"You are altogether beautiful, my darling; there is no flaw in you." - Song of Solomon 4:7

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

I'm Still Here!

Hey ya'll! How are you? I know I've been gone for quite some time, so I'd like to let you all know that I'm still here. I haven't had as much time as I would have liked to work on the blog, and on top of that my Polyvore (the website and account I use to create and edit my sets) has been wacky lately. I haven't been able to edit or publish anything new, and if any of you know how I could fix this situation (or any other formats I could use to make something similar) then please let me know!

Secondly, I'd like to inform you of a decision I've made recently. I'll still keep my blog, but recently I decided to make a few changes. The main (and basically only) change will be to the name of the blog. I've decided to change the name from "Pretty Keen Kate" to "XO, Katherine Nicole." (Don't worry, you can still call me Kate if you like.) I felt it was a better fit for me and just made sense. To help you all adjust to this change I've updated my blog's banner and a couple of other things. I haven't changed the blog's url yet because I still want you guys to be able to find me, but expect it to become xokatherinenicole.blogspot.com sometime in early February. This year I also plan on experimenting with OOTD posts and maybe a couple of product reviews. I'm excited to see what's in store and hope you all will enjoy it!

Thank you all for following, reading, commenting, and supporting my blog! I hope your new year is fabulous!

XO,
Katherine Nicole

"Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin." - Zechariah 4:10

Friday, November 30, 2012

Double Take: Alexa Chung in Metallics

Alexa Chung



BCBG Max Azria dress // Lucky Brand flats (on sale!) // Brooks Brothers bag // Tom Ford lipstick //

As many of you already know, Alexa Chung is the fashion world's resident It Girl, and has been for a few years now. Her style is prim and classic, but not in a predictable way. Everything she wears is decidedly fresh, and the confidence with which she wears it comes across as nothing short of cool. Recently I've been paying more and more attention to what she wears, and I'm (unsurprisingly) liking what I'm seeing. Not too long ago Alexa stepped out to a shop opening wearing a metallic lace dress, Mary Jane flats, a straw bag, and tousled hair. Well, as a part of a new series here on the blog I decided to see what I could do to come up with my own version of her ensemble. The look I created features a similar dress with beautiful fluttered sleeves. Although Alexa mixes metallics in her look, I kept the shades of the shoes and dress pretty similar in mine, although I wouldn't mind trying a gold or bronze shoe with it as well. I accented with a gorgeous cross-body bag from Brooks Brothers to mimic Alexa's laid back purse and a soft lip by Tom Ford. 

XOXO,
Kate

"Promise me, O women of Jerusalem, by the gazelles and wild deer, not to awaken love until the time is right." - Song of Solomon 2:7

Friday, November 16, 2012

Hearts Aflutter

Hearts Aflutter

LC Lauren Conrad Sweater // Topshop skirt // J.Crew shoes // Fossil bag // Kate Spade earrings

Hey, ya'll! Today I'm back with a post that's great for a casual and cozy weekend out. A simple, black skirt is a wardrobe essential, and this pleated version is cute with a bit of a preppy feel. The neutral sweater I picked is sweet and a bit whimsical. This leather carryall by Fossil is great for work or casual purposes. On the subject of the shoes: as soon as I saw these babies I was head over heels. The metallic detailing makes them that much more perfect. Finally, I rounded out the look with some pearl earrings with timeless gold detailing. Trรจs chic.

XOXO,
Kate

"Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed." Proverbs 16:8

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Hello, Autumn.

Hello, Autumn.

Delia's jacket // Repetto flats, $280 // Marc by Marc Jacobs bag // See Thru Soul Jeans

Hey, you all! Today's look is a bit more casual and touches on the military trend. Personally I think a nice military jacket is a great closet staple to have - they can be so versatile! Recently colored jeans have been quite prominent, and this gray pair is a nice neutral to add to one's collection. Simple black ballerina flats and a dreamy yet practical bag contribute to the outfit's utilitarian feel. Hope you all are doing well!

XOXO,
Kate

"But Christ has rescued us from the curse pronounced by the law. When he was hung on the cross, he took upon himself the curse for our wrongdoing. For it is written in the Scriptures, “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.” Through Christ Jesus, God has blessed the Gentiles with the same blessing he promised to Abraham, so that we who are believers might receive the promised Holy Spirit through faith." - Galatians 3:13-14

Saturday, September 29, 2012

A Spot of Peplum

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


Friday, September 14, 2012

Spittin' Image: Collared Dresses

Spittin' Image: Collared Dresses


Hi ya'll! How have you been? This edition of spittin' image I'll be featuring a classic that's recently been everywhere. Peter pan collars and collars in general have been super popular recently, and upon seeing all of these dresses independently I decided a "Spittin' Image" post was in order. I spotted the Victoria Beckham beauty on the right on Louis Tomlinson's girlfriend Eleanor at the VMAs (click here and here for a couple of pics). Soon after that I saw the Alice + Olivia creation in the middle on Blair Edie of Atlantic-Pacific. I finally saw the Kohl's deal on the left (super similar to Blair's, and actually the perfect hybrid of the two pricier options) while browsing online. I don't know about you, but all three of these frocks are right up my ally. Which one would you go with?

Happy Friday!
XOXO,
Kate

"You have given me your protecting shield; your right hand has upheld me; you stooped to make me great." - Psalm 18:35 

Monday, September 3, 2012

Hello, Boot Season!

Hello, Boot Season!


                                          Top Row: Zara // Princess Vera Wang // Madden Girl
                                          Bottom Row: Bandolino // Corso Como // Corso Como

One of my favorite things about fall is being able to break out my boots. Since I figure September is a great time to start wearing them, I decided to make you guys a style guide featuring some of my favorite picks. From essentials like a classic riding style to super fun picks like the glittery beauties above, there's plenty to go around. Which ones are your favorite?

Have a wonderful weekend!
XOXO,
Kate

"I can lie down and go to sleep, and I will wake up again, because the Lord gives me strength."- Psalm 3:5