KATIE KENNEDY

Navy Blazer || Colorful Striped Tee || White Denim || Tan Heels

While I was observing Lent, I decided to go 40 days without shopping. As someone who loves fashion and runs a style blog, it was a really great challenge. I considered it an opportunity to shop my closet and take a fine look at what I already had. In the process, I decided to make a capsule closet that I think could really speak to a lot of people. When I searched for inspiration, I saw a lot of helpful collections, they just weren’t my style. So, I decided to create my own that gears to ladies who consider navy to be a favorite color, has a wardrobe full of classic pieces, and dress with modesty.

Navy Striped Tee || Tan Ballet Flats

Once you have these pieces, you can have them for life! I’m currently in the process of rounding them all up in a super-easy graphic for you to mix and match. Until then, I’ve snagged some of my favorites from previous posts to give you a sense of what I already have in my life. While a lot of these will work for any season, I decided to focus on Spring and Summer styles, but promise to give updates when we get closet to Fall and Winter.

Athletic Sweatshirt || White Chino Shorts

The challenge of creating a capsule closet is choosing between 12 (if you are particularly dedicated) to 40 items that you can wear and repeat. Since Marie Kondo swept the world by storm with minimalism, the idea has really gained a lot of popularity. Instead of keeping items that ‘spark joy’ though, you need to make sure you pick items that are functional and multi-purpose. It may seem like an easy task, but it’s much easier said than done.

Navy Long-Sleeve Tee || Gingham Pants || Statement Scarf || Espadrille Wedges

Since the entire guide is still under construction, be sure to shop my picks below. As far as price points, I try to keep everything affordable and from easily accessible shops. On a teacher’s salary, I fully understand not wanting to blow a paycheck on your wardrobe. Since items come in and out of stock daily, be sure to stop by often when there are new items. If you have any questions, be sure to reach out and let me know. I would love to help customize your own capsule closet in any way I can.

Love from NYC,
Katie

Tops:

Bottoms:

Dresses:

Outerwear:

Shoes:

Jumpsuit || Heels || Clutch || Earrings || Bracelet

Earlier in the week, I shared this absolutely gorgeous red dress that I borrowed from Rent the Runway (here). Ordering from them was a dream and they even sent me two sizes to give me more peace of mind. What I forgot to mention… I was also sent another freebie item, just in case the perfect red dress wasn’t so perfect after all.

Performing a complete 180, I opted for this navy strapless jumpsuit with ornate ruffle detail. I was taking a major risk with this jumpsuit. I mean, I have a very low success rate with anything strapless or wide-leg. Combining the two gave me a huge moment of, “what was I thinking?” as I sent my order. But hey, it was a free add-on (by using the code SOSMART) and I didn’t have much to lose. When I opened up the garment bag that RTR sent, I was met with the prettiest and most flattering item that I’ve ever slipped on. Sometimes those risks we think we’re taking, turn out to be a huge reward.

Sadly, I didn’t have any event to wear my rental jumpsuit to and I only had it for the weekend. What’s a girl to do? As a blogger, that meant waking up at the crack of dawn to take pictures outside of the Guggenheim, only to have my doorman think I was having a walk of shame when I came home. As a normal person, that may also mean going out and being over-dressed for a Sunday morning brunch. Either way, I have zero regrets. So much so that I’m considering making the splurge and buying this jumpsuit to keep all for myself

As far as the entire Rent the Runway experience is concerned, I could not have been happier. Think of it like any other type of online shopping except you have to return the product after either four or eight days. Like I said, my package arrived at lightning speed in a rolled up garment bag with all of my goodies tucked safely inside and already on hangers. They provide the return address label and special clasp that will lock up your bag for its return trip. All you have to do is seal up the garment bag and drop it off at your nearest UPS store. They take care of the rest, including the dry cleaning. Super easy!

You also have the option of returning it in-person at one of their five brick-and-mortar stores. While you’re there, you can even book an appointment to do some shopping. I’m lucky that their flagship store and I are in the same city and I have all of their styles right at my fingertips.

The next time I have an event to shop for, I will 100% use Rent the Runway again, and may even have to see their store for myself.

Love from NYC,
Katie

Dress || Wedges || Scarf || Handbag || Sunglasses || Bracelet

After a blissful weekend of not doing much of anything, I think I’ve found my new weekend uniform. I originally posted about this oversized navy and white striped dress when I visited Bermuda, here. At the time, I thought it would just be a run-of-the-mill preppy staple, the kind of dress I could throw on and dress up for a quick dinner or date night out. The past weekend, I even wore this exact outfit while out at brunch.

Now that I’m officially on Spring Break, I’ve found a whole new use for this $30 ASOS dress, as an over-sized sweatshirt! The soft, Terry material is just perfect for lounging or doing chores around the apartment. All I had to do was throw on a pair of my Jack Roger sandals and I was ready to run errands around the Upper East Side.

In yet another attempt to print mix this season, it’s always fun to add this nautical themed scarf from Tuckernuck. I’ve already worn it quite a few times, but haven’t really gone into how amazing it is. First off, it’s huge! At 51 inches square, there is an infinite number of ways to wear and style it. I’m also a huge fan of what a perfect Hermes dupe this is. If you are coveting a designer scarf, but can’t afford the price tag, Tuckernuck is the way to go. They are literally on-tenth of the price and an amazing accessory to have.

Being the home-grown Florida girl, I actually thought a lot about what I would wear when moving to the Upper East Side. A standard weekend uniform in St. Pete would include a way oversized t-shirt and running shorts. In my mind, that wasn’t going to be good enough for the stylish UES. I even thought about what I could wear to walk Tripp in the morning. What I quickly learned is that what I wear isn’t nearly as an important as I thought it would be. Still, it’s always nice to find a new laidback outfit that takes no planning at all.

Love from NYC,
Katie