KATIE KENNEDY

Top || Skirt || Heels || Clutch

Dear Santa, I’m pretty sure I’m on the nice list, right? I think it gets harder and harder every year to come up with a realistic Christmas list to share with Santa and my loved ones. The perks of being an adult is that, normally, when I’m eyeing something, I have the luxury of buying it for myself. I’m very blessed to be in that situation, it just makes gifting a little bit more difficult. After thinking long and hard, I finally came up with a list of what I’m hoping to see under the Christmas tree this year.

• Thick Mittens: The more I live in NYC, the more I learn how important it is to keep your mitts warm! These mittens from LL Bean are some of the warmest on the market and just what I need to make it until Spring.
• Credit Card Wallet: Sometimes, the best things come in small packages. When I’m running around the city, it honestly seems easier to just throw what I need in my pocket and go! This credit card wallet from YSL is big enough to hold all of the essentials without compromising on style.
• Suede Sneakers: Tretorn sneakers are seriously the comfiest shoes you will ever  find. I bought my first pair over the summer and wear them almost everyday. This grey suede pair of Tretorns will work with 99% of my winter outfits and still be able to work its way into Spring and Summer.
• Clubmaster Sunglasses: I was in love with my Ray-Ban Clubmaster sunglasses in college, but sadly, they disappeared while at an FSU football game, like many things do. I’ve gone back and forth between a lot of classic sunglasses, but these will always be my favorite! I think it’s time to grab myself another pair.
• Signature Perfume: One of the items on my to-do list is to find my very own signature scent. I’m looking for something warm and fruity, without being too overpowering. Stella by Tocca is my recent favorite and is exactly what I’m looking for.
• Festive PJs: Is Christmas complete without a new pair of PJs? I really don’t think so! I get incredibly hot at night and long pajamas are sometimes just too warm for me. That’s why I’m in love with this shortie set from J. Crew. The red & white stripes are like candy cane perfection.
• Coffee Table Book: My obsession for Hermes scarves grows everyday and this coffee table book makes for the perfect accent to my home. Inside are pages and pages of prints that I can’t wait to drool over, and maybe even add to my dream shopping list.
• Team Spirit Cap: I have so much love for my New Orleans Saints, it’s probably time I start wearing it. I love the neutral colors of this baseball cap. They’re subtle and a great way to add a touch of team spirit to an everyday outfit.
• Warm Scarf: Similar to my need for warm mittens, this tartan scarf from Barbour will be perfect to wrap up into and get cozy. Although there are a few different color combinations to choose from, this pick looks absolutely gorgeous.
• Gold Watch: A gold watch is a timeless (no pun intended) piece that everyone should have. I’ve been wearing my gold Michael Kors watch since college and I think it’s time for an upgrade. This Tory Burch watch at first glance looks like an elegant bracelet, but I just love the padlock design.
• Face Mask: My skin has made big adjustments with moving to New York City. I’ve been much more careful of what I’m putting on my face and am always on the look out for a new moisturizer to try. I’ve only heard great things about Summer Friday’s Jet Lag Mask and I can’t wait to give it a whirl.
• Jade Roller: I try not to buy into hype, especially when it comes to beauty products, but I keep thinking about Jade Rollers. It’s just a quick little gift that will, hopefully, only help my complexion.

Love from NYC,
Katie

Love from NYC,
Katie

Blazer || Tee || Leggings || Booties || Handbag

This gifting season is starting to wind down, but there’s one more gift guide I would like to send your way before it becomes crunch time. As many of you know, and it’s no secret, I’m an elementary school teacher in my 9 to 5 life. As fun as I have blogging, teaching is by far the more rewarding profession. If you have young ones at home, and want to show their teacher some appreciation for all of the work that they do, be sure to shop around my gift guide below for a little inspiration.

I know not every reader who stops by has a teacher to worry about, but you may find some interest in this fun, almost military inspired, weekend look. I’ve pulled out my suede leggings from Tuckernuck, that I first styled here, to pair with a forest green blazer from ASOS that I just couldn’t say no to. The golden buttons make for a bright and elegant detail. It’s a great staple to add while still venturing to a more untraditional color like navy or camel.

Like I said before, I wanted to keep it casual. That’s where I bring all of the black pieces that ties everything together. A slouchy black tee from Madewell adds just enough contrast to an extremely structured handbag from ASOS and more industrial Chelsea boots from Thursday. Even though they are all extremely different, they still work together to give this simple outfit loads of character. With so many great pieces, it’s hard to pick a favorite

Love from NYC,
Katie