Florida Archives - Page 29 of 33

NYC Style in Florida

January 14, 2020

NYC Style in Florida

Jacket || Cami || Jeans || Wedges || Handbag || Earrings || Watch || Bracelet

Although I am so happy to be back in Florida, there some things I miss about living in NYC. That year and a half away was short, but I feel like I grew so much as a person. One of the biggest changes was about my own personal sense of style. It shouldn’t come as a surprise. NYC is practically the fashion capitol of the world and inspiration is everywhere. Since moving back, I’m trying to find a balance between laidback St. Pete and my love for NYC style. Let’s take a quick dive into how I (try to) maintain NYC style in Florida.

NYC: Tweed Jackets

2019 in NYC was the year of the tweed! I simply couldn’t get enough of this preppy staple. It is just so timeless, classic, and has a Chanel like quality. I may not be in a position to buy Chanel clothing, but I just can’t give up tweed! This little jacket, a much cheaper alternative from H&M, is so great to throw on for a night out. It’s almost the only extra layer I need in Florida.

FLA: Espadrilles Wedges

A destination city calls for a resort pair of shoes! Espadrilles have been my go to shoe of choice since high school. Flats, wedges, or sandals, I find them to be the most comfortable shoe style out there! Although they are normally seasonal, I’ve been able to wear them almost everyday in 2020. Word of caution though, don’t wear them on rainy days! Other than that, they can pair with just about everything. Castañer espadrilles are the absolute best!

NYC: The Color Black

If there was an official color of New York City, it would absolutely be black! Since it’s the best color for hiding dust and grim, it only makes sense. It’s also incredibly chic and flattering. While it’s always the best choice for a hot Florida day, I still want to wear it a little more often I used to. I’m loving this black eyelet sundress from Topshop.

FLA: Rattan Handbags

I’ve dusted off my Cult Gaia bag and I’ve been using it for almost every night out. Even though I’ve had it for a few years now, I still get compliments each time. Rattan and wicker accents are my jam! Adding this fun kind of element makes me feel like I’m on the perfect beach vacation. On my rattan shopping list are these fun earrings from Tuckernuck and I’ve already been loving my wicker loafers from Christmas.

Although I would never say to completely change the way you dress based on where you live, I’ve loved the way my tastes have shifted. By combining the laidback culture of my city with the chicest elements of New York, I can feel like the most fashionable gal in the Sunshine City.

Love from Florida,
Katie

If you are more interested in travel than style, be sure to visit my exclusive travel page, here.

Florida Again in 2020

December 29, 2019

Florida Again in 2020

St. Petersburg, Florida, NYC, Moving, Lilly Pulitzer

Dress (also) || Wedges || Clutch || Earrings || Bracelet

Alright friends! I have the most exciting news to share! No, there’s no pregnancy to announce, even though that’s a knee jerk reaction when you’re newly married and in your 20s. You may have noticed a huge change in scenery from my pristine Upper East Side streets. The colors are brighter and there’s much more flora. Well, that’s because we decided to move back to my beloved St. Petersburg, Florida. We couldn’t be happier!

There are several reasons as to why David and I made this decision. Some day I plan on really going in depth as to why, but until then, I want to share a few key points.

We Absolutely Loved New York

At first, we had some pretty mixed feelings about leaving the place we called home for nearly two years. In a city that is known to spit the weak out, David and I were doing great! Even as a one income family, we were making our financial goals, had an amazing apartment in the Upper East Side, and able to explore so much that the city had to offer. I had a pretty good feeling that NYC wasn’t going to be forever, but we loved every second while we were there.

Our Future Family

Starting a family is never going to be a simple decision. There’s a lot of things to consider and get in order. As you can imagine, all of that would be even more difficult in the Big Apple without family nearby or even a car. The education scene is notorious for being cutthroat starting from Pre-K. In St. Pete all of that is simplified. We’re not planning on starting a family yet, but we now feel more comfortable getting our selves ready. We have more opportunities to save money, buy a home, and have the full support of my family just miles away. Looking at the long term, it just makes sense!

My Own Career

Back in September, I made the extremely personal decision to take a step away from the classroom. I never really found my groove in the NYC school setting and it wouldn’t be fair to my students to already feel frustrated before the school year even began. Since then, I’ve focused more on the blog and landed some freelance opportunities, but couldn’t get fully hired in a new field. The freedom, while I was able to see so much of the city, left me feeling restless and bored. Even though the St. Pete job pool is much smaller, I already have several opportunities around the city to start a new venture.

Some Superficial Reasons

St. Pete is my kind of city. The weather, the people, the overall laidback demeanor truly speaks to both David and me. It’s where I’m from and will always be home, no matter where life takes us. We’ve been back since the beginning of December and feel like we haven’t even skipped one beat. I joke that New York was simply an extremely long vacation. Especially in the first few days home, we’ve visited all of our favorite haunts and I’ve been smiling from ear to ear! My time away has given me a refreshed loved for the Sunshine City and I vow to share more of my adventures along the way.

Now, will we call St. Pete home forever? Honestly, it’s hard to tell. I never want to rule out a new opportunity or adventure with David. What I can tell you is that it feels so good to be back in the sunshine, and even the humidity. Cheers to starting the 2020 back in Florida. You should definitely come along for the ride!

Love from Florida,
Katie

If you are more interested in travel than style, be sure to visit my exclusive travel page, here.

Warm Weather Holidays

December 17, 2019

Warm Weather Holidays

Dress || Heels || Clutch || Earrings || Bracelet

I know everyone gushes on and on about dreaming of a White Christmas, but that’s not my story. As a born and raised Floridian, the closest thing I could get to that growing up were the white sands on the beautiful Gulf Coast beaches. Honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way. December is the absolute best month to spend in the Sunshine State. There isn’t a cloud in the sky, it’s a perpetual 70 degrees, and you don’t have to miss out on the Christmas festivities. Here’s why I simply love warm weather holidays.

Right before the Thanksgiving holiday, I got to sneak back home to St. Pete for a much needed break from New York. I tell you, the Sunshine City was really showing off! No one does holiday decorations better than Old Northeast. I was so lucky to call this historic neighborhood home before I moved to the Upper East Side. Mostly made up of Craftsman bungalows, home owners take great pride in their lights display.

Another huge perk to saying Happy Holidays in the Florida sun is being able to mix up your Christmas style. There’s only so many times I can wear a cozy sweater or festive tartan without getting a little bored. This breezy shirt dress from Tuckernuck was probably designed for resort ware, but somehow still feels like a perfect substitute for tacky sweaters. It’s bold, cheerful, and would look so great with a pair of sandals thrown in.

I know so many New Yorkers who decide to spend their holidays down south. From surfing Santas to endless holiday boat parades, Florida definitely likes to put its own spin on the season. If you’re in the Tampa Bay Area, I’ve heard the most amazing things about Enchant St. Pete. Tropicana Field, where the Rays baseball team plays, has been turned into the World’s Largest Christmas Light maze. There’s even an ice skating trail and plenty of hot chocolate. You’ll be directly sent to the North Pole and not have to pack your snow boots.

So, need a break from the dark and cold? Book a holiday trip to sunny Florida as soon as possible! Even though my husband, a native Vermonter, loves his winter wonderlands, I know he secretly misses being able to wear shorts and flip flops while out Christmas shopping.

Love from NYC,
Katie

If you are more interested in travel than style, be sure to visit my exclusive travel page, here.