Little Black Dress Initiative

Dress || Heels ($50 off with code SARAHFLINT-BAKATIE) || Handbag

Shortly after moving back to St. Pete, I decided to join the local Junior League, JLSP. While it has a huge social aspect, I want to give back to the community that I call home. We have so many great programs, but the one I really want to highlight today is the Little Black Dress Initiative. In Florida, 1 in 5 children are food insecure, which has become even more amplified due to COVID-19. In hopes to start a conversation about the 12.9% of St. Pete residents who face food insecurity, JLSP members have been wearing the same black dress for five consecutive days.

I had this eyelet midi dress from Madewell in my closet for a while now. Little Black Dress Initiative seemed like such a great opportunity to wear it and style it for every day of the week.

Monday: Work Place Appropriate

The first way to wear this dress may just be my favorite! Although the dress is fairly oversized, it can become a staple for the workplace with just a few strategic accessories. My Sarah Flint Emma heels have always been my favorite for work. The arch support and heel height are both just perfect!

Tuesday: Cozy For Fall

Even Floridians want to look cozy for Fall. While living in New York, I became such a fan of wearing knee-high boots with midi dresses. These equestrian-inspired boots from Sarah Flint are gorgeous and would pair perfectly with a boho dress. Add a wide-brimmed hat and you’re ready for whatever the day throws at you.

Wednesday: Boho-Beach Inspired

Sometimes it’s fun to lean into the style of a dress and take it up a notch. For me, that means a beach-inspired look that I get to wear practically year-round in Florida. Pairing my go-to Sarah Flint sandals with this straw clutch makes it perfect for a hump-day date night.

Thursday: Dress-Skirt Versatility

I have quite a few midi and maxi dresses in my closet. My favorite way to wear them is to style them like a skirt. Layer the dress with a camel sweater from J. Crew and you have the look of an eyelet skirt. Brown ballet flats make the whole affair look very chic.

Friday: Ready for a Weekend Getaway

There is something so liberating about finishing the workday on Friday and heading straight to the weekend! If you’re hitting the road and getting out of town, you should wear a comfy outfit. Adding my Tretorn sneakers and J. Crew jean jacket is just what you need for a stylish Casual Friday.

Since started by the Junior League of London in 2014, the Little Black Dress Initiative has positively impacted dozens of communities around the country. Even if you’re not a member of the Junior League, I invite you to take a look at local programs. With 2020 being as crazy as it’s been, you may take some comfort in giving back.

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.

An Autumn Shade of Green

Dress (similar) || Flats ($50 off with code SARAHFLINT-BAKATIE) || Similar Handbag

From season to season, I’m guilty of wearing every color of the rainbow. While I’m extremely partial to navy, I’m trying to branch out to other hues besides blue. The fall, in particular, is a perfect opportunity to give a new season of colors a try. Green is always a good choice, but there’s a certain shade that is perfect for the cooler months. Hunter or spruce green is an autumn shade of green.

I’ve actually written about this before, back in 2018, but it’s so fun to revisit. While Kelly Green is right at home during the warmer summer months, darker tones are a surprising splash of color from October and on to the holiday season. Who would have thought that a shade of green could be so versatile? It’s also incredibly flattering and works with all kinds of skin tones. Since I have a fairly olive complexion, I can especially speak to that.

This comfy and effortless boho dress is J. Crew’s current version of autumn green. Officially called spruce green, I’m already planning on wearing it for future holiday parties… Or am I getting to ahead of myself? Anyways, if this dress isn’t quite your style you can still find this rich color in a billowy blouse, jumpsuit, and casual t-shirts. Really when it comes to this color, the options are virtually endless!

How to accessorize? To keep up with this shade, I love the idea of pairing warm brown pieces. The exact kind of brown is up to you, whatever fits your personality! I’m always split between a chestnut brown, like my go-to Neely and Chloe handbag, or a warm Saddle color, like the ever-popular Natalie flats from Sarah Flint. You honestly can’t go wrong!

Whatever you choose, I cannot recommend this color enough. It’s very current and refreshing, while still embracing the season you’re in. Wear it now and wear it well into the holiday season.

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.