This week’s theme over at Long Distance Loving was color blocking (make sure to check all the lovely ladies out). Lately I’ve been loving the combination of mint green and bold red. Throw in some neutral accessories and some python print flats and you’re ready for the weekend. I’m really hoping these mint green J.Crew skinnies will go on sale soon so I can add them to my closet!

May your weekend be filled with Peace, Love & Style – Bettina

HOW TO Wear a Floral Print Blouse…

How to wear a floral print blouse is the last installment in the floral print series. You can check out how we styled the H&M floral print pant and skirt here and here. Just like the rest of the looks, we opted to mix in some neutral and bold pieces to play up the fun print of the blouse. We paired a pair of khaki trousers, neutral accessories and bold cobalt blue pumps with the floral blouse. I’ve found the floral blouse to be very versatile, you can pair it  with a leather skirt for date night, or a pair of denim cut-offs and bikini for a beach day. Hope you all enjoyed the floral series!

 Blouse, Khaki’s & Shoes: H&M // Bracelets: INPink // Clutch: Marc by Marc Jacobs

How to Wear Floral Print Pants…

Day 2 of our how to style floral print series brings us face to face with the coveted $14.95 H&M trousers. These pants scream Spring has arrived, and if you’re not ready to mix in a bold print or bright color, this how to is perfect for you. A lot of times my friends will say, “oh Bettina, only you can pull that off,” but I always disagree with them. I’m a big believer that we can all rock any trend, we just have to style the look within our own comfort zone. Today’s how to includes mixing in a white button up, neutral heels and some bold accessories. Keep scrolling to see how it’s done!

The Look… Pants: H&M // White Button-up: Madewell (old) // Shoes: Sam Edelman //  Jewelry: Jessica Simpson, J.Crew, F21 & Michael Kors // Purse: The Cambridge Satchel Company

*I apologize for the sub-par photos today, lighting, time and angles all played a role.

How To Wear a Floral Print Skirt…

Florals are in full fledge bloom this Spring season, and H&M and Zara’s fabulous price points have made this trend accesible to any and every fashionista. It’s always difficult to invest in seasonal trends, so I was super stoked to scoop up this H&M floral skirt for less than $50!

When I first got home I was a little intimidated by the bold print and wasn’t too sure about how I should style my new find, so I opted to mix in some neutrals and ease my way into the floral print craze. Since I know many of us may be on the fence when it comes to bright colors, prints and patterns, I thought I would share how I mix the bold florals of Spring with neutral basics we all already have in our closets. This week I’ll be sharing a three-day series on how to mix H&M’s floral prints with basic neutral pieces. Today we’ll style the skirt (keep scrolling for the how to), tomorrow we’ll focus on floral print pants and Thursday we’ll rock the versatile billowy floral blouse.

How many of you have taken advantage of H&M and Zara’s floral print price points? I’d love to hear how you would style a floral print skirt!

The Look… Skirt: H&M // Chambray Top: Madewell // Purse: The Limited (old) // Bracelets: J.Crew & Ann Taylor // Shoes: INC Macy’s (old)