Simple Stripes

Old Navy tank top (similar here) / Miu Miu blazer (similar here) / Topshop jeans / Topshop sandals (similar here) / Simply Soles earrings

Hey guys, I apologize for not posting sooner, but I've been a bit busy, hopefully you all understand. Today's look features a striped tank, camel blazer, braided metallic sandals, and colorful earrings. Put together and fresh. Hope you all have a lovely weekend!

XOXO,
Kate

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." - Psalm 46:1, NIV

P.S. Most of this stuff is sold out, don't worry, I'll add similars by tomorrow night! xoxo

EDIT (2:03 PM, 8/11/12): The similars have been added, thanks for being patient!

The Minimalist

Zara dress/ By Malene Birger jacket, similar here / Franco Sarto heels / Marc by Marc Jacobs bag

Today's look centers around a classic shift dress. Shift dresses are perfect because you can wear them any place you need that extra polish, meaning they're practical for both work and play. A pale, blush pink is universally flattering and a great color to wear any time of the year. One of my favorite color combinations is pink and navy blue, and this double-breasted blazer adds a nautical twist. I finished off the look with a straw bag (summertime essential) and some strappy heels.

Hope your weekend was lovely!
XOXO,
Kate

"Set a guard over my mouth, O LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips." - Psalm 141:3

Sparkles and Stripes

Kain tank, similar here

Paul by Paul Smith blazer, similar here
Markus Lupfer shorts
Office Espadrilles
Rebecca Minkoff mini M.A.C. bag
Kate Spade necklace, similar here (only $38!)

This was a very fun look to create. I'm very much into the "nautical" look every time of year, especially summer, so this was right up my ally. The striped shorts have a lovely color-combo - who wouldn't enjoy a touch of pink? The blush tank is very beautiful and a bit more dressed up than a typical tee, while the golden espadrilles are ultra fun. The blazer pulls the outfit together just-so. The gorgeous finishing touches are this fab Kate Spade necklace and a current it-bag, Rebecca Minkoff's mini-M.A.C. - pick it up in black and you can wear it with anything.

Here's to a great summer! 
XOXO,
Kate

"From Mount Zion, the perfection of beauty, God shines in glorious radiance. Our God approaches, and he is not silent." - Psalm 50:2-3

Summer Breeze

Quiksilver dress

Elizabeth and James blazer
Ralph Lauren Collection sandals
3.1 Phillip Lim 31 hour bag
Lilly Pulitzer bangles

Hey guys! Today I'm back with a great look for almost any occasion over the summer. This light, airy dress is a perfect LWD (little white dress) that can be easily dressed up or down. I decided to pair it with a classic but on-trend mint green blazer, which adds the perfect amount of structure. To top it off I chose cognac sandals and a a beautiful minimalist Philip Lim bag. Can we just take a minute to enjoy how luxe, timeless, functional, and buttery-soft it is? Absolute perfection. Bright, cheery bangles bring in the rear and continue the sherbert color scheme.

Hope you guys have a great Memorial Day weekend!
XOXO,
Kate
  
"I will praise you forever, O God, for what you have done." - Psalm 52:9

Wild About Leopard Print

TIBI blazer

Uniqlo pants
Uniqlo button down
Mulberry heels
Kate Spade purse

Hey guys, it's Kate here, popping in with a new look. Leopard print is one of my favorite things to wear (when it's done the right way), and this jacket is absolutely beautiful. The rest of the look is simple, crisp and clean - which is what you should aim for when complementing such a bold piece. The shoes are Mulberry and darling and perfect.

Hope you guys all have a lovely week and enjoy the warm weather!
XOXO,
Kate

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take." - Proverbs 3:5-6, NLT

Springtime Colors

Alice Ritter blouse, $110 

Rag & Bone jacket, $120
Maison Scotch pants, $110 
PeepToe shoes, $160 
Dooney & Bourke Satchel, $278

Now that spring is in the air, I decided to feature an outfit with touches of poppy colors that really liven it up. All of these pieces are gorgeous - the chinos, blazer, and bag are great wardrobe staples, and the gingham top has a bit of a retro feel while the pumps are a fabulous statement piece. Which colors will you be sporting this spring?

XOXO,
Kate

"The name of the Lord is a strong fortress; the godly run to Him and are safe." - Proverbs 18:10

Minty Fresh

Juicy Couture blazer, $200, similar here (scroll down)
Polo Shirt : Target, $8.99
Old Navy skirt, $30 
Reiss pumps, $245
ASOS clutch, $27

Now that spring is about to kick into full swing, I'm more ready than ever to break out the pastels. I paired a simple black skirt and pointy-toe heels (so pretty) with this stunning Juicy Couture blazer. I recently bought myself a similar one from JC Penney by their Olsenboye brand, which is headed up by Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen. Honestly, I was amazed that a $20-ish blazer (I know, such a deal!) could make me feel as chic/fabulous/amazing as I did while wearing it. Since then I am convinced a striped black and white blazer is a staple - it goes perfectly with so many things! I placed a simple yellow polo underneath it and finished off the look with a mint green clutch. Remember this post where I said mint is a major trend? Well, I know that was a full two weeks ago, but it's still totally true. The best part about this clutch is how affordable and easy to work into an outfit it is - ideal characteristics for a trendy piece. Anywho, I think the stripes plus yellow plus mint plus pointy toe heels equals one fantabulous outfit. 

Have a lovely week, everyone! 

XOXO, 
Kate 

"How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the messenger who brings good news, the good news of peace and salvation, the news that the God of Israel reigns!" - Isaiah 52:7, NLT 

Brown and Blue, Classic and Cute

Old Navy top, $23
J Crew blazer, $118
Forever 21 skirt, $13
Minnetonka shoes, $44
Coach bag, $198

Today's look is a simple, cute, and conservative. I enjoy wearing skirts very much, and I like the femininity this skirt plus the ruffled top give to the classic schoolboy-style blazer. The bag is from Coach classics, which is is a practically perfect collection - such good investments! - and the shoes are Minnetonka moccasins, an interesting alternative to the standard penny loafers one might expect with "preppy" looks such as this one. I really like this look - as the title says, it's classic and cute!

Have a happy Friday - and happy March, everyone!

XOXO,
Kate

P.S. I've decided to from now on place an encouraging Bible verse beneath my signature on every post - hope it blesses you guys! Below is my first:

"If you prize wisdom, she will make you great. Embrace her, and she will honor you. She will place a lovely wreath on your head; she will present you with a beautiful crown." - Proverbs 4:8-9, NLT

In the Winter...In the Summer

Hey all! This post I've decided to show three different classic items and how you can wear them now (in the winter) and later (in the summer). Hope you like!

First up, a piped cardigan from H&M:

H&m cardigan, £15
J.Crew jeans, $98
Hunter red rubber boots, $125
Cambridge Satchel, £84
Carolee earrings, $24
Scarf, $25

H&m cardigan, £15
Forever 21 skirt, $20
Jack Rogers platinum shoes, $199
MICHAEL Michael Kors handbag, $298
Emilio Pucci scarf, $205
Tory Burch sunnies, $150



And next, a royal blue dress (so gorgeous!) 

Delias dress, $40
Zac Posen blazer, £369, similar here.
Betsey johnson tights, $15 
BaubleBar Necklace, $124
Intrude shoes, $110

Delias dress, $40
J Crew cardigan, $62
Vera Bradley purse, $54
ASOS necklace, $7.16
Hilser shoes, $50



Last but not least, a feminine tie-neck blouse:  
 

H&M polka dot top, £13
J Crew peacoat, $198
Zara jeans, $50
Madewell boots, $248
DKNY watch, $135

H&M polka dot blouse, £13
Old Navy skirt, $30
Sam Edelman sandals, $100
Fornash bracelet, $25

Hope you've enjoyed my post! What's your favorite look? Have a wonderful weekend. 

XOXO, 
Kate 

Plaid Prestige

Pink blazer, £485
Wide leg pants
Christian Louboutin stiletto heels, £495
Marc jacobs bag, €995
Janis By Janis Savitt chain necklace, $569
Tennis bracelet, $24,995

Another sophisticated winter look, this outfit would work for a holiday party or any other occasion you'd like to dress up for. Plaid blazers are wonderful for Christmastime, and the pink tones and sharp tailoring of this one make it especially feminine. Wide-leg black pants balance it out perfectly, while the black bag and shoes extend the outfit's elegance. I've recently begun liking the look of layered chains...these add such luxury and drama. And diamonds, well, diamonds just go with everything, don't they?

XOXO,
Kate

Inspired by...

White blouse, $176
Ralph lauren blazer, £289
Ganni pleated mini skirt, €120
Mid heel boots, $190

Bracelet, Fornash, $45

Today's look is a super cute, put-together outfit inspired by a couple of different sources. When I spotted Kate Middleton wearing this lovely ruffled top during the Canada tour she and William embarked on shortly after they were married, I knew I wanted to replicate the look with a navy blue blazer as soon as possible. I also grew attached to this look after finding it on tumblr (though I think it's probably originally from Unabashedly Prep - do any of you happen to know?). Basically, I combined the two looks into one wearable hybrid. What do you think: is this a case of fashion thievery, or simple resourcefulness?

Smiles,
Kate

A Touch of Pink

A touch of pink by prettykeenkate featuring a bowler handbag

Holmes Yang cap sleeve blouse, $715
The Row blazer, $1,890
Planet straight leg pants, £69
Vince Camuto black pumps, $118
Armani Jeans bowler handbag, £130
Mulberry engraved jewelry, $320

Navy blue is a great neutral to wear and very fun to work with. I really like sharp tailoring, and this look delivers that with a very feminine and fashion-forward twist. This beautiful top adds a great pop of color to the suit, keeping it from appearing too boring or serious. Tie-neck blouses add a gorgeous ounce of girliness to any outfit and work with a number of things. This top is from Katie Holmes' line Holmes & Yang, which I've recently been very impressed with. Gold is the perfect tone to compliment navy blue with, and classic bangles are a sophisticated embellishment. Finally,  don't be afraid to mix navy blue and black! A lot of people say it's a fashion no-no, but I believe there are many ways to do this color combination right. My method behind this outfit was to keep the black to the accessories and the blue to the parts of the suit. Keeping the purse and shoes both patent was also a way of bringing unity to them.

Hope you all have had a great Thanksgiving week!
Smiles,
Kate

An Equestrian and a Scholar - Cognac Boots, Three Ways (Part 3)

An Equestrian and a Scholar by prettykeenkate featuring a smythe blazer

Smythe blazer, $384
Nudie Jeans Co. skinny jeans, $199
TopShop leather boots, $280
Rebecca Minkoff leopard print clutch, $350
French Connection semi precious jewelry, $43

To close out my "Cognac Boots, Three Ways" series (you can find parts one and two here and here, respectively), I decided to showcase a very equestrian-inspired outfit. I really like how its simple elements come together to make one chic and stylish look that's both classic and youthful. I worked almost mono-chromatically and accessorized in an understated way (although the leopard-print clutch adds a nice dose of pizazz). This is definitely a look I would like to wear over and over again, and one that would appeal to proper ladies and tomboys alike, proving this: no matter what, simplicity is beautiful.

Have a lovely weekend!
XOXO,
Kate

P.S. I feel as if this look is very Duchess of Cambridge, no?

Fresh Fall

Fresh Fall by prettykeenkate featuring marc by marc jacobs handbags

Moschino Cheap Chic cotton blazer, $394
J Brand straight leg jeans, $165
Marc by marc jacobs handbag, £100
Fornash, $55
Fornash, $25

A cute, simple look appropriate for fall. This classic blazer-jeans combination is the perfect example of a casual yet put together outfit. Military inspired elements in the jacket add some interest while the tote adds a great pop of color in a punchy and autumnal orange. The jewelry is by Fornash, which I discovered a while ago and have been really excited about ever since. All of their stuff is super cute, preppy, current, and well-priced. Plus, don't the earrings add a very Van Cleef touch? Luxe. 

Happy fall, everybody!  
XOXO, 
Kate 

"Oh Bennie, She's Really Keen."

Bennie and the Jets by Pretty Keen featuring kenneth cole reaction sunglasses

Mulberry ruched blouse, 450 GBP
D g, 455 GBP
Paul & Joe mid rise jeans, $280
Kitten shoes, $110
Kenneth cole reaction sunglass, $50

Color Blocking (especially popular right now)
Sharp Tailoring (always a good idea)
Giant Sunglasses (a la Elton John) 
In an outfit, what else do you  need? 


XOXO, 
Kate


Title taken from the song "Bennie and the Jets" by Elton John

Wardrobe Basics

 "You spend so much money filling your entire closet and then at the end you only wear like ten things. Why not make your whole closet about those ten things?" - Jean Yang

The quotation above is a  great fashion philosophy to live by. Sticking with the classics and essentials is always an amazingly wise choice when it comes to clothing. Recently I've been trying to think twice before I hop on the trend train and really go for investment pieces instead, and my wardrobe has been thanking me. One benefit of investing in wardrobe staples is that you can work with them and mold them into nearly any look you like. As I've said before, that's really what my blog is all about - putting a new twist on something timeless.

Wardrobe Basics by Pretty Keen 
Above are 10 things I consider to be apparel basics. It's not so much about the brand they are but the pieces themselves and their versatility, which will truly last a lifetime. I know the color palate is pretty muted, but neutrals are most flexible. If you could only buy ten things to keep in your closet, it'd be a wise choice to make them these.
Top row from left: black blazer, trench coat, little black dress, basic tee, crisp white button-down.
Bottom row from left: pearl necklace, black flats, nude heels, dark-wash jeans, pencil skirt.

Click on image for full product listing. 

Much love and happy wardrobe building,
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