With Love
From Kat

With Love
From Kat

To You, New York

Soho, NY

New York is without a doubt the most incredible city in the world.  I’ve had the opportunity to travel to some truly beautiful and unique cities, but none have that frenetic energy that New York has.  There’s just a feeling you get when you’re there… it’s almost hard to put into words.  It’s exciting, fast paced, innovative, creative – it really is the city that never sleeps!  I first came to the city when I was 16 years old.  I did the Interior Design summer program at Parsons and got to live downtown in the NYU dorms.  I had never felt so alive – so inspired!  After the 4 week program was over, I knew I had to come back.  New York City had stolen my heart.  Fast forward to college and graduation.  I had finished a semester early with a degree in design and was itching to get out of my hometown.  I was working as a nanny (for the sweetest people who are like my second family,) and found myself missing the creative outlet my classes provided.   I started With Love From Kat so that I could have a place to write, create, share, and inspire.  I remember getting so excited just thinking about what I was going to post next!  Of course this was before the days of Pinterest/Instagram/social media and the only people reading it were my mom and like 2 friends!  Regardless, I kept posting and started planning my move to the Big Apple.  I saved up my nannying money, sold my car, packed 4 bags, and booked a one way ticket. I crashed with a girlfriend from college who was already living in the city, and started interviewing for jobs. I lucked out and landed a job right away at a small jewelry company.  They were looking for someone to do their social media, PR, and a bit of everything in between (sales, customer service, trunk shows, coffee runs – you name it.)   I had zero experience in PR, but I was ready and willing to learn.   It was exhilarating to wake up to the noise of NYC and ride the subway to my office in the Garment District everyday.  I would come home and write my blog late at night after work.  I was completely broke, but I could not have been happier.  I was living my dream in NYC as an independent girl, working in the fashion industry, writing my blog!  After a year and a half, my blog started to really take off (I’ll share that story in a separate post.)   I decided to quit my job in 2012 and start a social media consulting business to make ends meet.  I networked like crazy – going to every party, event, and dinner.  I was 23, headstrong and passionate.  My hard work paid off (aka the blood, sweat and tears, unglamorous, behind the scenes stuff that I’ll also share in a separate post) and I was able to solely focus/support myself via my blog.  The years to follow were exciting to say the least, and full of incredible trips, parties, fashion weeks, new friendships, and collaborations.  It all happened so fast –  in what feels like the blink of an eye – and now here I am, 6 years later, saying goodbye to the city that shaped me, seasoned me, and made me who I am.  It’s bittersweet to say goodbye to NYC, but it feels so right.  I had been craving a slower paced lifestyle for a long time and had a strong desire for a healthier work/life balance.  This desire is exactly what brought me to move to Paris over a year and a half ago.  I had always admired how the french worked to live, versus lived to work.  Paris proved to be too far from home, family, and friends so I came back to NYC 3 months later, a bit discouraged but hopeful, and began to really re-evaluate things.  I fell back into my NYC groove – planning brunches with friends in the West Village, shooting projects with Talun in Soho, taking inspiring meetings, having brainstorming sessions at neighborhood cafes, enjoying wine nights with girlfriends, dating, museum hopping etc…but I still craved a sense of peace and calm that I knew deep down NYC could not provide.  When summer approached, I decided to take some time off in August and go on a solo road trip through Southern California.  I drove all over La Jolla, Santa Barbara, Malibu, Venice Beach, Palm Springs and Santa Monica (you may remember my post about it here!)  At the end of my trip I had 3 days left where I hadn’t booked anything and I felt myself drawn back to Venice Beach.  The energy there is unlike anywhere else – it exudes that cool, California laid back, ease.  Just as NYC had drawn me in and tugged at my heart strings all those years ago, Venice was doing the exact same thing.  When summer was over and it was time to head back, I felt like my heart was still in Venice.  My body was craving that warm California sunshine, the friendly vibes, fresh food and ocean breeze!  When I moved to NYC, I knew that I would someday end back up on the West Coast, but I just wasn’t sure when – or how.  I had spent the last few months daydreaming of moving, and was particularly longing to move right around the New Year (especially with winter coming up!)  The universe works in mysterious ways.  A few days after the New Year, a friend texted me saying she had gotten a neuroscience fellowship at NYU and was looking for a furnished, West Village apartment to move into immediately.  My heart skipped a beat with excitement – it was the sign I had been looking for!  5 days later, I flew to LA, found my dream home, signed the papers, transferred my lease and sold her all of my furniture (even dishes!), packed my bags (I had more than 4 this time…) and threw one epic goodbye party.  It all happened extremely fast, but in such a beautiful, seamless way.  I am forever grateful to the friends who helped me pack (you know who you are!) and to everything that I’ve been able to experience in NYC.  It’s really true – if you can make it in NYC, you can make it anywhere.  It is NOT an easy city to live in, but it is so worth it.  I would not trade my time there for anything.  This is a new chapter for me personally and professionally.  As with anything new, I’m a combination of excited, nervous, hopeful, and scared.  At the end of the day though, I just feel so lucky to be able to say that I genuinely love what I do, that I built a business from the ground up, and made my dreams come true in the city that stole my heart so many years ago.  For those of you who have been following me from the beginning and believed in me all along the way, and for those of you who have just discovered me and have been so supportive of my work and my journey thus far – thank you.  I can’t wait to share my new home and life in Venice Beach with you.

Go confidently in the direction of your dreams!  Live the life you’ve imagined.” -Thoreau 

Shop the Post
Maje coat (similar, similar)  |  Lush T-shirt
Rag & Bone jeans (similar)  |  Brian Atwood heels (similar)
Hermes bag // Celine sunglasses  |  Ashley Pittman bangles
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71 Comments

  • Kristen says:

    What a beautiful post, Kat! Can’t wait to see your wardrobe transform!

    February 1, 2017
    • kat@withlovefromkat.com replied:

      Same hehe – thanks Kristen :)

      February 1, 2017
  • Holly says:

    Love this personal post so much! Congratulations on the big move… so excited to see what’s in store for you! :)

    February 1, 2017
    • kat@withlovefromkat.com replied:

      Thank you Holly!!

      February 1, 2017
  • Alana says:

    Congratulations on your move Kat! I made the move out of NYC recently as well and while I miss it everyday, I am happy with my decision! Best of luck to you on the west coast!

    February 1, 2017
    • kat@withlovefromkat.com replied:

      Thank you – and yay for both being West Coasters!

      February 1, 2017
  • Alex says:

    Big congrats Kat! It takes a lot of guts to make such bold moves in your life both personally and professionally. I’ve absolutely loved following along since the beginning and especially having that small connection of mutual friends and knowing Arizona. Hope you’re so well and wishing you all the best! Xx

    Alex
    http://adoredbyalex.com

    February 1, 2017
    • kat@withlovefromkat.com replied:

      Thank you so much love – always love seeing what you’re up to as well. Hope to run into you back in AZ sometime soon ;)

      February 1, 2017
  • Jean says:

    Cheers on your move! I also live in NYC but daydream about the SoCal sunshine and a slower pace of life. Can’t wait to see what the next chapter holds for you.

    xx Jean
    http://www.skylineblossoms.com

    February 1, 2017
    • kat@withlovefromkat.com replied:

      Thank you :)

      February 1, 2017
  • Liz Adams says:

    This post gave me butterflies Kat! So so happy for you. You deserve the very best and can’t wait to follow this new journey! xoxo

    February 1, 2017
    • kat@withlovefromkat.com replied:

      Aw Liz – thank you! Miss you and hope to see you soon!!!!

      February 1, 2017
  • Camille says:

    Thank you so much for sharing your story. As a young professional woman and amateur blogger, it’s amazing to hear the steps you took to where you are today as a successful fashion blogger. It is inspiring for someone like me to keep working hard.
    I am sad to hear that you’re leaving New York, as it’s been a beautiful backdrop for your photos all these years. However, I am so excited to see snaps from your new life in Venice. Good luck!!

    Sincerely,

    Camille
    http://www.serialoutfitrepeater.com

    February 1, 2017
    • kat@withlovefromkat.com replied:

      Thank you so much Camille!

      February 1, 2017
  • Michelle says:

    Love this story! How inspirational. Enjoy the west coast!

    Michelle
    http://www.patternsandbatter.com/blog

    February 1, 2017
    • kat@withlovefromkat.com replied:

      Thank you :)

      February 1, 2017
  • Li says:

    Congrats! But what are you gonna do with all the lovely winter gear that you’ve accumulated over the years? All those coats and boots? Lol surely you won’t have much use for them in Cali?

    February 1, 2017
    • kat@withlovefromkat.com replied:

      Thank you! LOL I’ll def need the coats for when I travel to cold places!!

      February 1, 2017
  • Mallory says:

    Welcome to LA and more specifically the West Side! You will find a lot of former New Yorkers here and they one thing I hear the most is why did I not move here sooner… those coats are a thing of the past!
    xoxo mal @ http://www.badwolfbrunch.com

    February 1, 2017
    • kat@withlovefromkat.com replied:

      Haha good to know – thank you!

      February 1, 2017
  • Lindsay says:

    Kat-
    Thank you for this beautifully written post- it is so inspiring to hear about you following your dreams! Cheers to a new chapter and what I am sure will be your enviable west coast style!

    -Lindsay

    February 1, 2017
    • kat@withlovefromkat.com replied:

      Thank you Lindsay <3

      February 1, 2017
  • Keshia says:

    Your words are beyond inspiring <3 Thank you for sharing such a personal story with your readers. I wish you all the best out on the West Coast <3

    xo,
    K

    http://www.instagram.com/keshiaruberg

    February 1, 2017
    • kat@withlovefromkat.com replied:

      Thank you for your well wishes Keshia!!

      February 1, 2017
  • Ewa Macherowska says:

    So chic!

    http://www.evdaily.blogspot.com

    February 1, 2017
    • kat@withlovefromkat.com replied:

      Thank you! x

      February 1, 2017
  • Brooke says:

    Welcome to LA! I moved back to LA about a month ago and it was the best decision I’ve ever made. I hope and think it will be the same for you, too! Enjoy this adventure and good luck!!

    Xx
    Brooke
    http://Www.brookedujour.com

    February 1, 2017
    • kat@withlovefromkat.com replied:

      Thank you love ;)

      February 1, 2017
  • Jess Zimlich says:

    This made me tear up! I couldn’t agree more when you say the universe works in mysterious ways. Cheers to the next chapter! :)

    February 1, 2017
    • kat@withlovefromkat.com replied:

      Thank you Jess – it really does ;)

      February 1, 2017
  • Ellie says:

    All the best to you in Cali!

    February 1, 2017
    • kat@withlovefromkat.com replied:

      Thank you!!

      February 1, 2017
  • Victoria says:

    Congratulations, Kat! I’m truly so happy for you. The west coast really is the best coast and I hope you love living in SoCal!! Please let me know if you are ever visiting SF, it’d be fun to reconnect!

    February 1, 2017
    • kat@withlovefromkat.com replied:

      Aw thank Victoria!! Yes I would absolutely love to get together next time I’m in SF – hope all is well with you :)

      February 1, 2017
  • Rachel | Love This Life says:

    Congrats Kat! I’ve loved following your style over the years and excited to continue to do so, just in a new setting!

    February 1, 2017
    • kat@withlovefromkat.com replied:

      Thank you so much Rachel :)

      February 1, 2017
  • Jaime says:

    Congratulations! I’ve always wanted to move to NYC or Cali but never had the guts:( Good luck on the next chapter!!!

    February 1, 2017
    • kat@withlovefromkat.com replied:

      Thank you Jaime! :)

      February 1, 2017
  • La Bijoux Bella | by mia says:

    Casually beautiful … Classy … And timeless beautiful as always! :)

    ❤LA BIJOUX BELLA❤ | BY MIA | A Creative Lifestyle Blog

    February 1, 2017
  • Molly says:

    WOW! I wouldn’t normally post twice in 2 days, but this is amazing news, and I’m so excited about your new adventure! Take risks, follow your dreams and as they say, the rest certainly seems to fall into place. (By the way, I had “adopted” that very same Thoreau quote as my 2016 mantra, and I’m happy to say that it was the best year of my life!) Good luck, and have so much FUN!

    February 1, 2017
  • Madeline says:

    So inspiring, I love that blogging is a creative outlet for you and it is for so many people who aren’t getting that energy out eithe Ron school or their careers. I just moved to the city after it grabbed my heart as a student at FIT and I finally moved here three years later and blogging after work to get my creative energy out. It’s really amazing to watch a twenty something make her dreams come true and that all of us have that opportunity too. Thank you for sharing!

    February 1, 2017
  • Mama in Heels says:

    Welcome to LA :)

    February 1, 2017
  • Chrys says:

    Congrats Kat! I’ve been following your blog from the beginning and although sad you aren’t in NYC anymore (I was always hoping to meet you!) I wish you all the best with your new adventure. Keep us posted on how you like the west coast!

    February 1, 2017
  • Amanda says:

    Fabulous and inspiring story Kat!!! You rock.

    February 1, 2017
  • Sarah says:

    Hi Kat,
    I want to start by congratulating you on your move and wishing you all the best in your new home! I have been following your blog for the past 4 years from Canada, and I want you to know how much I’ve appreciated reading your blog for all its stylish content and beautiful pictures of NYC-I love New York City so much and have been so happy to visit it so many times in the last few years :) I’m looking forward to hearing about your new journey! All the best to you!

    February 1, 2017
  • Leslie Chiverton says:

    So many congratulations Kat! I moved from New York to LA a few years ago and it’s the most lovely feeling of weight being lifted… Everything just gets way easier. Though no longer in LA (currently Singapore), it still holds a special place in my heart and I’m excited to watch your journey (and new wardrobe lol) unfold.

    Congrats again!
    Leslie

    Ps- while I have you, I was curious if you could give some thought into adjusting your paragraph font to be a little serif-y? It’s very difficult to read and I find myself sometimes skipping your lovely musings as a result. Overall though, as a Long time reader I must say the new blog looks very chic!

    February 2, 2017
  • SHIRLEY says:

    Truly inspiring and love hearing your story! We all knew that it’s difficult to move from one place to another. But God tells you it’s time to move on!

    February 2, 2017
  • Francesca says:

    Congratulations on the big move! One of your most inspiring posts xx

    I can’t wait to see the change in your wardrobe and a home tour! x

    February 2, 2017
  • Estefanía Mendívil says:

    Kat, I’ve been following you since you moved to New York, in some way I’ve seen your blog grow and everything you have achieved. Your story is so inspirational, hard work pays off, thank you for sharing your story and the best of luck in this new chapter! xx Estefanía Mendívil

    February 2, 2017
  • Melody says:

    Congratulations on the move, welcome to California!

    February 2, 2017
  • Alyssa says:

    This whole look is so stunning! Adore that bag!! xx

    http://www.fashionsensored.com

    February 2, 2017
  • Neele says:

    Such a nice and classy Look! Thank you so much for this inspiration, I really like such classy and simple looks the most! :)

    XoXo from Germany

    Neele vom Fashionblog Justafewthings.de

    February 2, 2017
  • Ibby says:

    I’ve been following you for 4 years! Your blog is beautiful, well written and you always stay true to who you are! I can’t wait to follow along from Sunny California!! Cheers and congrats!

    February 2, 2017
  • Kay says:

    Wow Kat, such an inspiring post!! Thank you so much for sharing your story. Congrats on making all your dreams come true <3

    February 3, 2017
  • Emily Piskulick says:

    love this post and can’t wait to see your new home in LA!

    http://www.dearserendipity.com/

    February 4, 2017
  • Huong says:

    What a heartfelt and wonderful post, Kat!!! I have loved following you all these years and must attribute my love for neutrals and quality wardrobe staples to you. I know it’s scary, but if you focus on the positive and where your heart really wants to be, that will outweigh all the scary changes that are coming. I can’t wait to see your new home, what your west coast outfits will look like and just follow your new adventures. Congratulations on your next chapter in life and thank you for inspiring me to keep pushing!!! xo

    February 4, 2017
  • fateme says:

    thank you kat,it was really inspiring.it was what i needed these days.

    February 6, 2017
  • Gina says:

    Congratulations, Kat! I will admit, as a NYC-born girl (who is sad to possibly be moving out in a few months, as well), my first reaction was a bit selfish because I adore your posts on our city streets. Your writing is very moving. You really capture the energy and uniqueness of NYC so well. Best of luck on your new venutre. xo

    February 8, 2017
  • RoseThorne says:

    Hi Kat! I cannot tell you how much you sharing your story has touched my heart, how you fearlessly went after your dreams and stuck through the hard times. Very inspiring to say the least :)
    I wish you all the best in your new home, and really excited to see your wardrobe style in sunny Cali. Xx

    February 9, 2017
  • Trent says:

    KAT! We’re going to miss you, but can’t wait to see all of the amazing things you’ll do in CA. Lots of love!

    February 15, 2017
    • kat@withlovefromkat.com replied:

      Love you both so much!!! COME VISIT ME! :)

      February 15, 2017
  • Monica says:

    Congratulations Kat! What an exciting new adventure, and such a big move!

    I moved out of London and into the English countryside for many of the same reasons three years ago and I haven’t looked back. Sometimes you are just called to a different pace of life.

    Enjoy the sunshine and sea breeze lady!

    Sending love for your move!

    Monica xx

    February 15, 2017
  • Lili says:

    Hi Kat, I loved your post, so personal! I know this is a lifestyle blog, but this was a glass of fresh refreshing water. Welcome to SoCal, I for one will appreciate the more relaxed fashion that is to come (wink, wink!)

    February 15, 2017
  • Joy Skorman says:

    So very happy for you!
    Congratulations!

    February 15, 2017
  • Sherry says:

    Very inspiring story. Good luck on the move. I’m from LA too and was sooo excited to find out you’re moving. I hope I can meet you someday. I’m such a fan.

    February 16, 2017
  • A Girl, A Style says:

    I’m so sorry I somehow completely missed the fact you had moved, but I loved reading this and am so excited for you! Good luck with the next chapter! Briony xox

    February 16, 2017
  • Michelle Johnson says:

    Loved this post! So inspiring! Love your style!

    February 17, 2017
  • Kathryn says:

    I’m obsessed with this chic look!

    xx Kathryn
    http://www.chicandshimmer.com

    February 20, 2017
  • Jessica says:

    Such an inspiring wonderful post, best of luck to you and excited to see more upcoming projects and posts :)

    March 1, 2017
  • Natassia Crystal says:

    I have only been in NYC once back in 2007, but I thought it was a great city already! If I could find a job in science and/or R&D.. I would definitely contemplate moving there! :)

    You look gorgeous in your jeans outfit! Love the coat! :)

    YouTube | Blog: Geekette in High Heels | Instagram

    March 26, 2017
  • Shana says:

    I’m a bit behind, but congrats on making the move! I’m planning a move to LA myself, and would love to know how you found your place so quickly! Any tips would be welcome!

    May 1, 2017