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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Spittin' Image: Ankle Boots

Sam & Libby // BP // Acne

Hi everybody! This week I decided to do an installment of Spittin' Image. The Acne Pistol Booties (pictured far right) have been "hot" for a while now, thanks to their simple, streamlined design that goes with anything. This is pretty much as basic as booties get and that's why fashionistas and starlets everywhere seem to like them so much. Although I'm sure the Acne booties are of exceptional quality (they look great even on the internet), I thought it would be useful to find some lower-priced alternatives, since not everybody wants to spend $570 on a single pair of boots.  The boots on the far left ring in at $50, and are by Sam & Libby. They're suede, unlike the Acne pair pictured here, but the Pistol booties come in a fairly wide variety of material and color combos (I've only ever seen neutrals). The booties in the middle are by Nordstrom's BP line, and have a stacked heel and gold accents I think are quite pretty. I also found a Steve Madden pair for $100 that replicates the stitching on the Pistols, but when I placed them next to the other pairs in the collage it seemed as if they didn't photograph as well as their counterparts, and looked a little "off" (however, they do look look nice on the website). On Black Friday, the Lucky Brand Parlei booties, which are fairly similar, were one of my only purchases. I'm very happy with them and have been wearing them quite a lot. They're currently for sale at a discount on Zappos, so go ahead and check them out!

Hope you all have been having a lovely week!
XO,
Katherine Nicole

"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love." - Ephesians 4:2  

P.S. Don't forget "prettykeenkate.blogspot.com" will soon become "xokatherinenicole.blogspot.com"! Thank you, everybody, for the support!

Army Inspired

LC Lauren Conrad top / Romwe coat / Topshop jeans / Steve Madden boots (similar)

Hey ya'll! I'm back with my first outfit since my little hiatus. This one's fairly casual. skinny jeans, boots, and a button down top. What I really like about this outfit is the details. I quite like combat boots and I think they can really be worn in a lot of different ways, even if at first they don't seem like the type of thing to blend with many tastes. If you're a little wary of combat boots, a great way to make it a little easier to incorporate them into your wardrobe is to purchase a more lightweight pair, like the one shown here. It's a bit of a more feminine take on the classic Doc Marten style boots. Of course, buying them in a neutral is a wise investment, since they'll go with many different things. The top shown here is from Lauren Conrad's line for Kohl's. It's a simple chiffon button down but it's embellished with pearls, which is really lovely. Finally, the trench coat is a gorgeous army green and carries on the military inspired theme of the outfit.

How have you all been? Did you catch the inauguration on Monday? Have a blessed week!

XO,
Katherine Nicole

"Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples." - John 13:35

P.S. Don't forget "prettykeenkate.blogspot.com" will soon become "xokatherinenicole.blogspot.com"! Thank you everybody for the support! 

I'm Still Here!

Hey ya'll! How are you? I know I've been gone for quite some time, so I'd like to let you all know that I'm still here. I haven't had as much time as I would have liked to work on the blog, and on top of that my Polyvore (the website and account I use to create and edit my sets) has been wacky lately. I haven't been able to edit or publish anything new, and if any of you know how I could fix this situation (or any other formats I could use to make something similar) then please let me know!

Secondly, I'd like to inform you of a decision I've made recently. I'll still keep my blog, but recently I decided to make a few changes. The main (and basically only) change will be to the name of the blog. I've decided to change the name from "Pretty Keen Kate" to "XO, Katherine Nicole." (Don't worry, you can still call me Kate if you like.) I felt it was a better fit for me and just made sense. To help you all adjust to this change I've updated my blog's banner and a couple of other things. I haven't changed the blog's url yet because I still want you guys to be able to find me, but expect it to become xokatherinenicole.blogspot.com sometime in early February. This year I also plan on experimenting with OOTD posts and maybe a couple of product reviews. I'm excited to see what's in store and hope you all will enjoy it!

Thank you all for following, reading, commenting, and supporting my blog! I hope your new year is fabulous!

XO,
Katherine Nicole

"Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin." - Zechariah 4:10

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

Hearts Aflutter

LC Lauren Conrad Sweater // Topshop skirt // J.Crew shoes // Fossil bag // Kate Spade earrings

Hey, ya'll! Today I'm back with a post that's great for a casual and cozy weekend out. A simple, black skirt is a wardrobe essential, and this pleated version is cute with a bit of a preppy feel. The neutral sweater I picked is sweet and a bit whimsical. This leather carryall by Fossil is great for work or casual purposes. On the subject of the shoes: as soon as I saw these babies I was head over heels. The metallic detailing makes them that much more perfect. Finally, I rounded out the look with some pearl earrings with timeless gold detailing. Très chic.

XOXO,
Kate

"Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed." Proverbs 16:8

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

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

Spittin' Image: Collared Dresses

Left to Right: Kohl's ($36) //  Alice + Olivia ($297) // Victoria Beckham ($925)

Hi ya'll! How have you been? This edition of spittin' image I'll be featuring a classic that's recently been everywhere. Peter pan collars and collars in general have been super popular recently, and upon seeing all of these dresses independently I decided a "Spittin' Image" post was in order. I spotted the Victoria Beckham beauty on the right on Louis Tomlinson's girlfriend Eleanor at the VMAs (click here and here for a couple of pics). Soon after that I saw the Alice + Olivia creation in the middle on Blair Edie of Atlantic-Pacific. I finally saw the Kohl's deal on the left (super similar to Blair's, and actually the perfect hybrid of the two pricier options) while browsing online. I don't know about you, but all three of these frocks are right up my ally. Which one would you go with?

Happy Friday!
XOXO,
Kate

"You have given me your protecting shield; your right hand has upheld me; you stooped to make me great." - Psalm 18:35 

Hello, Boot Season!

                                          Top Row: Zara // Princess Vera Wang // Madden Girl

                                          Bottom Row: Bandolino // Corso Como // Corso Como

One of my favorite things about fall is being able to break out my boots. Since I figure September is a great time to start wearing them, I decided to make you guys a style guide featuring some of my favorite picks. From essentials like a classic riding style to super fun picks like the glittery beauties above, there's plenty to go around. Which ones are your favorite?

Have a wonderful weekend!
XOXO,
Kate

"I can lie down and go to sleep, and I will wake up again, because the Lord gives me strength."- Psalm 3:5

All Tied Up

Jacket, Moncler (try this jacket with this scarf); Shorts, Theory (similar); Watch, Timex (similar); Shoes, Payless

Now that summer is nearing an end (boo!) we'll have more and more of a reason to add lightweight jackets to our ensembles. In some cases, a jacket is just something to simple to throw on when it becomes a bit chilly, but in many looks, outerwear is the pièce de résistance. Nothing less can be said about this beautiful tie-neck jacket by Moncler. Short-suits are a bit of a "thing" right now, and pairing this jacket with tailored black shorts replicates the look of one. I softened the black and white color palette with canvas shoes and a very cute watch (I'm partial to almost anything leopard print).

Hope you all have a lovely week!
XOXO,
Kate

"My people will again lie under my shade. They will flourish like grain and blossom like grapevines." - Hosea 14:7

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

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!

USA! USA! USA!

J Brand jacket (similar here) / Delias top / Old Navy shorts / ASOS sandals (on sale now!) / Kiel James Patrick bag

As you all probably know, the Olympics started this past Friday, and what an exciting games they have been so far. I decided that since it's only appropriate, I would share a patriotic look today. I started off with a red and white striped raglan top with burnout detail on the sleeves - super cute, right? Stripes are always welcome in my wardrobe and everyone needs a cute "baseball tee." Recently denim jackets have made a bit of a comeback in fashion and the blogosphere, but I think they're a great wardrobe staple to always have on hand. This bleached version by J Brand is lovely for summer. Next I added navy shorts with a tie detail and some amazing chain style shoes from ASOS. Finally, I finished off the look with a nautical bag by Kiel James Patrick. KJP offers great, made in the USA products, and they introduced these handbags only a couple of weeks ago. My personal favorite is this one right here.

Have a great week, and go Team USA!
XOXO,
Kate

"Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed." - Psalm 139:16, NLT

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

Very Very Mulberry

Equipment top, similar here / Citizens of Humanity jeans, similar here / Jack Rogers sandals / Mulberry bag / Mulberry cuff

Hi guys! How have you all been? Today I put together a look I would really feel comfortable in. Black jeans, a soft sleeveless button down, and put-together accessories just make me feel good. Cozy, casual, and classic. What I really like about this look is the versatility it holds - no matter what your style it's worth giving a shot. As far as details go, the Jack Rogers sandals are a preppy staple many deem wearable with anything. I like the platinum best because I think it's youthful and chic. The bangle and bag are both by Mulberry. This purse is their latest "it girl" handbag, called the Del Ray after a certain famous Lana. The clean lines are great, and I'm always up for a satchel.

How was your weekend? Hope you have a great week!
XOXO,
Kate

"For the mountains may move and the hills disappear, but even then My faithful love for you will remain."  - Isaiah 54:10

Blue's Clues

Modcloth top / Topshop jeans / Zara sandals / Bauble Bar Bangle (Pre-Order 3 weeks)

More and more I've been warming up to wearing navy blue. It's actually kind of becoming my favorite neutral (yes, people can have favorite neutrals - at least according to me.) Couple that with my admiration of peplums and this top was a dream come true. Summer is the perfect time to take advantage of wearing white pants, and these girly Zara sandals were begging to be added to the look. Already have a pair of thong sandals you think need a little spicing up? Look no further than this easy tutorial. Navy happens to look absolutely lovely with pink, and this bangle is the perfect little accessory to complete this dainty look.

Hope you all have a lovely rest of the week!
XOXO,
Kate

"You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!" - Isaiah 26:3

P.S. Recently I've really been liking Christian music artist Dara Maclean. Not only is her music is real and uplifting but I've seen this girl in interviews and she is 100% authentic about giving glory to Jesus. If you'd like to give her a little listen, check out the video for her song "Free" below. :)

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

The Liebster Award - Yay!

Hey guys! Today I'm doing a post because the lovely Megan from Long Live Classy nominated me for the Liebster Award. The Liebster Blog Award is given to upcoming bloggers who have less than 200 followers. The Meaning; Liebster is German and means sweetest, kindest, nicest, dearest, beloved, lovely, kind, pleasant, valued, cute, endearing and welcome. Thank you, Megan!

The Rules are:
1. Each person must post 11 things about themselves
2. Answer the questions the tagger has set for you plus create 11 questions for the people you've tagged to answer.
3. Choose 11 people and link them in your post.
4. Go to their page and tell them.
5. Remember, no tag backs!

11 Things About Me: 

1. I am 17 years old. 

2. My favorite color is pink. 

3. I'm looking forward to making this beauty my next "big" purchase.  

4. I'm Mexican-American.

5. My favorite member of One Direction is Harry Styles.  

6. My T.V. guilty pleasure is ID channel.

7. My favorite actress is Natalie Wood. 

8. My favorite book is Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen. 

9. I have very thick, curly hair...

10. ...Consequently, this is my favorite scene in "The Princess Diaries."

11. I cry (or at least "tear up") in almost every movie I watch. Really.

Long Live Classy's Questions... 

 1. If you were given the chance to meet your favorite blogger, who would it be and why?

 Hmm...I have so many favorites, but I would probably have to go with either Shauna Miller of Penny Chic or Sarah Vickers of Classy Girls Wear Pearls. Shauna seems very friendly and nice, and Sarah seems like a sweetie and has amazing personal style. Her taste is impeccable!

2.  What is your favorite movie?

 My all-time favorite movie would have to be "Gone With the Wind," but my ultimate favorite romantic comedy is "You've Got Mail" - so darling!

3. What is the one thing you cannot live without? 

I'm gonna go all mega-saved on you guys and say I couldn't live without Jesus or my Bible. As far as other things go...my laptop is pretty high up on the list. 

4. Do you speak another language?

Right now I'm in the process of learning Spanish, and I'm determined to do whatever it takes! My parents didn't teach it to me growing up, and now I'm set on being able to teach my kids and speak it to them all of the time. 

5. What country have you visited or would like to visit?  

 Recently I've become a total Anglophile and I've been a royal watcher since birth, so I'd definitely say a trip to the UK would be amazing. 

 6. If you could have any person's wardrobe collection, who would it be?

That is such a tough question!  Probably Duchess Kate's or Taylor Swift's. Or Alexa Chung's.

  7. Have you ever done anything spontaneous?

One of my favorite memories is of one day, when I was about nine or ten, having a random picnic with my daddy. We just woke up one morning, picked up sandwiches from a local eatery, and lounged on a popular patch of grass/park area near where we lived. The sandwiches were delicious and it was very nice to just relax together. Picnics are my favorite. 

8. If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?

I would learn to speak Spanish fluently! And I would definitely learn to sew. 

9. What is one word that would describe your personality?

I get "sweet" a lot. :) 

10.What was the best advice your mom ever gave you?

 NEVER feel sorry for yourself. 

11. If you could be any fictional character, who would you choose to be? 

Probably Elizabeth Bennet from Pride and Prejudice or Jo or Meg March from Little Women.  

Here's a blend of old & new questions for you guys - enjoy!  

 1. If you were given the chance to meet your favorite blogger, who would it be and why?
2. What is your favorite chick flick?
3. What is the one dessert you would eat every day if you could?
4. Do you speak another language?
5. Who is your favorite Disney princess?
6. If you could have a humongous shopping spree at one store, which store would it be?
7. Who is your current celebrity crush?
8. If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?
9. What is one word that would describe your personality?
10.What was the best advice your mom ever gave you?
11. If you could be any fictional character, who would you choose to be?

My nominations are (drumroll, please)...

Sequins and Pearls 

Brilliant in Bows 

FabYOUlous Gals 

Janessa Lorraine 
Petite Therapy

 

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