KATIE KENNEDY - Page 206 of 266 -

Traveling Abroad With Friends

July 31, 2019

Traveling Abroad With Friends

NYC, Style Blog, Travel Blog, Gal Meets Glam, GMG, Seersucker, Espadrilles, Cult Gaia, Castaner, Preppy, Summer

Dress || Wedges || Clutch || Earrings || Bracelet || Watch

Last month, one of my dear friends and I had a little rendezvous in Paris for a European girl’s trip. Traveling the globe with your friend seems like a natural thing, I’ve heard horror stories in how it can go wrong. Don’t worry, the two of us had an amazing time and even talked about how great it was to be travel compatible together. It seems lucky right? Here are a few things to think about before you travel abroad with friends.

Discuss A Plan:

I know my style of travel isn’t for everyone. I like early mornings, cultural immersion, and lots of walking. My friend knew this about me long before we even thought about traveling abroad together. Because we had an open conversation about how we traveled, I knew that we were on the same page in a lot of ways. She would leave the super early mornings to me, but I really appreciated her early nights too. If you talk with your friend about how they travel, and find that you have little in common or that neither of you are willing to compromise, maybe you should hold off on a lengthened trip together.

Start Small:

Don’t let your first trip with your friend be a super extended and around the world sort of ordeal. It would be awful to be halfway around the world, not enjoying your time together, and still have a week before you get to go home. Instead, start with a small girl’s weekend to a domestic location. My friend and I had two trips to Las Vegas and my bachelorette trip to Palm Beach to get a feel for each other’s travel style. From there, we were able to start brainstorming about destinations that would be a good fit for both of us.

Take A Breath:

When you are in an unfamiliar surrounding, it’s only human nature to feel a little on edge. If you feel that discomfort starting to surface, be sure to take a breath and let yourself calm back down. Know that your companion may be having the same feelings and a discussion between the two of you can take place. Don’t ruin a friendship over something like personal space or a temporary bad feeling.

Have Some “You” Time:

Whether it’s a workout or a bubble bath, make sure to incorporate some ‘you’ time each day of the trip. Especially when you’re visiting a brand new location, it can be very tempting to entirely book every aspect of your day. Allowing for even 30 minutes of downtime is enough to help you feel recharged and ready to go to the next activity. Not only will it help preserve your friendship, but it will also make it easier to enjoy your vacation.

In a way, I feel extremely lucky. I have traveled with my husband, several of my dear friends, my family, and have felt travel compatible with everyone. At the end of the day, even with all of these tips, it comes down to being patient and easy-going. Even the most thoroughly planned out vacations can go horribly wrong, and with fault to no one. Instead of thinking solely about the destination or the activities, focus on the company you’re with. Make the most of the who, and not the where or what, and you will always have an amazing trip.

Love from NYC,
Katie

If you loved my tips for traveling abroad with friends, be sure to visit my exclusive section here.

Where I Buy My Scarves

July 29, 2019

Where I Buy My Scarves

NYC, Style Blog, Old Navy, LBD, Little Black Dress, Hermes, Scarves, Soludos, Espadrilles, Preppy, Gucci

Dress || Similar Scarf || Flats || Tote Bag || Earrings || Watch || Bracelet

One of my favorite little fashion accessories to add to just about any outfit is a patterned silk scarf. I swear, it gives a great amount of character in such a small package. Whenever I’m clothes shopping, I’m also secretly on the lookout for another scarf to add to my ever growing collection. Since I feel like I feature a new scarf almost every week, I thought it would be fun to share my favorite places to buy a new scarf and round up some great pieces that you may want to buy for yourself. Who’s ready to start shopping?

Tuckernuck: You always remember your first, scarf that is! My scarf collection started a few years ago with this gorgeous, pink, and oversized scarf that I still wear today (styled here). Sadly, my exact scarf has long since been sold out, but they recently brought back this beautiful blue option, thanks to popular demand. It won’t last long, so grab this Hermes inspired piece as soon as possible. Also, this nautical scarf (styled here & here) is another favorite in my collection, and better still, it’s on sale!

Talbots: Each scarf here is more beautiful than the last. I’ve worked with this company personally, so I’ve seen how much love goes into each of their designs. Most of their options are the oblong style and will give you a whole variety of ways to style it. This color block chevron piece is a current favorite, but I can’t wait to see what they unveil for Fall and Winter.

Lilly Pulitzer: Before my love for square scarves started, it all began with Lilly. Their Murfee scarves are so unique and a great way of adding bright colors to your outfit. You could even buy them for your favorite state or city. I’ve collected Florida, New Orleans, and New York scarves that I still like to wear from time to time. These incredibly personal pieces also make fantastic gifts.

The Real Real: If you want to buy designer brands, but don’t necessarily have the bank roll for it, this is your place to shop! Sometimes, I think I could look through this site for hours! It’s set up like a virtual fashion museum and their array of Hermes scarves is phenomenal! Even better, you can find some incredible deals on vintage designs for hundred of dollars less than retail, and still in great condition.

This is just a quick, little list of my favorite places to buy scarves, but there are so many other other options. You may even be able to find options at J. Crew, LOFT, or Kate Spade, especially with cooler weather around the corner. When you’re traveling, don’t forget to stop inside the touristy souvenir shops too. Who knows, you may even find a practical memento for a fun trip.

Love from NYC,
Katie

Showing Your Parents Around New York

July 26, 2019

Showing Your Parents Around New York

NYC, New York City, Rent the Runway, Tory Burch, Ferragamo, Tuckernuck, Preppy, Travel, Tour Guide

Dress || Heels || Clutch || Watch || Bracelet || Earrings

Last weekend we hosted David’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy. Even though city was in the middle of an intense heat wave, it was so nice to visit with them. If you’re a fellow New Yorker, then I’m sure you’ve had to play host to family and close friends. Although you should always let your guests have the first say in what to do, the number of choices can seem overwhelming and it’s a good idea to have some thoughts on standby, just in case.

Stop by your favorite neighborhood spot: Let’s start with something simple. I’m sure your guests want to see the local watering hole. If this is their first time visiting, it will help to give them a pretty good sense on the energy of the neighborhood where you live. Discounted drinks for being a regular is just also a potential added bonus.
Take a trip on the ferry: One of the biggest things NYC visitors want to see is a great view of our amazing skyline. For the cost of a subway ticket, taking a trip on the ferry is another option for getting around town. In the spring, we took the ferry to explore Williamsburg and it’s still one of my favorite days in the city to date.

Visit the Met Museum: This museum should be on your list because there is something for everyone. You could spend all day here, and then some, to take in their 2 million pieces of art. If you need a break, stop by their rooftop bar for a happy hour and people watching.
Walk the High Line and grab breakfast: Another personal favorite is to walk the High Line and stop for a very satisfying breakfast at Empire Diner. Since we live in the Upper East Side, showing our guests Chelsea keeps a perspective of the city in balance. While the UES is considered more proper, Chelsea has such a trendy and artistic energy. While you’re in the neighborhood, you can also window shop at the new Hudson Yard or visit the Whiney Museum for a fun twist on American art.

Go out to a Yankees game: Even if they are a self-declared non-Yankees fan, visiting Yankees stadium is always a treat. The stadium is absolutely gorgeous and there isn’t a more quintessential New York activity. Stay until the very end of the game and they play New York, New York by Frank Sinatra. Don’t forget to order a round of hot dogs.
Shop down 5th and Madison Avenues : These streets don’t need any introduction, especially if your guests like to shop ’til they drop. Nearly every designer and brand imaginable can be found in New York City, and many can only be found here. Walk down 5th of Madison, even if just to window shop is always a memorable experience.

Having your parents visit is a great excuse to get out and reintroduce yourself to your own city. Allow yourself to be ‘touristy’! To my own mom and dad, whenever you want to come up and visit, our door is open!

Love from NYC,
Katie

For more on New York, be sure to check out my exclusive city content here.