KATIE KENNEDY - Page 90 of 266 -

West Village Date Night

September 8, 2021

West Village Date Night
📍 Madison Square Park, NYC

West Village, NYC, Manhattan, New York, Date Night

Nothing makes me feel luckier than being able to visit New York twice in one summer. The last trip was only back in June for an extraordinary 30th birthday. This most recent trip was a bit more last minute, but sometimes those are the best ones! Our dear friends invited us to spend a long weekend at their Hampton’s house. When you get asked that kind of question, the answer is always yes! To make the absolute most of our trip, we spent a night in Manhattan and had dinner with Sydney and her boyfriend downtown. Date nights are always better in the West Village, right?

Walking Along 5th Avenue

For the evening, we opted to stay at The Evelyn, a charming boutique hotel in the heart of NoMad. This neighborhood has become my go-to for visiting the city because of its central location. I can hope on the 6 train and be at my favorite destination in the Upper East Side or Downtown in a flash. There’s also so much to see within walking distance. On this particular evening, it was warm without being too stifling. So, we opted to stroll down Fifth Avenue all the way to Washington Square Park. Take your time to enjoy the exquisite architecture and the even better window shopping.

Pre-Dinner Drinks at Rosemary’s

Before we met for dinner, we had just enough time for a quick cocktail. There are so many places to choose from, but we settled on Rosemary’s. When we lived in the city, we had walked by this place a handful of times. Even though we were always intrigued, we never visited. All I can say is that I’m so sorry I put this off for so long. Once inside, I felt transported to a Tuscan cafe with incredible sights and smells to match. After finding a spot at the bar, David and I enjoyed a cocktail or two, relishing over how great it feels to be in New York.

American Bar, West Village, NYC, New York, Manhattan

Dinner at American Bar

After drinks, we literally crossed the street for the main event. I was so happy to have snagged dinner reservations for four at American Bar. This is one of the hottest restaurants, but the rattan chairs and effortless decor instantly sold me. The fact that they also had a stellar cocktail list certainly didn’t hurt either. While I loved my Chopped Salad, the time with good friends stole the show!

Bar Hop in the West Village

After dinner (and a few more cocktails), we continued the party by doing some light bar-hopping in the West Village. The next stop was The Happiest Hour. When we lived in the city, this was one of my absolute favorite bars. Its kitschy and tacky souvenir decor oddly reminded me of Florida, but I loved their ‘Pick Your Own Spirit’ cocktail menu. After a few more rounds and location changes, I happily collapsed into my plush hotel bed. I felt so fulfilled after a fun night out with friends.

The moral of the story: Always take advantage of any trip that presents itself. Those are often the most rewarding, especially when you can spend them with good food, cocktails, and even better people! I’m already daydreaming of my next trip to Manhattan. See you soon, NYC!

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.

One More Nap Dress Review

September 7, 2021

One More Nap Dress Review
📍 Downtown St. Pete, Florida

Hill House, Nap Dress, review, dress, grand millennial

Around this time of year, there are many opinions about the ‘white about Labor Day’ debate. This blog post isn’t about that. In short, wear what makes you happy and what you feel comfortable in. While I’m wearing this stark white number, I’m instead focusing on the label behind the dress. Earliest this year, Hill House began to take the country by storm. It can be found on the streets of Madison Avenue to the beaches of Miami Beach and everywhere in between! Lovingly known as the Nap Dress, let’s explore what makes it so popular and why you’ll want one in your closet. Yes. this is one more Nap Dress review!

What is a Nap Dress?

nap dress (noun): a signature dress that can make you feel put together while doing laundry, bills, or watching your favorite show. can be worn at home or out on the town.

The Nap Dress was practically created for working remotely. It’s something you can literally throw on and instantly take on the day. While many different dresses can be classified as a ‘nap dress’ (who else still loves the Amazon nightgown?) I think Hill House has perfected. Founded by Nell Diamond in 2019, she combined her experiences in motherhood with her incredible eye for style. The result is a collection of incredibly comfortable dresses adored the world over.

Which Nap Dress Style Am I Wearing?

This sweet little number is called Ellie, and she is probably the most recognizable of everything Hill House has to offer. It’s also the number one bestseller, so you know you’re in good company. The elastic smocking is very flattering, but I think the ruffled sleeve detail is my favorite. The midi-length gives it a modest feel and will work for a wide variety of occasions.

How Does the Nap Dress Fit?

On the Hill House website, you’ll find several recommendations and reviews to size down. Because I typically like my clothes to be on the roomier side, I’m always pretty skeptical when I read that. Following my intuition, I ordered my usual size (a medium), and I’m so happy that I did! It gave me the wiggle room I was looking for without feeling too oversized. Because Hill House offers free returns and exchanges, don’t be afraid to over two sizes if you’re in-between and not quite sure.

What is the Nap Dress Fabric Like?

Across the Hill House collection, there are a few different fabrics to choose from, depending on the season. This dress is 100% cotton and, although a tad sheer, is as soft as can be. It’s lightweight and can flow with the breeze. While we’re talking about fabric, I was also happy to learn that Hill House does its part to make environmental choices. That means using non-toxic materials and creating products without any of the harsh chemicals.

What Do I Need to Wear With a Nap Dress?

One of the best things to note about this dress is that it’s bra-friendly. Sometimes I see the cutest dresses that have the most finicky back detailing. I love them but could never go without a bra, and I definitely wouldn’t want my bra to show. Gasp! Especially if you go for a white Nap Dress, you’ll want to consider wearing a nude slip underneath. It will give you additional peace of mind as you go about your day. If you’re just wearing a beach cover-up (and many ladies do), then don’t worry about it!

How Can I Wear a Nap Dress for Fall?

This Nap Dress is an ideal choice for beginning the transition into Fall. A bright white isn’t the best example, but I’ll be wearing it for months to come by swapping my sandals for black ballet flats and adding a denim jacket. Other color combinations will be much easier to wear as we start to approach cooler weather. In fact, the darker, the better! My favorite example of Wintertime Nap Dress has to be from Carly Riordan. While it rarely gets cold enough in Florida for a turtleneck, I would absolutely wear this look if I still lived in New York. Shelby wore her Turtleneck and Nap Dress combo with camel booties, and I think it’s perfect for a winter day!

What Hill House Pieces Do I Want Next?

I absolutely love the Athena Nap Dress in terms of what style I’m looking forward to next. This shorter version will be perfect for those warmer Florida days. This dress can also wear it with practically any shoe in my closet: sandals, ballet flats, and sneakers.

The other answer to the question is that I’m very excited for the next Hill House drop. A drop is a day they launch the newest collection, sometimes have an overarching theme. On September 9th, they are welcoming Hill House University as a nod to Back to School season. We see our favorite tops and dresses in perfect colors for Fall, including burgundy and hunter green. There are also unveiling turtleneck bodysuits, ideal for wearing underneath your Nap Dress, and a line of jackets. I hope to get my hands on the navy poplin Nap Dress. Wish me luck!

Is the Nap Dress Worth It?

This is always such a loaded question because it depends so heavily on a personal budget and spending philosophy. If you love the grand-millennial style and want to be part of the latest trend, the answer is yes! You’re buying into a woman-owned company that has an environmental and social consciousness. Still, a $100-plus price tag can be pretty steep. I want to close by sharing some budget-friendly options that will have the same feel while easier on your wallet. This pick from Amazon is an excellent pick at under $35. You don’t have to break your budget to look effortlessly relaxed!

So, that’s my side of the story. For what it’s worth, I’ve had my Nap Dress for about a month and have worn it consistently once a week. I wear it from work to running errands to dinner out and back. While I’ve yet actually to take a nap in it, I’m sure that task is coming soon!

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.

What I’ve Read This Summer

September 3, 2021

What I’ve Read This Summer
📍 Vinoy Hotel, St. Petersburg

Blouse || Jeans || Ballet Flats ($50 off with code SARAHFLINT-BAKATIE) || Clutch || Earrings || Bracelet

When I was a kid, I was an ardent bookworm. There was always a book in my hand and my nose in a book. I really wanted to find that passion again. So each year, I set the resolution to read more, and each year it’s completely overlooked. Maybe it’s because I spend more time at home, but I’m happy to report that I’m reading again! I’ve read through ten books in just the past few months, averaging about one per week. Here’s a quick look at the new additions to my bookshelf.

Bubble in the Sun

This was the book that genuinely re-sparked my love from reading. I always was a fan of non-fiction, and nothing is better than reading about the state you call home. Bubble in the Sun is more closely aligned as a cautionary tale on how the land grab in 1920s Florida ultimately brought on the Great Depression. With so many moving to the Sunshine State this past year and real estate prices skyrocketing, I can’t help but wonder if history is doomed to repeat itself.

Becoming

Regardless of where you metaphorically stand on the political aisle, this is a must-read! While one of the most beloved and influential women of our lifetime, Becoming is an intimate look into the life of Michelle Obama. Her grit and hard work, starting during her childhood on the South Side of Chicago, paved the way for a historic future.

We’ll Always Have Casablanca

Hands down, Casablanca (1942) is my all-time favorite movie. It is a classic story that has everything from romance to laughs. While the film is practically perfect, the story behind making it happen is even more fascinating. I read the book, We’ll Always Have Casablanca in record time. I couldn’t put it down! In all honesty, learning more made me fall even deeper in love with the Oscar’s 1944 Best Picture.

Fifth Avenue, 5 A.M.

Next, I went seamlessly to learn the history of another favorite movie, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, which you’ll learn more about later. Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly has adorned many college dorm rooms, but did you know she was originally envisioned to be played by Marilyn Monroe. In Fifth Avenue, 5 A.M., you learn more about the movie that helped bring the rise of the modern woman.

In Cold Blood

This next pick was a hard turn from reading about my favorite movies, but Truman Capote was the theme of a book order. The path as to why will be clearer soon. Although written over 55 years ago, In Cold Blood is still regarded as one of the best true crime books of all time. This was before our endless podcasts and documentaries. Capote’s telling of a tragic family’s murder in rural Kansas was a page-turner. It kept me on the edge of my seat from cover to cover.

Bunny Mellon: The Pursuit of Perfection

Bunny Mellon’s biography The Pursuit of Perfection has been sitting on my bookshelf for a few years, just waiting to be read. I instantly ordered it after being inspired by Bradley Agather. My only regret is that I wait so long to read it. For those unfamiliar with Bunny, she was a beloved gardener and socialite, having married into the Mellon family. By the time I finished this 500 plus page epic, I felt like I personally knew Bunny for all her strengths and flaws.

We Are the Brennans

I’m guilty of judging a book by its cover because I purchased this one solely on the name. Brennan is a family name and one of my favorite baby names. We Are the Brennans is the story of an Irish-American family full of secrets. This was actually the first novel I read in a long time, and it took me a moment to get used to the dialogue again. Once I overcame that hurdle, I sped through this book because I just had to know more about this dysfunctional family. I don’t want to give spoilers, but I truly hope there will be a sequel!

Come Fly the World

Am I the only one who daydreams about living in a different decade? Sometimes I would love to spend a few days in the 1960s. If you loved Mad Men, you just have to read Come Fly the World. It follows the lives of several Pan Am flight attendants, formerly known as stewardesses. At the time, Pan AM was the only airline that flew exclusively international flights. What followed was a woman’s liberation where they could control their own destiny and careers. It’s a perspective of history I never really considered before.

Breakfast at Tiffany’s

While many people have seen the film Breakfast at Tiffany’s, not everyone knows it was originally a novella written by Truman Capote. Because it’s only 80 pages long, this Breakfast at Tiffany’s could easily be read in one sitting. Be warned, while you’ll find word-for-word scenes from the movie. This original version of Holly Golightly is crasser, but you’ll still love reading this all the same.

You Lucky Dog

Romantic comedies typically aren’t my thing but sprinkle in a few Basset Hounds, and I’m quickly sold! What I loved about You Lucky Dog, apart from the canine sidekicks, is how smart these characters are. They’re relatable, making them more developed than a traditional light read. I’m already daydreaming about whom I would cast in this movie because it would be perfect on the big screen.

I’m so happy to have reading back in my life. I think it truly does the body good, and it’s something I look forward to each day. My TV stays off in the evening, I’m on my phone less, and I use my off-hours reading instead of on social media. I’ll be keeping this trend going. Lookout in the next few months to see what I read next! I already have my books on standby.

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.