KATIE KENNEDY

Fall Style, But Make it Florida
📍 Vinoy Hotel, St. Pete

Sweater || Jeans || Ballet Flats || Handbag || Earrings || Bracelet

Fall is making its way to Florida, and I couldn’t be happier! After what seemed like endless months of the hottest humid weather to date, I wake up with a slight crispness in the air. Maybe it’s just because the mornings are finally below 80 degrees, but at least it’s a start! This weekend, I’ll be taking a long weekend to visit one of my favorite New England towns. Until then, I have my own twist of Fall style on my mind. I just need to make it right for Florida!

I don’t think I’m one to lean too hard into current style trends. There are some that I will try, and there’s an even smaller list of trends that I actually love! Gradually, I began noticing more and more sweater vests in stores and on my social media. I instantly floated back to memories of rocking some pretty incredible sweaters vests as a kid in the 90s. When you tap into nostalgia, I’m pretty easily swayed.

I really love sweater vests because I can feel dressed up for Fall without all of the extra fabric and layers. While ‘Childhood Katie’ wore them with a button-down layered underneath, ‘Adult Katie’ loves the look of wearing it on its own. I think it’s an instantly classic look, making me think of a great cardigan-shell set. If you want to try a sweater vest for yourself without breaking the bank, I love this $20 option from Target. It comes in a rainbow of colors. While I simply adore this bright Lilac, I also bought the Taupe option for a more neutral pick. When it gets even cooler here (or I travel up North), I can wait to use both as layering pieces.

For this Floridian, a Fall weather staple will always be a crisp pair of white jeans. I don’t even give the “White After Labor Day” discussion the time of day. Wear whatever color you want, when you want. Because of our nearly year-round tropical climate, I opt to wear white jeans whenever I please. I personally find them to be just a little bit dressier than blue denim. In fact, now that I think about it, I wear them a whole lot more than denim. For this Fall, I suggest finding a straight-leg pair, slightly cropped to show off your amazing footwear. This pair from J. Crew has been my favorite forever, and I don’t expect that to change any time soon!

Around this time of year, I start pushing away from my endless supply of rattan and sandals. Instead, I think a pristine pair of ballet flats are just what the doctor ordered! When paired with my sweater vest, I feel like my go-to Chanel Ballerinas give the entire outfit a 60s housewife sort of vibe. Especially with the Circle Bag from The Daily Edited, it’s very “Mrs. Maisel around the house.” I always try to find a vintage-esque feel in everything I style.

While my New York and New England friends are bragging about Sweater Weather and Pumpkin Spice season, I have to trust that the Sunshine State will get there eventually. It just typically takes us a little bit longer. Until then, I’ll be finding my own version of Fall Style, but make it Florida.

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.

One Final Goodbye to Summer
📍 St. Pete Beach, FL

Dress || Similar Sandals || Similar Tote Bag || Earrings || Bracelet

This week marks the official start to the Fall season. While I doubted that my corner of St. Pete would be anywhere near ready, I’m happy to report that I can almost feel it. Today, I woke up to temperatures in the 70s and lower humidity than we’ve had in weeks! While I’m not ready to fully dive into the ‘pumpkin spice’ state of mind, it’s a start. For so many reasons, summer is my favorite season! In years past, I’ve clung to the summertime, never wanting to let go. I’m so grateful for a new season this year and have so much to look forward to. Here’s one final goodbye to Summer.

Goodbye: Summer Fridays

For the first several years of my working life, I was a classroom teacher. So, this was my first ever summer working a full, 9 to 5 job. While a piece of me misses having zero plans for three months, I’m still blissfully happy with my current job. Not only do I work for an incredible company, but I also really enjoy having a continually structured schedule. Instead, I have Summer Fridays. Personally scattered throughout the summer months, they give me an opportunity for the occasional three-day weekend to help me recharge. 

Hello: Gasparilla Inn

Fall also means the start of a new season at the Gasparilla Inn. While it may be my favorite place in all of Florida, it closes for the hottest summer months. As the saying goes, absence makes the heart grow fonder. I scheduled a few day trips before the end of 2021. It’s just the rest & relaxation I need to help me feel my best. I’ve heard through the grapevine that they’ve recently updated some of their most iconic spaces. I can’t wait to see it!

Goodbye: Light Sundresses

Even though I work from love, I absolutely live in sundresses. Each day, I feel exponentially more productive when I slip into a bright and colorful dress. It’s the easiest outfit in the world with minimal effort. While I’ll be able to wear linen and cotton sundresses well into the Fall season, I suspect I’ll be slowly transitioning into jeans and warmer pieces.

Hello: Sweaters

During the summertime, the thought of wearing a sweater is enough to make me sweat. Floridians often gripe about missing in cozy sweater-weather. While we rarely get to sport the thickest turtlenecks or cable knits, I can at least grab a lighter cardigan or button-down. Since sweater vests are back in fashion, I may have to add a few to my closet, like this one from Target. A sweater without sleeves? Count me in!

Goodbye: Summer Decor

All year round, my home decor is very summery. There is a lot of rattan and wicker scattered throughout with touches of blue. If you’re looking for a perfectly relaxing wall color, I cannot recommend ‘Gray Opal’ by Valspar enough. Don’t let the name full you, because it has very blue undertones. Especially during the summertime, it perfectly encapsulates our warm and Floridian life.

Hello: Fall Foliage

It always seems counter-intuitive to go entirely into Fall decor. In the Kennedy home, you’re going to find a lot of seasonal items. Instead, I prefer to have a neutral twist on fall favorites. I’ll be sharing all of the details next week, but until then, white pumpkins and gourds are always okay by me. From there, the only thing I need to add to get into the “Fall” spirit is to light up an apple cider candle. Our NEST Pumpkin Chai candle has been glowing all week, and I feel like I’m in autumnal paradise. 

Not only is it beginning to feel like Fall in Florida, but I also have some incredible trips planned next month for a genuine change in the seasons. If you have favorites in Newport, Rhode Island (which I already know and love), or Salt Lake City, please be sure to let me know!

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.

Summer to Fall Boho Dress
📍 Downtown St. Pete

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

Even though it still feels like a warm summer day here in Florida, my social media has been full of all of the autumn feels. I can’t help but have a tinge of jealousy for those who already have the cooler weather. The Sunshine State will get there eventually. It just may take a few more weeks or months. Until then, I’m prepping my closet my prioritizing pieces that will seamlessly transition from one season to the next. Although it’s not a stark difference, there are some subtle notes to pick up on. When I first spotted this peach maxi dress from Target, I thought it was the perfect piece to help bring in the new season. Let’s break down this Summer to Fall boho dress.

The Color

While my New York friends are quickly tucking away pastels, I have the keen advantage of keeping them in rotation for just a bit longer. In fact, I typically can wear any color regardless of the season. It’s one of the significant advantages of living in a year-round warm climate. This soft peach is a great in-between. It has the upbeat qualities of a summer look while giving you a menu of options. Think of it as the young and carefree version of orange, which is always a staple in an autumn wardrobe. Because I recently watched the MET Gala Red Carpet, it reminds me of the gorgeous color that Billie Eilish wore. Alas, I’m holding my breath for an invite to next year’s gala.

The Fabric

On the hottest Florida days, wearing a lightweight linen piece can feel like such a blessing. One sure sign of a change in the season is that I can wear a (slightly) heavier fabric without becoming drenched in sweat. This particular dress has a wonderfully soft cotton that is thick enough not to need a lining. I almost want to say it feels like chambray, obviously without being denim. Thinking ahead towards the cooler months, this dress will still be seasonably appropriate. I loved the idea of wearing it with my knee-high heeled boots, but that would have obviously been a little much for a summer brunch.

The Style

It’s no secret that I have a penchant for boho-inspired dresses year-round, but something about them just seems so perfect for autumn. I think it mostly has to do with warm colors and patterns with longer layers and length. My Target dress is no exception. There’s a delicate lace detail throughout, which gives the dress an unexpected dash of charm that I just love! This number is also a true maxi dress. So, depending on your height, plan your footwear accordingly. For reference, I’m your standard 5’5″. I love that I can wear

The Accessories

If I chose to wear this dress in June or July, I would opt for rattan accessories and sandals every day of the week. Dressing for the Fall requires either darker and/or more seasonal neutral picks. I love how my chocolate brown Neely and Chloe handbag pops against the bright peach. No matter where I live, I always call this my ‘autumn bag .’ It always makes me happy to pull it out after a long summer. For footwear, as I said, I would have loved to wear with tall-equestrian-styled boots. In the meantime, I decided to pair a simple, nude pointed-toe heel. My exact pair is from Marc Fisher, but I recommend the Sarah Flint Perfect Emma instead. I have this style in a few colors, with the Sand Calf version next on my list. It’s the kind of heel you can wear all day long without the slightest ache or fatigue. 10 out of 10 recommendation! 

And the most incredible thing about this dress? The price point! At under $30, this is the kind of dress that you snag in multiple colors, guilt-free! While it looks absolutely perfect in crisp white, the moody teal would be another excellent choice for fall. Play around with styling, and you’ll feel like you have an unlimited number of style options in just one dress. 

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.