KATIE KENNEDY - Page 168 of 265 -

Dressing for Gasparilla

January 18, 2020

Dressing for Gasparilla

Gasparilla, Tampa Bay, Florida, Style, Tuckernuck

Shirt || Jeans || Wedges || Handbag || Earrings || Bracelet || Watch

Next weekend in Tampa Bay is kind of a big deal for locals… Gasparilla! It’s essentially our version of Mardi Gras. We have the beads, krewes, and parades. The biggest difference is that our little event is hosted by pirates. It’s a day to get out, enjoy our Florida winter, and yes, celebrate a mythical pirate that probably didn’t actually exist. Each year, the event continues to grow and adds so much to our area’s culture.

About Gasparilla

I recently heard that New Years resolutions don’t start in Tampa Bay until after Gasparilla. As you can probably imagine, and similar to its Mardi Gras counterpart, the day gets kind of wild. Drinks are flowing and girls are wearing next next to nothing, trying to imitate their best skimpy pirate. Even though I grew up with the event, I knew that was never really my style.

The Theme

It’s very doable, and surprisingly easy to maintain modest, classic style for a crazy, pirate themed day. Don’t worry about wearing clothes that are too tight or skimpy. I have you covered, literally! Seeing as pirates everywhere will be wearing a combination of red, black, and white, the possibilities are endless.

The Perfect Blouse

If you’re a local and finding yourself at Gasparilla this year, then I can’t recommend this shirt from Tuckernuck enough! The bright, cherry red color is simply gorgeous. While is has the feel of your stand t-shirt, the peplum sleeves give it a whole elevated look and feel. It’s the kind of shirt you can wear running errands or dressing up for an evening out.

Making the Outfit

For the rest of the outfit, I decided to keep it simple and monochromatic. These white jeans from J. Crew are always my go-to, especially on a crisp Florida morning. To really embody that laidback, Florida style I added my favorite espadrille wedges from Castaner. These shoes are so comfortable and would be perfect for staying comfortable when you’re out all day. to keep your valuables close by, but still fashionable, I love this circle bag from The Daily Edited. It comes with a super convenient crossbody strap and can even be monogrammed. That way, there’s no doubt on who the fashionable handbag belongs to.

Overall, this blog post is a quick PSA. Even when it seem like everyone else is dressed with the bare minimum, never feel compelled to follow suit. Dress to your comfort level, to your own personal style, and I guarantee you’ll be more at ease than the majority of people out there.

Love from Florida,
Katie

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

Launching St. Pete Socialite

January 17, 2020

Launching St. Pete Socialite

St. Pete, Socialite, Florida, Sunshine State, Talbots

Dress || Wedges || Bag || Earrings || Bracelet

If you haven’t been able to tell, I’m so excited to be back in sunny Florida. It just feels like home and I can truly be myself. Since moving back, I’ve decide to make it my own personal mission to show the best that St. Pete has to offer. Whether it’s the budding restaurant scene or love for the arts, St. Pete has so much to offer. Even while living in NYC, I couldn’t help but rave about this city that I love. With that all said, I’m very happy to launch a new chapter for Orange to Apple… Launching St. Pete Socialite!

What is St. Pete Socialite?

The end destination is to hopefully run a separate blog about all things St. Pete. I’m thinking about comprehensive restaurant guides, specialized itineraries, and collaborations with my favorite spots in town. Is it too lofty to even think about marketing? Until then, I want to start on a much smaller scale. Once a week, on this blog, I will be highlighting a new spot in the Sunshine City that you absolutely must try. While I’m obviously thinking with the mindset of a 20-something, it will steer anyone in the right direction. As I’ve said before, this isn’t your grandma’s St. Pete!

Why am I taking on this project?

St. Pete truly is a special city. And yes, I’m saying this while considering my time in New York. Currently, a huge revival movement is underway and it’s quite an experience to be a part of. Almost daily, new restaurants, cocktail bars, and coffee shops are bursting onto the scene. Because of our amazing weather all year, events and festivals want to call St. Pete home. More importantly, the people who live in this town are truly wonderful. The locals are friendly, laidback, and make for great company.

What do I hope to accomplish with St. Pete Socialite?

Just like everyone else who lives in St. Pete, I have a vision for what it could truly be. While I’ve heard folks relate it to a laidback South Beach, I am more keen on to think of it as Austin, Texas by the Sea. We have the foodie spots, we have great music, and we have a little something for all walks of life. In the not so distant future, I could also see a South by Southwest type of event being hosted here. Only time will tell!

At the same time, there’s also a distinct divide in St. Pete that sometimes feels like the elephant in the room. There are parts of town that have a very negative reputation. Just the other day I heard someone say, “you never want to go past Central Avenue.” Well, if you don’t, you’re missing out on a great variety of restaurants, beautiful parks, and so much opportunity for growth! I hope to fade that line.

If you live anywhere outside of St. Pete, you probably feel like this has nothing to do with you. That’s where you’re wrong! Florida has been one of the ultimate tourist spots in the country for years. Countless people escape to the Sunshine State during the harsh winter. You should absolutely make St. Pete your destination. If you haven’t even thought about my little city, let me convince you.

Love from Florida,
Katie

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

2020 Color of the Year

January 15, 2020

2020 Color of the Year

Classic Blue, Color, Pantone, Navy, 2020, Nordstrom, Royal Blue

Every year I get so excited for the launching of Pantone’s Color of the Year. When it comes to celebrating a new hue, I’m absolutely here for it. I’ve heard that some were less than thrilled about last year’s Living Coral theme, but it was still so fun to style with last year’s bright teddy coat. You can read that original blog post here. Jump to 2020 and the critics just can’t be satisfied. This year, it’s all about Classic Blue! Some are calling out this year’s color for being way too safe, but it’s been one of my favorites for years. Here are some fresh ways to add a few new shade of blue to your wardrobe.

A Solid Blue Dress

My closet is full of solid black and navy dresses, but this wrap number from Halogen is my first royal blue frock! The color is more of a royal than a true navy, but definitely makes quite a statement. It’s a little bit unexpected, but a great closet staple. The wrap is style is probably the most flattering you can find. If you don’t have one in your closet, don’t delay!

Dainty Statement Earrings

As soon as I spied this chinoiserie inspired earrings from Shashi, I knew that I had to have them! They are so light, you may forget that you even have them on, without sacrificing quality. Sadly, these earrings are such a dream that they are already sold out, but I have a theory that they will restocked soon. In the meantime, I’ve linked another beautiful blue option for you to dress up with.

A Gorgeous Toile Blouse

If money were no object, my closet would be filled with everything toile. It’s one of my favorite patterns! STAUD has been tempting me with so many pieces in their new jungle toile, coming in both blue and yellow versions. This boho style blouse may be the piece I finally decide to take the plunge on. Pair it with crisp white jeans on the weekend, or wear it again at work tucked into a navy midi skirt.

Blue Suede Shoes

It’s hard for me to think about blue shoes without singing that Elvis song in my head. While there are so many options for adding a fun pair of blue or navy shoes, trust me because I have a few, I simply adore these heels from Sarah Flint. The bright navy suede is complimented by a striking tortoise-esque heel. More importantly Sarah Flint heels are the most comfortable you will ever find!

Instead of thinking about royal blue as a statement color, want not try it out as a neutral? With so many ways to style and so many color combinations to try, Classic Blue just may become the new favorite in your rotation.

Love from Florida,
Katie

If you are more interested in travel than style, be sure to visit my exclusive travel page, here.