A Chic Dress That Feels Like Pajamas

Dress || Sandals ($100 off with code BAKATIE50) || Earrings || Bracelet || Tumbler

Before you think I’ve lost my mind… Don’t worry, I am definitely not walking around the neighborhood in my pajamas. Instead I have a found a lovely loophole where I can feel both chic and comfy. I have loved my navy midi slip dress for about a full year now. It made its debut on a girl’s trip to Las Vegas, but has made plenty of other appearances including Paris and a Winter Date Night at Bemelman’s Bar in the Upper East Side.

On a more current note, this dress has been such a great pick while working at home. Words can’t fully describe home comfortable it is. The satin-like material is soft and moves with me. The thigh slits keep me cool, but are somehow still very discreet. Whether I’m sitting on the couch, cooking in the kitchen, or doing chores around the bungalow, this dress just flows!

When I need to some time to escape the house, you can bet that I have zero qualms about wearing this out. When I first added this piece to my wardrobe, I was admittedly a little self-conscious. I know it’s not a nightgown, but what will the neighbors think? It’s amazing what I’ve stopped caring about because of social distancing.

Still wanting to look put together, the proper footwear and accessories are a must. Since I received them a few weeks ago, my Sarah Flint Grear Sandals (in silver) have been practically a daily pick. The Grecian style is a great combination of boho and effortless. In just the past week, I’ve worn them with chino shorts, my white jeans, and of course, this slip dress. In fact, I love the pairing so much, I can’t wait to wear it out on a proper date night. To find out for yourself how wonderful Sarah Flint shoes really are, use the code BAKATIE50 to get $100 off your first pair.

The other must-have item for walks around the neighborhood? That definitely goes to my Yeti tumbler. My new favorite evening activity is making a cocktail to-go and strolling through our historic Old Northeast. We chat with neighbors, at a distance, and daydream about future homes. All of that is much more enjoyable with a refreshing drink in hand.

At home, on a walk, or on a fun night out, a chic slip dress is surprisingly the best call you can make. They’re fun and effortless for whatever the situation needs.

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.

Taking Back Casual Friday

Top || Jeans || Sandals || Handbag || Earrings || Bracelet

Happy Friday! At least, I think it’s Friday. The days blend together so easily that I have to check at least three times a day. Friday, though, should still be held special. Even though the line between workweek and weekend is so blurred right now, I like to clearly make that distinction. Doing so will be a tiny glimmer of normalcy during these strange times. While our Friday doesn’t look anything like the norm, here are my favorite ways to take back Casual Friday.

Dress for the Occassion

If you’ve been wearing sweatpants or pajamas daily, make Friday your day to elevate what you wear. Even if that means sliding on your comfiest pair of jeans and a cute blouse, that works for me. I’ve been trying to dress how I typically would, so I’m keeping the casual in Casual Friday by dressing down. Friday is also the perfect opportunity to really get dolled up for no particular reason at all.

Call Quitting Time

If you are able to work from home, make sure that you have a distinct end time to your Friday work schedule. It’s so easy to lose track of time and find yourself working well into the evening. By giving an end time to your work day, you’re creating healthy boundaries that will help keep your spirits up. Some weeks can feel particularly stressful and a mental break becomes a priority. Have a conversation with your boss to ask if you could take a half day.

Make a Celebratory Cocktail

I’ve been trying to stay very mindful of how much alcohol I drink while safe at home. Really, I’ve been saving most cocktails for Friday and Saturday, although there are some exceptions. Since you can’t go out for drinks right now, have Happy Hour at home and create your favorite cocktail. Make it virtual and FaceTime with your typical Friday night crew. Even though we’re apart, it’s so important to stay connected.

Order Local Take-Out

I’ve been touting often how important it is to support local businesses. While we haven’t felt comfortable to make this a daily occurrence, it’s become part of our nightly routine on Fridays. It makes perfect sense because eating out is how we would typically spend our evening. If you are able, I recommend leaving a hearty tip to say thank you, especially if you’re a regular. Bring your bounty home and watch a movie for a makeshift date night.

Just because the times are most decidedly not normal, we can still try to find some sense of normalcy. That means respecting your own mental state and personal time. There’s a lot of things we currently cannot control, but how we spend our day is!

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.

My Mother’s Day Gift Guide

Dress || Sandals || Clutch || Similar Earrings || Bracelet

Mother’s Day is just around the corner. I don’t know about you, but this time apart has made me appreciate my mom even more! Even though she is also working from home, she is almost always available to chat when I need to hear her voice. In Florida, social distancing orders are starting to relax, but I don’t know if I feel comfortable visiting my parents, even for Mother’s Day. Regardless of whether you’re close by or afar, it’s so important to show your appreciation. Here’s a quick little roundup of gift ideas for four different types of ‘Mom’ you may have in your life.

Kitchen Mom

Platters and Board Cookbook

Is your mom the ‘hostess with the mostest’? Then a fun cookbook to help her raise her cheeseboard game would be a perfect gift option. From cheese pairings to hummus recipes, she’s bound to feel inspired with this 224 page book.

Casa Fruita Pot Holder and Apron Set

I clearly was thinking, specifically, of the Florida mom, but this fun apron and pot holder pair will work in any kitchen. You all know my love for citrus themed pieces, so this is a no-brainer.

TUCKERNUCK Large Everyday Monogrammed Cutting Board

I always like to sneak in at least one monogrammed piece on a gift guide. It adds such a fun, personal touch! A cutting board, is obviously a kitchen essential, but this one is a pretty as it is functional.

GOOP Covered Fry Pan Set

I am so drawn to this frying pan set. Of course, the first thing you’re going to love is the color. How gorgeous is this sky blue? After that, enjoy the fact that you’re gifting your mom something that is going to be used often in the kitchen.

Outdoor Mom

Rattan Wine & Bread Basket

Just because most bars and restaurants are still closed doesn’t mean your mom can’t dine in style. This wine and bread basket is just begging to be taken on a picnic. Who doesn’t love dining al fresco?

YOGA DESIGN LAB Commuter Mat

Finding a moment of zen is so key right now, mother or not. This yoga mat will help your mom find her center. It’s made of 100% recyclable materials and comes in the prettiest shade of pink.

ANTHROPOLOGIE La Sirena Beach Towel

This is not your mother’s beach towel. It looks like it should be draped on the couch rather than at the beach. Still, it’s a gorgeous piece to use on the sand or poolside. It would even come in handy if your mom wants to go on that picnic from before.

APL Techloom Sneakers

Has your mom made a resolution to move more? Or maybe she’s just been feeling a little coped up recently. These sneakers may be that great final piece of motivation. I just love this bright coral color, but there are so many others to choose from. Remember, don’t leave your mom stranded and offer to go on walks (or runs) with her.

Relaxation Mom

LAKE Short Pajama Set

It’s so tempting to spend the entire days in your pajamas. If that’s how your mom has been feeling, gift her a top notch pair. LAKE is a small business, based in Savannah, Georgia. They have an entire Mother’s Day Shop to peruse and even offer 2-day shipping so it arrives in time.

VITRUVI White Stone Essential Oil Diffuser

I wish I could treat my mom to a day at the spa, but that’s just not going to happen any time soon. Instead, an oil diffuser, with some of her favorite scents, would make for a great alternative. I highly recommend anything from Capri Blue to recreate that spa feel.

TOCCA Eau de Parfum and Hand Lotion Set

Sometimes, just putting on your favorite perfume and matching lotion can make you feel pampered. That’s been the case for me, and I’ve been loving my Stella perfume by Tocca. It has been one of my daily perfumes for a few years. Now that I am constantly washing my hands and applying hand sanitizer, I love adding this rich hand cream for some relief.

ANTHROPOLOGIE Monogram Mug and Artisan White Tea Set

I think tea is always a sweet gift idea, but maybe that’s because David’s mom is such an avid tea drinker. The possibilities and combinations for flavors are endless. To really make it a personal gift, be sure to add a cheerful monogrammed mug that she’ll want to use everyday.

Fashionable Mom

MAYA BRENNER 14K Yellow Gold Birthstone Ring

I except it will be a few more years before David and I decide to start a family. When time eventually comes, these dainty rings are already on my list. One for each child or grandchild in her life, these rings are small enough to be stackable and will make quite a statement.

SARAH FLINT White Natalie Flats ($100 off with code BAKATIE50)

I love another opportunity to shower mom with love and still support a small business. If she’s someone who’s on her feet a lot, give her the gift of comfortable footwear. The Natalie Flats is a great every day shoe. The beautiful white leather will make this her go-to shoe of choice in the summer.

TALBOTS Toile Diamond Scarf

I firmly believe that scarves are the perfect accessory. They are timeless and are just as unique as every mom out there. This sweet toile print is cheerful, but ladylike and can be worn for years to come.

ST. ARMAND DESIGNS Bamboo Wicker Earrings

One final gift idea is from a small company, local to Gulf Coast Florida. They offer a sweeping variety of coastal inspired earrings. As a lover of their pieces, I can attest at they are light weight and perfect for day to night.

Be sure to give your mom extra love this year. Even without a gift, a phone call or heart felt letter can go such a long way! To my mom readers out there, I hope your family has something special in store for you.

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.