Down by the Boardwalk

Jack BB Dakota dress / ALDO sandals / LL Bean tote bag / Design Darling bracelet

Today I decided to center a look around a classic shirt dress. Vibrant colors are a great way to add life to your wardrobe, especially in the summer. If you're a little leery of making a statement with such attention-getting hues, try sticking to classic, clean shapes (a great decision anyways)  and it will be hard for you to go wrong. This dress is a great example. Sleeveless shirt dresses and button downs are great for when it's hot out, especially on days you know you'll be going outdoors. A preppy belt gives it shape - and how cute is this navy and white version? I also chose flat cognac sandals - great for running around in. This tortoiseshell bracelet is from the Design Darling boutique - and it really is darling. Recently I've realized how versatile tortoiseshell is - you can wear it with silvers, golds, blacks, browns, you name it. It's a great neutral. Finally, a classic boat tote is perfect for lugging around your essentials - sturdy, preppy, and monogrammable (did I just make up a word?).

Happy hump day!
XOXO,
Kate

“I will hasten and not delay to obey your commands.”- Psalm 119:60

Safari Style

Mulberry dress  / J.Crew sandals (similar here) / Milly tote (similar here)  / Marc by Marc Jacobs gold watch

Hi guys! Today I decided to go with a sophisticated and clean look. Monochromatic outfits are some of my favorite and I'm really happy with how this one came out. The dress is safari inspired and can be a casual or elegant as you want it to be, which is great when looking for summer essentials. Cognac is a great color to invest in when purchasing shoes and these heels are sexy and still casual enough to wear for a day out. A delicate gold watch adds just the right amount of adornment while a bright orange bag livens up the outfit with a nice pop of color.

Hope you all had a lovely Fourth of July! 
XOXO,
Kate 

"Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." - John 14:6

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

Pretty Peplum

Modcloth top, 

AG Adriano Goldschmied jeans
Uniqlo button down
Sam edelman flats
Longchamp tote
Michael Kors watch

Hey everybody, how have ya'll been? Today I'm back with a look that's polished, pretty, and classic. Founded on closet staples, this outfit's main focal point is its vibrant peplum top. I really like the idea of a sleeveless peplum shirt because it not only gives you the freedom to wear it on it's own, but also layered over another shirt (like in today's post) or under something like a cute blazer. I kept the color combo pretty simple and decided to focus on details instead, like the beautiful moc-croc texture of the tote and gorgeous tortoise-shell timepiece. Overall I was really happy with this look that I think is just as cute for a day out and about as it is for going to work.

Have a lovely weekend!
XOXO,
Kate


"Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven." - Psalm 119:89, NASB

Flower Power

H by Henry Holland cardigan

Balmain pants, similar jeans here
Steve madden loafers
Gucci tote
Tacori earrings

Since spring is officially here, I only thought it would be proper to feature a bright and flowery outfit. Daisies are such a happy flower, and while the print is bold, it's very wearable considering it's basically all neutrals. White pants are a total summer staple and ultra crisp. The simple tote keeps it casual while the green drivers add a fresh pop of color.

Hope you all have a fabulous weekend!
XOXO,
Kate

"The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need." - Psalm 23:1

December Means Hit the Books

Study by prettykeenkate featuring a fitted blouse

J Crew fitted blouse, $50
Moschino short mini skirt, $278
Kate spade, $25
Marc jacobs handbag, $462
Yves Saint Laurent gold plated bangle, £510
Fornash, $25

In honor of all of the Studious Sallys out there preparing for winter exams. Easily transitioned to deal with wintry weather with some navy blue tights. 
Happy Studying! 
XOXO, 
Kate 

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 

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

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

Hi-Lo Fashion: Staw Bags

Hi-Lo Fashion by ShesSoStylish

The sak handbag, $59
Lanvin studded handbag, $1,470
Valentino multicolor handbag, $1,995
Straw Studios handles handbag, $60
Coach floral tote, $398

Now that it's about to be spring (and then summer!), more and more straw purses (a wardrobe staple) are beginning to emerge. This year a girly trend that's been popping up is flowers on straw bags, so I decided to do a little "Look for Less" style post. The top row features some very high end straw bags (Lanvin and Valentino), and the bottom row features some less pricey options. I must say that out of all of these bags, my favorites are definitely the Valentino one (top right) and the crochet flower satchel by the Sak (bottom middle), available on Lord and Taylor's website for just $59. :)