KATIE KENNEDY

Staying Cool in the City

Staying Cool in the City
đź“Ť Upper East Side, NYC

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NYC, the MET, Hill House Home, Upper East Side, Heat Wave

Dress (Also) || Sneakers || Similar Handbag || Sunglasses || Earrings || Hair Clip

As the Northeast swelters under a heat wave, finding ways to stay cool while still enjoying NYC can be a challenge. On days when the temperature soars, escaping to an air-conditioned haven like the Metropolitan Museum of Art, offers a respite from the sun. My recent visit to the MET was the perfect escape from the blistering weather. For this outing, I opted for a breezy, lightweight Hill House Home mini dress. The fabric’s breathability kept me cool, while the dress’s flattering cut added a touch of effortless elegance to my museum visit. Afterward, once back in the light of day, we stopped at Ralph’s coffee for my favorite summertime treat, their Espresso Tonic. Although incredibly easy to make, sometimes I need a seasonal reminder in how much I love this drink and need to start making it at home.

Love from NYC,
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 Summer Checklist

My Summer Checklist
đź“Ť Greenwich, CT

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Jacket || Tank || Pants || Heels (Save) || Similar Handbag || Earrings || Lip Color

Summer is officially here, and boy, does it feel like it! I’ve been really thinking about all that I want to prioritize and accomplish this season. With one month left in my maternity leave, things are still looking up! Couple that with entering my birthday week, and I have so much to be excited about. Because I love a good to-do list, here’s a quick look at my checklist for Summer 2024!

Refine My Capsule Wardrobe

I’m very fortunate to be back in my pre-maternity clothes, which was not an expectation, but I’m hankering to refresh some pieces in my wardrobe. Since I’ve been gravitating towards monochromatic minimalistic styles, I want to buy pieces that follow suit. Apart from loving the city of Paris, I’m not a French girl by any means. Still, my Discover page is full of Parisian content creators with impeccable style. Consider me inspired! Even though I like to keep a monthly shopping budget, I’ve decided to opt for higher-quality staple pieces that will, in theory, last me for years to come. If you have specific recommendations, feel free to let me know! 

Perfect My Espresso Tonic Recipe

Last week, David and I were at Ralph’s Coffee on the Upper East Side. I was sipping my third Espresso Tonic of the season and asked why they don’t make these drinks all year long. It is by far my favorite coffee drink and seems to be simple enough. The question I should have been asking myself is, “How do I start making this at home?” Duh, Katie! I’ve been tinkering with the recipe, and I’m pretty close to perfecting the recipe. I’m playing with different proportions and citruses to find the right combination. Don’t worry if you love this seasonal drink as much as I do. I’ll be sharing my findings as soon as I can! 

Book a Trip With My Parents

Lovingly known as Nana and Poppi, my parents are head over heels in love with their very first grandchild. The only problem is that they live over 1,000 miles away in Florida. I want them to have as close of a relationship as I did with my grandparents, and we need to find a time this summer to get together. Conventional wisdom says to have them fly up to Connecticut to visit and escape the Florida heat. The impractical traveler in me wants to make it a vacation… I’m thinking Charleston? Only time will tell what we end up doing.

Wherever your summer adventures take you, I hope you make the most of this incredible season! Remember to stay cool, say yes to a glass of wine al fresco, and make as many happy memories as you can.

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. 

Exploring Essex, Connecticut

Exploring Essex, Connecticut
đź“Ť Essex, Connecticut

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Essex, Connecticut, Summer, New England, Griswold Inn, Coastal

Dress || Sandals || Handbag || Earrings

To no one’s surprise, including my own, I have fallen in love with a little slice of New England where the land meets the sea. Well, it actually meets the Connecticut River, but this is a coastal town nonetheless. With a population of less than 7,000, Essex is about as small as it comes. Despite its size, it is steeped in rich history with so much to explore. On a sunny weekend morning, we decided to make the short drive (1 hour from Norwalk and 2 hours 30 minutes from NYC) to experience the town for ourselves. Although it was a quick visit, here’s what we discovered while exploring Essex, Connecticut. 

Essex, Connecticut, Summer, New England, Griswold Inn, Coastal
Essex, Connecticut, Summer, New England, Griswold Inn, Coastal

Iced Coffee on the Water

Like so many weekend mornings, ours began with visiting the local coffee shop. Here, in Essex, that would be Essex Coffee & Tea Company. It’s a tiny space, but that’s what you can expect from a house built in 1720. On this particular visit, I opted for an iced seasonal latte (I believe salted caramel) and a cinnamon crumb cake to go. Next, stroll down Main Street. You won’t have to go far until you reach the water. We loved grabbing a bench and sitting by the water for a spell. While there, be sure to visit the Connecticut River Museum for their permanent exhibits on the town’s history.

Essex, Connecticut, Summer, New England, Griswold Inn, Coastal
Essex, Connecticut, Summer, New England, Griswold Inn, Coastal

Eye Candy with Historic Homes

After your caffeinated treat by the river, walk back into town for some mid-morning shopping. Take your time, though! You’ll want to linger on each historic home. Essex was originally part of the Old Saybrook Colony, which became a part of Connecticut in the 1640s. You can find rows of homes from the 1700s and 1800s. During the War of 1812, things got really interesting. Then, it became the target of a raid by British soldiers. Even though the town was quickly hijacked, the townspeople were able to spare their homes by promising not to deploy the local militia. The British then marched to the Griswold Inn, then called Bushnell Tavern, and proceeded to drink $100,000 worth of rum. 

Essex, Connecticut, Summer, New England, Griswold Inn, Coastal
Essex, Connecticut, Summer, New England, Griswold Inn, Coastal

Lunch at the Griswold Inn

After you walk through town, you simply cannot leave without a meal at the Griswold Inn. Although originally under a different name, it has been open for business since 1776, making it one of the country’s oldest continuously operating inns. That would also make it the oldest bar in all of Connecticut which is how it found its way on my radar. The decor inside is perfectly nautical, with ship portraits, an extensive collection of Revolutionary firearms, and prints from Currier & Ives. A place like this is the perfect spot for Fish and Chips, which is exactly what I ordered, while sampling the Griswold Inn’s own Revolutionary Ale. 

Essex, Connecticut, Summer, New England, Griswold Inn, Coastal

As you can see, I took so many pictures during our short visit, but I’m only scratching the surface. For my friends who are familiar with the Gasparilla Inn, Essex reminded me of a New England version of Boca Grande, Florida. That feeling alone instantly made me a lifelong fan, and I can’t wait to come back for a repeat visit to this slice of coastal Connecticut.

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.