KATIE KENNEDY

Sunshine Yellow in the Sunshine State

Sunshine Yellow in the Sunshine State

Sunshine, Yellow, Sunshine State, bright

Dress || Wedges || Clutch || Earrings

Let’s talk about Yellow. It’s a gorgeous color, that comes in so many different shades, but is sometimes the hardest color to pull off. You almost need to know what exact hue will work with your skin tone and hair color. Despite all of the struggles, a bright yellow is a color that I love to gravitate towards, especially in the beginning of spring. It pops with my dark hair and is one of the most cheerful shades you can find. Since I’m back in the Sunshine State, I want to see this sunny color more often in my closet. Here are four cute ways to add some yellow into your life.

A Sweet Sundress

I’ve been gaining inspiration from blogger Julia Engel in a major way. She has perfected the effortlessly feminine look with sweet pieces in a rainbow of pastel shades. That’s probably what really drew me to the this prairie style midi dress from Capulet. Admittedly, I was afraid it was too big. The sleeves just wouldn’t stay on my shoulders and when they did, it all seemed way too oversized. When I finally decided to let gravity do its thing, I simply loved the result. The off-the-shoulder look is demure and the baby yellow is exactly what I’ve been looking for.

Sunshine, Yellow, Sunshine State, bright
A Fun Pair of Espadrille Wedges

I originally bought these bright yellow espadrilles from Castaner thinking they would be a fun accent pair of shoes to wear on occasion. Instead, I find myself wearing them over and over again. First off, they are so comfortable, I can walk in them for miles and not even get the slightest pain. This particular shade of yellow adds a great pop against navy, a fun contrast with other pastels, and helps pull off a monochromatic look. I bought three pair of shoes with me on my recent trip to Miami and these were the only pair I wore!

Sunshine, Yellow, Sunshine State, bright
Some Sunny Statement Earrings

Sometimes the easiest way to incorporate a fun color into an outfit is with a dynamite pair of statement earrings! Since you shouldn’t have to break the bank for those earrings, you’ll love this pair from Bauble Bar. They are lightweight and on sale, making them twice as sweet.

A Handbag Perfect for Spring

I just can’t get enough of wicker and rattan bags. To me, they are the perfect epitome of spring and summer style. Since moving to Florida, they’re all I can use. Plus they seamlessly work with any carefree outfit I want to style. This particular handbag from Botkier is a great blend of traditional with modern. The accent of yellow is surprisingly versatile and will make it one of the most used handbags in your arsenal.

Sunshine, Yellow, Sunshine State, bright

The Sunshine State is the perfect environment to wear your brightest and most cheerful colors. If you don’t have that sunny yellow already in your closet, then it’s may be exactly what you’re missing in your life. To see my favorite pieces, be sure to shop below.

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.

Seize the Leap Day

Seize the Leap Day

Leap Day, Carpe Diem, February 29th, Extra, Spring

Jumpsuit (also) || Wedges || Clutch || Earrings || Bracelet

Tomorrow is February 29th, a fun phenomenon that only happens once every four years. It always baffles me why Leap Day is properly celebrated and given the respect it deserves. When time is one of the most valuable commodities we have, one that we can’t buy more of, it’s so special to have a whole extra day to take advantage of! I believe that this extra day should be treated like a national holiday. I’ll be spending my Leap Day with a fun (extremely last minute) girl’s trip to Miami, but here are some other thoughts on how to spend the 366th day of the year.

Take a Day Trip

I’m practicing what I preach, but think about where you live. Is there any town nearby that you’ve been dying to visit? Since moving back to Florida, it’s been my by mission to introduce myself to the possible day trip destinations near St. Pete. In the process, I’ve seen new corners of Florida, learned more about local history, and met some new people along the way. Where could you visit?

Leap Day, Carpe Diem, February 29th, Extra, Spring
Pamper Yourself

Clear your schedule because you deserve a spa day! What part of you needs a little TLC? Since I’m on my feet all day, that means a good pedicure is always my first choice for self indulgence. I’m also no stranger to needing a deep tissue message thought. Especially from living in Manhattan, I’ve been finding a lot of tension in my upper back that I would love to get rid of someday. Whether you pick a manicure, facial, or sauna session, you can’t go wrong!

Leap Day, Carpe Diem, February 29th, Extra, Spring
Start Spring Cleaning Early

One of the biggest wishes I have is to have an extra day to clean my home from top to bottom. Cleaning is never on the top of my to-do list, but it’s so important to find the time for. Use your February 29th to get a jumpstart on any spring cleaning you may need. Give attention to the little nooks and crannies that normally go overlooked. Round up whatever you don’t use and make a donation run to the Salvation Army. It may require a little elbow grease, but you’ll feel incredibly satisfied.

Curl Up With A Good Book

On your way home from work today, stop by Barnes and Nobles. Pick up a copy of that book you’ve been hearing such great things about. Maybe that book is already home and has been collecting dust. Leap Day is a perfect opportunity to get some reading done. It can be with a cup of tea in a quiet corner or while laying out on the beach if you live someplace sunny. Better yet, you can also use this extra day to start writing a book of your very own.

Leap Day, Carpe Diem, February 29th, Extra, Spring

Carpe diem is a Latin phrase that means to seize the day. You’ve seen it plastered all over inspirational posters, water bottles, and journals. Make your own version of carpe diem by taking full advantage of those extra 24 hours. You never know what good could come from it!

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.

Snapshots from the Vinoy

Snapshots from the Vinoy

Vinoy, Tampa Bay, hotel, St. Pete, pink, travel

Tee || Skirt || Wedges || Clutch || Earrings || Bracelet || Watch

I have a serious love for historic hotels. Not only do they add to the story of a city, but they often serve as the social hotspot. If you want to get a good sense of a town’s culture, then you should stop by the local hotel. In St. Pete, the name to know is the Vinoy. It’s the focus point of the downtown area and is exactly what you should expect from a Florida resort. Painted in the prettiest shade of pink, that would make any visitor fall in love, it offers sweeping views of Tampa Bay and is right next to the laidback nightlife that St. Pete offers.

  • St. Pete, Vinoy, Travel, Hotels, Florida
  • St. Pete, Vinoy, Travel, Hotels, Florida
The History

In its nearly one hundred years, the Vinoy has had several different lives. Originally opening in 1923, the bright salmon building served as one of the premiere Florida destinations of the time. Then during World War II, it was taken over by the U.S. Army for a training school. When the war was over, it was back to the hotel life, but time had not been kind. It quickly fell in to disrepair, ultimately closing in 1974. It’s hard to believe, but this prime slice of real estate remained vacant until the 1990s. That’s when it was scooped up and restored to the beautiful hotel that all locals know and love.

  • St. Pete, Vinoy, Travel, Hotels, Florida
Old Meets New

When you stay at the Vinoy, you get a real sense of the old world meeting the new. The Mediterranean Revival architecture leads to striking white details and charming archways. Visitors even have the option of staying in the historic building or the new annex that overlooks the bay and pool. I even know about a little secret guest room in the historic building with it’s own private balcony. David and I stayed here for our wedding night and it was intimate.

  • St. Pete, Vinoy, Travel, Hotels, Florida
The Local Watering Hole

Like any great resort, the Vinoy boasts two different spots to watch the world pass. Both the Veranda and Paul’s Landing have become local favorites. They’re the kind of places where regulars from St. Pete come to feel like they’re on vacation and visitors feel like they’ve lived here their whole lives. I’ve bragged several times how friendly St. Petian’s are and that’s doubly true for who you’ll see at the Vinoy. ‘Let’s meet at the Vinoy,’ is one of the most commonly used phrases in my vocabulary.

  • St. Pete, Vinoy, Travel, Hotels, Florida
  • St. Pete, Vinoy, Travel, Hotels, Florida

If you live in the Tampa Bay Area, then you don’t need any introduction to the Vinoy. It’s a place where you can kick back, relax, and live your best life. No matter where you’re from, it’s this hotel will always feel like a piece of home.

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.