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

If You're Happy and You Know It, Clap Your Hands!

The Dooney and Bourke Happy Bag

The other day I was shopping. Shopping for a dress. Inevitably, as soon as my mother and I set foot into the shop we got distracted by the nearest everything. After eventually trekking through almost every department relevant to women, we decided to pass through the purses. What I saw next literally stopped me in my tracks. It was classic. It was fresh. It was leather. And it was Dooney. The Dooney and Bourke Happy Bag is one of their newest arrivals and honestly one of my favorite pieces I've seen from them. It is available in the tastiest candy colors imaginable as well as muted neutrals - and let me tell you, the leather is magnificent. You can browse the full selection of Happy Bags here. Personally, I'm partial to the pink - which would you pick?

Happy June, everybody!
XOXO,
Kate


 "If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking." - James 1:5

Polished in Pink

J Crew top

Karl jeans
Stuart Weitzman heels, similar here
Rochas bag
Majorica earrings

Hey guys, how have you been? Today's look is so fresh it nearly cools me off just looking at it (corny, I know...). As soon as I saw this J.Crew blouse I knew I wanted to style it. The color is beautiful and will complement nearly all skin tones, and while the lace ups the femme factor, its shape keeps it polished and crisp. The glittery heels add the perfect amount of springtime sparkle - so fun! I kept the rest of the accessories simple and clean: pearl studs and a supple nude clutch finish it off just right.

XOXO,
Kate

"Light shines on the righteous and joy on the upright in heart." - Psalm 97:11-12

Pleated Skirts and Pink

J Crew top, $33

Juicy Couture skirt, $98
Sperry Top-Sider shoes, $90
Jimmy Choo bag, $1,495
Old Navy scarf, $17

When I first saw this Juicy Couture skirt, I thought it was total perfection. I tend to like the clothing Juicy Couture puts out, and their recent Spring/Summer collection is no exception. Skirts with multiple pleats have been very in recently, and navy blue is a great neutral to add to one's wardrobe. The touch of pink makes it special and adds just the right amount of interest. I decided to pair the skirt with a classic boat neck tee and beautiful patent loafers (I actually just bought this exact pair in leopard print). The Jimmy Choo bag is ultra luxe and a great investment piece. As for the scarf, this simple solid pink one is a great deal and spices up the outfit just so. Plus, my favorite color is pink, and any way to work that into the look even more is great for me.

Happy Ides of March!
XOXO,
Kate

"I want you all to know about the miraculous signs and wonders the Most High God has performed for me. How great are His signs, how powerful His wonders! His kingdom will last forever, his rule through all generations." - Daniel 4:2-3

P.S. I have a confession to make: I'm a total Directioner - as in, major fan of One Direction. If you're not acquainted with the latest, greatest boy band from across the pond, I recommend you get to know them a little better by viewing their video for their song "What Makes You Beautiful" - so fun!

 P.P.S. This does have something to do with styling, mind you - theirs is perfect.

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 

Stardust

James Perse cotton shirt, $115
Velvet coat, £238
Floor length skirt, $210
Kate Spade sparkly shoes, $350
Jimmy Choo genuine leather handbag, £889
Forever21 beading jewelry, $11

This look is totally perfect for a luxe, glam night out. You know the kind: Christmas cocktail parties, galas benefiting a special cause, and mixers where one needs to dress to impress. A maxi skirt was a bit of a departure for me, but working with it, I felt totally in my element. The shocking pink is toned down perfectly with a simple, surprisingly chic white tee (tucked in, of course). The statement necklace accents/blings up the top in just the right way to amp up the outfit and make it dress code appropriate. You could go with a more sedated, neutral shoe if you'd like, but I thought these glittery ones were gorgeous and super fun.

And, in the spirit of all things shiny, here is the music video for Ellie Goulding's song "Starry Eyed":

Have a wonderful Christmas season!
XOXO,
Kate

Pops of Color on a Friday Night

Pops of color by prettykeenkate featuring high heels

Oscar de la Renta shift dress, $2,490
Jessica Simpson high heels, $79
3 1 Phillip Lim locking bag, $425
Timex watch, $60

Great for going out, this outfit is attention-grabbing in all the right ways. Gold totally functions as a (satisfyingly sparkly) neutral, and with it you're free to accessorize as you please. This is a great dress to wear for a night out on the town or for any dinner parties you may be attending during the holiday season. Any past readers probably know how devoted I am to nude heels, and the Jessica Simpson pair shown here is nicely reasonably priced. As the title suggests, the pops of color give the outfit youthful character. With this preppy navy blue/pink combination, you will almost never go wrong. The bag is simple, structured, and luxe - and Timex always does a great job of providing classic and on-trend watches at superb prices. So cute!
Happy socializing!
XOXO,
Kate

Dapper and Demure

Dapper and Demure by prettykeenkate featuring slip on shoes

D G pink cardigan, £97
Lanvin zipper pants, $468
Rupert Sanderson slip on shoes, $277
Judith Leiber sequin clutch, £1,375
MICHAEL Michael Kors ball watch, $250

One wardrobe essential I've been beginning to appreciate more and more is skinny black pants. The quintessentially "Audrey" basics are appropriate for a plethora of occasions and may be paired with nearly anything. The look above is quite sharp and features a simple femininity that is decidedly polished. Crisp lines draw the eye to the focal point of the look - a bold, conservatively sexy top in a universally flattering and lively hue.

And below, a brief history of the slim black pant featuring Audrey Hepburn in "Funny Face," courtesy of the Gap:

XOXO,
Kate

Sunday Morning Prep

Sunday Morning Prep by prettykeenkate featuring logo tote bags

J Crew plaid long sleeve shirt, $72
Maje short pleated skirt, $240
Sperry loafer, $98
Dooney Bourke logo tote bag, $168
Knot jewelry, $89
Old Navy Girls Cable-Knit Sweater Vests, $17

A cute, simple look that's presentable without being over the top or too stuffed-up. What I like most about it is that each and every piece is timeless and a great investment. I like to have fun with my clothes, and I think the gingham and plaid print mixing, as well as the varying textures and fabrics,  lighten the mood of the outfit a bit and give it a summer-in-October feel. I've been admiring this sterling silver James Avery cuff bracelet for a while, and since it's fairly reasonably priced, am considering taking the plunge. It's simple, yet detailed; casual, yet elegant. Another bonus of this outfit: cable-knit, which is one of my favorite things associated with fall - how about you?
XOXO,
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

Polished and Perfect

Polished and Perfect by PrettyKeen featuring a diamond necklace

 I really like this outfit - the bolero jacket is gorgeous in a very girly but unoffensive shade of pink. I like that the skirt has a softer and more fluid look to it and a bit of detailing - but not too much. I avoided patent leather for the shoes because I wanted to carry the matte look through the entire look. Classic diamond jewelry appropriately compliments this timeless but interesting look. :)
Love, 
Kate/Kathy/Kat/...you get the picture

"Talk to me, Harry Winston - Tell me all about it!"

"Talk to me, Harry Winston - Tell me all about it!" by PrettyKeen featuring satin gloves
A modern twist on Marilyn Monroe's stunning and girly look in "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes."