KATIE KENNEDY

NYC Update, Vol. 4

NYC, Style Blogger, J. Crew, Louis Vuitton, Tretorn, SOHO

Sweatshirt || Jeans || Sneakers || Crossbody || Trench

It has been way too long since my last NYC Update! Earlier in the week, I shared my recent struggle with homesickness (here), but don’t think that means I’m sick of city living! Far from it! I love taking in all that the city has to offer and using my precious weekends to get out and explore. Now that the weather has finally turned for the better, getting up into the 60’s, I’m ready to get back out there.

I may not have a set plan for the weekend, yet, but there are some bullet points that I definietly want to hit…

NYC, Style Blogger, J. Crew, Louis Vuitton, Tretorn, SOHO
  • Find a new coffee spot downtown: On Saturdays, we are very committed to grabbing our morning coffee from nearby Birch. They have shops all over the city and just so happen to have a delicious cold-brew on tap. One of my goals for the weekend is hop downtown to find a new little cafe to enjoy some coffee and scone. Why should I limit myself to only one neighborhood?
NYC, Style Blogger, J. Crew, Louis Vuitton, Tretorn, SOHO
  • Take a LONG walk through the park: The flowers are starting to come back and the grass is getting greener. That means the conditions are nearly perfect for a long stroll and picnic in the park. I love the thought of grabbing an oversized blanket and sandwich to-go from Serafina to just sit and people watch.
NYC, Style Blogger, J. Crew, Louis Vuitton, Tretorn, SOHO
  • Have brunch somewhere new: With new resturants popping up everyday, it’s hard to keep up with what’s the lastest place to dine. I’m not looking for anything that is particularly fancy or instagram worth, I just like finding spots with a fun vibe and good food. Just like my coffee shops, this probably means going downtown to SOHO or Tribeca to give new neighborhoods a try.
NYC, Style Blogger, J. Crew, Louis Vuitton, Tretorn, SOHO, Trench Coat, Spring
  • Find fashion inspriation for Spring and Summer: I’m still on my Lenten shopping freeze, but that doesn’t mean I had to give up window shopping, too. Since I already have quite a few trips lined up over the next few months, I’m starting to make mental planning lists for each location to give you fun and current content.

Okay, as I type this out, I realize that this weekend isn’t that wild and crazy, but most times the best weekends aren’t! If you have any new suggestions on where to brunch or have coffee, be sure to let me know in the comments.

Love from NYC,
Katie

Homesick in NYC

NYC, Style Blogger, Preppy, J. Crew, Longchamp, Krewe

Sweater || Jeans || Heels || Tote Bag || Sunglasses

The Orange to Apple blog has been trucking along pretty steadily the past few months and I’m so proud of how much it’s grown and the work I’ve put into it. Behind the scenes over the past few months, there was a daily mental struggle going on, though. At first, I couldn’t quite explain it and had zero idea where it was coming from. There was this persistent sense of insecurity and loneliness that I just couldn’t shake. Finally, I had a true light bulb moment and realized what was bothering me… I was homesick!

NYC, Style Blogger, Preppy, J. Crew, Longchamp, Krewe

I’m honestly shocked that it took me so long to feel this way, over six months! I think some time needed to pass for the dust to finally settle and realize that I had a new job, in a new city, and all of my loved ones were a thousand miles away. I think it’s enough to humble even the most self-assured of people. The shorter, colder, and darker days certainly didn’t help either.

NYC, Style Blogger, Preppy, J. Crew, Longchamp, Krewe

I think in a very competitive, on-the-go city, it’s really hard to admit that you’re feeling overwhelmed. I’ve met many people here who showcase their over loaded plates like a badge of honor, maybe proving to themselves that this city isn’t too much for them after all. I, on the otherhand, have always prided myself in my easy-going personality and optimism. Those two things were great to have in Florida, but don’t always align with NYC living.

NYC, Style Blogger, Preppy, J. Crew, Longchamp, Krewe, Homesick

Having made the firm decision that I don’t want this city to change me, I had to think of some ways to recenter myself and find a new sense of normal, but at the same time, feel connected with home.

  • Get into an exercise routine: I’m sure I don’t need to go into all of the benefits of having a consistent workout schedule. The research is everywhere! This past month, I finally decided to invest my money in myself and regularly visit a nearby yoga studio. Having those 60 to 90 minutes to get out of my head is better than anything else I’ve tried. I leave every workout feeling relaxed and accomplished. That’s been a hard feeling to come by since moving.
  • Talk to your loved ones: I’ve always been extremely close with my parents and not having them close by has been tough. Just by having the briefest of chats with them, even if it’s just to tell them what I’m making for dinner, makes the distance seem shorter. Whether it’s a phone call, text, or FaceTime, the possibilities are endless to stay connected with your family and friends.
  • Don’t get too into social media: On the other end of the spectrum, I think getting too wrapped up in social media can do more harm than good. Constantly seeing what my friends and favorite businesses are doing in St. Pete gives me a very big sense of missing out. For me, this is the hardest thing to get around because I am constantly wanting to know what’s happening. I wish I could take my own advice and stop peeking.
  • Go outside and explore: It’s important to appreciate the new city you live in by getting out and finding what it has to offer. The fresh air will probably do you good and it’s a lot harder to worry about missing home if you’re out and about enjoying the day.
  • Find a slice of home in your new city: The benefit of living in a city of over 8 million people is that, chances are, you’ll be able to find a group of people with the same roots as you. This could be through your college, a favorite sports team, or even a restaurant that reminds you of home. Whatever the spot, keep that in your pocket for the days you’re feeling homesick. For me, that has meant joining a shuffleboard league, and going to the official Florida State watch parties. I’ve even run into old friends in the process.
  • Schedule an escape: The number one thing that helps me make it through the day (or work week) is knowing that I have an upcoming trip to get excited for. You might decide to go back home or venture off to somewhere new. Either way, it makes for a great escape from city life and I swear has healing powers.

I hope you find at least one or all of these tips helpful. If you’re finding yourself feeling homesick, remember that you are not alone! Be honest and let your loved ones know because there is always strength in numbers.

Love from NYC,
Katie

My 1st No Shopping Update

NYC, Style Blogger, Navy, Preppy, Tuckernuck, H&M, The Met, Upper East Side

Dress || Heels || Clutch || Bracelet

We are about half way through Lent and a lot of people have been asking how my ‘shop-free season’ has been going. In all honesty, it hasn’t been nearly as difficult as I was expecting. I can credit that to having a closet already packed with staple pieces and having a very standard uniform for work and the weekends. In fact, the biggest lesson to come out of this, so far, has been that I have way too much in my closet to begin with. A deep spring cleaning is already underway to help clear up some space.

NYC, Style Blogger, Navy, Preppy, Tuckernuck, H&M, The Met, Upper East Side

Now, have I stayed 100% shop free? Well, not exactly… In my original post, here, I definitely talked about allowing myself to make a purchase if some unforeseen event pops up. One of those events happened last week, when my laptop of almost ten years decided to die on me. Rest in peace. My husband jokingly gave me a hard time about having to wait until Easter to buy a new laptop, but it’s a really unrealistic expectation since so much of my 9-5 job and all of my blogging has to take place on a computer.

NYC, Style Blogger, Navy, Preppy, Tuckernuck, H&M, The Met, Upper East Side

The other scenario is my school hosting their annual auction and this year’s dress code is black tie! This will be my first black tie event ever and I want to make sure I dress accordingly. I’ve been doing a lot of browsing at Rent the Runway to find the perfect look and feel completely justified since I’m technically not buying anything, but renting it instead. It’s a thin line, but I’m slowly convincing myself that it’s necessary. This gorgeous, red lace dress from Monique Lhuillier is currently my favorite!r

NYC, Style Blogger, Navy, Preppy, Tuckernuck, H&M, The Met, Upper East Side

The last one is probably the one I’m the most excited about. A switch has flipped with me recently and I’m finally wanting to make exercise a priority again. This is the first time since September that I feel this way and I think it’s because I learned that working out is going to be very different for me in NYC than it was in Florida. Back home, I would just throw on my running shoes and jog on Tampa Bay right after work. In New York, group classes are, surprisingly, the best choice for me. By using ClassPass, I’m finding my favorite workouts and studios. Currently, I’m loving my yoga, but am determined to give barre classes a shot too.

NYC, Style Blogger, Navy, Preppy, Tuckernuck, H&M, The Met, Upper East Side

All in all, apart from those three purchases, I’m going strong with being shop-free. It’s giving me an opportunity to look more into previous purchases, like this super flattering navy dress from H&M. Still, I can’t wait until Easter and start packing for my upcoming trips.

Love from NYC,
Katie