Stars and Stripes - Oh So Jackie O.

Stars & Stripes - Oh So Jackie O by ShesSoStylish featuring faux pearl bracelets

Happy Fourth of July, everyone! This look is a throwback to the polished times of the 50s and early 60s, and  gives a nod to the stylishly patriotic Jacqueline Kennedy. Flats, skirts, and femininely tailored jackets anchor this preppy look while the classic and girly accessories jazz it up.

I'm so thankful to be a citizen of the beautiful country of the United States of America, and I hope this set has inspired you to go out there and rock some red, white, and blue. For more motivation, look no further than another American classic, Tommy Hilfiger. Boy do I love that man. 

Hugs and (patriotic!) kisses, 

Kate

"Summertime, and the Living is Easy"

"Summertime, and the Living is Easy" by Pretty Keen featuring skinny leg jeans

J Crew long top, $70
Seven For All Mankind skinny leg jeans, 200 EUR
Diane von Furstenberg flat slip on shoes, $70
Marc by marc jacobs bag, 130 GBP
Kate Spade aqua jewelry, $98

This look is perfect for an easy, breezy day out. As soon as I saw those leafy DVF espadrilles, I knew I had to feature them in a post. All of the bright tones really add some pop and punch to the ensemble, making it super fun to wear. Roll up the shirt's sleeves to show off your bangle and you're ready to conquer anything. 
XOXO, 
Kate
 P.S. Click here to watch a video of Ella Fitzgerald singing "Summertime" (where I derived my post's title from.) 

Beachy Bargains

Beachy Bargains by Pretty Keen featuring espadrille shoes

1.Old Navy scoop neck tee, $8.50; 2. Old Navy wedge heels, $17; 3. Tommy Hilfiger wedge heels, $45; 4. Old Navy bikini top and bottom, $15 each; 5. Old Navy bracelet, $11; 6.Fornash necklace, $68; 7. Old Navy pea coat (little girls'), $22; 8. Calypso for Target wedges, $30; 9. Target tote bag, $20; 10. Old Navy boat shoes, $23.

Who doesn't enjoy a good bargain? Above are some of my favorite deals I've found online, featuring some splendid nautical looks for summer. I figure that since I recently spotlighted nautical Lilly Pulitzer products, it'd be a great idea for me to do a post showing that you can encounter beautiful, beachy basics at any price point.

XOXO, 

Kate

Liking Lilly

Liking Lilly by Pretty Keen featuring tote bags

Sandal, $168
Tote bag, $118
Necklace, $118
Lilly Pulitzer scarf, $168
"Lilly Pulitzer" Just a Little Knotty Wedge at Lilly Pulitzer, $178

Recently I saw a Lilly Pulitzer add featuring some lovely things, so I headed over to their website and sure liked what I saw. Summer is beginning and now more than ever it's time to kick the nautical look into full gear. The items above are my favorites and I like them all for pretty much the same reason: their summery, nautical glamness. The metallic sandals would look great with white jeans, the striped tote is a sweet basic with a pop of pink, the necklace is an awesome touch to an understated, casual look, and I have never seen such a perfect pair of espadrilles. That leaves us with the Murfee scarf. I've been wanting a Lilly Pulitzer Murfee scarf for a few months now and am thinking this may be the print for me. The navy blue keeps it versatile and basic while the sailboats are seriously preppy. Plus, it has a healthy dose of pink, and we all know I appreciate that. :)

Happy Sailing, 
Kate

Argyle Style

Argyle Style by Pretty Keen featuring a pleated skirt

MNG by Mango argyle cardigan, $64
Miu Miu pleated skirt, $640
Bertie black shoes, 64 GBP
Yves Saint Laurent summer tote, 845 GBP
Briolette freshwater pearl necklace, $70

Fresh and fun. I like that this adheres to the preppy aesthetic, while the prints give it a certain kooky feel - and I enjoy that in clothes. An argyle sweater is a great thing to have in your closet and the navy featured in this one ties the bag into the outfit very well. The green of the skirt makes the outfit so much more vibrant and the polka dots are show-stopping. 

On a side note, Pretty Keen has over 500 views! Thank you all so much and thank You, Jesus! 

XOXO, 

Kate

An Ode to Pink

Take a second and enjoy this lovely video (commissioned by Kate Spade) that is a tribute to the most fabulously girly of colors: pink.
Below, I provided some inspiration on how to incorporate the color pink into your wardrobe, whether you want to go all-out or would prefer just a hint of it here or there.
 

Think Pink! by ShesSoStylish

Mink Pink blouse, $67
Coach tweed blazer, $348
Me Too flat shoes, $74
Kate Spade flap handbag, $395
Kate Spade printed handbag, $325
Banana republic handbag, $120
Longchamp plastic handbag, 28 GBP
Kate Spade couture jewelry, $78
Pink shawl, 8.50 GBP
O.P.I. - Nail Lacquer - It's A Girl! - Pink Softshades Collection .5..., $8.50
- Pink Amanda Sm Flower RBoot - 8 : Target, $30

Pink is such a flattering color and comes in such a variety of shades, I promise you if you put some of it in your life - or wardrobe - today, you won't regret it.
Hugs and kisses,
Kate

Meet the Hilfigers

What is there to say about this Tommy Hilfiger ad? It is perfection. The models are gorgeous to begin with, but the almost cliché preppy looks they're styled in are amazing. Some serious inspiration there. I like everything about this commercial - especially the cheeky and playful feel. Those Hilfigers...I love 'em.

XOXO,
Kate

MNG by Mango Contest

I was on Polyvore today and I saw there was a contest going on by MNG by Mango (available at JCPenney). Basically, the rules are you have to use at least one item by the brand in your set. Well, I ended up producing several sets I'm really very pleased with, all of which I would wear myself and are extrememly versatile. Enjoy. :)

Stylish Prep by ShesSoStylish on Polyvore.com

MNG by mango, $45
Cord short, 18 GBP
Tory Burch wedge heel sandal, $175
Tory Burch straw tote, 329 GBP
Chopard bracelet

Chic by ShesSoStylish on Polyvore.com

MNG by Mango long sleeve top, $48
Miss Selfridge high waisted black pants, 40 GBP
Christian Louboutin high heel pumps, $895
Valentino black tote, 1,319 GBP
Dahlia white jewelry, $130
Biba gold cocktail ring, 2,750 GBP

Metallic Classics by ShesSoStylish on Polyvore.com

MNG by Mango woven dress, $110
TopShop trench coat, $180
Ballerina flat, $275
Marc Jacobs studded handbag, 888 GBP
Juicy Couture multi chain necklace, $168
Lipstick - Red 13 w-c, $28
Red nailpolish from H&M (www.hm.com)

Striking Stripes by ShesSoStylish on Polyvore.com

MNG by Mango boatneck top, $40
Star by Julien Macdonald dark blue jean, 45 GBP
Sperry shoes, $84
London Undercover flap handbag, $300
Milly nautical jewelry, $165

Nautical Fun by ShesSoStylish on Polyvore.com

MNG by Mango shirt dress, $80
Forever21 espadrilles wedge, $25
Kate Spade dog tote bag, $295

Love,
Kate

The Playful Prep

The Playful Prep by PrettyKeen featuring sterling silver jewelry
Another outfit that I'd really enjoy wearing myself -- and the bag is absolutely darling!

Cable Knit Bliss

It's about one week into December, and dressing season-appropriately is crucial. Of course, the most basic winter essential is the sweater. Personally, my favorite kind will always be the cozy cable knit. This preppy, classic staple has many different manifestations and pretty much comes in any color, meaning that it can go with just about anything. Most recently, cable knit has been popping up on scarves, gloves, purses and more. So this winter, invest in a couple of cable-knit products of your choice. You'll be glad that you did. 

The most basic of the cable-knit kind, the crewneck sweater looks amazing with jeans, and tall equestrian boots like these Ralph Lauren beauties. Throw a navy blue blazer on to complete the look and you're good to go!

Also, Cashmere doesn't just have to be worn...it's also a great touch on home decor and can make your pillows and throws extra cuddly. The throws by Ralph Lauren is super luxe, and he also has pillows and travel sets.

Happy Shopping!
--Kate
These are NOT my images. No copyright infringement intended.