Double Take: Alexa Chung in Metallics

BCBG Max Azria dress // Lucky Brand flats (on sale!) // Brooks Brothers bag // Tom Ford lipstick //

As many of you already know, Alexa Chung is the fashion world's resident It Girl, and has been for a few years now. Her style is prim and classic, but not in a predictable way. Everything she wears is decidedly fresh, and the confidence with which she wears it comes across as nothing short of cool. Recently I've been paying more and more attention to what she wears, and I'm (unsurprisingly) liking what I'm seeing. Not too long ago Alexa stepped out to a shop opening wearing a metallic lace dress, Mary Jane flats, a straw bag, and tousled hair. Well, as a part of a new series here on the blog I decided to see what I could do to come up with my own version of her ensemble. The look I created features a similar dress with beautiful fluttered sleeves. Although Alexa mixes metallics in her look, I kept the shades of the shoes and dress pretty similar in mine, although I wouldn't mind trying a gold or bronze shoe with it as well. I accented with a gorgeous cross-body bag from Brooks Brothers to mimic Alexa's laid back purse and a soft lip by Tom Ford. 

XOXO,
Kate

"Promise me, O women of Jerusalem, by the gazelles and wild deer, not to awaken love until the time is right." - Song of Solomon 2:7

Hello, Autumn.

Delia's jacket // Repetto flats, $280 // Marc by Marc Jacobs bag // See Thru Soul Jeans

Hey, you all! Today's look is a bit more casual and touches on the military trend. Personally I think a nice military jacket is a great closet staple to have - they can be so versatile! Recently colored jeans have been quite prominent, and this gray pair is a nice neutral to add to one's collection. Simple black ballerina flats and a dreamy yet practical bag contribute to the outfit's utilitarian feel. Hope you all are doing well!

XOXO,
Kate

"But Christ has rescued us from the curse pronounced by the law. When he was hung on the cross, he took upon himself the curse for our wrongdoing. For it is written in the Scriptures, “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.” Through Christ Jesus, God has blessed the Gentiles with the same blessing he promised to Abraham, so that we who are believers might receive the promised Holy Spirit through faith." - Galatians 3:13-14

Spittin' Image: Smoking Shoes

Shoes from left: Gap Suede Loafers in Electric Fuchsia, $40; Cole Haan Air Morgan Slipper Ballet in Azalea Nubuck, $118; Stubbs & Wootten Quince Fuchsia Slippers, $400

Hey Guys! Hope your weekend was nice. Today I've decided to introduce a new segment on my blog called "Spittin' Image." Every so often I'll update you all on some of my favorite finds and their more modestly priced look-alikes. After all, who doesn't glory in a good deal? This week I'm starting out with featuring these little beauties after spying today's Daily Fancy by Matchbook Magazine. Whether you call them slippers, loafers, smoking shoes, or just flats, it's no doubt this style shoe has been everywhere recently. Not only are they currently on-trend, but they're also a classic piece that will serve your wardrobe well for many seasons to come. As my favorite color is pink, it's plain to see why these caught my eye - and they bring a fresh take to this wardrobe staple.

XOXO,
Kate
  
"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." - Psalm 119:105

Fishy Fishy

Carven jacket

J.Crew jeans
Tory Burch flats, similar here
Michael Kors tote
Juicy Couture earrings, similar here (also Juicy Couture) 

Summer is a great time to break out faded jeans and recently I've been finding that I really like jeans with a straight and polished cut. The yellow jacket is very cute and a touch retro - plus the creaminess of the hue is extremely flattering. Simple, nude flats are an essential, and I quite like this understated Tory Burch pair. A simple snakeskin tote bag hits the nail on the head when it comes to mixing practicality and luxury, while these fish-shaped earrings add a playful, happy touch. Too cute, right?

XOXO,
Kate

"This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us." - 1 John 3:13, NIV

Cool Beans & Some Tunes

Diane von Furstenberg top

Rag & Bone jeans
Madewell flats
Dooney Bourke bag
Ray-Ban sunnies

One of the reasons I like leopard print so much is that it really functions as a neutral. Blacks, browns, and virtually any other color in the book look great when paired with leopard-print accessories. Today's look features leopard-print shoes paired with black basics and a bright orange top - how cute is the tie-neck? Everybody needs a good pair of sunnies, and wayfarers are a great, timeless shape to have.

XOXO,
Kate

"God chose you out of all the people of the earth as his cherished personal treasure." - Deuteronomy 14:2

P.S. Recently I've become a fan of several British music artists, one of which is Rebecca Ferguson. She's beautiful, talented (she placed second in X Factor UK the year One Direction were in it), and has amazing personal style. The video for her song "Nothing's Real But Love," below, reminds me of a really pretty perfume ad (in the best possible way). If you like her music, be sure to pick up her debut album here - you won't regret it.

Monochromatic...ish

Gap jeans

J.Crew Henley
Topshop flats
J.Crew Edie purse
Target Scarf

When it comes to a casual outfit, I find simplicity can play a large role in looking polished. I mixed blacks and browns (yes, you can do that) using wardrobe staples to create a look I'd feel uber chic in strolling down the avenue on a more low-key day. Scarves are a great accessory and this simple one is cozy but lightweight enough for spring. The leopard print bag has great structure and I really like how the print ties in the tones of the outfit. Have a lovely weekend! Now if you'll excuse me, I'll be looking for an avenue to stroll down.

 XOXO,
Kate
  
"He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed." - 1 Peter 2:24, NLT

Black and White, Bows and Stripes

Tommy Hilfiger shirt

Preen skirt

Prada heels 

Dooney Bourke handbag, $235

Another look featuring black and white, this outfit experiments with playful, girly shapes. The sedated color palette keeps the girly touches from becoming too over the top (and take it from a girly girl like me - it's possible). Overall, this ensemble proves to be sophisticated, youthful, and glam.

Have a great weekend!
XOXO,
Kate

"Trust in the Lord and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires." - Psalm 37:3-4

Tip Your Cap

Clockwise from left: Target, Kate Spade, Aldo, Topshop, Jessica Simpson, Kelsi Dagger, Cole Haan, Corso Como 

Hi all! Today I decided to post a feature on one of my favorite things to ever grace a shoe: the cap-toe. A cap-toe shoe is great when you want to mix things up a bit. They come in all varieties of styles, from classic and neutral to bright and bold. Whether your shoe style of choice is flats or heels, there's bound to be a cap-toe look for you. Hint: Take note of the shoes capped with metallics -  I've seen them everywhere lately and they're slated to be big in 2012. Also, those mint-green beauties above? Since mint is major and they've got the metallic cap going, with a pair of those on your feet you'd be knocking out two trends at once, in just the right way.

Have a lovely week!
XOXO,
Kate

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 

Prancing About in Style

Paul Joe Sister top, $119
John Lewis Women vintage cardigan, £35
7 For All Mankind straight leg stretch jeans, £149
Marc by Marc Jacobs leather shoes, $200
Marc jacobs handbag, £430

A very smart look for spending time with friends and having a fabulous day out. Of course, the tie-neck makes a reappearance, this time adorning a simple black cardigan. Straight leg jeans are perfectly streamlined, and flats are just the right thing for wearing while running about town.

XOXO,
Kate

P.S. I'm a major fan of Tim Tebow, and I'm extremely excited about watching he and the rest of the Broncos "UNLEASH" tonight against the Patriots. Go Broncos!

Winter Brights

Dorothy Perkins georgette dress, $39
SWEET BALLERINA sequin flat, $97
Alexander mcqueen handbag, $1,025
Dannijo monogrammed jewelry, $245
Hair bow accessory, $14
Regent Montpelier - Brown - Hunter Boots, £195

 This gorgeous look is meant to face the elements. A classic, bright dress is accessorized with an heirloom monogram ring and girly headband. With a choice of embellished flats or showstopping rain boots, you're ready for an adventurous night on the town. 

Happy Weekend! 
XOXO,
Kate

Nautical Nights

Alexander McQueen ruffled shirts blouse, £1,120
Milly button skirt, $224
Anniel ballet shoes, €55
ASOS genuine leather handbag, 95 DKK
Yves Saint Laurent gold plated bangle, £510

This look is a classic, fun nautical combination. The military inspired buttons on the skirt are precious while utilitarian, and the soft draping of the shirt lend femininity. The purse and shoes are the perfect classics, while the gold, almost serpentine bracelet lend the look a dose of drama (yay for alliteration?).

Happy Monday, and have a great week!
XOXO,
Kate

Flouncy Fun

flouncy fun by prettykeenkate featuring 14k earrings

Shirts blouse, $95
House Of Holland metallic skirt, £440
Black shoes, $13
14k earrings, $1,250

I like this look a lot because it's sweet and girly, but still has an edge. I think it's the fun twist put on  a lot of the classic pieces that make it interesting and a tad funky, a la Alexa Chung - who has a knack for taking a timeless look and making it quirky and cool. Pleated skirts are the "it" style of the moment, and the metallic finish on this one is simply sumptuous. I kind of have a thing for tie-neck blouses, so this top is naturally a favorite - especially with the white/black contrasting. This is the second post in a row featuring a leopard print bag, and I have no regrets - this ladylike one takes the cake. Simple diamond earrings and black flats finish up the look with just the right amount of subtlety.

Hope you have a wonderful week!
XOXO,
Kate

"I Like New York in June - How About You?"

Hooray for love...and these perfect summer outfits. Check out Judy Garland and Barbra Streisand in gingham button-downs, slim white pants, and white flats. A classic, casual, and stylish look for relaxing on a warm summer's day - be it shopping or milling about on the ranch. To quickly catch the full view of their outfits, skip to the very end. Or, you can just watch the entire great performance. :)
Below, some suggestions for re-creating the look.

Judy and Barbra by Pretty Keen featuring flat slip on shoes

Sandra Ingrish gingham top, $34
J crew, $72
Zara jeans, $60
Forever21 stretch denim jeans, $25
GAP flat slip on shoes, $40
Flat bow shoes, $23
Flat shoes, $17

Love and sunshine,
Kate
 P.S. Aren't they so perfect together and exuberant and amazing? Oh, and the title of this post is taken from the song's lyrics (of course.)

Pretty Keen Party

Pretty Keen Party by Pretty Keen featuring a cz bangle

Giambattista Valli zipper dress, 1,720 GBP
Tory Burch ballet flat shoes, $195
Elaine turner handbag, $275
Bex Rox cz bangle, 210 GBP

This outfit is the perfect party look for summertime. The leopard print is extremely glamorous and playful, but the simple shape of the dress prevents it from being overpowering. The gold accessories amp it up a bit and lend a seasonal warmth to the outfit. The straw bag is also very season-appropriate and the orange trim adds a nice zing. Happy mixing! 
XOXO,
Kate 

Femininity

Femininity by Pretty Keen featuring a silk bow blouse

I really like this look. The yellows and greens give it a very fresh feel and the polka dots are very playful. I experimented with texture handling the leathers of the bag and flats with the chiffon of the blouse and that exquisite sheen of the skirt. Tie-neck blouses are lovely, and the diamond bracelet is of course, a very nice touch too. :)
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

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