KATIE KENNEDY

Yellow Transition Into Fall

Yellow Transition Into Fall
📍 Downtown St. Pete, Florida

Yellow, Fall Style, Tuckernuck, Sarah Flint,

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

To show a little bit of how my summer has been going, I took pictures of this dress back in June. Inspiration came from Kate Middleton’s look at Wimbledon. She looked absolutely stunning in a cheerful shade of yellow, and I wanted to recreate the look for myself. Tuckernuck answered the call with this stunning pick that I just couldn’t wait to wear on my next date night. Then, I blinked, and June became September. Although the temperatures are still fairly high in the Sunshine State, I have visions of Autumn style dancing in my head. Luckily, this shade of yellow is a perfect hue to transition into the Fall season. 

Yellow Ruffled Midi Dress

I cannot say enough nice things about this Yellow Ruffle Josie Dress from Tuckernuck. Although it looks like an upscale evening dress, the cotton material makes it comfortable and perfect for a daytime look. I couldn’t imagine a prettier shade of yellow. It’s truly a canary hue that compliments my dark hair, giving me a healthy glow. The ruffles are just enough to give the dress some extra character without crossing the line and becoming too ornate. I can’t wait to wear this dress into the Fall season and beyond!

Yellow, Fall Style, Tuckernuck, Sarah Flint,

Nude Sarah Flint Heels

Are you tired of me wearing these Sarah Flint heels yet? They’re almost guaranteed to be tucked away in my carry-on bag whenever I travel. From Paris to Manhattan and even to work conferences, I have worn these heels for miles of walking with hardly a single pain point. The nude leather looks even more elevated with the elevated straps, but I’ve also had my eye on the Espresso Croc Embossed Leather. If you want to try a pair of Sarah Flint shoes for yourself, and fall in love while doing so, be sure to use the code SARAHFLINT-BAKATIE at checkout to receive $50 off your first purchase. 

Yellow, Fall Style, Tuckernuck, Sarah Flint,

Straw Clutch

This exact straw clutch from J. Crew has sadly long been sold out. The good news is that this stunning piece from Pamela Munson is a great alternative. Although straw and rattan are typically brought out during the summer season, I find myself flaunting this material all year long! That’s probably because I live in such a temperate climate, but I think I’m on to something here! The rattan’s texture and warm tones both pair perfectly with the change in the season and our favorite Fall color palettes.

Accessories for Fall

What are some other accessories to bring this dress into the next season? Well, the sky is the limit! For starters, I love the idea of swiping on an adventurously dark shade of red lipstick. I’ve had my eye on this Chanel lipstick in the shade called Dominant. It’s perfectly named to make a bold statement! From there, add a tried and true denim jacket, like mine from Madewell, and comfy Veja sneakers. Now you’re ready for apple picking, trips to the pumpkin patch, or whatever else Fall has in store for you!

Yellow, Fall Style, Tuckernuck, Sarah Flint,

From Summer date nights to Fall weddings and soirees, this little yellow number is the perfect piece to transition the seasons with. A simple switch of accessories instantly makes it a versatile piece you can enjoy for years to come!

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.

24 Hours in Downtown NYC

24 Hours in Downtown NYC
📍 Meatpacking District, NYC

Blazer || Blouse || Jeans || Sneakers || Similar Handbag || Earrings || Lip Color

I think I have perfected day trips to New York. Ideally, I would much rather spend full weeks or longer in a city that never sleeps, but I’ll take all the time I can get. This time last year, I highlighted 18 hours in NYC, which is the very minimum of time you would need if you’re making an effort. On this most recent trip, our actual destination was the Hamptons to celebrate our friend’s birthday. The timing just worked out for us to spend a day to ourselves in Manhattan before heading Out East. Here’s a quick look at our 24 hours in Downtown NYC.

10 am: Land in NYC

Whenever I travel, I always try to take the first flight out. From the Tampa airport, that gets me to JFK just before 10 in the morning. Traffic commute is still alive and well, making Ubers terribly expensive. Instead of that headache, I’ve loved hopping on the train and getting sent directly to Penn Station. I truly don’t think it takes any more or less time and is a fraction of the cost. Plus, there are a lot of great hotel options within walking distance. I can’t recommend this insider hack enough, especially if you want to get to Midtown or the west side of Manhattan!

11 am: Check-In at the Maritime Hotel

After our typical train ride, we took the subway for one stop to stay at a new-to-us hotel. When we lived in the city, we always loved escaping to Chelsea for some of our favorite restaurants, bars, and museums. When the Maritime Hotel appeared on my radar, I just knew I had to book a stay with them. This spot is a landmark and is full of history, but it’s the nautical decor that really won me over. Each room faces the Hudson River and offers incredible sunsets each night. Although we were only in the city for the day, it was a great place to lay our heads for the night.

12 pm: Lunch at Empire Diner

Let me introduce you to your new favorite restaurant in Chelsea. Because it was a bit of a journey from the UES, Empire Diner was our special treat once a month for breakfast. It’s a classic diner with a much more modern feel, but you can expect all of the New York staples. I had been thinking of their pastrami sandwich for months, and it’s just as good as I remember. The horseradish coleslaw and spicy brown mustard send me! Stop by for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. I promise you won’t be disappointed!

1 pm: Explore Your Neighborhood

With most visitors gravitating to the Upper East Side, the West Village, or SoHo, Chelsea is a bit of an unsung favorite! It can be a bit gritty sometimes, but there’s so much beauty here too! Stroll along the High Line, a former rail line turned public park space. Here you can admire the stunning new architecture that has begun to redefine the neighborhood and the al fresco art exhibits that rotate pieces frequently. At the very end of the line is the Whitney Museum of American Art. The collection includes over 25,000 pieces and ranges widely in aesthetics. End your visit at Studio Bar, on the eighth floor of the Whitney, for a cocktail and a great view of the city. 

3 pm: Shop in the Meatpacking District

Oops! I was a bit naughty on this trip, but I promise it’s only the essentials. The nearby Meatpacking District has an incredible selection of boutiques, including a stunning Hermès space. After four years of wearing my Oran Sandals thin, I finally got a replacement pair. The fresh, new pair is even prettier than I remember. When you’re in the Chelsea area, be sure to visit the other shops that call the neighborhood home. The repurposed warehouses offer many opportunities and new brands to explore.

5 pm: Drinks at Bar Pisellino

After you freshen up in your hotel room, take a stroll down to the West Village for some Happy Hour. The walk will only take you about 15 minutes, but it’s such a treat to take in this neighborhood. Sometimes, it feels like the heart of the city, with countless New Yorkers cutting loose after a busy day. We were able to snag a table at Bar Pisellino, a stunning corner bar that has an old-world Italian feel. David and I relished in our Negronis as we watched another NYC night begin. I cannot recommend this space enough.

7 pm: Dinner Reservations at Tiny’s

Whenever I visit New York, I always try to prioritize trying new restaurants. On this trip, I found the joy in taking a fresh look at old favorites, including dinner. Tiny’s is a neighborhood favorite in the heart of Tribeca. With its pink facade, it wonderfully stands out, and so does its menu! Some of our favorite date nights took place here, including our first night together in the city. It’s so lovely to see this spot get even better with time. Cheers to many more visits and date nights to come!

9 pm: Night Cap at Holywater

Just around the corner from Tiny’s is this absolute gem of a bar. Holywater is part of the same family as Seaworthy, this great seafood spot in New Orleans. Open the nondescript door and be welcomed by a world of nautical flair. While the decor is definitely maritime, the menu still has the New Orleans-inspired flavors that I love. The playlist was absolutely on point. I only regret that I didn’t know about this spot sooner. Holywater is open until 1 am, but I was happily in bed at our hotel by 10:30 pm. 

6 am: Morning Walks Through the West Village

Since we had a pretty normal bedtime, we took advantage of an early wake-up call to walk the West Village. The peace and quiet of a Saturday morning aren’t what you usually find in Manhattan, but I love every second of it. The lighting was absolutely stunning, and I wanted to take pictures of each corner I stumbled upon. There’s so much history in this particular neighborhood, and you can’t help but drink it in.

8 am: Breakfast at Jack’s Wife Freda

Jack’s Wife Freda can be found in a few different spots in New York, but I love the location on Carmine Street the best. I have a fond memory of randomly popping in for brunch on a rainy Sunday morning. Their menu is simultaneously Mediterranean and French-inspired. I ordered their version of Croque Madame, and it was just incredible. We also ordered a side of their duck bacon, and I can’t recommend it enough!

9 am: Get a Snack To-Go

It may seem strange to pick up coffee and a snack immediately after breakfast, but I was prepping for the upcoming train trip. Still staying in the West Village, we made our way to the Sant Ambroeus on West 4th Street. I typically visit the location on the Upper East Side, but this corner café seems the most intuned with the restaurant’s Milanese roots. I ordered an iced coffee and sandwich to go, which was the perfect treat for the train ride out east.

10 am: Off to Your Next Destination

And just like that, our time in the city was done. We picked up our luggage from the Maritime Hotel and headed to Penn Station. From there, it was a seamless trip to the Hamptons for a few days of birthday festivities. If you haven’t yet, I would love for you to take a peek at my recent blog post about the new Canoe Place Inn. The hotel is one of the latest additions to the Hamptons scene, and I simply loved it!

24 Hours in NYC just doesn’t seem like enough time. If you focus on one neighborhood or area, like Downtown Manhattan, and plan accordingly, you can make the most of your visit. I’m already looking forward to my next trip, I’m thinking October or November, and I’ll share all of the details soon.

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.

Painting the Town Red

Painting the Town Red
📍 Gansevoort Street, NYC

Red, Tuckernuck, New York, NYC, Dress, Chanel, Sarah Flint

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

Paint the town red is an expression that I’ve always loved. It innately hosts so much joy, inviting you to go out and enjoy yourself. No city do I find it easier to live up to this creed than New York. Although it’s been nearly 3 years since we moved away, I think about it constantly. The friendships I’ve made are stronger than effort, despite the 1500 mile difference, and we visit as frequently as possible. With each trip, I’m reminded more and more how much this city has my heart. I took this stunning Tuckernuck dress for a spin on our most recent visit. It looks like it’s straight out of a 60s catalog and makes the old soul in me extremely happy. Paint the town with me by adding these red staples to your closet rotation.

Lipstick in the Perfect Shade of Red

What is the perfect color? I can’t answer that question. It depends greatly on the season, your skin tone, and personal preference. When you find that exact shade, the experience can be transformative! Nothing elevates a casual outfit quicker than swiping on a layer of classic red lipstick. I never travel without it! If you’re wondering what my exact shade is, that would be Chanel’s Rouge Allure Velvet in #51, La Bouleversante. I’ve talked a bit about why I love splurging on the few makeup products I use, but it’s Chanel lipstick that started it. This particular formula has a matte finish for a non-fussy look that lasts all day.

Red, Tuckernuck, New York, NYC, Dress, Chanel, Sarah Flint

Red Party Shoes in Your Favorite Style

Ruby red slippers aren’t just for Dorothy! A memorable night out night sometimes calls for red shoes to match! To be honest, I find myself wearing red shoes year round as they are the perfect pop of color. Make a statement in an all-black outfit, go for nautical flare in shades of blue, or truly stand out in head-to-toe red. The possibilities are endless! A personal favorite that I wear often is my cherry red ballet flats from Margaux. I wore them for miles and miles while in Paris, and they were incredibly comfortable. Other red shoes to have in your arsenal are summertime worthy red espadrilles

Red, Tuckernuck, New York, NYC, Dress, Chanel, Sarah Flint

A Red Handbag for all of the Goodies

Nothing looks more Parisian than adding a beautiful red bag to your outfit. When I was in Paris, my red crossbody bag somehow made every outfit, no matter what color I was wearing. Recently, I’ve been lusting after this red beauty from Saint Laurent. I find this particular shade of fire engine red to be simply perfect. Plus, I’m always a fan of crossbody straps and gold detailing. The only thing I don’t love is that insane price tag. This bag from Kate Spade is much more in my wheelhouse. It’s that same pop of color, but for a fraction of the price! 

A Statement Piece for Any Occassion

I believe in having as much red in your closet as possible! It’s the best color to pick out for special occasions, and you never know when one of those will appear. Maybe the special occasion is simply having a date night with your loved one. By now, I’m sure you can sense how much I love this Tuckernuck dress. I feel it will sell out fast, but hopefully, it will come back for the holiday season if it does. As another option, I can’t say enough nice things about this dress, also from Tuckernuck. The ruffled neckline and bow detail give it such a special touch. Other red statement pieces I love? No closet is complete with a versatile red blazer or great pair of red pants. 

Red, Tuckernuck, New York, NYC, Dress, Chanel, Sarah Flint

Wear one red piece at a time, or be daring and wear them all at once. When it comes to red, once you find a shade that perfectly compliments you, you’ll never go back. You’ll be tempted to go out on the town and paint the entire town red. 

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.