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

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

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

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

Out On the Town

KAGE dress

MICHAEL Michael Kors shoes
Rebecca Minkoff bag
Vionnet necklace
Bvlgari sunnies

Hi guys, hope you've all had a great week! Today's look features a beautiful olive-green dress with a sheen that makes it perfect for a night out on the town. The silhouette of the dress and composition of the necklace add a nice retro feel to the outfit. The gold accents of the bag work well with the tones in the dress and necklace, and the tassel and snakeskin details are very glam. Cat-eye sunglasses are the perfect finishing touch.

XOXO,
Kate

"Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. They are a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck."- Proverbs 1:8-9

Sparkly Sweet

J Crew shirt, $150

Topshop skirt, $100
Diane von Fürstenberg pumps, $310
FOSSIL bag, $198
Fallon necklace, $200

Hey guys, hope your week has been going well so far! I'm really happy with today's look. It features a striped blue oxford, nude pointed pumps, a simple brown bag, and a shimmery skirt to produce a look that is both classic and feminine. The finishing touch is a pearl necklace, very classy and super cute (I thought since I featured pearl necklaces in this post a week ago, I'd show you all how to style one. Hint: Pearls really do go with almost anything and everything.) Where would you rock this ladylike look?

XOXO,
Kate

"I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." - John 15:5

Springtime Colors

Alice Ritter blouse, $110 

Rag & Bone jacket, $120
Maison Scotch pants, $110 
PeepToe shoes, $160 
Dooney & Bourke Satchel, $278

Now that spring is in the air, I decided to feature an outfit with touches of poppy colors that really liven it up. All of these pieces are gorgeous - the chinos, blazer, and bag are great wardrobe staples, and the gingham top has a bit of a retro feel while the pumps are a fabulous statement piece. Which colors will you be sporting this spring?

XOXO,
Kate

"The name of the Lord is a strong fortress; the godly run to Him and are safe." - Proverbs 18:10

Minty Fresh

Juicy Couture blazer, $200, similar here (scroll down)
Polo Shirt : Target, $8.99
Old Navy skirt, $30 
Reiss pumps, $245
ASOS clutch, $27

Now that spring is about to kick into full swing, I'm more ready than ever to break out the pastels. I paired a simple black skirt and pointy-toe heels (so pretty) with this stunning Juicy Couture blazer. I recently bought myself a similar one from JC Penney by their Olsenboye brand, which is headed up by Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen. Honestly, I was amazed that a $20-ish blazer (I know, such a deal!) could make me feel as chic/fabulous/amazing as I did while wearing it. Since then I am convinced a striped black and white blazer is a staple - it goes perfectly with so many things! I placed a simple yellow polo underneath it and finished off the look with a mint green clutch. Remember this post where I said mint is a major trend? Well, I know that was a full two weeks ago, but it's still totally true. The best part about this clutch is how affordable and easy to work into an outfit it is - ideal characteristics for a trendy piece. Anywho, I think the stripes plus yellow plus mint plus pointy toe heels equals one fantabulous outfit. 

Have a lovely week, everyone! 

XOXO, 
Kate 

"How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the messenger who brings good news, the good news of peace and salvation, the news that the God of Israel reigns!" - Isaiah 52:7, NLT 

Tip Your Cap

Clockwise from left: Target, Kate Spade, Aldo, Topshop, Jessica Simpson, Kelsi Dagger, Cole Haan, Corso Como 

Hi all! Today I decided to post a feature on one of my favorite things to ever grace a shoe: the cap-toe. A cap-toe shoe is great when you want to mix things up a bit. They come in all varieties of styles, from classic and neutral to bright and bold. Whether your shoe style of choice is flats or heels, there's bound to be a cap-toe look for you. Hint: Take note of the shoes capped with metallics -  I've seen them everywhere lately and they're slated to be big in 2012. Also, those mint-green beauties above? Since mint is major and they've got the metallic cap going, with a pair of those on your feet you'd be knocking out two trends at once, in just the right way.

Have a lovely week!
XOXO,
Kate

I'm Back!

Hey dolls, I've been really busy and I apologize for not posting as frequently as I should have been. In any case, I'm back and in this post I'll make up for the absence by showcasing three different looks. Here we go!

See by Chloe long blouse, $185
Fringe moccasin, £25
Chiarugi Handmade Brown Genuine Italian Leather Crossbody Bag, $228

Carven cap sleeve cocktail dress, £220
Dolce&Gabbana platform pumps, €313
Wendy Nichol oversized handbag, $575
Anita Ko rose gold bangle, $4,850

Juicy Couture blue cardigan, €109
Uniqlo chino pants, £30
D G flat, $243
Mikko tote handbag, $88

Hope you all have been having a wonderful week, and just wondering, which is your favorite look? Of course I like them all, but I'm particularly smitten with the last outfit, which features a cardigan very similar to the one from my "In the Winter...In the Summer" post.

Have a lovely day. 
XOXO, 
Kate 

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 

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

Romantic Workwear

Cotton blouse, $150
Wet Seal cotton vest, $14
Missoni zipper pants, £285
Yves Saint Laurent high heel pumps, $319
Danielle stevens jewelry, $74
 

As the holiday season ends, I intend to prove to you guys that not all work-wear is boring.  One of the reasons I like this look is because it's professional but still romantic and soft. The color palette is sedated, and most of the pieces are classics. However, the ruffles and seams on the vest add a feminine touch. Bangles are a must-have, and how fab is that monogrammed disc charm? Gorgeous.

XOXO,
Kate

A Night at the Theater

Marc Jacobs double breasted coat, $369
Jimmy Choo slip on shoes, $495
Kate Spade metallic clutch, $225

I chose this cute, dressed-up look for something fun and fancy, like a trip to the theater. One of my favorite things about this outfit is its color-palette. The bright pink, navy blue, and kelly greens lend it a really preppy and playful feel. The pieces are all very classic and the bright pops of color liven them up just so. The shoes add the perfect amount of sparkle.

XOXO,
Kate

A Pretty Keen New Year's Eve

Hey all! Well, with another Christmas celebrated, New Year's Eve is just around the corner. No matter what you're doing to celebrate this year, I've got a look for you. Below are several outfits I put together to work with several different moods.


Dainty and Demure - This look is all about sweet girliness. The semi-retro silhouette of the dress, with its peter-pan collar and flared out skirt is modernized by the contrasting sash and polka dots. I suppose you could tone done the baubles a bit by removing one here or there, but remember: News Years Eve is your time to shine! The matching black shoes and bag make sure the look keeps its feet on the ground while still looking as if you've paid attention to the details.

Miss Selfridge dot dress, £45
Dorothy Perkins quilted shoes, £18
Chanel chain bag, $2,686
Juicy Couture heart jewelry, $34
Stella McCartney white pearl earrings, $131
Juicy Couture gold hair accessory, $49


Downtown Cool - This next look is for a hip, urban girl going to a fab New Year's Eve party - but really, what NYE party isn't fab? The hot pink shoes are a great statement piece and the main source of color for the outfit. Sharp tailoring and an all-black ensemble are softened by the blush tank, and a black Target bag (which Nina Garcia recently raved about!) glams it up just right.

Kain silk tank, $155
Balmain wool jacket, £1,939
Helmut Lang black tuxedo pants, $162
Jimmy choo shoes, $525
Clutch : : Target, $17

Paint the Town Red - Okay, so maybe this dress is technically coral - but still. A counterpart to "Downtown Cool," this look exudes "Uptown Chic."  Bring a little summer to your New Year's celebration with a gold bamboo bracelet (Fornash has a reasonably-priced alternative to this 18-karat treasure) and woven clutch. Matching glitter pumps help ensure you're the life of the party.

Oasis short sleeve dress, $35
Miu Miu gold heels, $476
Lilly Pulitzer straw clutch bag, $98
Gucci 18k rose gold jewelry, $2,990

Laid-Back Family Get-Together - You're not staying home alone, so PJ's aren't an option. But you're not exactly partying the night away, either. What's a chic girl to wear to casual occasions such as these? Well, have I got a formula for you. Pullover + Button Down + Boots = Cute. Add some low-key accessories and you're set for a cozy evening with the cousins. And, to tell you the truth, this is one of my favorite looks.

TopShop silk shirt, $90
J Crew rainbow shirt, $73
Polo Ralph Lauren stretch corduroy pants, $290
Sperry Top-Sider sperry top sider boots, $118
Tory Burch enamel jewelry, $85
Forever21 knot necklace, $5.80

Well my dears, hope I've helped you figure out what you'll be wearing to ring the new year in. Blessings - here's t0 believing 2012 will be my and your best year yet!

Happy New Year!
XOXO,
Kate

Plaid Prestige

Pink blazer, £485
Wide leg pants
Christian Louboutin stiletto heels, £495
Marc jacobs bag, €995
Janis By Janis Savitt chain necklace, $569
Tennis bracelet, $24,995

Another sophisticated winter look, this outfit would work for a holiday party or any other occasion you'd like to dress up for. Plaid blazers are wonderful for Christmastime, and the pink tones and sharp tailoring of this one make it especially feminine. Wide-leg black pants balance it out perfectly, while the black bag and shoes extend the outfit's elegance. I've recently begun liking the look of layered chains...these add such luxury and drama. And diamonds, well, diamonds just go with everything, don't they?

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

A Touch of Pink

A touch of pink by prettykeenkate featuring a bowler handbag

Holmes Yang cap sleeve blouse, $715
The Row blazer, $1,890
Planet straight leg pants, £69
Vince Camuto black pumps, $118
Armani Jeans bowler handbag, £130
Mulberry engraved jewelry, $320

Navy blue is a great neutral to wear and very fun to work with. I really like sharp tailoring, and this look delivers that with a very feminine and fashion-forward twist. This beautiful top adds a great pop of color to the suit, keeping it from appearing too boring or serious. Tie-neck blouses add a gorgeous ounce of girliness to any outfit and work with a number of things. This top is from Katie Holmes' line Holmes & Yang, which I've recently been very impressed with. Gold is the perfect tone to compliment navy blue with, and classic bangles are a sophisticated embellishment. Finally,  don't be afraid to mix navy blue and black! A lot of people say it's a fashion no-no, but I believe there are many ways to do this color combination right. My method behind this outfit was to keep the black to the accessories and the blue to the parts of the suit. Keeping the purse and shoes both patent was also a way of bringing unity to them.

Hope you all have had a great Thanksgiving week!
Smiles,
Kate

Minnie

Minnie by prettykeenkate featuring short sleeve shirts

Sonia by Sonia Rykiel short sleeve shirt, €325
Trina Turk red pants, $92
Dorothy Perkins black wedge heels, £33
Dorothy Perkins black clutch, £8
Jennifer Meyer Jewelry diamond stud earrings, $675

Hey guys! How have you all been? I decided to go with a look that was a bit retro-inspired. The slender leg of the pants balances out the slight boxiness of the top. Colored pants are and always will be a great thing to have in your closet, and pairing them with neutrals keeps the look from getting too overwhelming. A wedge heel is always great, and the tassel and lock detail on the clutch is magnificent! I feel like this look is very "Matchbook girl" - Matchbook Mag references, anyone? Either way it's super fun, and that's really what I like - it proves that when you look good, you feel good too.
Stay precious!

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