Monochromatic...ish

Gap jeans

J.Crew Henley
Topshop flats
J.Crew Edie purse
Target Scarf

When it comes to a casual outfit, I find simplicity can play a large role in looking polished. I mixed blacks and browns (yes, you can do that) using wardrobe staples to create a look I'd feel uber chic in strolling down the avenue on a more low-key day. Scarves are a great accessory and this simple one is cozy but lightweight enough for spring. The leopard print bag has great structure and I really like how the print ties in the tones of the outfit. Have a lovely weekend! Now if you'll excuse me, I'll be looking for an avenue to stroll down.

 XOXO,
Kate
  
"He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed." - 1 Peter 2:24, NLT

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 

Ahoy, Matey!

Ahoy, Matey! by prettykeenkate featuring lightweight scarves

Milly, €263
Missoni skinny fit jeans, $199
Franco Sarto loafer shoes, $64
Jayce Wong pearl cocktail ring, £425
Marc by Marc Jacobs face jewelry, $250
MNG by Mango lightweight scarve, $32

Ah! This is one of my favorite looks. A great example of how the nautical vibe can be carried into fall. I really like how the thickness/color combo of the jacket's stripes make its classic look a bit more unexpected. The browns and golds of the accessories give it a warm, earthy feel appropriate for autumn. Once again, dark wash, straight leg jeans show up. They really are a great essential that can look so chic when paired with the right things - like a gorgeous, rope-print scarf. And the penny loafers? Don't even get me started. So ready to have about 20 similar pairs in nearly every print/color.

Stay warm and toasty!
XOXO,
Kate

Cozy Cognac - Cognac Boots, Three Ways (Part One)

Cozy Cognac by prettykeenkate featuring skinny jeans

Ralph Lauren Black Label cable knit sweater, $400
Abercrombie & Fitch skinny jeans, $78
Fendi boots, $1,100
Cashmere scarve, £395

If you're anything like me, you definitely take huge advantage of the fact that fall/winter is boot season. One of the most treasured boots out there is the riding boot. In order to showcase their versatility, over the next few weeks I'll feature three different outfits based around cognac riding boots. This first outfit is a comfy look perfect for when you want to look good without trying too hard. A yummy cable-knit sweater embellished with a printed scarf personifies cozy chic. Normally, I don't recommend wearing skinny jeans, but they're great for avoiding bulk when tucked into boots. I've yet to try stirrups like these (have any of you?), but I have a feeling they work pretty well too. Happy Sunday, and have a lovely week, darlings! 
XOXO, 
Kate 

A Labor of Love

Happy Labor Day, everyone! I know my sentiment is a little early, but I thought I'd like to treat you all to some outfit inspiration for the long weekend ahead. Hope you like!

AEast Coast by prettykeenkate featuring long sleeve collared shirts

Theory long sleeve collared shirt, £83
Aerie low rise shorts, $25
American Eagle Outfitters shoes
Summer tote, $21
Kate Spade engraved jewelry, $42

Untitled by prettykeenkate featuring a halter bikini

Aerie smocked dress, $30
American Eagle Outfitters halter bikini, $15
American Eagle Outfitters striped bikini, $15
American Eagle Outfitters wedge sandals, $40
American Eagle Outfitters sunglasses

Untitled by prettykeenkate featuring an elbow sleeve tee

American Eagle Outfitters elbow sleeve tee, $15
American Eagle Outfitters shorts
American Eagle Outfitters shoes
American Eagle Outfitters striped handbag, $22
American Eagle Outfitters floral shawl, $15

Untitled by prettykeenkate featuring draped tops

American Eagle Outfitters draped top, $30
American Eagle Outfitters white tank, $15
American Eagle Outfitters zipper jeans, $40
American Eagle Outfitters sandals, $50
American Eagle Outfitters jewelry, $16

If you notice a common theme, almost one hundred percent of the products in these looks are from American Eagle. Well, the story is that American Eagle had a contest on Polyvore a few months ago that I entered. These sets all have a beachy feel, and I thought they would be just perfect for a post like this.

Have a happy, safe, and fun Labor Day weekend. 
XOXO, 
Kate 

P.S. In case you didn't know, Pretty Keen is now on Facebook. If you like what you see here, feel free to become a fan! :)

Liking Lilly

Liking Lilly by Pretty Keen featuring tote bags

Sandal, $168
Tote bag, $118
Necklace, $118
Lilly Pulitzer scarf, $168
"Lilly Pulitzer" Just a Little Knotty Wedge at Lilly Pulitzer, $178

Recently I saw a Lilly Pulitzer add featuring some lovely things, so I headed over to their website and sure liked what I saw. Summer is beginning and now more than ever it's time to kick the nautical look into full gear. The items above are my favorites and I like them all for pretty much the same reason: their summery, nautical glamness. The metallic sandals would look great with white jeans, the striped tote is a sweet basic with a pop of pink, the necklace is an awesome touch to an understated, casual look, and I have never seen such a perfect pair of espadrilles. That leaves us with the Murfee scarf. I've been wanting a Lilly Pulitzer Murfee scarf for a few months now and am thinking this may be the print for me. The navy blue keeps it versatile and basic while the sailboats are seriously preppy. Plus, it has a healthy dose of pink, and we all know I appreciate that. :)

Happy Sailing, 
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

She's So Stylish: Esperanza Spalding

Probably the most memorable moment of the 2011 Grammy Awards was when Esperanza Spalding won the Grammy award for Best New Artist, beating out...Justin Bieber. I didn't know who Esperanza was, but I was beyond glad that it had been proven the Grammys aren't a popularity contest (in this case, at least). Winning this Grammy could be one of the best things to happen to Esperanza's career. After her win, I decided to find out what she's all about and what her music sounds like. Needless to say, I was astonished at how talented she is. Her voice is marvelous and buttery smooth. She's an instrumentalist, which is a refreshing quality for a young women in the music industry these days to have. Plus, the music she plays is superb.If her win does for other people what it did for me, many will be benefiting from her music for years to come.
And another thing: she knows how to wear clothes. Nylon Magazine's blog has already featured her as "best dressed." She is so beautiful, and possesses a gorgeous mane. Her outfits have an effortless appeal to them and are amazing - she looks good without seeming as if she's trying too hard. And, as proven in the video below, the girl can accessorize. I'm really liking that scarf.
Love,
Kate

A Nautical Winter

A Nautical Winter by PrettyKeen featuring blue dresses
Classic and gorgeous. So uptown and clean. All of these pieces are marvy for a woman to have in her wardrobe.
Love,
Kate