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

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

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

Stripes, Sparkles, and Silver

H M double breasted jacket, £25
St. John Yellow Label 5 pocket pants, $395
Steve Madden high heel shoes, $90
Coach bag, $138
Tiffany Co chain jewelry, $250
Ae Striped Roll Sleeve T, $25

This outfit takes some of my favorite things and blends them all together. Rugby stripes are fun to wear and add a nice, casual vibe to a navy blue jacket and pair of dress pants. Sparkly heels in a soft neutral are a gorgeous compliment, especially when paired with a coordinating bag. Last but not least, a silver key pendant is a great statement piece and adds to the classic feel of the look.

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

"It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas..."

Hey all! So I've decided to post a cute little Christmas outfit I thought you'd all appreciate. I'll be wearing something similar. It's simple, sparkly, and features riding boots - what more could a girl ask for? Well, here's to hoping your Christmas is special no matter where you are.
 

Clemens en August turtleneck shirt, £95
Vince mini skirt, $177
Cordani leather boots, $483
MICHAEL Michael Kors lock necklace, $125
Givenchy pearl earrings, $32

Love you all, and thankful for your support.
XOXO,
Kate

P.S. I'm kind of a huge fan of Mariah Carey and her voice... and her live rendition of "O Holy Night" is simply marvelous. Hope you all enjoy it as much as I did!

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

Garden Party Pop

Garden Party Pop by Pretty Keen featuring a high waisted mini skirt

Erin Fetherston longsleeve shirt, £117
High waisted mini skirt, £220
Kate Spade gold wedge, $132
Canvas leather tote, $2,300
Old Navy beaded flower ring, $7.99
Marc by Marc Jacobs pink earrings, $48

The sweet look above is perfect for a lovely little occasion like lunch with the ladies (alliteration, anyone?). The tie-neck (also known as "pussybow") blouse is sophisticatedly demure, and the cream color goes perfectly with the bag. The grass-green skirt is a great "classic with a twist" and centralizes the neon-hued accessories.

P.S. Polyvore is holding a contest on favorite bloggers - vote for your favorite nominee and you could be entered to win a Chanel bag! Here's my vote for Atlantic-Pacific (an original set inspired by her style):

My Vote for Atlantic-Pacific by Pretty Keen featuring letter necklaces

Milly silk top, $272
Oasis slimming pants, £40
Kate Spade heel pumps, $275
Ginette_NY letter necklace, $623
Michael Kors Watches gold bracelet watch, $361

Well, lovelies, hope you all have a wonderful week, and thank you all so much for your support!
XOXO,
Kate