Channeling Jackie in Newport
Dress || Heels || Similar Scarf || Handbag (also) || Sunglasses || Watch || Bracelet || Earrings
Back in July, here, I did my very first rendition of ‘Channeling Jackie’. Although I thought it was just a topic for me to have fun with, I was surprised with how popular the blog post was. Even in this modern era, nearly 60 years since her time as First Lady, her style still resonates with young women all over the country.
Locations
Jackie, along with most of the Kennedy clan, had strong ties to Newport, Rhode Island. It’s a charming, colonial town on the Atlantic Ocean. It also seemed liked like the most obvious place to do my next round of ‘Channeling Jackie.’ She was born in Southampton and spent most of her childhood in Manhattan, Hammersmith Farm is considered to be her home. Hammersmith Farm, nestled with the other Newport mansions, was also the reception location for her first wedding in 1953. It was called the ‘Summer White House’ during his presidency.
As you visit Newport, you can’t help but find other spots that are part of Jackie’s life story. There’s St. Mary’s Catholic Church, that overlooks the town’s historic district, for their wedding ceremony. A few blocks away, you’ll also find the White Horse Tavern. It’s the oldest tavern in the country, established in 1673, and has become one of my personal favorites. According to rumor, this was one of Jackie’s favorite restaurants too. Her table of choice was in a tiny alcove, next to the bar on the second floor. If you eat here, be sure to ask for Table 40, her corner.
Jackie also shared John’s love for sailing and Narragansett Bay. There are many pictures of them relaxing together aboard Honey Fitz, the family’s yacht, or watching the America’s Cup race when it was hosted in Newport. Jackie would take almost any opportunity to revisit her childhood town with her family.
Fashion
When thinking about how to channel Jackie in Newport, I had no shortage of options. There was this all white ensemble that raises the question, “did Jackie actually invent athleisure?” Jackie in this red shift dress, effortlessly balancing a camera and cigarette is almost quintessential preppy lifestyle. I ultimately decided to recreate this monochromatic navy blazer and dress combo. After all, navy is my signature color. The belted shift dress from Nordstorm’s 1901 collection is the perfect fit. So classic, and so Jackie!
Apart from all being aboard the Honey Fitz, what do all of these pictures have in common? In each, she is rocking her signature head scarf and oversized glasses. Recreating any Jackie inspiration is almost incomplete without them. Recently, I posted about my favorite place to buy my scarves. Talbots is still one of my favorites and just so happens to be the home to this pearl patterned beauty. The exact scarf is sold out, but they have a similar black option still available. My ‘Jackie O’ glasses come in the form of my black Karen Walker sunglasses. Although slightly different than her typical oversized favorites, I’d like to think that they would be her pick in the 21st century.
Obviously there is so much more to Newport than Kennedy family history. The food, the culture, and the history are all thing that will forever have me coming back. Also knowing that I’m wandering the same streets that Jackie once did only adds to appeal and is an experience that you shouldn’t miss.
Love from NYC,
Katie
If you are more interested in travel than style, be sure to visit my exclusive travel page, here.
