Effortless Winter Layering Tips
📍 Milford, Connecticut

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Sweater || Turtleneck Sweater || Jeans || Loafers || Wool Coat || Socks || Similar Handbag || Earrings

Winter fashion often walks a fine line between staying warm and looking chic. The good news? With a few simple tips, you can master the art of layering without feeling bulky or overwhelmed by your outfit. Here are my go-to strategies for effortless winter layering, featuring a cozy yet polished look I recently put together.

Start with a Slim Base Layer

The foundation of any layered outfit is a comfortable, fitted base. I opted for a black crewneck sweater from J.Crew, which provides warmth without adding extra volume. A lightweight turtleneck or long-sleeve tee would also work well as your first layer, especially if you want to keep your neckline sleek or add extra insulation.

Add Visual Interest with a Sweater

One of my favorite tricks is draping a sweater over my shoulders. For this outfit, I used a grey striped sweater from Line and Dot, which adds texture and interest while serving as a functional extra layer if needed. Draping is an easy way to make a simple outfit look intentional and polished. Alternatively, you could tie the sweater around your waist or layer it under the coat for a preppy vibe.

Choose the Right Accessories

Accessories are essential to pulling a layered outfit together. Black loafers (mine are from J.Crew) keep the look grounded and timeless, while a structured bag adds a touch of sophistication. Don’t forget to consider a scarf or gloves if you’re braving colder temps—choose pieces that complement your color palette without overpowering the outfit.

Keep It Balanced

The key to effortless layering is balance. Since the top half of this outfit is more structured and layered, I paired it with medium-wash straight-leg jeans to keep the look casual yet cohesive. Opt for high-quality denim with a clean silhouette for a polished finish.

By focusing on layering pieces that add warmth, texture, and structure, you can create an outfit that feels put-together without sacrificing comfort. This approach ensures you’re ready to tackle winter days, whether it’s a coffee run or a casual day of errands—all while looking effortlessly chic.

Love from Connecticut,
Katie

Thanks for stopping by! To keep up with all things about my travels and style, be sure to visit throughout the week! Be sure to check out my exclusive adventures in NYC and New England.

Ins and Outs of 2025
📍 Newport, Rhode Island

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Sweater || Jeans || Booties || Beanies || Handbag || Coat

As the calendar turns to 2025, it’s a natural time to reflect, refresh, and reprioritize. For me, the past year has been all about embracing intentional living—slowing down, finding joy in simple moments, and cultivating habits that add richness to daily life. It’s not about chasing perfection but curating a lifestyle that feels effortlessly refined. This year, I’m saying goodbye to the things that no longer serve me and wholeheartedly welcoming practices that spark joy, promote wellness, and align with my values.

Weekly Pilates Class

I’ve never stepped foot in a Pilates studio, but 2025 feels like the perfect time to start. I’m craving a workout that’s less about breaking a sweat and more about feeling strong and aligned. Everyone raves about the benefits—better posture, improved flexibility, and a stronger core—and I’m ready to see what all the buzz is about. Here’s to trying something new and embracing small steps toward wellness!

Needlepointing in my Downtime

In a world that often feels overstimulated, needlepointing has been a soothing escape. There’s something meditative about the repetitive stitches, the feel of the thread, and watching a pattern come to life. It’s a practice that requires patience but rewards with a sense of accomplishment—and the added bonus of beautiful, handmade pieces.

Black and White Movie Night

There’s a timeless charm to black-and-white films. Whether it’s the elegance of Audrey Hepburn or the wit of Cary Grant, these classics are a window into a different era. Movie nights have become a cherished ritual, complete with cozy blankets, a glass of wine, and a quiet sense of nostalgia. In a world full of fast-paced streaming, slowing down with a classic feels refreshingly intentional.

Overly Sweet or Sugary Cocktails

Gone are the days of syrupy drinks that overpower the palate. Instead, I’m embracing cocktails that highlight natural flavors—fresh herbs, seasonal fruits, and balanced spirits. There’s elegance in simplicity, and the right cocktail can transform an ordinary evening into something truly delightful.

Bad Posture

Spending long hours at a desk has done no favors for my posture, and I’m finally ready to make a change. This year, I’m focusing on small, meaningful steps to sit taller and feel stronger. From incorporating daily stretches to setting reminders to sit up straight, improving my posture isn’t just about appearances—it’s about feeling more aligned and confident every day.

Not Drinking Enough Water

Hydration is the simplest, most underrated form of wellness. This year, I’m making water my constant companion, adding fresh slices of lemon or cucumber to keep it interesting. It’s a small change that makes a big difference in energy, skin health, and overall well-being.

As we step into 2025, I’m reminded that small, intentional shifts can have a profound impact on our lives. It’s not about rigid resolutions or grand gestures but finding joy in the everyday and creating space for what truly matters. Here’s to a year of refinement, balance, and embracing the beauty of living well—one moment at a time.

Love from Newport,
Katie

Thanks for stopping by! To keep up with all things about my travels and style, be sure to visit throughout the week! Be sure to check out my exclusive adventures in NYC and New England. 

My 2024 in Review
📍 NYC, Colorado, New Orleans

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As another year comes to a close, I’m taking a moment to look back at all the moments—big and small—that defined 2024. This year felt like a true mix of new adventures, treasured traditions, and heartfelt milestones as we embraced life as a family of three. From cozy escapes to big celebrations, it was a year of joy, change, and gratitude. Here’s a look back at some of our favorite memories.

January: Overnight Trip in NYC

We started the year with a quick but unforgettable trip to the city that never sleeps. Staying at the flawless Hotel Chelsea set the tone for a special weekend. From exploring old favorites to a true night out with friends in the West Village, it was the perfect way to kick off the year.

February: Ocean House Day Trip

A day trip to the iconic Ocean House in Watch Hill was a beautiful way to savor the slower pace of winter. After brunch overlooking the water, we made our way to David’s alma mater, the University of Rhode Island, for a track meet—an opportunity to revisit his college days and cheer on future stars.

March: Birthday Celebrations in Tribeca

One of our final nights as a family of two felt extra special. We celebrated David’s birthday with dinner at Holy Water in Tribeca, soaking in the magic of New York City as we anticipated the exciting changes to come.

April: Welcome Baby Brennan

April brought the greatest gift of all—our sweet Brennan Ann Kennedy. Arriving three weeks early, she surprised us with a whirlwind weekend but filled our hearts with a love we could never have imagined. Those first moments with her are ones we’ll treasure forever.

May: Visiting Essex, Connecticut

For our first adventure as a family of three, we spent a day in historic Essex, Connecticut. From relaxing along the Connecticut River to strolling through charming shops and enjoying lunch at the timeless Griswold Inn, it was the perfect family outing to ease into this new chapter.

June: Brennan’s First Trip to UES

A trip to the Upper East Side brought back so many memories as we showed Brennan some of our favorite spots. We took her on her first visit to The Met, followed by lunch with dear friends at the Central Park Boathouse. It was a special day introducing her to our old stomping grounds.

July: Summer Escape to Vermont

The Fourth of July took us to Vermont, where the warm weather surprised us but didn’t stop the fun. Brennan met David’s extended family, including her great-grandmother, for the first time. From relaxing outside to visiting Stowe, it was a laid-back escape filled with love and connection.

August: Celebrations in NYC

August was a month full of celebrations. From festive bachelorette nights to elegant bridal showers, we spent plenty of time in New York City surrounded by friends and family. It was a whirlwind month that reminded us how lucky we are to celebrate life’s milestones with the people we love.

September: Long Weekend in New Hampshire

A last-minute tour of New Hampshire became one of our favorite spontaneous adventures. We started with an overnight in Portsmouth, drove to the stunning White Mountains for breakfast at the Mt. Washington Omni, and ended with a serene stay on Lake Winnipesaukee to visit friends.

October: Rocky Mountain Vacation

Brennan’s first flight took us west to Colorado for a dear friend’s wedding. We spent a day in Denver before driving up to the breathtaking Rocky Mountains. Estes Park’s beauty left us in awe, and we loved experiencing a new kind of adventure as a family.

November: Thanksgiving in New Orleans

It was so special to bring our baby girl to New Orleans, one of our favorite cities. We wandered through the French Quarter, savoring the charm and warmth of the city, and shared some of our favorite spots with Brennan. It was a beautiful way to spend the holiday.

December: Christmas Festivities in Newport

We wrapped up the year with a festive trip to Newport, Rhode Island. Bundled up against the winter chill, we explored the grand Newport mansions all decked out for Christmas and warmed up afterward with New England clam chowder. It was the perfect way to close out a year full of adventure.

As I look back on this year, me heart is full of gratitude for the experiences, the people, and the memories that made 2024 so special. From welcoming Brennan into our lives to traveling near and far, this year was a beautiful reminder of the joy in simple moments and the magic of new beginnings. Here’s to a new year of love, laughter, and whatever adventures await in 2025.

Love from 2025,
Katie

Thanks for stopping by! To keep up with all things about my travels and style, be sure to visit throughout the week! Be sure to check out my exclusive adventures in NYC and New England.