Whimsy

Topshop crop top // Topshop pants // Topshop shoes // Majorica necklace (similar here)// Vintage earrings // John Lewis headband

Hello, everybody! Welcome to XO, Katherine Nicole at my new url xokatherinenicole.blogspot.com!  I'm really happy with the first outfit I'm sharing on my new url. It was a bit of a spur of the moment indulgence, but it's really one of my favorite looks. Obviously it's not an "everyday" type of ensemble, but I couldn't resist creating something a little more eye-catching and whimsical. Normally I like to browse around on Topshop's website in my downtime, since it's easy to navigate and they almost always have something new. When I saw these pants I was immediately  compelled to create a look around them. Black and white, graphic looks have been really big lately, and I'm always one for a few polka dots. I also found the wide-leg cut of these pants especially cool, and a nice counter to the oodles of skinny leg looks that have been floating around recently (which, I confess, I enjoy very much as well). I added a lace crop top (natch) and some simple accessories, with a pop of color provided in the unique daisy earrings. I feel kind of strange styling a look in which the top, pants, and shoes are all from the same place, but I wanted to put together an outfit that would be fun to wear and have a bit of a retro feel to it, and I hope I succeeded. I know that if I could get away with this look on any given day I certainly would waste no time with it!

How have you all been? I hope you've been having a lovely March!
XO,
Katherine Nicole
  
"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. " - Psalm 118:1


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A Spot of Peplum

J.Crew blouse // Topshop skirt // J.Crew Edie bag // Nixon watch // Nine West Pumps

Hi, everybody! How are you? It's been a few months since the peplum phase began, and it's definitely still going strong. Personally I like everything about peplums, and even after this trend has gone down I plan on keeping them as a closet staple. This red peplum skirt is great for wearing out and goes with quite a lot, from pretty blouses to simple tees. Obviously tie-neck blouses are a favorite of mine, and this dotted J.Crew number is no exception. I quite like the sleeve length - the details make the product, people! A nice structed bag, simple heels (I've really been into chunky heels lately), and a straightforward watch are the perfect compliments to this lively look.

Happy Saturday!
XOXO,
Kate

"For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light." - Ephesians 5:8

POC (Pop of Color)

Modcloth top / J.Crew pants / Dolce Vita sandals / Dooney & Bourke Bag

If there's one item I have an absolute soft spot for, it's tie-neck blouses. This is a tad funny because at the moment I'm not really sure I even have one in my closet (shameful, I know) - although I do have a few scarves I like to tie into bows any chance I get. Although my closet is void of these types of shirts, that doesn't deter me from creating (or pinning!) as many outfits involving them as I can. Today's look is no exception and features a tie-neck top from none other than Modcloth. Trust me, if you're looking for one of these pretty blouses, your will find plenty of them there. I decided to pair this bow-tied beauty with straight-leg pants. This season printed trousers have been very big, but since I'm not keen on things that are too trendy, this pair is a great option. Polka dots are classic -  and what color combination could get any more timeless than good ol' navy and white? The Dolce Vita sandals used here are the perfect compliment for this pairing, since they're not too busy. They also seem to have been the "it" sandal of late, as I've seen them featured on a couple of different blogs and worn by a starlet or two. Finally, I added a nice little pop of color to an otherwise neutral look with the Dooney & Bourke Happy Bag - remember when I talked about it a couple of weeks ago? Yeah, I'm still smitten.

XOXO,
Kate

"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." - Galatians 2:20

A Sunny Day Out

Topshop dress

Madewell top
Banana Republic shoes
J Crew bracelets (Crystal one here; Orange sold out - similar here)

One of my favorite closet staples is a nice chambray shirt. You can wear it with so many different things and one of the more inventive ways is to wear it open as a sort of mock denim jacket. Since it's more fluid than a jacket (it is a shirt after all), you could even tie it at the bottom for that extra flirty touch. The delicate sundress I paired it with (from Topshop) is absolutely adorable - who doesn't like a good polka dot? I knew I liked it the minute I saw it. To complete the look I added classic braided wedges I first spotted on Sarah Vickers' blog and a couple of statement bracelets to add some color and pizazz.

Happy first day of summer!
XOXO,
Kate

"Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." - Colossians 3:12, NIV

Minnie

Minnie by prettykeenkate featuring short sleeve shirts

Sonia by Sonia Rykiel short sleeve shirt, €325
Trina Turk red pants, $92
Dorothy Perkins black wedge heels, £33
Dorothy Perkins black clutch, £8
Jennifer Meyer Jewelry diamond stud earrings, $675

Hey guys! How have you all been? I decided to go with a look that was a bit retro-inspired. The slender leg of the pants balances out the slight boxiness of the top. Colored pants are and always will be a great thing to have in your closet, and pairing them with neutrals keeps the look from getting too overwhelming. A wedge heel is always great, and the tassel and lock detail on the clutch is magnificent! I feel like this look is very "Matchbook girl" - Matchbook Mag references, anyone? Either way it's super fun, and that's really what I like - it proves that when you look good, you feel good too.
Stay precious!

XOXO,
Kate

Polka Dot Sensation

Polka Dot Sensation by Pretty Keen featuring a pleated skirt

Marc Jacobs halter top, $319
Ralph Lauren Black Label pleated skirt, $250
Lilly Pulitzer wedge shoes, $139
Dogeared party bracelet, $88
Diamond stud earrings

This outfit is definitely one of my favorites. It's fresh, fun, and girly with a retro feel. Word on the street is that polka dots are going to be the next big thing, so get ready to invest in this trend (and really, polka dots are always in). The khaki pencil skirt is classically gorgeous and feminine, and balances out the attention-calling top. The Lilly Pulitzer wedges perfectly compliment the look. Keep the focus on the blouse by wearing simple jewelry like the pearl bracelet and diamond studs I showed here. 
Have a lovely week!
 XOXO, 
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