KATIE KENNEDY

St. Pete Proper

St. Pete Proper

Proper, St. Pete, Upper East Side, New York

Sweater || Blouse || Jeans || Flats || Handbag || Earrings

I’m so happy to be living in St. Pete, but there are a few things I miss about NYC. One is the fashion! That’s especially true for my home-sweet-home in the Upper East Side. While you see all kinds of styles in the Big Apple, I’ve always been drawn to what I call “prim and proper.” Envision classic silhouettes with a few chic details that would make Coco Chanel proud.

Although it’s not a mainstay look in the Sunshine City, I still like to dress the part of an Upper East Sider. It has started to become second nature. Even when it’s just a simple outfit, I feel like I make such a statement. This stunning cardigan from Talbots perfectly fits the bill. Worn with a white blouse and it becomes the perfect layering piece. Jeans keep the whole look casual enough for St. Pete living.

Proper, St. Pete, Upper East Side, New York

And where exactly do I wear this outfit? Well, an art museum of course! While living in New York, I lived right between the MET and Guggenheim. Several times a month, I could be found at one of the city’s many museums. Spending the day by getting lost in the MET was my zen. Back in Florida, there are also several art museums that call St. Pete home.

The Museum of Fine Arts, in particular, will always hold a special place in my heart. David and I danced the night away there for our wedding reception, with 100 of our loved ones. Visiting always brings back memories of my absolute favorite day. For the art set, this museum offers a collection of 4,000 pieces from around the world. The main collection will reopen on October 27th, but until then you can visit the two traveling exhibits.

Proper, St. Pete, Upper East Side, New York

As far as style, I’m a little bit St. Pete and I’m a little bit New York City. Going back and forth between the two is an easy way to define my style. It’s been a process, but I think prim and proper may be here to stay!

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.

Boho Fall Style in Florida

Boho Fall Style in Florida

Florida, Fall, Boho, J. Crew

Blouse || Jeans || Sandals ($50 off with SARAHFLINT-BAKATIE) || Handbag

I don’t want to jinx myself, but the weather has been simply gorgeous in St. Pete… Well, by Florida standards. Anything below 90 degrees feels like such a reprieve from the sweltering summer that we’ve had. It’s an opportunity to actually enjoy dinner al fresco, especially when you’re on the water.

Recently, we took our dining to the new St. Pete Pier for a quick bite to eat and a few frozen concoctions. I was inspired by India Hick’s latest book: An Entertaining Story and ordered a banana daiquiri. It’s such a simple drink, but it may be my favorite of the fall season. I’ll be attempting to perfect the recipe this weekend. Cheers!

With slightly cooler weather, the thought of spending an evening out in jeans seems much more reasonable. Over the past few weeks, I’ve been practically living in this pair from J. Crew. They are a slightly lighter wash than what I usually gravitate towards, but also feel current. That’s especially true with the D.I.Y. raw hem I added.

The real shining piece of this outfit is my new-ish blouse from J. Crew. No matter the weather, you know I’m in a Fall state of mind when I start wearing marigold and mustard tones. Available in three different colors, this top just feels very me. Boho? Check! Embroidery? Check! Comfy? Check! It’s also available in an equally bohemian maxi dress and I’ve never been more tempted! Stay tuned for more details to see if I take the plunge! For more inspiration, be sure to read Carly’s blog post here!

Florida, Fall, Boho, J. Crew

While we may not have changing leaves or endless apple orchards, Fall in Florida can be something special. For my fellow Floridians and Southerners, it’s a great opportunity to style some fun boho looks and be thankful for our year-round warm weather.

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.

My Favorite St. Pete Coffee Shops

My Favorite St. Pete Coffee Shops

coffee, St. Pete, local, Florida

Sweater || Jeans || Flats || Clutch || Earrings

Earlier this week was National Coffee Day and I decided to celebrate with a cup of coffee at one of my favorite local coffee shops. It sort of gave me this revelation that there are just so many great spots that call St. Pete home. Whenever I travel, whether it’s to somewhere new or a repeat visit, I always make it a priority to support local cafes. If you’re planning on visiting the Sunshine City, or just want a new place to grab some caffeine, here are my favorite St. Pete coffee shops, in no particular order.

For when you want to sip from morning to night…

INTERMEZZO. This spot in St. Pete’s Edge District always seems like the place to be. With a constant stream of people who are flowing in and out, you’re almost bound to run into someone you know. Start your day with a great cup of coffee, but if you need something a little bit stronger, they also offer a wide array of craft cocktails. Visiting Intermezzo in the evening for cocktails and coffee the next morning is a pretty common occurrence.

Instagram: @intermezzocoffee

coffee, St. Pete, local, Florida
For when you want to catch up with neighbors…

BLACK CROW COFFEE. For me, this is my original St. Pete coffee shop. Nestled in the historic Old Northeast neighborhood, David and I would spend every weekend morning here since we first began dating. We’ve watched it grow from a tiny storefront to having a second location and roastery. While I typically prefer my coffee black, they offer a delicious menu of cafe dolce if you want to treat yourself. Black Crow was also the first zero-waste coffee shop in St. Pete and serves a great example of how local businesses can help the environment.

Instagram: @blackcrowcoffeeco

For when you want to work and be productive…

BANDIT COFFEE. This was obviously more true pre-Covid. Whenever I had a lot of work to do, this would be my ideal spot. While they are still opting to keep the cafe closed, it’s a great option to get your drink to-go. Grab one of their season drinks, like the Maple Bourbon latte, and explore the rest of the Grand Central District or nearby Historic Kenwood. On a different note, I can’t wait until their Winter in Florida latte is back!

Instagram: @banditstpete

coffee, St. Pete, local, Florida
For when you want to relax and listen to good music…

THE BLEND: OLD NORTHEAST. One of the newer shops on the scene has quickly become a favorite. If you are back to commuting for work, this shop is right on 4th Street and extremely convenient for grabbing a drink to go. I like the option of having my coffee to stay and sitting a while. The atmosphere stays a calming one with a cozy interior and a constant playlist of mellow, surfy music. Also, be sure to visit their downtown location too!

Instagram: @theblendoldnortheast

For when you want a little beach escape…

GROVE SURF and COFFEE. Sometimes you just need a mini-vacation at the beach, even if it’s just for an hour or so. Grove Surf and Coffee is a great place to start. If their location isn’t perfect enough, right next to historic Corey Avenue, then their drink and food selection will be! On our first visit, I sipped the espresso fizz, a delicious combination of espresso, tonic water, and ginger beer. It sounds bizarre but is the perfect recipe for getting caffeinated in the Florida heat.

Instagram: @grovesurfandcoffee

coffee, St. Pete, local, Florida

Supporting your local coffee shops, no matter where you live is more important than ever. While my taste in coffee has changed over the years, I know I will always find exactly what I’m looking for when I sip local. Cheers!

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.