KATIE KENNEDY - Page 222 of 266 -

My 1st No Shopping Update

March 25, 2019

NYC, Style Blogger, Navy, Preppy, Tuckernuck, H&M, The Met, Upper East Side

We are about half way through Lent and a lot of people have been asking how my ‘shop-free season’ has been going. In all honesty, it hasn’t been nearly as difficult as I was expecting. I can credit that to having a closet already packed with staple pieces and having a very standard uniform for work and the weekends. In fact, the biggest lesson to come out of this, so far, has been that I have way too much in my closet to begin with. A deep spring cleaning is already underway to help clear up some space.

Now, have I stayed 100% shop free? Well, not exactly… In my original post, here, I definitely talked about allowing myself to make a purchase if some unforeseen event pops up. One of those events happened last week, when my laptop of almost ten years decided to die on me. Rest in peace. My husband jokingly gave me a hard time about having to wait until Easter to buy a new laptop, but it’s a really unrealistic expectation since so much of my 9-5 job and all of my blogging has to take place on a computer.

The other scenario is my school hosting their annual auction and this year’s dress code is black tie! This will be my first black tie event ever and I want to make sure I dress accordingly. I’ve been doing a lot of browsing at Rent the Runway to find the perfect look and feel completely justified since I’m technically not buying anything, but renting it instead. It’s a thin line, but I’m slowly convincing myself that it’s necessary. This gorgeous, red lace dress from Monique Lhuillier is currently my favorite!r

The last one is probably the one I’m the most excited about. A switch has flipped with me recently and I’m finally wanting to make exercise a priority again. This is the first time since September that I feel this way and I think it’s because I learned that working out is going to be very different for me in NYC than it was in Florida. Back home, I would just throw on my running shoes and jog on Tampa Bay right after work. In New York, group classes are, surprisingly, the best choice for me. By using ClassPass, I’m finding my favorite workouts and studios. Currently, I’m loving my yoga, but am determined to give barre classes a shot too.

All in all, apart from those three purchases, I’m going strong with being shop-free. It’s giving me an opportunity to look more into previous purchases, like this super flattering navy dress from H&M. Still, I can’t wait until Easter and start packing for my upcoming trips.

Love from NYC,
Katie

Florida Girl’s Guide to Surviving Winter

March 22, 2019

Florida Girl’s Guide to Surviving Winter

Winter, winter weather, Floridian, snow, cold weather, staying warm

Parka || Similar Shirt || Jeans || Flats || Crossbody

I keep hearing time and time again that NYC had such a ‘mild’ winter this year. That could be the case, but this Florida girl still had some pretty miserable days and so much to learn! I never had any idea what jacket to wear (always resorting to my parka), how to pull off leggings under my dress, and don’t even get me started on layering. I think that is one aspect that I will never truly wrap my head around. Learn from my mistakes these tips for surviving winter I wish I knew at the start of the season!

Make the Investment

As soon as the weather in New York began to cool down, I knew I had a few huge purchases coming my way. When it comes to winter wear, it’s definitely not the time to skimp to lower costs. I searched for the warmest jacket at a reasonable price. Nearly all of my friends turned towards Canada Goose, but that seemed like a bit too high of a price. Since I’m married to a New Englander, he suggested LL Bean, and I was absolutely blown away with the Ultrawarm Coat. It’s one of the warmest jackets they offer and has been tested at -40 degrees. Even better news, it’s a fraction of the same kind of jacket from Canada goose.

Lower Style Expectations

Give yourself a break. If it’s below freezing, don’t stress about being the most fashionable girl on the street. The lower the temperature dips, the more that becomes true. Besides, it’s hard for a stellar outfit to peak out of an oversized parka. If you’re running errands around the city, grab a cozy pair of joggers (in a dark color to hide winter dust) and a warm cashmere sweater. Especially if it’s for a quick run, consider just throwing on a trusted pair of UGG boots that I know you still have. You may not win any awards for street style, but wearing it with confidence is half the battle.

Remember Skin and Eye Health

When it’s cold and grain, it can be so easy to forget about sunscreen. After all, that’s for summer right? Especially in the beginning of winter, my skin went a little haywire. It was so irritated and dry from the cold air, I began to break out in hives. It was so painful and was made even worse when I worked out. I knew I needed to find some kind of relief and quick! This Ultra Repair Cream from First Aid Beauty was a lifesaver. After almost one day, my skin was happier and didn’t flare up for the rest of the season. The brand name is not a misnomer. I also bought this Supergoop lip balm with SPF 30 so my lips stayed as healthy as the rest of my skin.

Know When To Stay Inside

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again… I’m a wimp when it comes to cold weather. Still, knowledge is power! When the snow seems to be falling sideways and the windchill is below 0, I’m staying inside at all costs, if I can help it. Exceptions are obviously work, getting essentials, and emergencies. Dinner reservations can be changed and my local coffee shop will be waiting for me when it’s a little bit warmer. There’s no shame in staying safe, even if I miss out on stellar photo opportunities.

Since I am not, by any means, an expert on this topic, be sure to let me know if I’m missing something from my essentials. When it comes to surviving, we’re all in this together!

Love from NYC,
Katie

Cashmere Sweater || Black Joggers || Lip Balm || Beanie || Warmest Parka || Bean Boots || Polarized Sunglasses || Facial Moisturizer || UGG Boots || Fleece-Lined Mittens || Warm Fleece Blanket

As always, thanks for stopping by! To keep up with all things about the Sunshine State, be sure to visit my exclusive Florida page, here.

Tweed for Spring

March 20, 2019

Tweed for Spring

Spring, Tweed, Bermuda, Hamilton Princess, pink

Let me be the first to welcome you to the start of Spring! I didn’t think I would make it, but it feels so good to be here. Yes, it was still in the 30s when I woke up this morning. Still, I’m ready to meet the new season head on with brighter colors, lighter fabrics, and no more tights! Throughout the winter, I bought some pieces that I want to transition with me, but it takes some planning to make it work.

NYC, Style Blog, New York City, Bermuda, Hamilton Princess, Spring, LOFT, Tweed

I originally posted about this skirt, here, back in January, paired with all black everything because I wanted to stay warm. It was one of my favorite pops of color I bought all season long and is the perfect example of having your Winter pieces work for you in Spring and Summer. Not able to help myself, it made its way into my suitcase bound for Bermuda to create an island-inspired outfit.

The black blouse was traded in for this off-the-shoulder and ruffled tee from J. Crew Factory. I was so happy to shed those leggings and booties to reintroduce my raffia wedges back into the mix. My straw clutch rounded out this outfit that just popped against the pink and green from the Hamilton Princess Hotel.

I know we tend to think of tweed as a Fall and Winter-time fabric, but it can definitely work for you all year round. By picking colors that are bright and happy, the skies the limit in Spring, Summer, and Beyond! It has inspired me to see what other Winter pieces I can bring back for a completely new look.

Love from NYC,
Katie

As always, thanks for stopping by! To keep up with all things about the Sunshine State, be sure to visit my exclusive Florida page, here.