KATIE KENNEDY

Upper East Side Date Night

Upper East Side Date Night

COVID Edits made on January 6, 2020

Upper East Side, Date Night, NYC, Valentine's Day

Jacket || Similar Tee || Jeans || Heels || Sunglasses || Handbag

Oh, how I love Valentine’s Day! It’s the one day of the year where being gushy and lovey-dovey is socially acceptable. Wear all of your favorite red pieces with abandon! This Chanel inspired blazer from H&M is absolutely perfect for the holiday. At under $60, it makes for the perfect closet staple that looks effortless and chic. It comes in two other colors, ivory or black, and I can’t wait to add both to my collection.

This ensemble also makes for the perfect date night ensemble. I actually wore it out for a quick Happy Hour on the Upper East Side and I was instantly inspired to make a UES Date Night guide. While every neighborhood has it’s own sense of character and charm, nights spent in our corner of Manhattan are some of my favorites! Whether you’re a resident or visitor, here is the perfect date night itinerary for you and someone special.

Upper East Side, Date Night, NYC, Valentine's Day
Happy Hour at The Daisy

The Daisy is a little spot has quickly become one of my favorites in the UES to grab a drink. The intimate setting and cocktail list a mile long makes it the perfect place for post-work spirits. Their Happy Hour actually goes until 8, so there’s no need to rush to get there. Other favorite Happy Hour spots would be Bua.

COVID Edit: The Daisy is currently open.

Dinner at La Pulperia

Whatever you do, be sure to come hungry to this rustic, Latin restaurant. La Pulperia was one of the first restaurants David and I ate as a New York couple so, it will always hold a special place in our heart. The food is absolutely delicious and just a great meal to share with someone.

COVID Edit: La Pulperia is closed, but I also recommend Om, Drunken Monkey, or even JG Melon.

Upper East Side, Date Night, NYC, Valentine's Day
Late Visit to The MET

If your date night is on a Friday or Saturday, you absolutely should take advantage of The MET’s late night hours. On these days, they stay open until 9pm and it’s just enough time to stroll through a enjoy an exhibit or two.

COVID Edit: The MET is currently only opened until 5 pm.

 Night Cap at UVA

After you’ve taken in some culture at my favorite museum in the city, it’s time to stop for one final drink at UVA. This Italian restaurant is a great place to snag a corner table and enjoy a glass of wine or split some bruschetta. I really don’t think you can get more romantic than this spot.

COVID Edit: UVA is still open until 12 am.

Upper East Side, Date Night, NYC, Valentine's Day

At the end of the day, the most important part of a date night is who you’re with. No matter what city you live in, enjoy the time with your loved ones and Happy Valentine’s Day!

Love from NYC,
Katie


XOXO

NYC, Style Blog, Valentine's Day, XOXO, Kiss, Boden, Red, Louis Vuitton, Navy

Top || Skirt || Heels || Handbag

Whether you say love, amour (in French), amore (in Italian), liebe (in German), or karlek (in Swedish), February is the month for you! Maybe it’s being in the city, but this is the first Valentine’s Day in a long time that I’m actually in the spirit! Mt husband and I have never been big to celebrate the day, but I’ve found myself grabbing each and every red item in my closet to style.

NYC, Style Blog, Valentine's Day, XOXO, Kiss, Boden, Red, Louis Vuitton, Navy

Who knew that nautical could also be so romantic? I am no stranger to sharing my favorite navy and red combinations, but this ensemble may actually be the best yet! This red skirt, from H&M, has become a closet staple recently. The elastic waist band and pleated design makes it as flattering as it is versatile.

NYC, Style Blog, Valentine's Day, XOXO, Kiss, Boden, Red, Louis Vuitton, Navy

The real show-stopper is this top from Boden. I mean honestly, can it get anymore perfect? Any shirt with navy and white stripes instantly wins my heart, but the glittery lip print really puts me over the edge. It’s obviously perfect for Valentine’s Day, but I venture to guess that it can be worn all year long. For example, in the summer you can pair it with this crisp pair of white chino shorts from J. Crew. At under $60, it’s a great little tee to add to your closet for a touch of sass and making a statement!

NYC, Style Blog, Valentine's Day, XOXO, Kiss, Boden, Red, Louis Vuitton, Navy

Two more days until Valentine’s Day means two more days of showing off red, romantic looks. I’ve really underestimated how much I love wearing red and may need to swap it to my signature color!

Love from NYC,
Katie

Dad-Daughter Date Night

NYC, Style Blog, Dad, Date Night, J. Crew, Navy, Tuckernuck

Dress || Heels || Clutch || Sunglasses || Similar Coat || Lip Color

I am incredibly fortunate to have an amazing relationship with my dad. When I was a kid, we spent hours together driving all around the state for swimming. I take after him both physically and personality-wise and he has long been my moral gauge for seeing the world. My dad is my hero!

NYC, Style Blog, Dad, Date Night, J. Crew, Navy, Tuckernuck

Without driving to and from swim practice everyday, finding uninterrupted quality time with my dad is a little bit more challenging. Moving 1,000 miles away makes it almost impossible, but I call him as often as I can, even if it’s just to tell him about a new show I’m watching or restaurant I’ve tried.

NYC, Style Blog, Dad, Date Night, J. Crew, Navy, Tuckernuck

Distance may not be an issue for you, but I know there are a lot of people who don’t take advantage of having their dad around. Making time for the occasional dad-daughter date night is a great way to reconnect or just spend quality time. Dad and I have gone on quite a few over the years, but here are some of my favorite ideas.

NYC, Style Blog, Dad, Date Night, J. Crew, Navy, Tuckernuck
  • Try a new restaurant: I definitely inherited my dad’s love for food. It’s something that we bonded over from very early on. If there’s a restaurant in town that has caught your eye, grab your dad and try it out. One of my favorite memories is my dad and I trying out a local Jamaican restaurant in town. It was a hole-in-the-wall kind of place, but one of the best meals I’ve ever had.
  • Cheer for the local team: Something else that my dad and I bonded over was our love for sports, which I clearly picked up from him. No matter the team or the sport, it’s always fun to watch a game with your dad.
  • Take in a show: When I was a kid, this meant Dad taking me to see Mulan at the movie theater. To this day, I always want to see the latest Disney princess movie with my dad. Recently, I surprised my dad with Les Miserables tickets for Christmas. It’s one of our favorite shows, but may also be the ultimate father-daughter story. I’m so glad I brought my tissues.
  • Enjoy the great outdoors: Sometimes a dad-daughter date can just be a walk outside. It gives you a quiet space, away from screens, to talk about what’s on your mind. They can last as long as you need them to and, more importantly, fresh air always does the body good.
  • Start a D.I.Y. project: If your pop is handy, offer a helping hand. Working towards an end goal always makes for good quality time. I can think back to helping my dad finish a deck at our house (or at least trying to). Whenever he’s in the kitchen, I always ask if I can help.
NYC, Style Blog, Dad, Date Night, J. Crew, Navy, Tuckernuck

No matter who is in your life, this list can be applied to them. Parents, siblings, grand-parents, friends, we all need to take advantage of who’s in our lives and appreciate that quality time.

Love from NYC,
Katie