KATIE KENNEDY

Romper || Sweater || Sandals || Clutch || Earrings || Bracelet || Sunglasses

Memorial Day is just around the corner! You may have plans to cookout, be on the water, or take the long weekend to go somewhere fun. Wherever you are, it’s the day to be outside. Not only is it the unofficial start of summer, but it gives you a good excuse to break out all of your favorite warm weather pieces. It’s also a day to be patriotic and wear your favorite rendition of red, white, and blue. If you’re wanting to do some shopping for the occassion, the new Vineyard Vines for Target collaboration is just for you.

Although it doesn’t officially launch until tomorrow, both in stores and online, I had the opportunity to sneak a peak at a pop-up event here in NYC. I was completely blown away by the collection! The quality and designs look like they come straight out of the Vineyard Vines catalog and I would never have guessed they were from Target. The tags and amazing prices were the only clues that gave it away. I honestly wasn’t planning on buying anything, but I left with a full shopping bag and huge smile on my face.

My favorite item, hands down, has to be this striped romper. The material was this soft pima cotton that would be perfect to lounge around in. Slip on over a bathing suit and it makes for a great beach coverup. What I’m trying to say is that the possibilites are endless and, at a whopping $30, you get a lot of bang for your buck. For an outfit that would be perfect for running errands or casual drinks with friends, I layered an oversized navy cardigan that I’ve had in my closet forever. This sweater from Nordstrom is almost identical and on sale!

Also among my spoils from the pop-up shop were this navy and white nautical midi dress and this simply, off-the-shoulder top. I simply love any midi dress and this pick is no exception. The ruffled neckline gives it a slight dressy feel, but the grosgrain ribbon belt keeps it fun and playful. You can never have too many white blouses, they go with just about everything under the sun. The VVxTarget version is the kind that will work with your favorite pair of jeans one day and tucked into a ballroom skirt the next.

I think the best part of the Vineyard Vines for Target collection is that it’s very size inclusive. If you liked any of my pieces, or anything from the collaboration, it’s avaible up to a size 3XL. You will also find pieces for men, girls, boys, pets, and the home. They have made this a family affair and I can’t wait to shop more again tomorrow. To get a sneak peek on what they’re offering, and bookmark your favorites, be sure to shop along below.

Love from NYC,
Katie

Dress (c/o) || Wedges || Handbag (c/o) || Necklace || Watch || Bracelet || Jean Jacket || Earrings

There is just nothing quite as rewarding as finding a new staple dress. I’m talking about the kind of dress you want to wear everyday, that works for every occassion, and is insanely flattering. I’m always on the lookout for a new piece that checks off all of the boxes and I think I found it at Talbots! I’ve had the pleasure of working with this company several times, like here to share a work dress that is still one of my favorites, and was so flattered when they sent me this sweet navy midi dress and bamboo handled handbag.   

This dress got me thinking a lot about the different staples I have for summer. It’s by far my favorite season and I would have it year round if I could. That’s the Floridian talking, but being from the Sunshine State definietly worked for me. It’s funny because so many of my seasonal must-haves happened to wind up right in this blog post. I’m always dressing for the season that I want and this outfit is no exception! Here’s a complete low-down on my picks.

• Lightweight Midi Dress: Okay, I already told you how much I love this dress, which comes in two other colors, but any breezy sundress will do. It’s a perfect way to transition from spring to summer and helps you look put together even on the hottest of days.

• Bamboo Handle Bag: A bamboo-handle handbag has been on my shopping list for the better part of a year, but I had to find one that had the style, quality, and price point that I was looking for. This Talbots pick is absolutely perfect! It even doubles as a crossbody bag for the girl on the go. The soft, tan leather goes with just about everything plus the bag is roomy enough to carry all of your odds and ends.

• Espadrille Wedges: Nothing says summer vacation like slipping on a pair of espadrilles. Whether they’re flats, wedges, or sandals, I love them all! It also helps that the rope footbed is extremely comfortable and can mold perfectly to your feet. Personally, my entire espadrille collection is from Soludos, but I’ve heard amazing things about Castaner and may have to grab a pair to try for myself.

• Denim Jacket: Even in the summer time, I swear that keeping a casual denim jacket handy is a life-saver. It’s a great piece to help win the constant battle with AC that sometimes leaves me frozen. Any shade or color will do, but if you’re looking for something unique, I love this eyelet pick from Talbots too.

In other news, one trend that has been all over Instagram is the pearl barrette. Truth be told, I absolutely love it! I think they are the sweetest accent to add to your everyday outfit, but don’t see myself wearing it personally. I know a lot of people have mixed reviewed on the bold barrette, but I found a middle ground. These little bobby pins from Bauble Bar aren’t as in-your-face as the trendy barrettes, but still make a little statement. They keep my hair back on a breezy NYC day and give a little something extra to an outfit full of staples.

Love from NYC,
Katie

Shirt || Jeans || Sandals || Crossbody || Sunglasses || Belt

But in all seriousness, did they really go anywhere? My dad has been wearing these almost daily for as long as I can remember. Hawaiian print shirts (AKA Aloha shirts) have strangely bonded my dad and I over the years. For every birthday, Christmas, and Father’s Day, I would try and find the perfect addition to his collection, the louder the better. That normally meant scouring local thrift stores, but when you live in Florida, there’s always a constant supply. I’d splurge on really special shirts and one year in high school, I even made one for him in sewing class.

I guess you can say that a propensity to Hawaiian shirts is in my DNA. Sooner or later, I was bound to start wearing them eventually. When I in elementary school, I distinctly remembering a pair of orange, hawaiian printed capris being my pride and joy! I brought this top from Anthropologie with me to New Orleans and the mason jar print made it perfect to wear around in the Crescent City. Even when I wore it out and about in NYC, I still received oodles of compliments. It really makes quite an impression. This shirt is amazingly soft and surprisingly flattering for an oversized button-down.

I think the secret to pulling of a loud, printed shirt is one of two things. First, you should keep the rest of your outfit relatively netural and simple, so you don’t compete with the fun pattern. These medium wash jeans from Old Navy and gold Jack Rogers did just the trick. Next, definietly don’t take yourself too seriously! Wearing hawaiian shirts isn’t for the faint of heart and requires a laidback spirit to match.

The real reason I’m bringing up Hawaiian print shirts is because I’m been seeing them everywhere! So many brands and designers have been releasing button-down shirts that are loud, fun, and effortless. This shirt, from TopShop, is such a classic, and this pick from Old Navy, has an amazing price point. Maybe they’re an upcoming trend for Summer 2019, but I hope they are here to stay. Shout out to my dad for being such a trend setter, so early on. To see all of my favorites, be sure to shop below.

Love from NYC,
Katie