KATIE KENNEDY

The Happiest Summer Print
📍 Don Cesar Hotel, St. Pete Beach

Maxi Dress (Short Version) || Sandals || Clutch || Earrings

After a few weeks of hiatus away from this blog and social media, I’m back and feeling more inspired than ever! While I think the break honestly did me a world of good, I wanted to come back to share the inspiration I found along the way. After all, my favorite season is beginning to wind down. I want to share all of the warm weather styles I can fit in. During my time away, I also got to do just the tiniest bit of travel which I’ll share the details of sometime next week. Until then, let’s have some fun with this beautiful dress from Roller Rabbit in the happiest summer print, shall we? 

There’s only been a fan full of times when a print truly took my breath away. Typically names like Lilly Pulitzer or Banjanan take that honor. That’s precisely what happened when I first laid eyes on this dress from Roller Rabbit while ‘window’ shopping on Shopbop. What’s not to love about this pattern that I’ve officially dubbed the ‘happiest summer print.’ A rainbow of colors and tropical motifs instantly invokes the feeling of sipping a frozen drink at an exclusive beach bar. It’s the kind of thing any Florida girl or Jetsetter would want in her closet.

With such beautiful pastel pinks and blues, the Don Cesar Hotel in St. Pete Beach seemed the perfect location to take this dress for a spin! Seriously, isn’t it just the perfect fit? While we only stayed for a quick breakfast, I knew I had dressed the part for an incredible beach weekend. As the saying goes, “dress for the job that you want!” After a few weeks of feeling a tad uninspired, the short visit was exactly what I needed to get the creative juices flowing.

Do you love the print but are not exactly sold on a full maxi dress? I completely understand and know how cumbersome they can be. For reference, I’m your very average 5’5″ and it was right on the line of being too long. While I wore my go-to Carrie Forbes sandals, something with a bit of height may have been the better call. Another solution is to take a quick look at the shorter version. It’s the same beautiful print, a similar price point, plus a playful ruffle detail at the collar. It’s also an opportunity to wear a cheerful pattern in a day setting like brunch with the girls or running errands. 

Raffia, rattan, and straw will always be at home amongst these stunning colors. I’ve been a devote fan of this particular straw clutch from J. Crew for well over a year. Sadly, the exact version has finally sold out. Don’t worry, though. Knowing this bag’s popularity, they have already launched an updated version that is practically identical. The biggest differences are slight tweaks to help you transition into fall. Slightly darker rattan with warm chocolate leather is perfectly all right with me. Even though my current clutch still looks to be in mint condition, I may have this one make its way into my rotation too. 

As my Instagram feed begins to fill up with visions of autumn leaves and pumpkin spice, I’m holding onto summer for dear life. Seeing as how it won’t even “feel” like fall until probably November, I figure I have plenty of time to wear the bright and vibrant tropical prints that make me happiest. Who’s wearing them with me?

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.

Why I Love Two-Piece Sets
📍 Vinoy Hotel, St. Petersburg

Crop Top || Midi Skirt || Similar Sandals || Clutch || Earrings

I think this is a total game changer! Recently, I’ve had my eye on several styles on two-piece sets, and I’m starting to see a trend. Maybe it’s because I have a penchant for floral dresses or want to put minimal effort into what I wear each day. Either way, this is a pretty new development for me. Initially, when I thought of two-piece sets, my mind would instantly go to options where I would be showing way too much skin for my comfort level. That’s never been something that’s interested me. However, I think there’s been a shift in what a two-piece set can be, and there’s no better example than this crop top and midi skirt combo from Target. Nope, it’s not a dress, but I appreciate the similarities. Let’s take a quick look at why I found a new love for two-piece sets and where you can find more modest options. 

They Are So Flattering

It’s my personal experience that dresses are incredibly flattering. Without fail, you can find one that flatters what you love the most about yourself while hiding everything else. It’s probably the number one reason why I gravitate towards dresses each day. The same can be true for two-piece sets. Because they are typically made from one style of fabric, they elongate and slims my frame. To help seamlessly join the two pieces together, consider adding a belt. Even if there’s a gap, no one will ever know the difference.

It’s Multiple Outfits In One

With a two-piece set, consider yourself free to mix and match with all of your favorite closet staples. Wearing together is always a given. I actually encourage it, but the possibilities are endless! Tops can be worn with your go-to pair of white jeans, while this midi skirt would look incredible with a tied white button-down. In fact, the ability to mix and match makes two-piece sets a breeze to transition from season to season. I have a trip to Newport scheduled for the fall, and I would love to wear this skirt with a cozy fisherman-style sweater.

They Are Literally Effortless

Has anyone received the compliment “Wow, you look so put together!” when wearing a dress? Thanks, I just threw on this frock and ran out the door! You get that same sense of ease when it comes to a great two-piece set. To quote the iconic Julia Berolzheimer, “…they create a whimsical, but still polished look when the pieces are paired together…” No matter the style or pattern, two-piece sets are seen as fun and youthful. Sometimes, that’s just the look you’re going for! 

Show Some Skin (If You Want)

It’s still the summertime, and the weather can be almost unbearably hot. Sometimes, showing a little more skin is the only reprieve you can find. While it’s not my favorite approach, I’m not a complete stranger to wearing outfits that are a touch more revealing. The beauty of a two-piece set is that you have more control over how much (or how little) you want to show. By all means, style a more modest look that is still work/church appropriate. If you’re on vacation or live in a sunnier destination, you can have a two-piece set that is still classy, fresh, and fashion-forward. It’s not many trends that can check all of the boxes! 

Want to take the guessing work out of styling a chic and effortless outfit? Adding a two-piece set to your summer wardrobe may be the perfect answer for you. Some of my brands to find inspiration and shop for sets are Target, Tuckernuck, Agua by Agua Bendita, and Staud. At four very different price points, you’re sure to find the perfect match, no matter your budget!

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.

Olympic Lessons to Live By
📍 Downtown St. Pete

Shirt || Jeans || Wedges || Similar Handbag || Earrings || Bracelet

Like so many of you, I was glued to the TV during the past few weeks watching the Tokyo Olympics. Without fail, I become enthralled with every sport, from the headliners, like swimming or gymnastics, to the ones with lesser coverage, like weightlifting. Maybe it’s because I had my own Olympic dreams when I was a competitive swimmer, but I applaud each athlete for their hard work and dedication to the sport. While every Olympiad is filled with heartwarming stories, I was really struck by some of the morals that seemed to be a theme throughout this year’s games. Here are my favorite Olympic lessons that we could all live by.

Always Prioritize Your Mental Health

The biggest story to come from Tokyo probably surrounds Simone Biles’ decision to withdraw from the individual all-around competition, citing her mental health as a reason. While many people were quick to judge, I and countless others believe that what she did was so incredibly brave. This is a reminder that it is always time to prioritize your mental health, no matter the circumstances. Luckily, this has become a more accepted mindset, but if it’s not with your work or loved ones, you don’t need their permission. Even scheduling in the occasional ‘mental health day’ can do wonders for your well-being.

You Don’t Need an Audience to do Great Things

This Olympics was highly different from years previous in that there were no audiences to watch the athletes compete. My heart goes to the families who couldn’t see their loved ones excel in person, particularly the Finke family, whom I’ve known since I was a kid. Their son and my former teammate, Bobby, won two golds in Tokyo, and I couldn’t be happier for him. Still, even without the spectators, these athletes did incredible things. World records were rewritten, and personal bests were shattered. The next time you want to reach a goal, remember that you don’t always need an audience to see you succeed. Sometimes your own motivation is all you need.

There’s a First Time for Everything

Something that makes first-place victories even sweeter is when they are the first to accomplish their goal. Maybe they’re the first American to win in foil fencing, the first to win a gold for Bermuda, or the first to win in the new Olympic surfing events. Perhaps you have your own goal, large or small, but you would be the first to accomplish it. Keep going! Even when you have moments of doubt like “no one’s ever done this before,” keep going! There’s a first time for everything, and your hard work can eventually lead you to your own victory.

Celebrate Beyond First Place

Olympic swimmer and medalist Lily King talked very openly about the American habit of not celebrating gold and silver. While I don’t always agree with her outspoken nature, this statement is something that I could fully get behind. We tend to have a nasty habit of only focusing on being number one: in sports, at work, or even our personal goals. Friendly competition can be very healthy, but celebrations shouldn’t always be based on standings alone. Instead, try to focus on your improvements. If you make strides towards your end goal and block out the additional noise, a ranking can be just one metric to monitor your success.

If At First You Don’t Succeed…

British diver Tom Daley has been a mainstay at the Olympic Games in the 10 meter since 2008. Always striving for gold, it finally happened in the 10 meter synchronized event. His reaction and celebration nearly brought me to tears. He kept his eye on his goals and never gave up. Outside of the pool, he inspires as an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. While the “try, try again” mentality is a cliche, it’s still nonetheless a powerful one. So many Olympic athletes have continued to compete, and some ultimately win, despite failures and setbacks. No matter the goal you’re trying to accomplish, the same can be true for you.

Do What You Love, Love What You Do

Perhaps my favorite story from the 2020 Olympics is that of gymnast Oksana Chusovitina. At age 46, she competed in her eighth and final Olympiad. She has represented the Soviet Union, Germany, and Uzbekistan, winning gold in 1992. She is considered a role model because of her continued dedication to the sport. It’s crystal clear that she genuinely loves what she does. While she claims that Tokyo is her final Olympic appearance, I don’t want to count her out and would love to see her one more time at the Paris 2024 games.

Finally, I want to give one last thank you to all of the incredible athletes who represented in Tokyo. No matter what country you call home, you serve as role models for little girls and boys all over the world. I was once one of those kids, wanting to be just like swimmers Jenny Thompson or Natalie Coughlin. How you present yourself away from the arena means more than the medals you have around your neck. As an adult, I’ve found a renewed inspiration by the real-life lessons these Olympians have so wonderfully served. 

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.