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

Birds of a Feather

Topshop shirt

Topshop skirt
Aldo sandals
Fossil bag
Kate Spade earrings

Recently I've seen a lot of girls stepping out wearing sleeveless button downs and I think they look majorly cute on. They're perfect for the hot summer months and can really fit into any style of dress. Today I took a simple white one and paired it with this really gorgeous and interesting swan-print skirt from Topshop. Some minimalist sandals, crystal baubles, and a simple chain bag complete the look.

Thanks for reading!
XOXO,
Kate

"God is love." - 1 John 4:8

Two for One

Hey you all! Today's post will feature two looks - that are very similar to each other. I like to plan ahead, and it just so happens I put together these outfits a little while ago without even realizing how alike they were. Since Memorial Day sort of marks the official beginning of summer, I thought this was a smashing opportunity to show these puppies off. Striped shirts, navy skirts, colorful cardis - great foundations for the perfect wardrobe, correct?

Sonia by Sonia Rykiel cardigan, similar
D&G stripe shirt, similar
YSL skirt, similar
Tory Burch flats, very similar (also by Tory Burch)
Cambridge Satchel

By Malene Birger top, similar

Vanessa Bruno cardigan, similar (it's got a bow!)
Topshop skirt, similar
 Target sandals
David Young hat, similar (really cute!)
Dooney & Bourke tote, similar  here (also Dooney) and here

Hope you have a happy and safe Memorial Day :) . Sending a great big thank you to everyone who has ever served in the military - freedom isn't free!


"When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth." John 16:13, NLT

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

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.

Black and White, Bows and Stripes

Tommy Hilfiger shirt

Preen skirt

Prada heels 

Dooney Bourke handbag, $235

Another look featuring black and white, this outfit experiments with playful, girly shapes. The sedated color palette keeps the girly touches from becoming too over the top (and take it from a girly girl like me - it's possible). Overall, this ensemble proves to be sophisticated, youthful, and glam.

Have a great weekend!
XOXO,
Kate

"Trust in the Lord and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires." - Psalm 37:3-4

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 

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

Let's Give it a Whirl

Holmes Yang bow blouse, similar here
Mulberry knee length black skirt
ALDO wedge shoes
Longchamp nylon tote bag
Salvatore Ferragamo strap watch, similar here  

This outfit isn't for those who want to blend in with the drapes...or those who are averse to getting in touch with their feminine side. Styling this look was amazing. From the classic Longchamp tote to the saucy sparkled loafers, I was excited about everything. One of my favorite things about this outfit is how apart form each other, the individual pieces can be much more subdued, but together they make quite the statement. Hope you all have a lovely day!

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

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

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

Inspired by...

White blouse, $176
Ralph lauren blazer, £289
Ganni pleated mini skirt, €120
Mid heel boots, $190

Bracelet, Fornash, $45

Today's look is a super cute, put-together outfit inspired by a couple of different sources. When I spotted Kate Middleton wearing this lovely ruffled top during the Canada tour she and William embarked on shortly after they were married, I knew I wanted to replicate the look with a navy blue blazer as soon as possible. I also grew attached to this look after finding it on tumblr (though I think it's probably originally from Unabashedly Prep - do any of you happen to know?). Basically, I combined the two looks into one wearable hybrid. What do you think: is this a case of fashion thievery, or simple resourcefulness?

Smiles,
Kate

Lush and Lovely

Lush and Lovely by prettykeenkate featuring a body con skirt

Nina ricci, €550
Body con skirt, €40
Rocha.John Rocha knee high leather boots, £88
Marc Jacobs quilted handbag, £935
Gold heart jewelry, $5,200

Today's outfit features a muted color palette focused on the details. The lace on the turtleneck, quilting on the (gorgeous Marc Jacobs Stam) bag, and contrasting tones in the riding boots pack a huge punch for an outfit that is mostly black and nothing but neutrals. This outfit is exactly as the title describes: lush and lovely. It's also gorgeous, glamorous, and oh so fun to wear.

Have a great weekend!
XOXO,
Kate

P.S. The Marc Jacobs Stam bag featured in this post is marvelous, right?  Well, I found a Carlos Santana look alike here. One of its best features? The price: $98.

December Means Hit the Books

Study by prettykeenkate featuring a fitted blouse

J Crew fitted blouse, $50
Moschino short mini skirt, $278
Kate spade, $25
Marc jacobs handbag, $462
Yves Saint Laurent gold plated bangle, £510
Fornash, $25

In honor of all of the Studious Sallys out there preparing for winter exams. Easily transitioned to deal with wintry weather with some navy blue tights. 
Happy Studying! 
XOXO, 
Kate 

Flouncy Fun

flouncy fun by prettykeenkate featuring 14k earrings

Shirts blouse, $95
House Of Holland metallic skirt, £440
Black shoes, $13
14k earrings, $1,250

I like this look a lot because it's sweet and girly, but still has an edge. I think it's the fun twist put on  a lot of the classic pieces that make it interesting and a tad funky, a la Alexa Chung - who has a knack for taking a timeless look and making it quirky and cool. Pleated skirts are the "it" style of the moment, and the metallic finish on this one is simply sumptuous. I kind of have a thing for tie-neck blouses, so this top is naturally a favorite - especially with the white/black contrasting. This is the second post in a row featuring a leopard print bag, and I have no regrets - this ladylike one takes the cake. Simple diamond earrings and black flats finish up the look with just the right amount of subtlety.

Hope you have a wonderful week!
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. 

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