KATIE KENNEDY

NYC in Spring

NYC, Style Blogger, Navy, Ginghams, J. Crew, Preppy, Spring, Louis Vuitton, Tuckernuck, Hermes

Blouse || Pants || Wedges || Scarf (similar)|| Handbag

Now that Winter is finally over, I can look forward to my weekends again. There will be no more bunkering down, trying to figure out how to stay warm. Instead, I have a spoil of riches to try and find out what to do. I’ll give you a hint, it all involves spending as much time outside as possible. In a word, Spring in New York has been magical so far. Through the extra crowds of people, there is a fresh sense of optimism that I had never experienced here before. It’s helped me understand why anything can truly happen in this city.

NYC, Style Blogger, Navy, Ginghams, J. Crew, Preppy, Spring, Louis Vuitton, Tuckernuck, Hermes

My NYC Spring Bucket List has grown more and more by the day. Everyone has a different opinion on what the best experiences are and I’m ready to take them head on. In just a week, I will be on Spring Break from school and this teacher feels like she’s going to have all the time in the world. There isn’t a more perfect opportunity to take advantage of what this city has to offer. Here are some of my top picks!

NYC, Style Blogger, Navy, Ginghams, J. Crew, Preppy, Spring, Louis Vuitton, Tuckernuck, Hermes
  • Walk the Brooklyn Bridge: Is it cliché? Probably… But it’s still something I absolutely want to experience for myself. It’s hard to think of this city’s highlights without mentioning this landmark. It’s the perfect excuse to be outside, get some exercise, and see the city from a new vantage point.
  • Go to see a baseball game: David and I both have family ties in Queens, meaning we should probably cheer on the Mets. Still, Yankee Stadium is just a few stops away on the 4-5 Train and is a lot more convenient to get to. Whichever we pick, I’ll be sure to root, root, root for the home team.
NYC, Style Blogger, Navy, Ginghams, J. Crew, Preppy, Spring, Louis Vuitton, Tuckernuck, Hermes
  • Take a ride on the Staten Island Ferry: Launching near Bowling Green, in the Financial District, I have heard from many people that this is the best way to take in the city and see the views. This is especially true at dusk, in the Spring.
  • Have a cocktail at the MET Rooftop Bar: I never need an excuse to enjoy a drink outside, but to be on a rooftop bar at my favorite museum in the city sounds like heaven. Opening in just a few short weeks, this spot offers unobstructed views of Central Park and the skyline. Cheers!
NYC, Style Blogger, Navy, Ginghams, J. Crew, Preppy, Spring, Louis Vuitton, Tuckernuck, Hermes
  • Pack a lunch for Central Park: Doesn’t this just sound so romantic? I love the idea of wrapping a homemade sandwich and packing up an old-school style picnic basket and blanket. The weather will be just perfect to find a quiet grassy area of the park and enjoy some prime people watching. Sparkling wine is not required, but highly recommended.
  • Visit a Botanical Garden: Whether it’s visiting the one in Brooklyn or the Bronx, I’m happy either way. They both offer several festivals and events throughout the season and are realitively easy to get to. I may be the worst at keeping plants alive, but I always appreciate someone with a green thumb and the fruits of their labor.
NYC, Style Blogger, Navy, Ginghams, J. Crew, Preppy, Spring, Louis Vuitton, Tuckernuck, Hermes

Even in the city, nothing says Spring to me like bringing out the gingham. I was so happy to dust off these gingham pants from J. Crew for a new season. Even though they laid dormant for all of Fall and Winter, they are one of my favorites. I kept the bulk of the outfit monochromatic, per usual, but experimented with a pop of color and print mixing with this nautical themed scarf from Tuckernuck. Since it already meshes so well with the bulk of my wardrobe, it will become a staple piece throughout the Spring and Summer.

I hope you all are loving your Spring so far. If you have any other favorite seasonal activities, especially in NYC, be sure to let me know in the comments below!

Love from NYC,
Katie

NYC Update, Vol. 4

NYC, Style Blogger, J. Crew, Louis Vuitton, Tretorn, SOHO

Sweatshirt || Jeans || Sneakers || Crossbody || Trench

It has been way too long since my last NYC Update! Earlier in the week, I shared my recent struggle with homesickness (here), but don’t think that means I’m sick of city living! Far from it! I love taking in all that the city has to offer and using my precious weekends to get out and explore. Now that the weather has finally turned for the better, getting up into the 60’s, I’m ready to get back out there.

I may not have a set plan for the weekend, yet, but there are some bullet points that I definietly want to hit…

NYC, Style Blogger, J. Crew, Louis Vuitton, Tretorn, SOHO
  • Find a new coffee spot downtown: On Saturdays, we are very committed to grabbing our morning coffee from nearby Birch. They have shops all over the city and just so happen to have a delicious cold-brew on tap. One of my goals for the weekend is hop downtown to find a new little cafe to enjoy some coffee and scone. Why should I limit myself to only one neighborhood?
NYC, Style Blogger, J. Crew, Louis Vuitton, Tretorn, SOHO
  • Take a LONG walk through the park: The flowers are starting to come back and the grass is getting greener. That means the conditions are nearly perfect for a long stroll and picnic in the park. I love the thought of grabbing an oversized blanket and sandwich to-go from Serafina to just sit and people watch.
NYC, Style Blogger, J. Crew, Louis Vuitton, Tretorn, SOHO
  • Have brunch somewhere new: With new resturants popping up everyday, it’s hard to keep up with what’s the lastest place to dine. I’m not looking for anything that is particularly fancy or instagram worth, I just like finding spots with a fun vibe and good food. Just like my coffee shops, this probably means going downtown to SOHO or Tribeca to give new neighborhoods a try.
NYC, Style Blogger, J. Crew, Louis Vuitton, Tretorn, SOHO, Trench Coat, Spring
  • Find fashion inspriation for Spring and Summer: I’m still on my Lenten shopping freeze, but that doesn’t mean I had to give up window shopping, too. Since I already have quite a few trips lined up over the next few months, I’m starting to make mental planning lists for each location to give you fun and current content.

Okay, as I type this out, I realize that this weekend isn’t that wild and crazy, but most times the best weekends aren’t! If you have any new suggestions on where to brunch or have coffee, be sure to let me know in the comments.

Love from NYC,
Katie

Homesick in NYC

NYC, Style Blogger, Preppy, J. Crew, Longchamp, Krewe

Sweater || Jeans || Heels || Tote Bag || Sunglasses

The Orange to Apple blog has been trucking along pretty steadily the past few months and I’m so proud of how much it’s grown and the work I’ve put into it. Behind the scenes over the past few months, there was a daily mental struggle going on, though. At first, I couldn’t quite explain it and had zero idea where it was coming from. There was this persistent sense of insecurity and loneliness that I just couldn’t shake. Finally, I had a true light bulb moment and realized what was bothering me… I was homesick!

NYC, Style Blogger, Preppy, J. Crew, Longchamp, Krewe

I’m honestly shocked that it took me so long to feel this way, over six months! I think some time needed to pass for the dust to finally settle and realize that I had a new job, in a new city, and all of my loved ones were a thousand miles away. I think it’s enough to humble even the most self-assured of people. The shorter, colder, and darker days certainly didn’t help either.

NYC, Style Blogger, Preppy, J. Crew, Longchamp, Krewe

I think in a very competitive, on-the-go city, it’s really hard to admit that you’re feeling overwhelmed. I’ve met many people here who showcase their over loaded plates like a badge of honor, maybe proving to themselves that this city isn’t too much for them after all. I, on the otherhand, have always prided myself in my easy-going personality and optimism. Those two things were great to have in Florida, but don’t always align with NYC living.

NYC, Style Blogger, Preppy, J. Crew, Longchamp, Krewe, Homesick

Having made the firm decision that I don’t want this city to change me, I had to think of some ways to recenter myself and find a new sense of normal, but at the same time, feel connected with home.

  • Get into an exercise routine: I’m sure I don’t need to go into all of the benefits of having a consistent workout schedule. The research is everywhere! This past month, I finally decided to invest my money in myself and regularly visit a nearby yoga studio. Having those 60 to 90 minutes to get out of my head is better than anything else I’ve tried. I leave every workout feeling relaxed and accomplished. That’s been a hard feeling to come by since moving.
  • Talk to your loved ones: I’ve always been extremely close with my parents and not having them close by has been tough. Just by having the briefest of chats with them, even if it’s just to tell them what I’m making for dinner, makes the distance seem shorter. Whether it’s a phone call, text, or FaceTime, the possibilities are endless to stay connected with your family and friends.
  • Don’t get too into social media: On the other end of the spectrum, I think getting too wrapped up in social media can do more harm than good. Constantly seeing what my friends and favorite businesses are doing in St. Pete gives me a very big sense of missing out. For me, this is the hardest thing to get around because I am constantly wanting to know what’s happening. I wish I could take my own advice and stop peeking.
  • Go outside and explore: It’s important to appreciate the new city you live in by getting out and finding what it has to offer. The fresh air will probably do you good and it’s a lot harder to worry about missing home if you’re out and about enjoying the day.
  • Find a slice of home in your new city: The benefit of living in a city of over 8 million people is that, chances are, you’ll be able to find a group of people with the same roots as you. This could be through your college, a favorite sports team, or even a restaurant that reminds you of home. Whatever the spot, keep that in your pocket for the days you’re feeling homesick. For me, that has meant joining a shuffleboard league, and going to the official Florida State watch parties. I’ve even run into old friends in the process.
  • Schedule an escape: The number one thing that helps me make it through the day (or work week) is knowing that I have an upcoming trip to get excited for. You might decide to go back home or venture off to somewhere new. Either way, it makes for a great escape from city life and I swear has healing powers.

I hope you find at least one or all of these tips helpful. If you’re finding yourself feeling homesick, remember that you are not alone! Be honest and let your loved ones know because there is always strength in numbers.

Love from NYC,
Katie