Holidays Archives - Page 16 of 26

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.

Gift Guide: World Travelers

December 16, 2019

Gift Guide: World Travelers

Gift Guide, Travel, World Traveler, Trips, Christmas, Holiday, J. Crew, Lace

Blouse || Pants || Heels || Handbag || Earrings || Lip Color

I am a wannabe world travel. Nearly everyday, I bounce a new destination off of David to see what really piques his interest. So far, I’ve only knocked off five countries out, but am just waiting to see more of the world. If you have an actual world traveler to shop for, then they know how much planning is truly involved. Help take a little off their plate by gifting a travel inspired gift this holiday season. Here are eight great options in my 2019 traveler gift guide.

JET SET CANDY Charm Set

I’ve been in love with this company for a while. With dainty tags and charms from nearly every destination imaginable, this is a great gift idea for a fashionable travel enthusiast. Their website makes it so easy with their new ‘shop by destination’ feature. I cannot wait to start a collection of my own and buy charms for the cities that mean the most to me.

HERSCHEL Mid Volume Backpack

When David and I were gallivanting around Italy for our honeymoon, guess which bag was by my side the entire way? This one! This is an incredible backpack. It’s light weight, but could still carry a laptop, makeup bag, and oodles of notes that I was taking along the way. Even better news, my durable backpack is now on sale.

1,000 PLACES TO SEE BEFORE YOU DIE by Patricia Schultz

Since I’m almost always talking about travel and dream destinations, David surprised me and got this book for my birthday one year. I flip through it almost daily and let the daydreaming begin. Tucked inside, I keep a sheet of gold star stickers so I can make a special mark when I check off a new place. Trust me, I haven’t even scratched the surface yet, but maybe someday!

S’WELL Insulated Water Bottle

I need to start a new habit. Every time I start packing for a trip, I always tell myself to bring a water bottle for along the way. Guaranteed, I forget it. It sounds silly, but maybe if I have a specific water bottle kept in my suitcase, I’ll get better. This S’Well bottle would be the perfect pick. It keeps your drinks cold (or hot) for hours upon hours and is sleek enough to slide into any travel bag.

STEAMERY No. 2 Travel Steamer

I cannot travel anywhere with out a hand steamer, but sometimes, they can be way too cumbersome to pack. This little number from Steamery is the perfect size to travel with. Never again will you have to decide between the steamer and that extra pair of shoes.

CALPAK Silk Travel Selt

When I was flying back from Paris over the summer, I was definitely a sight on the plane. Eye mask, neck pillow, with a small dose of melatonin, and I was out for most of the trip. Long, economy flights are far from luxurious, but you can feel a little closer to first class with this silk travel set from Calpak. It comes in several different colors, but you could probably guess that navy is my favorite.

SOLE SOCIETY Convertible Belt Bag

I, personally, am not the biggest fan of the belt bag trend, but I know several people who swear by them when they are on the go. This bag from Sole Society seems like a very happy medium. It converts from belt bag to crossbody and back. No matter which style you pick, it will help keep your most important items close and secure when you travel.

MOPHIE Mini Portable Charger

Traveling can take so much energy out of your phone. Between using maps, Google translate, and taking pictures, my phone drains so quickly. It would be awful to be exploring a new city and have no phone for the entire day. Trust me, that would be me if David didn’t always have a portable charger on hand. This mini version from Morphie will get the job done.

Just writing all of these down makes me ready to book my next trip. I’m hoping 2020 will be a great year for travel, but we’ll know more after we visit with David’s family for Christmas. To see where the Kennedy’s will be going, be sure to check back in January for my annual travel blog post. See you soon!

Love from NYC,
Katie

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

Gift Guide: Stocking Stuffers

December 15, 2019

Gift Guide: Stocking Stuffers

Christmas, Gift Guide, Stocking, Stocking Stuffers, Shopping, Black Watch Plaid, J. Crew

Tee || Skirt || Heels || Clutch || Earrings

When it comes to opening Christmas presents, my family strays away from tradition. Almost all of the presents magically appear under the tree on Christmas Eve, while we take a family walk around the block. I grew up thinking this was the norm, but learned later on that it all started with my mom’s grandpa. He was a firefighter with the FDNY and nearly always had to work Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Instead of missing out on the holiday entirely, he would sneak away in costume to hand deliver presents to my grandma. Even though that was over 90 years ago, the tradition has stood the test of time.

Don’t worry, the family still has our fun on Christmas Day too. We were such good boys and girls, Santa would make a repeat visit while we were sleeping to deliver our stocking for the year. Inside were the perfect little gifts and our favorite candies. Since I take my stocking pretty seriously, I tend to go above-and-beyond to find the perfect stocking stuffers. Here are my top favorite picks in case you need a few more smaller items to tuck away under the Christmas tree.

SHASHI Refined Earrings

As soon as I laid eyes on these beauties, they were in my cart and ordered within a matter of minutes. They are simply stunning! I have sneaking suspicion that they will be my new go-to pair on a night out. Look! They have a pearl accent, so me!

FRESH Travel Sized Lip Set

I have only heard the best things about Fresh lip balms, but could never decide on a color. Now, I don’t have to choose. This travel-sized set gives me a whole gambit of their most popular colors, plus their lip treatment. Wearing a different lipstick always make me feel like a new person.

LEXON Mini Bluetooth Speaker

Especially when we were in Florida, we took a mini bluetooth speaker almost everywhere we went. Whether it’s the beach, a party, or Central Park, it’s a useful gadget to have on hand. You never know when a spontaneous dance party will want to break out.

LILLY PULITZER Run Around Hat

I’ve had my eye on this hat for a while and I hope Santa is listening! This print is fun and quintessential Lilly. It will be perfect while I’m out for run, or running errands, and is a refreshing pop of color in the wintertime.

JO MALONE Nectarine Blossom and Honey Perfume

I normally don’t do this, but there was a woman sitting next to me at the nail salon with the most amazing perfume! I couldn’t help but ask what she was wearing. This perfume my Jo Malone was her answer. Before I fully commit and buy the largest bottle, I like to give a new scent a whirl and grab the travel size. Travel perfumes also make for the perfect stocking stuffer.

TUCKERNUCK Seersucker Travel Bag

The holiday season can mean so much traveling. I always get paranoid that my favorite little baubles and jewels may potential get lost in the shuffle. With this dainty little travel bag from Tuckernuck, I can be more at ease. Available in four different colors, a monogram can even be added to really put a personal mark on it.

SUMMER FRIDAYS Jet Lag Mask

I absolutely swear by this face mask. It completely revitalized my skin during the harsh New York winters. I put a healthy layer on this every other day and I instantly look (and feel better). Since I’m putting my own personal endorsement on it, it would be such a great stocking stuffer. Mix and match with Summer Friday’s other scrubs and masks to fit whoever you are shopping for.

AUGUST MORGAN Liquid Courage Cocktail Napkins

I’m rounding off with some cocktail napkins to pepper up anyone’s bar cart. Truly, I love any sort of tongue-in-cheek pun, but these were probably my favorite. With so many different designs out there, you may be itching to get yourself a set too.

Stocking stuffers are proof that sometimes the best things come in the smallest packages. With a whole market specifically designed for filling the stocking, you’ll never have to settle for grabbing a gift card again. Happy shopping!

Love from NYC,
Katie

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