XO, Katherine Nicole: March 2011

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

"Hold fast to your dreams, for without them life is a broken winged bird that cannot fly." -Langston Hughes

Friday, March 25, 2011

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

Friday, March 18, 2011

"Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart." - Colossions 4:2

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

Saturday, March 12, 2011

Meet the Hilfigers

What is there to say about this Tommy Hilfiger ad? It is perfection. The models are gorgeous to begin with, but the almost cliché preppy looks they're styled in are amazing. Some serious inspiration there. I like everything about this commercial - especially the cheeky and playful feel. Those Hilfigers...I love 'em.

XOXO,
Kate

Thursday, March 10, 2011

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. :)

She's So Stylish: Hailee Steinfeld

She's So Stylish: Hailee Steinfeld by ShesSoStylish on Polyvore.com

I am super excited to finally do a post about Hailee Steinfeld, because her looks really do exhibit some of the things I aim to reflect in this blog. I first spotted Hailee when I saw photos of the True Grit premiere a while back, and I thought to myself, "Wow, she's a well-dressed kid." Little did I know what was to come. Throughout the entire whirlwind of awards shows and appearances these past few months have brought her, Hailee has continued to steal the spotlight with her grace, beauty, and style - especially at the Academy Awards (center photo). She stunned in a gorgeous Marchesa creation, which she actually had a hand in designing! Amazing. She was definitely best-dressed pick for the night, closely followed by Michelle Williams. I really think Hailee (as of now) should be christened a mascot of sorts for this blog, because her looks really display what I think is classic with a twist: youthful radiance and interest while maintaining a timeless look.

Ciao!

P.S.: Hailee has already been featured twice as Nylon blog's best-dressed: once here and again here. :)

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

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. :)