KATIE KENNEDY

Top || Skirt || Heels || Handbag

Whether you say love, amour (in French), amore (in Italian), liebe (in German), or karlek (in Swedish), February is the month for you! Maybe it’s being in the city, but this is the first Valentine’s Day in a long time that I’m actually in the spirit! Mt husband and I have never been big to celebrate the day, but I’ve found myself grabbing each and every red item in my closet to style.

Who knew that nautical could also be so romantic? I am no stranger to sharing my favorite navy and red combinations, but this ensemble may actually be the best yet! This red skirt, from H&M, has become a closet staple recently. The elastic waist band and pleated design makes it as flattering as it is versatile.

The real show-stopper is this top from Boden. I mean honestly, can it get anymore perfect? Any shirt with navy and white stripes instantly wins my heart, but the glittery lip print really puts me over the edge. It’s obviously perfect for Valentine’s Day, but I venture to guess that it can be worn all year long. For example, in the summer you can pair it with this crisp pair of white chino shorts from J. Crew. At under $60, it’s a great little tee to add to your closet for a touch of sass and making a statement!

Two more days until Valentine’s Day means two more days of showing off red, romantic looks. I’ve really underestimated how much I love wearing red and may need to swap it to my signature color!

Love from NYC,
Katie

Dress || Heels || Clutch || Sunglasses || Similar Coat || Lip Color

I am incredibly fortunate to have an amazing relationship with my dad. When I was a kid, we spent hours together driving all around the state for swimming. I take after him both physically and personality-wise and he has long been my moral gauge for seeing the world. My dad is my hero!

Without driving to and from swim practice everyday, finding uninterrupted quality time with my dad is a little bit more challenging. Moving 1,000 miles away makes it almost impossible, but I call him as often as I can, even if it’s just to tell him about a new show I’m watching or restaurant I’ve tried.

Distance may not be an issue for you, but I know there are a lot of people who don’t take advantage of having their dad around. Making time for the occasional dad-daughter date night is a great way to reconnect or just spend quality time. Dad and I have gone on quite a few over the years, but here are some of my favorite ideas.

• Try a new restaurant: I definitely inherited my dad’s love for food. It’s something that we bonded over from very early on. If there’s a restaurant in town that has caught your eye, grab your dad and try it out. One of my favorite memories is my dad and I trying out a local Jamaican restaurant in town. It was a hole-in-the-wall kind of place, but one of the best meals I’ve ever had.
• Cheer for the local team: Something else that my dad and I bonded over was our love for sports, which I clearly picked up from him. No matter the team or the sport, it’s always fun to watch a game with your dad.
• Take in a show: When I was a kid, this meant Dad taking me to see Mulan at the movie theater. To this day, I always want to see the latest Disney princess movie with my dad. Recently, I surprised my dad with Les Miserables tickets for Christmas. It’s one of our favorite shows, but may also be the ultimate father-daughter story. I’m so glad I brought my tissues.
• Enjoy the great outdoors: Sometimes a dad-daughter date can just be a walk outside. It gives you a quiet space, away from screens, to talk about what’s on your mind. They can last as long as you need them to and, more importantly, fresh air always does the body good.
• Start a D.I.Y. project: If your pop is handy, offer a helping hand. Working towards an end goal always makes for good quality time. I can think back to helping my dad finish a deck at our house (or at least trying to). Whenever he’s in the kitchen, I always ask if I can help.

No matter who is in your life, this list can be applied to them. Parents, siblings, grand-parents, friends, we all need to take advantage of who’s in our lives and appreciate that quality time.

Love from NYC,
Katie

Blouse || Jeans || Heels || Earrings || Handbag

Since moving to NYC, I’ve had to really reconsider my approach to wearing jeans in the winter. When it comes to staying warm, my jeans cuffed passed my ankles just really isn’t cutting it. Since my husband is an expert on dressing for the cold, he suggested reinvesting in a pair of skinny jeans.

I was all about skinny jeans in college, but fell out of love afterwards when I entered the working world. I never really found them that comfortable and they were just way too constricting when crouching down or sitting on the floor with my students. I steadily shifted from straight leg, to boot cut, to boyfriend cut jeans.

These skinny jeans from Madewell are definitely a game changer. I have heard nothing, but amazing things about their entire denim line and, after NYC’s subzero weekend, I wanted to try out their THERMOLITE fabric. The science isn’t that complicated. By using a soft and brushed material, you get a pair of jeans that feel as cozy as a pair of sweats. I don’t know if they are actually warmer than your average jeans, but braving the cold seems a lot less daunting when I slide them on.

On a quick switch of gears, I absolutely love this blouse that I’ve had in my closet for years. People are always shocked to learn that, YES, Lilly Pulitzer does come out with black pieces. This Elsa top is 100% silk, but feels so much tougher than it lets on. It’s perfect for date night or for watching the football game at a sports bar. When paired with my favorite Sam Edelman heels and gold bauble earrings from Tuckernuck, you have a simply chic outfit that is perfect for any occasion.

Love from NYC,
Katie