KATIE KENNEDY

Festive Red Coats

Coat || Blouse || Jeans || Flats || Tote Bag || Earrings

I almost feel like I missed my shot in posting these pictures. Trying to get ahead of my crazy holiday schedule, David and I took these pictures in the beginning of November when Central Park was still in the middle of its fall colors. Nowadays, it looks more like a winter wonderland, right on time for the holiday season. Anyways, I’m so glad I can still share my take on festive red coats!

Whichever season I’m dressing for, I knew that this year a striking red coat was on the top of my shopping list. Since most of the other jackets in my collection are either black or navy, a cherry red would make for a cheerful addition, especially against the typical city color scheme. Bright red is a color that I love with my skin tone, but I actually hardly wear outside of the Christmas season.

I knew that this pick from Court & Rowe, at Nordstrom, would be the winner as soon as I saw it. The color, in a warm and surprisingly soft wool, was exactly what I was looking for. It said ‘Christmas’ while still being versatile enough to wear all winter long. It’s even called Preppy Red, which you know instantly resonated with me. My favorite feature of this little coat is the peek of paisley on the contrasting lining. It gives you an excuse to cuff the sleeves and show off the attention to detail.

Even better news, this jacket is already 50% off and under $90. It comes in two other beautiful colors: a classic camel and a vibrant royal blue. All three would make for the perfect addition to your winter rotation. Each color would also work with this fun tartan blouse from J. Crew. It paired perfectly with my new coat and the holidays, but could honestly be worn almost all year round.

I first wore this jacket on a stroll through Central Park to the Upper West Side. David and I were on our way to eat at the UWS J.G. Melon, but alas, it seems to be closed. Instead, we found this new to me taco restaurant called Tacombi. The food absolutely delicious and I loved the retro-inspired decor. They even served Palomas, one of my favorite Mexican cocktails. If you live in Uptown NYC, definitely check this spot out.

Since I’m in the red coat mood, I decided to round up my favorite pieces, all under $200 (some are that price with a sale). Since I’m a Florida girl at heart, it would kill me to spend more than that on a jacket. Though I’m learning that’s sometimes a necessity in northern city living. Which jacket is your favorite?

Love from NYC,
Katie

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

Black Tie Christmas

Dress (similar) (similar) || Heels || Clutch || Earrings

My family celebrates Christmas with an extremely casual dress code. As Floridians, typically we gather around the holiday table and Christmas tree in t-shirts and shorts. There’s absolutely zero fanfare involved. While I’m thankful for my parents’ laidback attitude, I’ve secretly wished I had a holiday time gala to attend. Since there’s nothing on my itinerary this year, I’ll just dress the part with my favorite red dress from a charity event I had earlier this year. I’m still in love with this red lace number from Rent the Runway, originally posted here. Here’s a quick round up of some other options for a black tie Christmas!

Festive Reds

Probably my personal favorite during the holiday season, now is the time to wear the brightest shade of red you can muster. Especially in New York City, it will a breath of fresh air against the typical black and navy ensembles. Keep you head high and know that you will be the center piece of any room you walk into.

Elegant Black

Is there anything more classic than a stunning black gown? I certainly can’t think of one. Even though this slimming color seems pretty straight forward, it can have so much character! Look for pieces with interesting fabrics and a striking accent.

Dreamy Midnight Blue

I really couldn’t leave out my favorite color on the black tie fun! Navy is a little more playful than it’s black counterpart, but just as classic. It still works with nearly every skin tone and can actually serve as a pop of color. The sky is the limit with midnight blue.

Eye Catching Silver and Gold

A lot of gals are already starting to think about New Years Eve and starting the new decade off with a great look. Since we’re about to enter into the roaring 20’s, I think we should look as festive as the opulent decade deserves. Wear a flashy dress with all of the glitz to stand out when the ball drops at midnight.

Dressing up for the holidays is such an added perk! Why can’t we dress like this all year around? When you find the perfect dress for a high-function occasion, you seriously feel like you could rule the world. Cheers to finding the dress.

Love from NYC,
Katie

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

Gift Guide: Teachers

Blazer || Blouse || Skirt || Heels ($50 off with BAKATIE50) || Handbag || Earrings || Bracelet

With so much focus and time spent on buying gifts for family and friends, there’s one person I would hate for you to miss out on. This really only applies if you have young children, but their teacher should be on the top of your shopping list. Obviously, I very biased here. I know the teacher life better than most bloggers out there. Heck, even if your friend, neighbor, or relatives are teachers, thank them for all of their work with this gift guide.

CAPRI BLUE Volcano Reed Diffuser

Teachers care about their students to death, but a classroom of 20 or more doesn’t always smell so great. Candles are a no, for obvious reasons, and aerosol sprays hardly smell better. Instead, opt for a reed diffuser in a nice, clean scent. Volcano from Capri Blue has been one of my favorite candle companies for years!

LILLY PULITZER Insulated Lunch Box

When I was in the classroom, lunch was a violent 30 minutes where I had to drop off the students, go to the bathroom, make last minute copies, eat for five minutes, and pick up the students again. Knowing that I came to work everyday with a packed lunch from home was a huge relief. The print of this Lilly Pulitzer lunch box is so sweet! It’s also insulated to keep everything cold during the long school day.

ANTHROPOLOGIE Noir Monogram Mug

Whether it’s coffee, tea, or soda, teachers live on caffeine. How else do you think we are always our best selves with a roomful of kids 180 days of the year? For really nice personal touch, give your student’s teacher a monogrammed coffee mug. At under $10, you also slip in a gift card to their favorite coffee shop.

SUGAR PAPER Concealed Spiral 2020 Planner

I, and a handful of my favorite co-teachers, used to obsess over our planners. When you have 20 plus students, meetings, standards, testing, and everything else to keep track off, it’s nice to have one place to dump it all. This planner from Sugar Paper is so simple with it’s blue and white cover. The concealed spiral is great! That way, it won’t get crushed inside our giant teacher bags.

BRIOGEO Deep Conditioning Mask

Teaching is the absolute most reward career out there. Still, there are days where I would come home feeling like I just spent the last few hours inside a tornado. Going to the spa weekly isn’t normally in a teacher’s budget, but a weekly deep conditioning mask is a great way to unwind.

VINGLACÉ Stemless Wine Glass

Speaking of unwinding, maybe they need a refreshing glass of … in hand? Since I was previously in a Catholic school, my parents had a huge appreciation for a bottle of wine. For Christmas, one of my families gave me a nice bottle of red. It’s a way of saying, “I know your job is tough, but maybe this will help.” It’s a simple and extremely thoughtful gift! Be sure to double check with school policies and teacher preferences before going with this option.

KATE SPADE Mini Initial Pendant Necklace

A teacher’s last name is heard an infinite number of times in the classroom. It’s how your kids know to love a teacher and can be the entire identity of the class. A monogram necklace can be a token of how important that name is to you children. This Kate Spade pick has an Art Deco feel for a unique style.

SUGARFINA 8-Piece Candy Bento Box

I cannot tell you how many days I felt desperate for a small piece of candy. Depending on the classroom schedule, the afternoons can feel like a drag. Having a little afternoon pick me up is crucial. I am a huge fan of Sugarfina candies. They are the perfect little bite and come in the cutest packaging. This 8-piece bento box gives the teachers in your life a whole batch of options.

Even as I’m writing this, I feel a huge sense of love for my teaching career. I may have taken a small break, but I just know I’ll be back. Teaching sometimes feels like both the best and most stressful job imaginable. During the holiday season, even giving sharing the smallest token of appreciation can mean so much!

Love from NYC,
Katie

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