A Beautiful Autumn Tweed

Blazer || Tee || Jeans || Flats c/o ($50 off with code SARAHFLINT-BAKATIE) || Similar Handbag || Earrings

It feels like Fall has definitely started to make its way to Gulf Coast Florida. By that, I mean we’re staying below 90 degrees. It’s still humid, but I’ll take what I can get. With the slight dip on the thermostat, I’ve been relishing in enjoying my morning coffee al fresco in our outdoor sitting area. It also means that I’m beginning to play around with autumnal colors and fabrics. While it’s not the same as dressing for Fall in NYC, I’m happy to announce the return of my favorite fabric, tweed!

Even though I’m permanently working from home, I still take pride in and have fun with getting dressed each morning. Yes, that includes the footwear. In my mind, it’s helps me feel professional and honestly keeps me on task throughout the day. If I put on a full outfit, I rise to the occasion. The reverse is also true. If I just roll out of bed and “go to work” in sweats I feel my productivity shrink. I know this isn’t true for everyone, to some comfort is key, so that’s just my personal experience.

Even if getting dressed for work is just a basic tee and jeans. I say mission accomplished! All I have to do is add a blazer and I’m ready for Zoom meetings and hosting Webinars with clients. Enter this little jacket… J. Crew has long been my number one destination for tweed, but this one may just take the cake! It’s aptly named Autumn Tweed and absolutely deserves a spot in your seasonal wardrobe.

This particular material is so soft, especially for a tweed, but it’s the style of the jacket that really won me over. Is is beautifully tailored and has an almost military-esque silhouette. As someone with an incredibly long torso, it perfectly fit my body type, without looking oversized. Also, gold buttons, accompanied with functional pockets, really make the color pop!

To keep this simple look a feminine one, I paired some of my favorite lady-like accessories. My Saddle Vanchetta Natalie flats are the perfect neutral color, with just the faintest hint of a bow. My go-to “fall bag” from Neely and Chloe is just as structured as my blazer, making it a perfect match. With so many fun, fall style on their way, how will you dress for the new 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.

Shopping Women-Owned Businesses

Shirt || Pants || Heels ($50 off with SARAHFLINT-BAKATIE) || Handbag || Earrings

Women supporting women. It’s such a simple concept, but is sadly much rarer than it needs to be. We’ve all witnessed it… Women getting jealous of someone else’s success, for no reason. It doesn’t have to be that way and is such an ugly stereotype, to boot. That’s why, when I’m shopping, I make an active decision to support women-owned businesses. Honestly, the more female centric it is, the more inclined I am to make a purchase. Here are some of my favorites that I am proud to support!

Grayson

One of the hardest things for me to shop for are any kind of button-down shirt. If it’s not too tight in the shoulders, thank you 15 years of swimming, than I’m self-conscious about button gaps. On the other hand of the spectrum, I don’t want them to be too oversized. The Grayson team completely understand. The signature style, the Hero, was engineered by women and for women to create an extremely comfy top. I simply love their linen pieces!

Sarah Flint

I’ve gotten to know Sarah so well since I began working with her about a year ago. She designs each shoe specifically with great woman in mind. Her motto is ‘style without sacrifice.’ That’s certainly true with any pair of her shoes. The artisan craftsmanship comes straight out of Italy with the most expert of manufacturing. To try for yourself, be sure to use the code SARAHFLINT-BAKATIE for $50 off of your first pair.

St. Armands Designs

This local, Gulf Coast Florida, brand has made their mark on the statement earring world! In recent months, I’ve created quite a little collection and each pair is lightweight and versatile! My current favorite is this wooden seashell pair. They make for a whimsical touch, but still go with nearly everything in my wardrobe. Kristina, the owner, is coming out with new styles often. Just wait until you see her holiday pieces!

The Daily Edited

This Australian company first came onto my radar while window shopping in the West Village. They specialize in personalized leather goods and the possibilities are seemingly endless! Because the pricing is very budget friendly, their pieces make for a great gift idea. I have their circle bag and it’s one of my go-to handbags whenever I head out. My KCK monogram has never looked so good!

Weezie

I had the pleasure of working with this Savannah based company, and my outlook on towels has never been the same! They have perfected the bath time experience by designing high quality and extremely absorbent towels. I’m also a huge fan of their robes, which has become my wardrobe whenever I spend weekends at home.

Camilyn Beth

In a word, these dresses and gowns are simply gorgeous! Cami, the owner, knows the fashion industry frontwards and backwards. The result is a perfect collection of dresses for nearly any occasion. For an event that calls for more fanfare, her gowns are made to order, just for you. Next month, I have a wedding to attend in Sea Island and this particular dress has been calling my name!

Lingua Franca

I have long been a fan of this NYC based company, but the timing couldn’t be more crucial! I truly admire what Rachelle has created… a line of sustainably sourced, fair-trade cashmere sweaters that help inspire change. In her own words, “We care a lot.” She supports various organizations that work for a better world, the ACLU, the Alliance for Quality Education, I am a Voter to name a few. Are her sweaters political? You bet, and I’m so proud to be a customer because of it.

Neely and Chloe

Proof that impeccable style runs in the family. This sister duo is responsible for a fabulous line of affordable accessories. Their pieces are classic, ladylike, with just a touch of vintage inspiration. From the smallest clutch to the roomy weekender, they have you covered for what you’re looking for. You may have noticed my brown croc Lady Bag. I jokingly designate it my ‘Fall’ bag, but it’s still one of my favorites.

Supporting female-owned businesses is such a tiny step to help reinvent gender stereotypes. I invite you to get to know some of these brands and trust that you are buying a product that deeply understands what you’re looking for. Happy shopping!

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.

Let’s Get Ready to Vote!

Tee || Similar Skirt || Wedges || Handbag || Earrings

If I can be perfectly candid for a moment… This weekend was one of the most emotionally exhausting I’ve had in a while. Like for so many others, the passing of Ruth Bader Ginsburg left a crater-sized hole. It’s impossible to imagine a Supreme Court without her. With her gone, there are a lot of questions on what’s next. One thing that must not be questioned is your participation in this year’s election, it’s simply too important! As American citizens, we have an obligation to let our voices be heard and make our vote count.

Tomorrow, September 22nd, is National Voter Registration Day. With only 43 days until Election Day, there is no better time to get yourself ready to cast your ballot. National Voter Registration Day is a nonpartisan holiday and their website is full of information in how to register in your state. Since this is a nonpartisan movement, I’m speaking to you regardless of what party you identify with.

If you think your vote doesn’t matter, let’s take a quick look at past elections. In 2016, 42 percent of eligible voters stayed home on Election Day. That’s over 95 million people! Why did they opt out of voting? It’s hard to say for everyone. Maybe they didn’t like either candidate, maybe they didn’t know the importance. Whatever the reason, if even a fraction of those 95 million voted, we could have had some very different results. I don’t think it’s particularly healthy to play the “could have-would have-should have” game, but why would you want to leave any room for doubt?

If you’re already registered to vote. I’m so proud of you! I hope you continue to educate yourself about both candidates and make the most informed decision you can on November 3rd. Help spread the word! You may even want to consider sporting some Voting swag to celebrate. I love supporting local women-run businesses and this VOTE tee is two for the price of one. Local illustrator, Shannon Kirsten, and designer, Camilyn Beth, have teamed up to create the cutest Voting tee on the market. Wear it often and wear it proud all the way to Election Day.

At the end of the day, this vote isn’t about me, you, or even Ruth Bader Ginsburg. This vote is about ensuring that we are protecting a country with the purest of ideals, that all are created equal. This moment in history is too important to sit on the sidelines. Make your vote count!

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.