summer in southern tide

Today, I’m excited to partner with this brand that I have loved for quite a while (remember the trip we took to Nantucket back in 2017?) to share a few of these pieces with you! I’ll be sharing a little try-on on Instagram Stories today as well so you can see these pieces in motion.

Moving to Florida has given me a whole new respect for southern summer humidity. Early spring in this state is a dream… balmy weather, blue skies, blooming flowers everywhere you turn! But once mid-to-late summer rolls around, it’s all I can do to step outside… let alone get dressed in something cute!

That’s why I’m so excited about the new spring and summer arrivals from Southern Tide. From adorable, classic activewear to perfectly southern sundresses, you’ll find so many pieces that make dressing for summer not only doable, but enjoyable as well!

Today, I’m excited to partner with this brand that I have loved for quite a while (remember the trip we took to Nantucket back in 2017?) to share a few of these pieces with you! I’ll be sharing a little try on on Instagram Stories today as well so you can see these pieces in motion.

 

sporty & striped

 

southern tide activewear
southern tide activewear
southern tide activewear
southern tide activewear

SKIRT katlyn striped athletic skirt (wearing XS, fits true to size) // TOP mali striped performance tank top (wearing XS, fits a bit generously) // JACKET viviette athletic jacket (wearing XS, fits true to size)

From evening golf with Andrew to errands around town, it seems like I’m always reaching for a tennis skirt. This navy striped skirt from Southern Tide’s activewear collection is what my preppy-loving dreams are made of! The fit is fabulous (not too tight, not too short, lies along your waistline perfectly) and I cannot get over the classic stripe motif. I also love that they are lined with fitted shorts that have a discreet pocket for your cellphone!

Pair it with the mali top for a classic and cute ensemble perfect for whatever adventure your summer has in store! And when you need an extra layer, grab the Viviette jacket. It has the most adorable striped detailing along the collar and cuffs, and a little pleating along the back that makes for a really fun, feminine look.

 

 

the perfect summer sundress

 

southern tide activewear
southern tide activewear
southern tide activewear
southern tide activewear
southern tide activewear

DRESS sammi gingham performance wrap dress (fits true to size, wearing an XS)

I don’t want to sound dramatic, but this gingham dress is everything and so much more than meets the eye! You can’t tell just looking at it, but it’s made with an incredibly lightweight performance fabric with moisture wicking technology… making it perfect for golf tournaments, picnics, or any activity that has you outdoors!

It also has an incredibly flattering wrap silhouette, which complements every figure. I couldn’t love this classic little sundress any more! Be sure to check out all of the adorable styles Southern Tide currently has out here.

So whether you’re looking for cute activewear to take you through all the fun you have planned these next few months or the perfect summer sundress, be sure to check out Southern Tide and all of their new spring and summer pieces!

Love from the Lonestar State,

Kate

Thank you, Southern Tide, for sponsoring this post.

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35 summer wedding guest dresses

After spending a year in sweatpants, I know many of us are so excited for a reason to dress up again… literally! And after many requests for summer wedding guest dresses, I’m happy to share a roundup of 35 dresses I particularly love with you today.

rotate dawn dress pink, summer wedding guest dresses

DRESS rotate dawn dress (also here, here and here, sized up one size to a 34) // SHOES platform heels // CLUTCH ysl clutch (old, similar linked) // EARRINGS pearl hoop earrings (from my Accessory Junkie Collection)

After what has felt like a year-long wedding hiatus, it looks as if my favorite occasions to celebrate are back and perhaps better than ever! I for one am thrilled to see weddings starting to come back onto the scene and am so excited for those we already have on the calendar. From the messages I’ve been receiving from many of you, it sounds as if I’m not alone!

After spending a year in sweatpants, I know many of us are so excited for a reason to dress up again… literally! And after many requests for summer wedding guest dresses, I’m happy to share a roundup of 35 dresses I particularly love with you today.

I did want to mention that for whatever reason, I struggled to find really beautiful dresses at more affordable price points, specifically under $100. If that’s the price range you’d like to stay in and you’re having the same trouble, I want to recommend Rent the Runway. I’ve used the service myself for a few weddings in years past with great success. I just spent some time scrolling through their current inventory and they have some gorgeous pieces that won’t cost you an arm and a leg. This isn’t sponsored – just wanted to put it on your radar as an option!

 

rosey & romantic

wedding guest dresses with a feminine touch

 

summer wedding guest dresses

 

one // two // three // four // five // six // seven // eight // nine // ten // eleven // twelve // thirteen // fourteen // fifteen

 

bright & bold

wedding guest dresses full of color

 

summer wedding guest dresses

 

sixteen // seventeen // eighteen // nineteen // twenty // twenty one // twenty two // twenty three // twenty four // twenty five

 

deep & dramatic

wedding guest dresses with understated elegance

 

 

summer wedding guest dresses

twenty six // twenty seven // twenty eight // twenty nine // thirty // thirty one // thirty two // thirty three // thirty four // thirty five

Hoping this roundup gives you some fun inspiration for all the fanciness we hopefully have ahead! :)

Love from the Sunshine State,

Kate

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caps for a cause

Pink Stripe
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Khaki Stripe
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four mango looks i’m loving

Well, friends, today has been a bit of a doozy. A non-cooperative (ok, flat out frozen phone) had me spending a morning and part of the afternoon at the repair shop. Isn’t it always a journey when life throws you little disruptive curveballs?

Well, friends, today has been a bit of a doozy. A non-cooperative (ok, flat out frozen phone) had me spending a morning and part of the afternoon at the repair shop. Isn’t it always a journey when life throws you little disruptive curveballs?

Thankfully, the team was able to bring my sad phone back to life. The bad news? Your girl hadn’t backed up her phone to the iCloud in farrr too long. Bye bye, photos!

Yesterday, I had filmed a reel featuring a few new arrivals from Mango (one of my favorite affordable destinations), captured all of the still photos along with it, and was so excited to post bright and early this morning. Well, you know what happened! Luckily I was able to somehow recover the video, so while it’s a bit grainy and not as crisp and clean as the original was, I hope you still enjoy it!

Sometimes done is better than perfect, and I’m holding on to that today. You’ll find this on Instagram later today! P.S. If you are having trouble viewing the video on your desktop, try it from your phone.

 

 

mango new arrivals

 

black and white dress // embroidered top // polka dot dress // purple top

shoes // bracelets // earrings

Let’s just say I will reallyyyy be thanking God it’s Friday tomorrow. Anyone else?! ;)

Love from the Sunshine State,

Kate

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our seaside florida beachfront cottage getaway

I can safely say our stay in a Seaside Florida Beachfront Cottage was everything I’d dreamed it would be and more, and I can’t wait to hopefully go back one day! After many, many requests for the details of our stay, I’m happy to share it all with you today!

A couple of weeks ago, Andrew and I set off for a long-overdue long weekend in one of my favorite spots on earth, Seaside, FL. I have to confess, one of my favorite things about living in Gainesville is that this destination is now only a four-hour drive away!

I’ve only and always visited Seaside with my family, and so it was really special (and a little weird!) to plan a trip for just my husband and me! But I knew just where I wanted to stay…. a beachfront cottage.

If you’ve spent time in Seaside, Florida, odds are you’ve noticed a row of tiny, shotgun beach houses peeking out from behind the greenery that lines the beach. For as long as I can remember, I’ve thought they were the most beautiful, romantic little things ever. I always knew I’d want to stay in one with my husband one day!

After rummaging through the different cottages (they are represented by different rental agencies and while they all have a very similar layout, there are some subtle differences) I booked us a three-night stay at Beachfront 7 and crossed my fingers that it would live up to the years of expectation I’d placed on it. (No pressure!)

Well, friends, I can safely say our stay in a Seaside Florida Beachfront Cottage was everything I’d dreamed it would be and more, and I can’t wait to hopefully go back one day! After many, many requests for the details of our stay, I’m happy to share it all with you today!

 

our stay in a

 

seaside florida beachfront cottage

 

seaside florida beachfrront cottage
seaside florida beachfrront cottage
seaside florida beachfrront cottage

DRESS lake pajamas patio dress | ANDREW’S TOP amazon linen button down | ANDREW’S SWIM TRUNKS striped palm tree swim trunks

As much as I’d love to keep this little piece of paradise all to myself, that wouldn’t be fair to anyone. I honestly think this special spot needs to be enjoyed by as many people as possible! So without further ado, here are the details:

There are six little beachfront cottages perfectly located in the middle of town. (I’ve listed them all for you below!) After looking through the available options at the time, I decided to book Beachfront 7. In a nutshell, I cannot recommend it enough! The listing will give you a good feel for the property, but there have been a few updates. (Think fresh, all-white bedding, an extra cozy couch upstairs, etc.)

It is cozy, quaint, and really all you could need for a weekend at the beach. This particular beach cottage is a few steps away from the beach-access pavilion and just a few minute walk into town… making trips to Bud & Alleys rooftop for lunch or Modica Market for a mimosa to-go easy as pie.

The cottage affords a wonderful view of the ocean from the second floor, which Andrew and I spent plenty of time out on. I knew a beach-front view would be lovely, but I couldn’t predict just how magical it would really be! Case in point? It rained the majority of our trip, which is usually a bummer. But since we could cozy up on the couch and read while enjoying the view and the sound of thunder, lightning, and rain, we loved every second. Talk about relaxing!

It also has a large jacuzzi tub on the first story floor. There isn’t a view (you’re looking out at greenery) but it’s nice to have! We especially enjoyed it since we didn’t get any time in the ocean due to weather.

When it says this cottage fits two, it really means two. Andrew and I found it perfectly cozy for the two of us, but I wouldn’t recommend trying to squeeze anyone else in. The small size is exactly what I love so much about this special place.

Like I mentioned above, we did not stay in the only beachfront cottage. In fact, there are a handful to choose from! Each is a bit different from the others, but they all look like they would provide the same experience Andrew and I loved so much… a romantic, cozy getaway to the beach! Here are links to each beachfront cottage:

 

seaside florida beachfront cottages

 

Magnolia

Sanctuary

About Time

Beachfront 7

Beachfront 8

Beachfront 10

 

While you’re there, be sure to rent bikes (some rental agencies provide them complimentarily) and umbrellas and chairs! (Cabana man is the only provider for Seaside, Florida.) Andrew and I spent all day, every day relaxing either at the beach or on our porch, so while I don’t have any activity recommendations for you, I can share where we ate!

Lunch:

 

Bud & Alleys (we sat on the rooftop – highly recommend)

Seagrove Village Market

Dinner:

 

Basmati’s (our ultimate favorite, be sure to get a reservation on the covered porch)

George’s at Alys Beach (they don’t take reservations so either get there early or be prepared to wait)

Pescado (reservations fill up quickly we weren’t able to go this time because the rooftop was closed for a private event)

Other Spots We Love:

 

Black Bear Bread Co. (go early for coffee and pastries before you hit the beach)

Cafe 30A (a fun spot for a dressy dinner)

The Bay Restaurant (a bit of a drive from Seaside but such a fun, casual vibe and yummy food!)

Angelina’s (our favorite pizza spot when we don’t want to get dressed up and want to relax)

There are plenty other of eating options in Seaside and on 30A, but these are our tried-and-true favorites. (We’ve tried just about all of them over the 10+ years we’ve been going!)

Hopefully that gives you a feel for our wonderful little weekend getaway, and how to recreate it if you’re wanting to do the same thing.

It’s safe to say that I’m already looking forward to the day we hopefully make it back to a Seaside beachfront cottage. They would be perfect for a honeymoon, a little weekend getaway or even a week vacation if you have the time! And if you’re looking for a little r&r, I can’t imagine a more perfect place.

Love from the Sunshine State,

Kate

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lights, camera…

ready for the races // kentucky derby fashion

The Kentucky Derby is this Saturday, and while I’ve never been, I have always loved keeping an eye out for all of the celebratory fun and, most importantly, fashion!

The Kentucky Derby is this Saturday, and while I’ve never been, I have always loved keeping an eye out for all of the celebratory fun and, most importantly, fashion! There’s a part of me that wishes hats were part of American fashion, and so I love seeing all of the fun and fanciful creations that make their debut this time of year.

I am so excited to have partnered with Radley London in creating a fun reel featuring four different looks I created with their “Radley at the Races” collection (think equestrian inspired cuteness… I’m obsessed!) and I wanted to be sure to share it here as well!

 

Below, you’ll find full details to each look. Be sure to let me know which is your favorite!

 

kentucky derby look one

 

kentucky derby fashion, fascinator, hat, outfit

DRESS tibi pleating long sleeve dress (purchased from outlet, similar here) | FASCINATOR lilac fascinator | BAG Radley London Racing Mini Flapover Shoulder | SHOES stuart weitzman heels

 

kentucky derby look two

 

kentucky derby fashion, fascinator, hat, outfit

DRESS maj pink organza shirt dress (a few years old) | FASCINATOR amy jo originals pink bow fascinator | BAG Radley London Racing Small Flapover Grab | SHOES stuart weitzman heels

 

kentucky derby look three

 

kentucky derby fashion, fascinator, hat, outfit

SKIRT green tea length skirt | TOP white blouse | HAT white wide brim bow hat | BAG Radley London Radley Racing Small Grab Multiway | SHOES stuart weitzman heels

 

kentucky derby look four

 

kentucky derby fashion, fascinator, hat, outfit

DRESS a line midi dress (also comes in navy) | HAT straw hat with ribbon (old, similar here) | BAG Radley London Radley Racing Horse Medium Zip Top Wristlet | SHOES stuart weitzman heels

I’m so happy to be in Dallas for my cousin’s wedding this weekend. It’s been so long since we’ve had a huge family get together, and I can’t tell you how wonderful, and dare-I-say… normal, it feels! Wishing all of you a wonderful weekend as well!

Love from the Lonestar State (love saying that!),

Kate

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feeling hot, hot, hot pink

No way to kick off the start of a new week quite like with a hot pink ruffled dress, am I right? Just setting the mood, y’all. Summer’s right around the corner! :)

No way to kick off the start of a new week quite like with a hot pink ruffled dress, am I right? Just setting the mood, y’all. Summer’s right around the corner! :)

hot pink maxi dress, gold knot necklace, gold hoop earrings, gold loeffler randall penny heels, four seasons orlando
hot pink maxi dress, gold knot necklace, gold hoop earrings, gold loeffler randall penny heels
hot pink maxi dress, gold knot necklace, gold hoop earrings, gold loeffler randall penny heels
hot pink maxi dress, gold knot necklace, gold hoop earrings, gold loeffler randall penny heels
hot pink maxi dress, gold knot necklace, gold hoop earrings, gold loeffler randall penny heels
hot pink maxi dress, gold knot necklace, gold hoop earrings, gold loeffler randall penny heels, four seasons orlando
hot pink maxi dress, gold knot necklace, gold hoop earrings, gold loeffler randall penny heels

EARRINGS (under $50) // NECKLACE // DRESS (tucked in back straps to make a halter neckline, wearing XS) // RING // SHOES

When I first shared a peek at this glamorous magenta and gold ensemble, I got so many questions about the hot pink dress. I had purchased it from Shopbop about a month or so ago, and it had sold out quickly. But I have the best news… I’ve found it fully in-stock in all sizes from one of my favorite retailers HERE!

Fun fact: It’s designed to tie at the shoulders, but I tucked the back two straps into the dress and tied the front two around my neck for a halter look. Love that you can create two different looks this way!

You can’t tell in these photos, but the ends of each tie end in a gorgeous gold beaded fringe. (Seen here.) I had fun playing into that detail with a few more gold accessories of my own, including the elegant Greta necklace, super popular Nadene earrings and the Rumer ring from my collection with Accessory Junkie.

A quick reminder that my collection closes tomorrow night! So be sure to check out all of the fun here and make sure to get your order in before it’s over!

One final random but fun note about this dress… I was wearing it at about 10am (casual, casual) at the Four Seasons Orlando photographing a few pieces from my collection when I ran into two of my long-time favorites… Sarah and Keil Patrick! At first, I didn’t recognize them because of the masks and because, well, the last place I expected to see these New Englanders was in sunny Florida! But when I put everything together, I nearly lost my mind. :) SUCH a huge treat to meet two of the first bloggers/Instagrammers I ever followed! You’ll find Sarah’s blog here and Sarah and Keil’s fashion brand here!

Love from the Sunshine State,

Kate

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