Tropical Floral Prints
📍 Downtown St. Pete, Florida

Shirt (Similar Shirt) (Similar Dress) || Jeans || Sandals || Similar Tote Bag || Bracelet

A little backstory on this photo location: We are still in the midst of putting our home back together post-flood. Our weekends have included lots of work in the yard and building furniture. Because Saturday and Sunday seem jammed pack, we have to find our fun during the workweek. Our date night typically falls somewhere between Tuesday and Thursday. In all honesty, it depends on how antsy I feel from sitting inside all day. This week the bougainvilleas in downtown St. Pete looked absolutely incredible. Typically, this corner of North Straub Park is full of kids skateboarding, young couples taking engagement photos, or a rouge tai chi class. I was so happy to finally have the space to myself and take some quick pictures next to the iconic Vinoy Hotel.

Summer Style

Summer is just around the corner. Although I’ve been relishing in this perfect Florida weather, I can feel the humidity and heat truly begin to sneak in. Luckily for me, I’m a born and raised Floridian and no stranger to how brutal the summer can be here. The hot days can feel a little bit cooler if you dress smart for the weather ahead. Think light, billowing fabrics, lots of dresses, and sun hats. More and more, block print florals have been thrown into the mix. I simply love the brand, Banjanan, because it checks all of the boxes. Gorgeous prints in light and airy fabrics. They pair perfectly with white jeans against a St. Pete background.

Block Prints

Tropical floral prints just seem to hit a little different than your standard, for me at least. Similar to a toile, this print tells a story. A jungle of flowers and animals makes the entire scene come alive. Each piece feels like a work of art, a one-of-a-kind item that you’ll never find again. The process for making block print designs is an art form and something I would love to learn more about. While many of these brands have origins in Jaipur, India (a place high on my travel bucket list), I was also happy to find a local shop while in The Bahamas. Bahama Hand Prints have a stunning collection of pieces with full inspiration coming from the islands. I brought home a tea towel, but I wouldn’t mind adding some pillows and blankets to my collection.

Raffia Sandals

When wearing such bright tropical prints, I like to pair pieces that will add to it, not distract. With dresses, it’s easy. Just throw one on, and you instantly have a chic resort look. For blouses, I vote to wear a crisp pair of white jeans for an effortless look that works from day to night. As far as accessories, can you go wrong with raffia or rattan? No way! That’s especially true in the summertime. My raffia sandals from Carrie Forbes have been one of the best investment pieces of 2021. I wear them with everything! Even when we were in Harbour Island, they were my go-to pair for walks through town and fancier dinner affairs. 

Straw Bags

Don’t skip on the raffia bags either. Mine is a custom creation from the incredible ladies at A and A Hidden Treasures. If you plan on taking a trip to Harbour Island, this should be your number one source for souvenirs. You can preorder your designs like I did to have a truly special piece. The Orange to Apple blog logo has never looked better. I can’t wait to use this bag again and again over the summer. Since they don’t ship yet (but I hope they will soon), you can find some similar great options from Tuckernuck and Hat Attack. If you’re looking for more of a clutch, then I’m sure you’ve seen me use this number from J. Crew time and time again. It’s another summer favorite!

No matter where you live, the sweet smell of summer is just around the corner. Embrace the sunnier days and warmer weather by finding tropical print pieces to wear the day away. After all, it aligns with one of my favorite style tips. Dress for the vacation you wish you were on!

Love from Florida,
Katie

As always, thanks for stopping by! To keep up with all things about the Sunshine State, be sure to visit my exclusive Florida page, here.

Navy is the New Neutral
📍 Museum of Fine Arts, St. Pete

Shirt ($25 off with code KATIEKENNEDY) || Skirt (Similar Dress) (Similar Blouse) || Wedges || Clutch

Navy is the new neutral! In all honesty, it has always been a neutral for me. Blues make up the vast majority of my wardrobe, navy specifically. It’s easy to see how it goes with everything! I wear it for a complete monochromatic ensemble, contrast with pops of color, and everything in between. Grayson is my number one destination for white button-downs. They are made by women, for women. Recently, they added a line of navy button-downs to their roster, which are perfect if you’re still wondering what season to dress for. Happy to show off one of my favorite colors, here’s how to effortlessly wear a splash of navy, no matter what the weather has in store.

Roll Up Your Sleeves

I don’t think button-down shirts get as much love as they should. They are a closet staple, but can sometimes seem too formal or stuffy. Especially since I live in Florida, the only way to truly wear a button-down is by rolling up the sleeves. Sometimes, it’s just enough to show off my watch and bracelet, but other times it’s all the way to the elbow. Not only does it help to make you stay more comfortable in the warm weather, but it also revamps a traditionally conservative top to feel more carefree and fun. That’s also true if you decide to knot the bottom hem. As you can tell, it’s also one of my favorite tricks!

Slip on a Midi Skirt

Of course, you can opt for a pair of jeans, but what’s the fun in that? A midi-skirt with a great pattern and plenty of volume adds so much character to a traditional button-down. This particular skirt from J. Crew looks like it was made just for a navy shirt. The movement is incredible. On this windy day, it sashayed with me as we walked through downtown St. Pete and visited the Museum of Fine Arts. This skirt is the kind that is perfect for date night with my husband, brunch with my girlfriends, or getting gussied up to run errands. If you love the pattern, but aren’t a skirt kind of girl, they also have a similar boho-inspired maxi dress and blouse.

Wear Monochromatic Shoes

If you don’t own a pair of navy shoes, stop what you’re doing and grab a pair right now. When it comes to neutral footwear, we tend to think of blacks and browns. While those are important to have, navy should be the very next color on that list. Ballet flats, sandals, pumps, I rotate through all navy styles pretty consistently. For the summertime, my go-to is always a pair of espadrille wedges. Mine are from Castaner, and they are simply perfect for warm-weather soirees. Sarah Flint has an incredible collection of navy shoes. Use the code SARAHFLINT-BAKATIE to get $50 off your first pair.

Add a Pop of Lip Color

Finally, since you’re going with an all navy ensemble, don’t forget to add just a dash of color. This helps the outfit look intentional and put-together. When it comes to navy, sometimes I opt for a contrasting handbag or footwear. On this particular day, it was all about lip color. I’ve never been one to talk about makeup because I don’t really have any ground to stand on. I have precisely four steps to my daily makeup routine: a few dots of concealer, a touch of eyebrow pencil, obligatory mascara, and simple lip color. I’m currently in the market for a perfect shade of red that matches my olive skin tone. Typically, I wear Jour by Chanel. It’s a beautiful coral that makes me think of Holly Golightly’s lip color from Breakfast at Tiffany’s! 

Navy is one of those colors that you either absolutely love or avoid entirely. It looks fantastic n everyone and can seamlessly be worn for any occasion. I recommend looking at Mackenzie, Carly, and Krista for even more inspiration for women who wear navy and blue better than anyone else I know.

Love from Florida,
Katie

As always, thanks for stopping by! To keep up with all things about the Sunshine State, be sure to visit my exclusive Florida page, here.

Shop Small for Mother’s Day
📍 Vinoy Hotel, St. Pete

Tunic Dress || Sandals || Clutch || Sunglasses || Bracelet

Mother’s Day is fast approaching. If your mom is anything like mine, she’s the hardest person to buy gifts for. In true mom fashion, she never asks for anything, but I still want to give her the world! To try and find the perfect gift is a difficult task. I recommend starting small and shopping with a small business. There are bonus points if it’s a woman-owned business. Often, you’ll find a gift that is personal and incredibly thoughtful. Here’s a look at some of my favorite small businesses to shop for Mother’s Day. If the shipping time extends past Mother’s Day, remember that it’s perfectly acceptable to shower your mom with gifts year-round.

Cabana Life:

Of course, we want our moms to be around for a long, long time. Skin cancer is one of those scary things that can sneak up on anyone. Cabana Life is a woman-owned company that specializes in beach style that includes SPF 50+. I’ll be working with them in May to highlight Skin Cancer Awareness Month, but this long-sleeve tunic dress will make an excellent gift for any mom who prefers a day at the pool or beach. 

Breck and Grier:

You all probably know my penchant for straw bags. I think they are the perfect summertime accessory and make for an even better gift. Breck and Grier was created by two Connecticut-based sisters to bring Moroccan straw bags to the masses. They can personalized to match the style of your mom, grandma, or any woman in your life. Tomorrow, they launch a collaboration with one of the stylish mom’s I know, Mary from Mary and Crew.

Sarah Flint:

I have long been and lover of Sarah Flint’s gorgeous footwear. There is so much love that goes into each design. You can always expect the highest quality and style. If your mom is a shoe-lover, consider beginning her collection of Sarah Flint. You know her style best, and there’s always something to match. My personal favorites are the Perfect Block Sandal 60, Natalie Flat, and Perfect Emma. Get $50 off your first pair by using the code SARAHFLINT-BAKATIE. 

Katie Kime:

I am a sucker for anything toile. While Katie Kime offers a whole rainbow of patterns and prints, her city-based toiles are my favorite. When it comes to shopping for Mom, the sky is the limit for this lifestyle brand. Pajamas, phone cases, wall art, stationery, and beyond! You can find a piece that is as one-of-a-kind as your mom. 

Weezie:

Did you all see the SNL Robe Sketch at Christmas? It seems like the robe has been a standard mom-gift for all of eternity. Weezie is not your standard robe. Made in sunny Portugal with 100% organic and OEKO-TEX® certified long-staple cotton, they are incredible. I the proud owner of their Short Robe, and I safely say I use it daily. Add a fun monogram for a personal touch. 

St. Armands Designs:

Jewelry always makes for such a fantastic gift. That’s especially true when you find a woman-owned small business with so much coastal flare. St. Armands Designs offer so many incredible earrings that make a statement. I always prefer her rattan pieces. I know that’s not everyone’s choice, so be sure to look at her beautiful pearl pieces as well.

Pamela Munson:

Memories of the beach inspired these perfectly ladylike bags. They are timeless classics with a laidback twist. Whether you’re shopping for your mom, grandma, or even yourself, Pamela Munson handbags are sure to please. Just wait until you see their beautiful High Summer 2021 Collection. The Shell looks like it’s straight out of The Little Mermaid. 

Gray Malin:

The older I get, the more and more I appreciate splurging on a piece of art. I think it’s because we have a home of our own to decorate. A fun photographer to explore is Gray Malin. He is one of my favorites and instills a tremendous feeling of wanderlust. When shopping for mom, think of a memory or destination that has a lot of significance to her and go from there. If she’s a traveler, she will swoon over the beautiful snapshots of her favorite places. I would love to add a piece of Lake Como to my collection to think of our honeymoon there. 

Lake Pajamas:

Lake Pajamas are the softest things around and perfect for Mom! The 100% Pima Cotton feels softer than a cloud and is great for lounging, or more accurately. I have a few pairs, and it’s actually an effort not to wear them 24/7. I can already see my mom in this Short-Tall Set. If that’s not your own mom’s style, be sure to take a look at everything they offer. 

Amanda Lindroth:

Amanda Lindroth offers so many incredible pieces that make your mom’s heart flutter. Sometimes it can be tricky buying items for the home, but these pieces are all effortlessly chic. I recommend buying one of her signature bamboo frames and putting a special family photo inside. It’s an instant sentimental gift that your mom is sure to love! Another great option would be this signed copy of Amanda Lindroth’s book, Island Hopping, especially if she is a design lover. 

Sarah Bray Bermuda:

This gift is for the mom who loves to be out in the sun! I recently purchased a Sarah Bray hat for myself, and it made its big debut on our most recent trip to Harbour Island. If your mom prefers to spend the day in the garden or at the beach, then this wide-brimmed hat will be perfect for her! There is a rainbow of ribbons to choose from, or you can opt for an exceptional vintage floral one instead. 

Lingua Franca:

I have long been a fan of Lingua Franca, an NYC-based company. I truly admire what Rachelle has created, a line of sustainably sourced, fair-trade cashmere sweaters that help inspire change. The collection for Mother’s Day can be personalized to reflect all of the children in your mom’s life. You can also opt for one of their signature sweaters with tongue-in-cheek embroidery like “Busy as a Mother” or “Because I Said So.” 

Hellenic Aesthetic:

I went to high school with the owner of Hellenic Aesthetic, Marianthi. She beautifully showcases her Greek heritage by showcasing Greece-based designers. Her in-house jewelry line is filled with stunning 14k gold pieces that constantly inspire me to hop on the next plane to Athens. For Mother’s Day, I love this gorgeous Mama necklace is available in yellow, rose, and white golds. Please note that she is currently observing the Orthodox Holy Week, and shipping will be delayed until May 3rd. 

Estelle Colored Glasses:

Founder and owner of Estelle Colored Glasses, Stephanie, is inspired by her grandma, who loved antiquing through South Carolina. From stemware to cake stands, her glass pieces are absolutely stunning and come in a rainbow of colors. It seems like a loving nod to dinner parties from years ago when the tablescape was everything. I can’t decide between the wine glasses or the champagne coupes, which pales compared to actually picking a color. For Mother’s Day, this coral-colored wine glass set would be a great gift idea for a mom who entertains and unwinds.

Grayson:

Who knew that a simple button-down shirt could be so perfect for Mother’s Day? The Grayson team completely understands. The signature style, the Hero, was engineered by women and for women to create an extremely comfy top. I love their linen pieces! A few shirts for your mom may help her refresh her wardrobe and support a woman-owned business at the same time! Use code KATIEKENNEDY to get $25 off your first order, including the aptly-timed Mama + Mini Collection. 

Hotel Lobby Candle:

Blogger, Lindsay Silberman, has recently become one of my favorite follows! She seems so approachable, upbeat, and shares a truly intimate view of her life in NYC. One of her most recent ventures is Hotel Lobby Candle. As a traveler, one of my favorite things about staying in gorgeous hotels is that they typically have a fantastic fragrance to match. I list the lobby at the Vinoy Hotel in St. Pete as one of my favorite scents. Inspired by the luxury hotels from her travels, this candle would make for a perfect Mother’s Day gift. 

At the end of the day, your mom will probably appreciate anything you gift her! If you live far away, be sure to give her a call and shower her with all of the love that she deserves. To all moms, grandmas, and soon-to-be moms, happy early Mother’s Day from the entire Orange to Apple team.

Love from Florida,
Katie

As always, thanks for stopping by! To keep up with all things about the Sunshine State, be sure to visit my exclusive Florida page, here.