I made a valiant attempt to document my outfits while in Florida. Did 99% of the documentation involve mirror shots? Yes. Would I have liked to take cute pictures amongst the Naples backdrop instead? Also yes. Was I in Florida in mid-February, and it’s now mid-April? You know it.

The majority of my blog over the years has been comprised of high-quality imagery taken with a fancy camera. I would still love to get back to that one day, but the internet changed during my time away. More relaxed, less polished images reign supreme these days. In some ways, it’s easier to snap a quick shot of an outfit using your phone. It’s just so against what I did for so many years that I still struggle to adapt and share in this newfangled way. Scouting out locations, getting the perfect shot, and all the other stressors that went along with the old days of blogging were a lot. Seeing the finished product, though, was the most rewarding feeling!

These are some of the thoughts that ruminate through my brain on a daily basis. I had no intention of sharing them here, but as a chronic overthinker, it feels therapeutic to write them out.

Tangent over. Packing for Naples brought me a lot of joy. It was all about color, light layers, and not a winter shoe in sight. If you saw what I wore this winter, you’d think I was in a perpetual state of mourning. And in a way, I was. Mourning that winter 2026 was a frozen hellscape in New York City. I packed my suitcase to the brim with joyful clothes and bid the Big Apple adieu until March. I figured that was enough time for her to get her act together and let the snow melt for my return.

*I didn’t realize that the mirror I took my outfit pictures in was so dirty. We were always in a rush to head to dinner, and I noticed after the fact that the mirror had all these little specks on it. It’s probably not even noticeable, but my perfectionist brain needed to make the disclaimer.

Boatneck, Feathers, and Denim

I got this J.Crew top years ago and have worn it once previously. Coincidentally, both outings have been to Mediterrano, a Greek spot that’s one of our favorites.

Striped Shirt (similar)| Cardigan (similar) | Gold Clutch | Heart Earrings

I appreciate a thoughtful piece of clothing, which is why I love this boatneck shirt. The cuffs have removable feathers that snap on or off easily. Obviously, that makes it ideal for washing, but it’s also nice if you want to switch up your look.

I’m all about a sweater draped over the shoulders. It looks polished and makes an outfit look more put-together. While you can’t see it, the denim is a straight leg from J.Crew, and I added a pop of color with my red Boden Mary-Jane flats.

I accessorized with a pair of Loren Hope Cupid earrings and my go-to Loeffler Randall clutch. My Loeffler Randall clutch is a longtime staple. Outside of my daily hangbag, this is my most-used purse. It fits all the essentials and then some, and also travels well!

Colorful Stripes and Linen Trousers

One of my favorite looks of the trip! I first laid eyes on this beautiful Hinson Wu blouse last year in Naples, while perusing the J&K Collections boutique in Venetian Village. It was love at first sight. I felt a spiritual connection with this vibrant, striped button-down shirt.

I tried it on, and the love deepened. My mom and I had already done some shopping damage on the trip, though, so I painfully put the shirt back. It felt like a breakup. Never has a piece of cotton so perfectly exemplified my style.

Time passed, and the trip ended. It sounds insane, but I still couldn’t shake this shirt from my mind. My regret over not getting it grew. Fast forward to Easter 2025, and I was in Cincinnati opening my Easter basket. (Yes, I still get an Easter basket, and my mom knocks it out of the park every year).

And there she was! My bright, colorful, striped shirt. I couldn’t believe my eyes. I think I actually hugged the shirt (and I like to think it hugged me back). I put the shirt on, and my mom and dad watched as I gleefully modeled it in the kitchen. It might’ve been the best Easter gift I’ve ever received.

Colorful Shirt (similar) | Linen Trousers (similar) | Laura Gray Bracelet | Gold Shoes (similar)

Leopard and Pops of Green

There were a few days that were brutally cold. Okay, by “brutal” I do mean in the 40s. To be fair, that is brutal by Florida standards. My options for dressing warm were slim. I popped on a Uniqlo turtleneck, some slouchy leopard jeans, and my wool scarf from High St. in Cincinnati.

This scarf is one of the greatest pieces in my closet. I don’t remember the exact year I bought it, but it was at least a decade ago. My mom and I always say we wish we had bought more colors all those years ago. The quality is perfection, and a good blanket scarf can totally transform an outfit. On this day, I was very appreciative of the extra warmth.

I also got to take my new Tieks ballet flats for a spin. Tieks kindly sent me a pair, and I had to choose Clover Green. They’re extremely comfortable and a great shoe to spend the day in. I love footwear with a pop of color, and have gotten numerous compliments wearing these around NYC!

Turtleneck | Leopard Pants (similar) | Green Scarf (similar) | Handbag | Ballet Flats

Wrapped in Cashmere

Cashmere Poncho (similar)| Green Shirt (similar) | Linen Trousers (similar) | Rhinestone Belt (similar) | Gold Shoes (similar)

I thought this cashmere wrap and orange/green color combination warranted multiple pictures. This look would’ve killed on St. Patrick’s Day.

I’ve been wanting a cashmere poncho for years, but never liked the limited neutral color options (shocker!). My mom and I hit the Venetian Village boutiques, which is a Naples tradition for us.

We struck fashion gold. Lux Boutique had a treasure trove of bright-colored cashmere wraps. I was (and still am) convinced that I need the entire rainbow of cashmere wraps in my closet. However, I instantly zeroed in on this orange beauty and knew she was the one.

First, orange is unique, and it doesn’t get enough love fashion-wise. It surprisingly pairs well with more colors than you’d think. Second, two of my Cincinnati sports teams utilize the color orange in their branding: the Bengals and FC Cincinnati. As a loyal fan of both, this wrap is perfect if I attend the game or watch it from afar. With that in mind, it would have been an insult to my teams not to get this wrap. My mom got a bubble gum pink cashmere wrap, and I’m desperate to wear it next time I’m in town.

Layers of Fringe

This incredible fringe skirt was another past Naples purchase. This picture marks the only time I’ve worn it, which is a travesty! It’s one of my favorite pieces, but there hasn’t been the right occasion to take her for a spin. Now that it’s warming up, I need to change that and give this beautiful skirt the attention she deserves!

Fringe Skirt (similar) | Black Shirt (similar) | Cardigan (similar) | Gold Clutch | Gold Shoes (similar)

I got a brutal sunburn on my hand and wrist on this day. My skin hurts just looking at the above picture. The bright red really accentuates my grandma’s gold bangle, though. Both bracelets were my Grandma Johnson’s, and they’ve been heavily featured in my current jewelry rotation. They go with everything, and I treasure them! I don’t think a week goes by that I’m not wearing a piece of jewelry from one of my grandmas.

I’m an earring girl, and I’m a hair down girl. I feel like these traits are in constant conflict with each other. Earrings are my favorite type of jewelry to wear, yet they almost always get lost behind my hair. I need to train myself to tuck my hair behind my ears.

In the meantime, this is how I share my earrings. These are an old pair from J.Crew that I’ve worn all of two times. I have no idea why, because the color palette is great. If I’m wearing a black and white outfit, I’ll usually sneak in pops of color through my jewelry or my lipstick. Life is just better with color.

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