KATIE KENNEDY

Snapshots from The Graduate
📍 Nashville, Tennessee

Dress || Heels ($50 off with code SARAHFLINT-BAKATIE) || Clutch || Earrings || Lip Color

Have you ever seen a hotel picture and instantly fallen in love? That’s my story with the Graduate Hotel in Nashville, a love affair that began several years ago. When I found out I would be traveling to Nashville for a work conference, I couldn’t help but arrive a night early for an overnight stay at this stunning hotel. Although my visit was less than 24 hours, I definitely understand the hype behind the Music City. Here are a few snapshots from my Nashville stay at the Graduate.

About The Graduate

As soon as you walk into the Graduate, you get a sense of how unique this hotel is. The Graduate family of hotels specializes in college towns, each uniquely designed around the region’s style. While Nashville is home to Vanderbilt, you cannot escape the homage to country legends like Dolly Parton and Minnie Pearl. At the same time, the hotel feels incredibly modern, with contemporary music playing in the common areas. Even if you don’t consider yourself a country fan, you’ll still love your stay at this hotel!

Feathered Button-Down Shirt

Book Clutch || Similar Black Handbag || Nude Heels
Magenta Dress || Light Blue Striped Dress || Green Dress || Leopard Dress || Blue Button-Down

The Room

Opening the door to my room was like taking in a breath of fresh air. Every square inch seemed like it came from the room of my dreams. From the stunning carpet to the pink striped wallpaper, I loved it all! The crown jewel of the bedroom was obviously the portrait of Dolly Parton, which serves as the room’s focal point. My Graduate King room was perfect for an overnight stay, but if you would like more space, I recommend either the Graduate King Suite or Family Suite.

The Governor Pool

It’s no secret that I absolutely love a beautiful pool, and the Governor Pool is no exception! Again, this space continues with the pink and Dolly Parton themes, but now they’ve added a healthy dose of Lilly Pulitzer to the mix! If you stay at the Graduate, a reservation at the pool is an additional fee, but is so worth it! You are greeted with a frozen Bellini and can lounge in a cabana for 3 hours. Take a dip in the pool or relax with a plate of crudites and French fries. Oh yes, this is the height of luxury, in my opinion!

White Limozeen

One final thing to note about the Graduate Hotel is their on-sight restaurant, White Limozeen. I had a solo dinner here during my stay, which was a great way to cap off the evening. The crowd is filled with bachelorette parties and mother-daughter tourists, so I felt right at home. The lighting was low, but I could snag a quick picture of my Caesar salad and oyster dinner. It paired nicely with a refreshing coke, but don’t be shy to try something from their creative cocktail list.

Exploring Nashville

As I said, my time in Nashville was very limited. However, I was able to sneak some time to explore the Belmont district. This adorable neighborhood is filled with stunning homes, great food, and cute boutiques. My two highlights include a stop for donuts at Five Daughters Bakery. Sample as many flavors as you think you can handle because they all taste incredible! From there, I walked down 12th Avenue South to the Draper James flagship store. The gals who work there are lovely, and I came home with a few Nashville souvenirs. Not in the Belmont neighborhood, but just as important is Hattie B’s Chicken. There just so happens to be a location around the corner from the Graduate. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!

I blinked and my stay at the Graduate Hotel was over in a flash! I know that I’ll be back in the very near future, but the question is with who? It’s the perfect destination for a girl’s trip with your besties or mom, but I want to share off Nashville nightlife and music with David. Maybe it will require a few trips, but I already know exactly where my home base will be!

Love from Nashville,
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.

Garnet and Gold Favorites
📍 Downtown St. Pete, Florida

Monogrammed Tee || Sweater || Jeans || Ballet Flats || Handbag || Sunglasses || Earrings

Although Florida’s temperatures are fairly warm still, you can’t doubt that Fall is almost here! Maybe it’s the start of college football season or the fact we’re in the height of hurricane season. Sometimes the sign of a new season has nothing to do with the weather. My favorite color for this time of year is, hands down, GARNET. You may know it better as burgundy, but it can’t go by any other alias when you’re a Florida State graduate. It’s been a few years since I visited the alma mater, but I’ve been shopping for garnet and gold pieces in case a last-minute trip to Tallahassee presents itself. Here are some of my favorites!

Monogrammed Tee

This simple tee shirt was honestly the beginning of my color search. It’s the perfect shade of garnet. J. Crew’s Slim Perfect T-shirt has long been a favorite. Now that I’m a part of their new rewards program, I get complimentary monogramming. Yes, the piece takes much longer to arrive, but the personal touch is so worth it! While my KCK monogram is my usual course of action, I couldn’t resist getting a tiny FSU embroidered into the chest. I absolutely love it!

Gold Gingham Blouse

I’m such a sucker for gingham! If you’ve been reading my blog for a while, you probably are too! With this J. Crew Factory blouse, I always find this boho style top to be incredibly flattering. I would love to pair this with a crisp pair of white jeans and comfy brown leather sandals for a Florida-friendly Autumn look.

Neutral Pullover Sweater

As the season goes on, nights can get cold pretty quickly. That’s why I always like to have a simple pullover sweater on hand. I drape it over my shoulders to be hands-free until I get a full chill and throw it on. The J. Crew Factory Teddie Sweaters have long been a favorite. They come in a rainbow of seasonal colors at a great price point!

Boho-Inspired Midi Dress

I couldn’t make a list of Fall favorites without including a midi-length dress! The details on this boho-inspired dress from Madewell are too good to pass up. With the darling eyelet details, it’s a dress that you dress into the cooler months and bring back again for Spring and Summer. I just love a piece that you can genuinely wear year-round!

Metallic Leather Sneakers

Consider me a Veja sneakers convert! I got my first pair a few years ago and have been wearing them constantly ever since. Each season they come out with a new batch of colors, but I feel like they sell out so fast! If you see a pair of leather kicks in your size, don’t hesitate to buy them. You may find them completely sold out when you come around again.

Large Brim Hat

Even though Summer is over, that sun can feel just as strong! There are a few months left for you to take advantage of wearing a wide-brimmed straw hat. Your skin will thank you in a few years. Once the seasons have fully transitioned, feel free to swap for the exact same style, just made out of wool or felt. This particular pick from Brixton has been on my wish list for a while, and I think this is the year I’ll actually pull the trigger!

Stadium Approved Handbag

If you’re planning on heading to a football game this year, be prepared to need a stadium-approved handbag. That means a clear bag that fits particular size criteria. Always be sure to check with the stadium’s policy. I’ll be going to a concert with the same rules, so I picked up this bag from Amazon. It’s a similar style to a classic Chanel handbag but is a tenth of the price. For less than $40, I’ll feel like the chicest gal at the event!

Perfect Shade of Nail Polish

I like to treat myself by splurging on designer makeup, and nail polish is no exception. This shade from Hermès, called Rouge H, is a perfect shade of garnet. Plus, the gold detailing really speaks to the Florida State graduate in me. At $45, I challenge you to find a better-priced item from the Hermès boutique. Plus, it seems like my nail polish bottles last me forever, so why not make them feel special?

And just like that, I feel ready for the new Fall season. Don’t be surprised if you find me wearing shades of garnet and gold for the foreseeable future. After all, they are just too many great picks to choose from. Which one is your favorite?

Love from Florida,
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.