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

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

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

Opposites Attract

Topshop blouse / Sandro pants / Jil Sander sandals / Kate Spade bag (Similar here and here) / Cezanne earrings

Hey all! Hope your weekend has been going well. Today's look is something I would be happy to wear basically anywhere. Peter pan collared shirts are feminine and timeless, while the white pants are a tailored classic great for building any look upon. Having a simple black nylon purse in your repertoire is great because while it is extremely low maintenance, it still somehow looks super chic (a very Parisian idea, no?). Pearl earrings are a great go-to piece of jewelry and really play up the classic and vintage vibe of the outfit, while these sandals are sexy, casual, and, put simply, perfection in a shoe.

XOXO,
Kate

"My life has been an example to many, because you have been my strength and protection." - Psalm 71:7

Cool Beans & Some Tunes

Diane von Furstenberg top

Rag & Bone jeans
Madewell flats
Dooney Bourke bag
Ray-Ban sunnies

One of the reasons I like leopard print so much is that it really functions as a neutral. Blacks, browns, and virtually any other color in the book look great when paired with leopard-print accessories. Today's look features leopard-print shoes paired with black basics and a bright orange top - how cute is the tie-neck? Everybody needs a good pair of sunnies, and wayfarers are a great, timeless shape to have.

XOXO,
Kate

"God chose you out of all the people of the earth as his cherished personal treasure." - Deuteronomy 14:2

P.S. Recently I've become a fan of several British music artists, one of which is Rebecca Ferguson. She's beautiful, talented (she placed second in X Factor UK the year One Direction were in it), and has amazing personal style. The video for her song "Nothing's Real But Love," below, reminds me of a really pretty perfume ad (in the best possible way). If you like her music, be sure to pick up her debut album here - you won't regret it.

Sparkles and Stripes

Kain tank, similar here

Paul by Paul Smith blazer, similar here
Markus Lupfer shorts
Office Espadrilles
Rebecca Minkoff mini M.A.C. bag
Kate Spade necklace, similar here (only $38!)

This was a very fun look to create. I'm very much into the "nautical" look every time of year, especially summer, so this was right up my ally. The striped shorts have a lovely color-combo - who wouldn't enjoy a touch of pink? The blush tank is very beautiful and a bit more dressed up than a typical tee, while the golden espadrilles are ultra fun. The blazer pulls the outfit together just-so. The gorgeous finishing touches are this fab Kate Spade necklace and a current it-bag, Rebecca Minkoff's mini-M.A.C. - pick it up in black and you can wear it with anything.

Here's to a great summer! 
XOXO,
Kate

"From Mount Zion, the perfection of beauty, God shines in glorious radiance. Our God approaches, and he is not silent." - Psalm 50:2-3

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

Brown and Blue, Classic and Cute

Old Navy top, $23
J Crew blazer, $118
Forever 21 skirt, $13
Minnetonka shoes, $44
Coach bag, $198

Today's look is a simple, cute, and conservative. I enjoy wearing skirts very much, and I like the femininity this skirt plus the ruffled top give to the classic schoolboy-style blazer. The bag is from Coach classics, which is is a practically perfect collection - such good investments! - and the shoes are Minnetonka moccasins, an interesting alternative to the standard penny loafers one might expect with "preppy" looks such as this one. I really like this look - as the title says, it's classic and cute!

Have a happy Friday - and happy March, everyone!

XOXO,
Kate

P.S. I've decided to from now on place an encouraging Bible verse beneath my signature on every post - hope it blesses you guys! Below is my first:

"If you prize wisdom, she will make you great. Embrace her, and she will honor you. She will place a lovely wreath on your head; she will present you with a beautiful crown." - Proverbs 4:8-9, NLT

More Sparkles (and a Gorgeous Peplum Skirt)

Betsey Johnson sparkle skirt, $73
Uniqlo Top, $30
Jessica Simpson high heel pumps, $70
Forever 21 faux leather handbag, $23
Kate Spade necklace, $78

After I saw this skirt online, I knew I had to make an outfit featuring it. I kind of have a thing for sequins and peplums, so this was a dream come true. A classic button-down shirt keeps it crisp and clean, while a bright orange purse provides the perfect pop of color. For girls who feel as if the white shirt/pale skirt color combo would wash them out, a black shirt is an equally nice alternative. Nude heels elongate the leg and don't distract in the least, while a delicate necklace completes the look.

XOXO,
Kate

Prancing About in Style

Paul Joe Sister top, $119
John Lewis Women vintage cardigan, £35
7 For All Mankind straight leg stretch jeans, £149
Marc by Marc Jacobs leather shoes, $200
Marc jacobs handbag, £430

A very smart look for spending time with friends and having a fabulous day out. Of course, the tie-neck makes a reappearance, this time adorning a simple black cardigan. Straight leg jeans are perfectly streamlined, and flats are just the right thing for wearing while running about town.

XOXO,
Kate

P.S. I'm a major fan of Tim Tebow, and I'm extremely excited about watching he and the rest of the Broncos "UNLEASH" tonight against the Patriots. Go Broncos!

Winter Brights

Dorothy Perkins georgette dress, $39
SWEET BALLERINA sequin flat, $97
Alexander mcqueen handbag, $1,025
Dannijo monogrammed jewelry, $245
Hair bow accessory, $14
Regent Montpelier - Brown - Hunter Boots, £195

 This gorgeous look is meant to face the elements. A classic, bright dress is accessorized with an heirloom monogram ring and girly headband. With a choice of embellished flats or showstopping rain boots, you're ready for an adventurous night on the town. 

Happy Weekend! 
XOXO,
Kate

Nautical Nights

Alexander McQueen ruffled shirts blouse, £1,120
Milly button skirt, $224
Anniel ballet shoes, €55
ASOS genuine leather handbag, 95 DKK
Yves Saint Laurent gold plated bangle, £510

This look is a classic, fun nautical combination. The military inspired buttons on the skirt are precious while utilitarian, and the soft draping of the shirt lend femininity. The purse and shoes are the perfect classics, while the gold, almost serpentine bracelet lend the look a dose of drama (yay for alliteration?).

Happy Monday, and have a great week!
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

To Autumn

To Autumn by prettykeenkate featuring a mini skirt

Marc by Marc Jacobs longsleeve shirt, $200
Boutique by Jaeger mini skirt, £60
Qupid leopard flat, $26
Mary Portas Radley cross body handbag, £159
Fallon white pearl necklace, $265 

A femininely prim (but still really fun!) look for fall. One of my favorite things about autumn is the beautiful changing of the leaves, which I think the tones in this outfit represent really well. In case you haven't noticed, leopard shoes have been huge these past few weeks/months, and the ones I feature here are a nice, inexpensive option. Since the outfit is so simple, I think they helped to add interest, along with the statement pearls. A nice, buttery leather bag in cognac is the perfect finishing touch. 

Below, the poem "To Autumn" by John Keats (this post's namesake). Enjoy! 

    

 To Autumn

SEASON of mists and mellow fruitfulness!
Close bosom-friend of the maturing sun;
Conspiring with him how to load and bless
With fruit the vines that round the thatch-eaves run;
To bend with apples the moss'd cottage-trees,
And fill all fruit with ripeness to the core;
To swell the gourd, and plump the hazel shells
With a sweet kernel; to set budding more,
And still more, later flowers for the bees,
Until they think warm days will never cease,
For Summer has o'er-brimm'd their clammy cells.
Who hath not seen thee oft amid thy store?
Sometimes whoever seeks abroad may find
Thee sitting careless on a granary floor,
Thy hair soft-lifted by the winnowing wind;
Or on a half-reap'd furrow sound asleep,
Drowsed with the fume of poppies, while thy hook
Spares the next swath and all its twinèd flowers;
And sometimes like a gleaner thou dost keep
Steady thy laden head across a brook;
Or by a cider-press, with patient look,
Thou watchest the last oozings hours by hours.
Where are the songs of Spring? Ay, where are they?
Think not of them, thou hast thy music too,—
While barrèd clouds bloom the soft-dying day,
And touch the stubble-plains with rosy hue;
Then in a wailful choir the small gnats mourn
Among the river sallows, borne aloft
Or sinking as the light wind lives or dies;
And full-grown lambs loud bleat from hilly bourn;
Hedge-crickets sing; and now with treble soft
The redbreast whistles from a garden-croft;
And gathering swallows twitter in the skies.

                                            

XOXO,
Kate

P.S. I got the text of the poem here. 

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

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. :)

Stylish Prep by ShesSoStylish on Polyvore.com

MNG by mango, $45
Cord short, 18 GBP
Tory Burch wedge heel sandal, $175
Tory Burch straw tote, 329 GBP
Chopard bracelet

Chic by ShesSoStylish on Polyvore.com

MNG by Mango long sleeve top, $48
Miss Selfridge high waisted black pants, 40 GBP
Christian Louboutin high heel pumps, $895
Valentino black tote, 1,319 GBP
Dahlia white jewelry, $130
Biba gold cocktail ring, 2,750 GBP

Metallic Classics by ShesSoStylish on Polyvore.com

MNG by Mango woven dress, $110
TopShop trench coat, $180
Ballerina flat, $275
Marc Jacobs studded handbag, 888 GBP
Juicy Couture multi chain necklace, $168
Lipstick - Red 13 w-c, $28
Red nailpolish from H&M (www.hm.com)

Striking Stripes by ShesSoStylish on Polyvore.com

MNG by Mango boatneck top, $40
Star by Julien Macdonald dark blue jean, 45 GBP
Sperry shoes, $84
London Undercover flap handbag, $300
Milly nautical jewelry, $165

Nautical Fun by ShesSoStylish on Polyvore.com

MNG by Mango shirt dress, $80
Forever21 espadrilles wedge, $25
Kate Spade dog tote bag, $295

Love,
Kate

The Playful Prep

The Playful Prep by PrettyKeen featuring sterling silver jewelry
Another outfit that I'd really enjoy wearing myself -- and the bag is absolutely darling!