KATIE KENNEDY

Dress || Heels || Necklace || Watch || Similar Bag

It was just about a year ago that I packed a weekender, boarded a plane, and headed to New York City for the very first time. I wasn’t there to play tourist and I may have been all alone, but I had a mission. I needed to find myself a job! If being in the big city wasn’t enough, I had to interview for the first time since college. After we found out that we were moving to NYC, my life became a flurry of job applications and phone interviews at different Manhattan schools. The ones that panned out required me to fly up for a mock lesson and to meet in person. I had two 24 hour trips from St. Pete and honestly felt like a pro at the traveling interview, especially when it came to packing!

When you’re out of your element and have only one shot to make a good first impression, it can feel a lot more stressful to pick out that perfect outfit. On my particular interviews, I had to also factor in comfort for early morning flights and wandering through the city. The best solution I found was a classic navy blazer and pant combo, white blouse, and sensible nude heels. I secretly consider it my lucky outfit because I have a 100% success rate when it comes to landing a job offer. You can also choose a modest dress instead. I love this grey number with cap-sleeve detailing from H&M. As soon as I slipped it on, I felt ready for the office and even the boardroom.

In my personal opinion, I think it’s important to keep accessories simple when on the job hunt. Now is not the time to show off any designer pieces or labels that you may have because it could so easily send the wrong message. Instead, having a classic watch and tasteful jewelery can bring together an outfit. This watch from Tory Burch was a gift for Christmas but it is also such a great addition to my daily outfit. It is understated, but somehow still makes a statement.

Finally, you need to have a great bag. Sadly, since I was so focused on making my way through a new city, I only brought my grey Herschel backpack with me. It was extremely practical, but I wish I could have shown up with something a little bit more chic, even if just for myself.
This satchel from Senreve would have been such an amazing option! Even if I had just brought along a portfolio, like this pick from Barrington Gifts, I would have felt more in sync with my outfit.

The most important thing to remember when going into a job interview is to have confidence! If I can go into a city that I’ve never been to before and land multiple teaching opportunities in the uber-competitive, fast paced Manhattan, you can have a great interview too. Know your worth and hold your head up high.

Love from NYC,
Katie

Dress || Similar Earrings || Lip Color

Hello all! Since I first founded this little blog in January of 2017, I’ve had a lot of life changes and a lot of new readers to stop by. It seems like the perfect time to reintroduce myself and let you know what I’m all about.

1. I am a born and raised Floridian. I’m so lucky to be able to call the Sunshine State home. Growing up on the Gulf Coast meant lots of beach days and a laidback life. It definitely has shaped my sense of style to find a little sweet spot between preppy and and coastal. Now that I live in New York City, I’m working on redefining my style to make it more classic and seasonally appropriate.
2. I was a varsity swimmer at Florida State. Growing up surrounded by water, it only made sense to take to the pool. I was swimming pretty much before I could walk which turned into a 15 year swimming career. I was able to travel the country for my sport, even making it to Olympic Trials, before having my finale at FSU.
3. I am the proud owner of a 100 pound Basset Hound named Tripp. I may not have any children of my own yet, but Tripp is the closest thing. I’ve had my pup since my senior year at FSU. Six years later and he is still the love of my life. Sorry David. He may be lazy and stubborn, but he is the sweetest and friendliest dog you will ever meet.
4. My husband and I got married, honeymooned in Italy, and moved to New York City this summer. I haven’t had much time to stop and think about it, but wow! It has been quite a whirlwind these past 365 days. As much as I miss my friends and family in Florida, I’ve enjoyed having a new, fresh chapter with David. I have no idea how long we’ll be in the city, but that makes our stay all the more exciting.
5. Growing up, I always was a writer. It only makes sense that a little girl with a notebook and pen constantly in hand grew up to write a blog. As a kid, I always was writing my own little short stories or even about things I saw in the neighborhood. Words, for me, just naturally flow and was a great blessing to have when writing papers in college, especially for my Master’s degree. Even though I have a great job as an elementary school teacher, when I grow up, I still want to be a writer professionally.

I hope you enjoyed getting to know me a little bit better. These quick facts are very basic and superficial, but they honestly give the best sense of who I am. Think of it as spark notes about my life. As soon as I can think of more things, that are actually interesting, to share, you’ll be the first to know!

Love from NYC,
Katie

Sweater || Jeans || Wedges || Scarf || Clutch || Trench

If I ever once complained about the amount of rain we got in Florida, it was definietly because I had never spent any time in New York City. In my short time of living in the Big Apple, I’ve learned what an intimate relationship New Yorkers have with rain. Back home, even if it was raining buckets, all I had to do was hop in my car and get to my destination dry and comfortable. It hardly took any planning at all!

New Yorkers don’t always have that luxury. If it’s raining, you better hope that you have an umbrella and/or rain jacket on hand because out in the weather you go. I learned this the hard way on my first day in the Upper East Side. I was sitting at a coffee shop, getting some work done, and the skies opened up to a storm that was forecasted to last for hours. I only lived a few blocks away and made the quick decision to power walk home in the rain before things got worse. Soaking wet and looking ridiculous, I quickly learned to always carry a mini umbrella on me, at all times.

Since another rainy season is here, it’s important to stay prepared for whatever the weather throws at you. I think investing in a waterproof trenchcoat is key. They are quintiessential, classic jacket that just so happens to still look put together, even on a sunny day. When I was flying to and from NYC for job interviews, to prepare, the first thing I did was buy a trench coat. It was the perfect layering piece for running around the city and looked professional in the process.

No matter your budget, there is a trench coat for you! You can stick with the neutral khaki and black, or you can find one with some character like a pop of color or touch of ruffle. Whichever you pick, make sure you look for quality materials and proportions that work with your body type.

Love from NYC,
Katie