When Live Gives You Lemons

Dress (similar under $50) || Wedges || Clutch || Earrings || Bracelet

What should we make with lemons? Make lemonade? Add to a gin and tonic? Make lemon meringue pie? No matter what you decide, it kind of feels like we’ve been dealt a few extra helpings of lemon this year. Everyone is feeling the impact of the current events and we’re all trying to make the best of it. As for me, I’m making the best of my time at home. I’ve been enjoying time with my husband, cooking more, and finding a good stride with teaching online. As for the lemons, I prefer to wear them. Here’s a quick round up with some stunning pieces in this fun print for summer.

ENGLISH FACTORY Mini Dress

Let’s start with the piece I’m wearing. The style of this dress isn’t really in my comfort zone, but I’ve been really gravitating towards puffed sleeves. So, let’s just roll with it! The fabric is vibrant and exciting, while the sweetheart neckline makes for a very flattering frock. As a heads up, this brand typically runs small, and I had to size up two sizes from my regular medium. If you love the dress, but want a cheaper alternative, this dress from H&M is a knockout!

GAL MEETS GLAM Maxi Dress

The queen of feminine, classic style is hands down, Julia Engel. I cherish each and every piece she releases, and this sweet lemon maxi is no exception! The pattern was actually created my Julia’s equally talented sister, Lauren Taylor Creates, making the piece incredibly special. For moms and mothers-to-be, the print is also available in the most darling onesie.

HONEYDEW INTIMATES Jersey PJ Set

If wearing loungewear is more your speed right now, have no fear! This pajama set may be just what you need. I have other pieces from this brand and I can attest that the material is perfectly soft. Be sure to check out the tank top set as well, linked here.

NEST FRAGRANCES Amalfi Reed Diffuser

While you are lounging in your pajamas, surround yourself with a relaxing fragrance. The Amalfi Coast in Italy is synonymous with limoncello and lemons, making this diffuser perfectly named, with just a touch of mint for good measure. Your home will smell fresh and citrusy for up to 90 days.

SOLUDOS Espadrille Flats

Perfect summer print, meet the perfect summer shoe. Espadrilles are by far my favorite shoe, no matter the season. I find them to be especially comfortable and have had owned my fair share over the years. Soludos is one of the best espadrille sources. These little flats, in one of their classic styles, is embroidered with lemons to give some pep to your step.

BAUBLE BAR Pearl Drop Earrings

I always like to add at least one pair of statement earrings to my shopping round ups. If it has pearl accents, it’s even better! This particular pair will be such a fun, but subtle accent this summer. They’re practically a neutral and can be worn with a whole array of styles.

SENREVE Mini Maestra Bag

Okay, this bag doesn’t have any extra lemon accents, but the color (and its name) was just too good to pass up! Senreve is the perfect handbag for a girl on the go. It’s really designed with you in mind. I actually had an opportunity to chat with the founder at an event in New York and she truly has this handbag figured out. Supporting a women-based company is only an added bonus.

PROCTOR-SILEX Lemonade Stand Juicer

Truly get prepared for the summer, but this time in the kitchen. There is nothing more refreshing than a tall ice-cold glass of lemonade, especially on humid Florida day. This juicer makes it easier! To make you feel better about your purchase, $1 of each piece sold will be donated to benefit childhood cancer research.

When life gives you lemons, make the best of it! Whether that means lemonade, cocktails, pie, or shopping, it’s okay to add some more lemon to your life. Sometimes, they’re not so sour after all!

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.

A Linen Love Affair

Shirt || Skirt (similar) || Sandals ($100 with code BAKATIE50) || Handbag || Earrings

Even though it’s been surprisingly cool in Florida somedays, I know the hot and humid days are coming. Summer in the Sunshine State is no joke! There are triple digit temperatures and what I swear feels like 100 percent humidity. You learn really quick that sometimes it’s not always about being the most fashionable, but about staying cool. Don’t worry, I’ve had quite a few years of practice. While it’s not always perfect, there is one particular fabric that saves the day.

Linen, the answer is always linen! Especially in light and bright colors, it is the ultimate salvation on a muggy Florida day. The looser the fit, the better. Every time I get the chance, I scoop up some pieces to survive the summer. Most recently, I’ve been loving these short-sleeve shirts from H&M. For me, they check all of the boxes. It’s perfectly oversized, letting me style it a number of ways. I loved tying it in a fun bow, but will normally wear it in a French tuck. The price point is also pretty great. For under $25, it can be added to your closet in one of three colors.

To create an ethereal look, I paired the white top with a summery yellow skirt, also from H&M. Although it’s very fine, this skirt has the sweetest little floral print that really won me over. The skirt moves and flows with every step I took. I couldn’t help but get slightly dolled up in the neighborhood, even if we were just walking to a casual lunch.

The one downside to my love of linen? The wrinkles! In that regard, linen is not particularly kind and will always wrinkle on you. While there’s not a real way to keep it from doing so, I think it adds to the whole carefree charm of it all. You wouldn’t worry about wrinkles on a beach vacation, so why should you for brunch?

The possibilities for linen is endless! Blouses, skirts, even suits for work, everything is possible with this fun, summery fabric. If you’re feeling inspired, shop my favorite pieces under $50 to add an easygoing twist to your wardrobe.

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.

Ways I’m Staying Inspired

Top || Jeans || Sandals (similar) || Clutch || Similar Earrings || Bracelet

I’ve always considered myself to be more of a creative person. One of the reasons I started a blog is because of my lifelong love for writing. Being able to style fun outfits is just an added bonus. Since a lot of my writing ideas comes from travel, and I’ve been spending nearly all of my time at home, finding those doses of inspiration is starting to feel a little scarce. I’ve been so happy with the content I’ve been able to share with you and want to keep that coming. So, I’ve had to find new things to turn to for ideas. I know we can all use an extra little bit of inspiration. Here are my recent favorite ‘destinations.’ After all, everyone can use a little something to get their imagination running.

Reading Coastal Living Magazine

This has been my favorite magazine for years and years. Even though I talk primarily about fashion on this space, flipping through my back issues of Coastal Living always leaves me with at least one new idea. The possibilities are endless. Sometimes it’s a new color combination to try, other times it’s about how to incorporate a pattern that I’ve never thought of before. Because I can’t get out and travel how I want to, I’m bringing the vacation destination to me.

Getting Out and Exploring My City

I’m so happy to call St. Pete, Florida home and sharing it with you is amazing. Since I think it’s on the way to become a top travel destination, I love bragging about it. Walking around the Sunshine City, I always happen to find something new. That shouldn’t be too surprising because for the past few years it has been constantly changing and growing. From restaurants to festivals and everything in-between, I could blog solely about life in St. Pete. No matter where you live, be sure to explore the best that your home has to offer.

Rewatching Classic Movies

If you take a look at my choice in movies, it’s pretty clear that I’m an old soul. Some of the absolute best movies came out in the 1940s and 50s. Not only are the cast and stories amazing, but they act as a little capsule of the fashions of the time. I feel so inspired by the outfits and love to recreate them for the modern age. This was especially a favorite when I was living in NYC, but I should bring it back again with a Florida-esque twist.

Visiting My Local Beach

The beach will always be my ultimate source of inspiration. After a particularly trying day or week, I like to just sit there and clear my head. It helps me feel centered and with a new source of energy. Not the mention the fact, I love strolling among the beach houses for an extra source of creative buzz. Florida has begun to open the beaches, but don’t expect to find me there during peak hours quite yet. My favorite time to visit is at sunrise when the colors really start to take on a life of their own.

Finding little bits of inspiration in my life has helped keep me sane. It helps me feel connected to the world and makes me optimistic for the future. Whatever your source of inspiration may be, now is the time to harness it. After all, you never know what great things can arise from it.

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.