Hearts Aflutter

LC Lauren Conrad Sweater // Topshop skirt // J.Crew shoes // Fossil bag // Kate Spade earrings

Hey, ya'll! Today I'm back with a post that's great for a casual and cozy weekend out. A simple, black skirt is a wardrobe essential, and this pleated version is cute with a bit of a preppy feel. The neutral sweater I picked is sweet and a bit whimsical. This leather carryall by Fossil is great for work or casual purposes. On the subject of the shoes: as soon as I saw these babies I was head over heels. The metallic detailing makes them that much more perfect. Finally, I rounded out the look with some pearl earrings with timeless gold detailing. Très chic.

XOXO,
Kate

"Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed." Proverbs 16:8

"It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas..."

Hey all! So I've decided to post a cute little Christmas outfit I thought you'd all appreciate. I'll be wearing something similar. It's simple, sparkly, and features riding boots - what more could a girl ask for? Well, here's to hoping your Christmas is special no matter where you are.
 

Clemens en August turtleneck shirt, £95
Vince mini skirt, $177
Cordani leather boots, $483
MICHAEL Michael Kors lock necklace, $125
Givenchy pearl earrings, $32

Love you all, and thankful for your support.
XOXO,
Kate

P.S. I'm kind of a huge fan of Mariah Carey and her voice... and her live rendition of "O Holy Night" is simply marvelous. Hope you all enjoy it as much as I did!

Lush and Lovely

Lush and Lovely by prettykeenkate featuring a body con skirt

Nina ricci, €550
Body con skirt, €40
Rocha.John Rocha knee high leather boots, £88
Marc Jacobs quilted handbag, £935
Gold heart jewelry, $5,200

Today's outfit features a muted color palette focused on the details. The lace on the turtleneck, quilting on the (gorgeous Marc Jacobs Stam) bag, and contrasting tones in the riding boots pack a huge punch for an outfit that is mostly black and nothing but neutrals. This outfit is exactly as the title describes: lush and lovely. It's also gorgeous, glamorous, and oh so fun to wear.

Have a great weekend!
XOXO,
Kate

P.S. The Marc Jacobs Stam bag featured in this post is marvelous, right?  Well, I found a Carlos Santana look alike here. One of its best features? The price: $98.

Cozy Cognac - Cognac Boots, Three Ways (Part One)

Cozy Cognac by prettykeenkate featuring skinny jeans

Ralph Lauren Black Label cable knit sweater, $400
Abercrombie & Fitch skinny jeans, $78
Fendi boots, $1,100
Cashmere scarve, £395

If you're anything like me, you definitely take huge advantage of the fact that fall/winter is boot season. One of the most treasured boots out there is the riding boot. In order to showcase their versatility, over the next few weeks I'll feature three different outfits based around cognac riding boots. This first outfit is a comfy look perfect for when you want to look good without trying too hard. A yummy cable-knit sweater embellished with a printed scarf personifies cozy chic. Normally, I don't recommend wearing skinny jeans, but they're great for avoiding bulk when tucked into boots. I've yet to try stirrups like these (have any of you?), but I have a feeling they work pretty well too. Happy Sunday, and have a lovely week, darlings! 
XOXO, 
Kate 

To Autumn

To Autumn by prettykeenkate featuring a mini skirt

Marc by Marc Jacobs longsleeve shirt, $200
Boutique by Jaeger mini skirt, £60
Qupid leopard flat, $26
Mary Portas Radley cross body handbag, £159
Fallon white pearl necklace, $265 

A femininely prim (but still really fun!) look for fall. One of my favorite things about autumn is the beautiful changing of the leaves, which I think the tones in this outfit represent really well. In case you haven't noticed, leopard shoes have been huge these past few weeks/months, and the ones I feature here are a nice, inexpensive option. Since the outfit is so simple, I think they helped to add interest, along with the statement pearls. A nice, buttery leather bag in cognac is the perfect finishing touch. 

Below, the poem "To Autumn" by John Keats (this post's namesake). Enjoy! 

    

 To Autumn

SEASON of mists and mellow fruitfulness!
Close bosom-friend of the maturing sun;
Conspiring with him how to load and bless
With fruit the vines that round the thatch-eaves run;
To bend with apples the moss'd cottage-trees,
And fill all fruit with ripeness to the core;
To swell the gourd, and plump the hazel shells
With a sweet kernel; to set budding more,
And still more, later flowers for the bees,
Until they think warm days will never cease,
For Summer has o'er-brimm'd their clammy cells.
Who hath not seen thee oft amid thy store?
Sometimes whoever seeks abroad may find
Thee sitting careless on a granary floor,
Thy hair soft-lifted by the winnowing wind;
Or on a half-reap'd furrow sound asleep,
Drowsed with the fume of poppies, while thy hook
Spares the next swath and all its twinèd flowers;
And sometimes like a gleaner thou dost keep
Steady thy laden head across a brook;
Or by a cider-press, with patient look,
Thou watchest the last oozings hours by hours.
Where are the songs of Spring? Ay, where are they?
Think not of them, thou hast thy music too,—
While barrèd clouds bloom the soft-dying day,
And touch the stubble-plains with rosy hue;
Then in a wailful choir the small gnats mourn
Among the river sallows, borne aloft
Or sinking as the light wind lives or dies;
And full-grown lambs loud bleat from hilly bourn;
Hedge-crickets sing; and now with treble soft
The redbreast whistles from a garden-croft;
And gathering swallows twitter in the skies.

                                            

XOXO,
Kate

P.S. I got the text of the poem here. 

Sunday Morning Prep

Sunday Morning Prep by prettykeenkate featuring logo tote bags

J Crew plaid long sleeve shirt, $72
Maje short pleated skirt, $240
Sperry loafer, $98
Dooney Bourke logo tote bag, $168
Knot jewelry, $89
Old Navy Girls Cable-Knit Sweater Vests, $17

A cute, simple look that's presentable without being over the top or too stuffed-up. What I like most about it is that each and every piece is timeless and a great investment. I like to have fun with my clothes, and I think the gingham and plaid print mixing, as well as the varying textures and fabrics,  lighten the mood of the outfit a bit and give it a summer-in-October feel. I've been admiring this sterling silver James Avery cuff bracelet for a while, and since it's fairly reasonably priced, am considering taking the plunge. It's simple, yet detailed; casual, yet elegant. Another bonus of this outfit: cable-knit, which is one of my favorite things associated with fall - how about you?
XOXO,
Kate

A Labor of Love

Happy Labor Day, everyone! I know my sentiment is a little early, but I thought I'd like to treat you all to some outfit inspiration for the long weekend ahead. Hope you like!

AEast Coast by prettykeenkate featuring long sleeve collared shirts

Theory long sleeve collared shirt, £83
Aerie low rise shorts, $25
American Eagle Outfitters shoes
Summer tote, $21
Kate Spade engraved jewelry, $42

Untitled by prettykeenkate featuring a halter bikini

Aerie smocked dress, $30
American Eagle Outfitters halter bikini, $15
American Eagle Outfitters striped bikini, $15
American Eagle Outfitters wedge sandals, $40
American Eagle Outfitters sunglasses

Untitled by prettykeenkate featuring an elbow sleeve tee

American Eagle Outfitters elbow sleeve tee, $15
American Eagle Outfitters shorts
American Eagle Outfitters shoes
American Eagle Outfitters striped handbag, $22
American Eagle Outfitters floral shawl, $15

Untitled by prettykeenkate featuring draped tops

American Eagle Outfitters draped top, $30
American Eagle Outfitters white tank, $15
American Eagle Outfitters zipper jeans, $40
American Eagle Outfitters sandals, $50
American Eagle Outfitters jewelry, $16

If you notice a common theme, almost one hundred percent of the products in these looks are from American Eagle. Well, the story is that American Eagle had a contest on Polyvore a few months ago that I entered. These sets all have a beachy feel, and I thought they would be just perfect for a post like this.

Have a happy, safe, and fun Labor Day weekend. 
XOXO, 
Kate 

P.S. In case you didn't know, Pretty Keen is now on Facebook. If you like what you see here, feel free to become a fan! :)

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.