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

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

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! :)

Pretty Keen Party

Pretty Keen Party by Pretty Keen featuring a cz bangle

Giambattista Valli zipper dress, 1,720 GBP
Tory Burch ballet flat shoes, $195
Elaine turner handbag, $275
Bex Rox cz bangle, 210 GBP

This outfit is the perfect party look for summertime. The leopard print is extremely glamorous and playful, but the simple shape of the dress prevents it from being overpowering. The gold accessories amp it up a bit and lend a seasonal warmth to the outfit. The straw bag is also very season-appropriate and the orange trim adds a nice zing. Happy mixing! 
XOXO,
Kate 

"Summertime, and the Living is Easy"

"Summertime, and the Living is Easy" by Pretty Keen featuring skinny leg jeans

J Crew long top, $70
Seven For All Mankind skinny leg jeans, 200 EUR
Diane von Furstenberg flat slip on shoes, $70
Marc by marc jacobs bag, 130 GBP
Kate Spade aqua jewelry, $98

This look is perfect for an easy, breezy day out. As soon as I saw those leafy DVF espadrilles, I knew I had to feature them in a post. All of the bright tones really add some pop and punch to the ensemble, making it super fun to wear. Roll up the shirt's sleeves to show off your bangle and you're ready to conquer anything. 
XOXO, 
Kate
 P.S. Click here to watch a video of Ella Fitzgerald singing "Summertime" (where I derived my post's title from.) 

Color Me Kate

Color Me Kate by Pretty Keen featuring handcrafted earrings

Old Navy espadrille shoes, $17
Proenza Schouler leather handbag, $1,990
Kate Spade gold plated bangle, $55
Kate Spade handcrafted earring, $45

Since my last post was about how much I admire Kate Spade, I thought it would be appropriate for me to showcase a couple of her pieces. First off, the dress is beautiful. Its color-blocking recalls some of Prada's recent work, and the shape is simple enough to handle its bold combination of hues (not to mention flatter nearly every figure.) The bow and cap sleeves are cute, girly touches. The bracelet is also Kate Spade, and I like how it's a bit playful but still sophisticated enough to not distract from the frock. I kept all other accessories subdued, opting for season-appropriate espadrilles, a straw bag, and sweet pearl studs. Have a happy spring and great Resurrection Sunday! :)

Hugs and Kisses, 

Kate

Hi-Lo Fashion: Staw Bags

Hi-Lo Fashion by ShesSoStylish

The sak handbag, $59
Lanvin studded handbag, $1,470
Valentino multicolor handbag, $1,995
Straw Studios handles handbag, $60
Coach floral tote, $398

Now that it's about to be spring (and then summer!), more and more straw purses (a wardrobe staple) are beginning to emerge. This year a girly trend that's been popping up is flowers on straw bags, so I decided to do a little "Look for Less" style post. The top row features some very high end straw bags (Lanvin and Valentino), and the bottom row features some less pricey options. I must say that out of all of these bags, my favorites are definitely the Valentino one (top right) and the crochet flower satchel by the Sak (bottom middle), available on Lord and Taylor's website for just $59. :)