KATIE KENNEDY

Your Complete Guide to Sarah Flint

Your Complete Guide to Sarah Flint
📍St. Pete, Florida

Sarah Flint, guide, heels, Perfect Block

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

My love, scratch that… My obsession with Sarah Flint’s shoes has been going strong for almost two years now. It seems like only yesterday when they first popped up on my radar, and I could shop at her Soho boutique. Seriously, where has the time gone? In that time, my collection of shoes has grown to be filled with artistically made shoes. I know there’s no going back. There’s just something so perfect about each style. From the perfected packaging to the sheer quality, you won’t find a more comprehensive brand. Since I frequently am sent asked questions about sizing, quality, and styling, I thought it was the perfect opportunity to create your complete guide to all things Sarah Flint. Let’s go shopping together, shall we? 

Note: I always wear size IT 39 with Sarah Flint which is true to size for my typical US 8.5.


For $50 off your first pair of Sarah Flint shoes, use the
code SARAHFLINT-BAKATIE at checkout.

Natalie Flats

Why I Love Them

If the Natalie Flats are good enough for the Duchess of Sussex, they are certainly good enough for me! Recently, I’ve put the miles of my Saddle Vanchetta Natalies, and they are always up to the task. Handcrafted in Italy with vegetable-tanned leather, these may just be the most comfortable pair of flats on the market. The asymmetrical bow is subtle but makes them feel so unique.

When I Wear Them

From a midi-length shirt dress to a blazer and jeans combo, the Natalie Flats are a perfect match. Just slip them on, and you’re ready to take on the day. If I want to feel a little dressier and can be worn in place of your favorite casual sneaker, these are my go-to shoes.

Grear Sandals

Why I Love Them

I’m a Florida girl currently in the middle of a hot summer. Sandals are what I live for. When simple flip-flops just won’t do, the Grear Sandal is the perfect elevated option. You can play with the Grecian-styled straps for a fit that is most comfortable for you. From the streets of Palm Beach to the streets of New York, you’ll be perfectly comfortable without the dreaded “breaking in” period. 

When I Wear Them

My Grear Sandals have been several trips when these are the only shoes that I’ve packed. For me, a notorious over-packer, that’s a pretty bold move. That’s because I know these shoes are made from such high-quality and you can wear them for any occasion. The better question to ask is, when don’t I wear them!

Perfect Block 30

Why I Love Them

Two words: Arch Support! It’s so rare to find an incredibly chic heel that also includes anatomical arch support. Search no more! The Perfect Block 30 has just enough heel to be considered a dressier shoe, but you won’t have any problem wearing them all day long. In fact, you may even find these to be more comfortable than the flat sandals you have in your closet.

When I Wear Them

My Perfect Block 30 Sandals are in the beautiful White Calf. For some people, white shoes can seem like a tricky item to style, but they are perfect if you live somewhere that’s warm year-round! The height makes them the ideal date night shoe if you know you’re going to be doing a lot of walking. I’ve worn them with midi to maxi-length dresses or a crisp pair of white jeans. 

Perfect Block 60

Why I Love Them

The Perfect Block 60 has everything! The beautiful Sand Calf leather goes with just about everything, and the heel’s height gives the illusion of legs for days. Like the Perfect Block 30, I have peace of mind when wearing these heels all evening because of the flawlessly designed arch support.

When I Wear Them

These heels are another winner for date night! While David and I don’t have the starkest height differences, I can still wear these heels without towering over him. Dress these shoes down by pairing them with a button-down shirt and raw hem-cut jeans.

Perfect Emma

Why I Love Them

As my personal preference, I always prefer a block heel to a thin stiletto. I am more comfortable as I’m walking, giving me all of the confidence in the world. The Perfect Emma is an excellent choice for an everyday heel, especially if you’re in a career where you want to look fashionable but are on your feet all day. The tortoise accent is such a great detail that you can always expect from anything in Sarah Flint’s collection.

When I Wear Them

Teachers, this is the heel for you! Be comfortable without sacrificing style. While I am more partial to wearing the Perfect Emma with midi skirts and dresses, these will look so professional with a pair of crisp work pants or a pencil skirt. Wear them from the day and into the evening without ever skipping a beat.

Perfect Pump 85

Why I Love Them

You always remember your first! When I lived in NYC, I was in the market for a pair of elegant pointed-toe heels to wear to work and events. The Perfect Pump comes in three different height options, and the 85 is right in the middle. While the 100 is so striking, I don’t trust my coordination enough to wear them. Just like the Block Sandal, the Perfect Pump includes arch support, genuinely making them the perfect heel to wear all day, every day. 

When I Wear Them

Stilettos can be tricky. Since moving back to Florida, I don’t wear them as often as when I was in the city. Still, I have these close at hand in for invitations to cocktail parties and soirees. These are my preferred choice for holiday festivities or when I want to feel dressy. The Taupe Suede will match everything in your closet. Just pair with a fabulous cocktail dress, and you are ready for a night of dancing and socializing!

What I’m Shopping For

Alysia x Gravati Flats

What I find striking about these loafer-style Alysia Flats is the beautiful Sepia Calf. I can just see myself wearing them in a classic white tee and jeans combo. Like the Natalie Flat, these would be a perfect substitute for a casual look that’s still a little more upscale than a pair of sneakers.

Mirjana Sandals

Do I really need an excuse to have another pair of sandals? Of course not! The Mirjana Sandal is one of the newest styles from Sarah Flint, and it has already made quite an impact. Having been sold out once before, I need to order these ASAP! The interwoven bow design is an instant win!

Zeynep Heels

Dear Sarah, please make more heels with pearl details! Seriously, I can’t think of anything better. The Zeynep Heel is a fun update on the Perfect Emma (with grosgrain instead of suede) and will be chic for years to come. I better act quickly because this beautiful shoe is selling out and fast!

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.

A Taste of Greece in Florida

A Taste of Greece from Florida
📍 Tarpon Springs, Florida

Tarpon Springs, Greece, Greek, Florida, J. Crew

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

As much as I want to travel to Europe this summer, I’ll most likely be postponing the big trips until next year. The hiatus is giving plenty of time to research and study up on the Romance languages. One of the top destinations I hope to visit in the year 2022 is Greece. Since I was a kid, it has been at the top of my bucket list, pouring over books on Greek mythology. The fasciation also comes, in a big part, from where I grew up. One town over from my parent’s home is the quaint Tarpon Springs. It has the percentage of Greek ancestry in the country, which has greatly shaped its culture. Travel with me to experience a taste of Greece right here in Florida. 

  • Tarpon Springs, Greece, Florida, Summer

Take a Sponge History Boat Tour

It’s not often you get to visit the Sponge Capital of the World. While the sponging industry began in the late 1800s, Tarpon Springs is still the world’s largest producer of natural sponges. As you walk along the Anclote River, you can see hundreds of sponges baking in the sun. Soon, they’ll be for sale in the countless shops that line Dodecanese Blvd. To learn even more about the history that brought immigrants from the Greek islands, take a boat tour with St. Nicholas. Chat with the sponge divers who are still working and see the entire process in action.

Have the Best of Greek Cuisine

Whenever I visit Tarpon Springs, my first order of business is to eat my weight in delicious Greek food. It just tastes and feels like home here. While there are several Greek restaurants along the sponge docks in Tarpon Springs, my family has been eating at Hellas for as long as I can remember. As soon as I walk in, I feel a wave of nostalgia. The decor is a little kitschy, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. As far as what to order, you honestly can’t go wrong. The crowd-pleaser is always the Gyro, but for a culinary experience, go for splitting the Combination Platter. Also, don’t leave without splitting a salad for the table. In Tarpon Springs, you have two options: the traditional Horiatiki Salad or the Original Greek Salad. The local rendition includes a healthy scoop of potato salad. While the reason is a little bit fuzzy, I’ve learned that no Greek Salad is complete without it! 

  • Tarpon Springs, Greece, Florida, Summer, Feta, Salad
  • Florida, City Guide, Travel, Tarpon Springs

Bring Home A Bottle of Greek Wine

As much as I want to visit Greek vineyards, I know that will have to wait until next year. Don’t worry because I’m doing some extensive research and may have to add Santorini to the list for that very reason! In the meantime, I’m more than happy to bring home a bottle of wine from Tarpon Springs. One store, in particular, Greek Town Imports, has a wide range of whites and reds to try. This little shop also sells other pantry items like olives, chocolate, and honey. Just add some fresh feta cheese, and you have the perfect Greece-inspired cheese board.

Listen to Yiayias at the Bakery

Along with the incredible restaurants, there are just as many bakeries where you can indulge in a Greek treat. The last time I visited Hellas Bakery, I was immediately drawn to a table of sweet yiayias (Greek for grandma). They were enjoying an afternoon coffee and pastry, gabbing away in Greek. Could I understand what they were saying? Absolutely not! But I loved their energy and realized that they had life figured out. So, I ordered a frappe coffee and slice of baklava to watch the world pass by. Tuck away your phone to make the most of this incredible experience.

  • Hellenic Aesthetic, Tarpon Springs, Florida, Greece

Shop with Hellenic Aesthetic

While not specifically in Tarpon Springs, there’s a way for you to add a little piece of Greece, no matter where you live. Originally from the St. Pete area, I went to high school went with Hellenic Aesthetic owner, Marianthi. She has always had an incredible eye for style and fashion. Now her boutique brings Greece-based designers and artists to the United States. There’s so much for you to explore, from jewelry to clothing, housewares, and a new pantry shop. I absolutely love the custom Nameplate Necklaces (available in Greek or English) and the Greek Key-styled Meandros Ring. If you’re based in NYC, be sure to visit her stunning brick-and-mortar store, located in Astoria. 

Celebrate the Epiphany

The Epiphany on January 6th, following the Greek Orthodox Church, is one of the town’s largest festivals. To protect the local fishermen and the Anclote River, a priest blesses the water, throwing a cross into the middle of the river. Many young men who live in the area then dive for the cross, and whoever retrieves it is treated as a hero, receiving good luck for the rest of the year. On this day growing up, my school was almost empty because everyone was out celebrating. After the ceremony, the Glendi Festival boasts enough Greek dancing, music, and food until your heart’s content. If you want to experience Tarpon Springs at its absolute best, this is the event!

Tarpon Springs, Greece, Greek, Florida, J. Crew

While my passport is waiting patiently for the next international destination, it’s so lovely to have the same feeling right in my own backyard. Wherever you are in Florida or beyond, this quaint seaside town on the Gulf Coast is the perfect taste of Greece. For an even more complete look, be sure to visit my Tarpon Springs Guide blog post!

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.

Jackie Kennedy Inspired Style

Jackie Kennedy Inspired Style
📍 Dunedin, Florida

Jackie Kennedy, inspiration, style, Sarah Flint, Cabana Life

Dress || Sandals ($50 off with code SARAHFLINT-BAKATIE) || Similar Handbag || Similar Scarf (Also) || Sunglasses || Bracelet || Earrings || Lip Color

For as long as I can remember, Jackie Kennedy has been one of my top sources of style inspiration. From her years as First Lady to post Camelot, you can see a progression in her taste that has always fascinated me. My favorite of these iterations is when she is galavanting around Italy in Rome and Capri. At this point in her life, she had been given the nickname of Jackie O because of her marriage to Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis. Although she was an incredibly private person, she was the most photographed woman of her time. These pictures never fail to inspire me, and I wanted to pass the inspiration along. Here are some pieces of fashion advice that practically comes from Jackie herself. 

Have Your Oversized Sunglasses On-Hand

A picture of Jackie without her signature, oversized sunglasses somehow seems incomplete. In fact, legend has it that Jackie would keep a bowl of sunglasses next to her front door to always leave the house with a pair on. While she didn’t have one set favorite, nearly all of them were large and dark. American writer, Gore Vidal, is rumored to have told her, “they are not only useful for hiding under but also for studying people without their realizing it.” Recently, I have been wearing this pair from Celine almost daily. The cat-eye silhouette gives them a vintage quality that I just love! 

A Silk Scarf is the Perfect Accessory

Jackie Kennedy loved a patterned silk scarf. They were often found wrapped around her head, putting her in full incognito mode with her sunglasses. That can be a tricky look to pull off and may not be in your comfort zone. Instead, add your scarf to wherever else you see fit. Use it as a cover-up on a breezy day and tie it around your handbag when you don’t need it. I have an ever-growing collection of silk scarves, and I share where I curate them all in this blog post from a few years ago. Currently, I love to shop for vintage Hermes Scarves on The Real Real or find budget-friendly alternatives on Amazon.

Jackie Kennedy, inspiration, style, Sarah Flint, Cabana Life

Find Stunning Sandals for Summer

Jackie’s time on the island of Capri, Italy, sparked an awakening in the sense of footwear. While sometimes photographed walking barefoot through the streets, she became partial to the custom-made sandals from Canfora. I’ve heard a few different versions of the story, some claim that her discovery ultimately led to the beginnings of Jack Rogers when she returned to the family’s Palm Beach home. The Jack Sandals are universally loved, consider shopping with my personal favorite, Sarah Flint. Her Grear Sandal includes a Grecian lace-up design and is handcrafted in the Amalfi Coast. It still is an effortless summer classic, and you can support a woman-run business in the process. To get $50 off your first pair of Sarah Flints, use the code SARAHFLINT-BAKATIE.

A Shift Dress is Always Your Friend

Whenever I slip this Cabana Life dress on, I feel like I’m heading right for a Slim Aarons photoshoot. Jackie loved a great shift dress, but honestly, who doesn’t? They are almost universally flattering and perfect for a hot summer day. Cabana Life, in particular, is such a great choice because the Terry fabric includes 50+ SPF and blocks 98% of UVA and UVB rays. Keeping your skin healthy is always in style!

Jackie Kennedy, inspiration, style, Sarah Flint, Cabana Life

Opt for Minimal Makeup

I guarantee that I will never post a makeup tutorial because my skills are almost non-existent. A few swipes of concealer (that I assume matches), mascara, and eyebrow pencil, and I am out the door. Jackie also preferred an understated element to her makeup. She had one exception, as do I, which I’ll get to later. When feeling inspired by Jackie Kennedy and her worldwide travels to the sunniest destinations, don’t forget to apply a healthy layer of sunscreen so you can have a youthful glow for decades to come.

Pick Functional Signature Accessories

In each picture of Jackie Kennedy, there’s an element of functionality to the accessories she chooses. Apart from her sunglasses, she was also known for her love of Gucci bags. One style was even rebranded as the “Jackie” bag and is still making waves today. I may have to splurge and buy this handbag for myself. She also wore her Cartier Tank Watch almost every day, becoming an accent piece in its own right. Finding the perfect bag and daily watch may just be the best fashion advice Jackie could have left us.

Have a Signature Perfume and Lip Color

While Jackie’s makeup was often minimalistic and simple, that wasn’t always the case for her fragrance and lip color. Because she never shied away from a bold color, it often became her best accessory, even matching it to the exact shade of pink or red that she was wearing. Her lipsticks were often from Elizabeth Arden and is maybe the simplest way to emulate this fashion icon, although I’m more of a Chanel girl myself. 

Don’t Over Think Your Summer Style

While this is the most straightforward statement, it can sometimes be the hardest to remember. At the end of the day, some of Jackie’s most outstanding style moments came when she was just living her life. Remember, she wasn’t necessarily looking for the public’s attention or notoriety so quickly given to her. Be comfortable, be yourself, and pick even just one item to become your signature. After all, what would Jackie do?

Jackie Kennedy, inspiration, style, Sarah Flint, Cabana Life

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.