"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!

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

Last Minute Gift Guide...and I mean Last Minute!

Hey all, with Christmas coming up this Sunday, I decided to go ahead and make a gift guide. However, my gift guide will be slightly different from most  and focus on the giver rather than the receiver. The first is for gifts from the bargain hunter, and the second is gifts from the indulger...here we go!

1. Prize Ball, Kate Spade, $27 (regular $35); 2. Sixteen Piece Assorted Holiday Chocolate Gift Box, Godiva, $25; 3. Vera Tote, Vera Bradley, $60 - $80; 4. Miss Dior Cherie Eau de Parfum Spray, Department Stores, $77 - $98; 5. 'Cambridge' Small Crossbody Flap Bag, Radley London, $98 (regular $198); 6. Creme de Corps Collection, Khiels, $59; 7. Pride and Prejudice BBC Miniseries DVD (Restored Edition), Amazon.com & other retailers, $13.99 (regular $39.95); 8. Sterling Silver Heart Knot Hook-On Bracelet, James Avery, $99; 9. Bettie Flats, Kelsi Dagger, $59; 10. Assorted Plaid Crown Caddy Gift Box, Papyrus, $24.95

1. 'Original Tall' High Gloss Rain Boot, Hunter, $125; 2. Tweed Check Scarf, Burberry, $375; 3. Bond No. 9 New York Mini Bon-Bon Box, $140; 4. Lambskin Leather Bow Pumps, Red Valentino, $450; 5. 'Crystal Kaleidoscope' Bib Necklace, Kate Spade, $295.90 (regular $398); 6. Rambler's Legacy Bag, Coach, $258; 7. Oxford Illustrated Jane Austen: 6-Volume Set, $169.95 (regular $175); 8. Polished Platinum Dress, Anthropologie, $388; 9. Godiva Ultimate Collection, $150; 10. Cavalier II-Plaid, Ghurka, $995

Merry Christmas, and happy gift-giving!
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