Kait likes coffee, but she’s never been a fan of tea. The irony is that her photo shoot is at Lady Camellia, a tea house, and Kait very much looks like she belongs. Renée and I are also salivating, because Debbie, the owner, has brought out a stunning display of pastries and sandwiches – and tea for us to try – and it’s sitting in front of Kait! (Note: we did enjoy the tea and treats after the shoot)

She and her husband are from Canandaigua in the Finger Lakes region of Western New York. They both grew up there, later attending grad school in Albany. “Matt went into politics, and we chose D.C. in 2010. I was a school counselor at the time and there are schools everywhere, so I was up for the change. Our plan was to stay here for five years and return to Western New York. Here we are…15 years later,” she says laughing.

“Our daughters are six and four. When we had our youngest I made the decision to leave my counseling position to stay at home with the girls.” Shortly after her youngest was born, Kait found herself longing for adult interaction. When Renée said she could use some help organizing her photography business, Kait jumped in. “I’m the behind-the-scenes studio manager, and the position provides me the flexibility I need in my primary role at home with the girls. Our goal is to work efficiently, so we have more time to play and enjoy our families together. My husband’s job is flexible, too. We’re a very tight knit family, we do everything together.”

Kaitlyn (Kait) Kellogg

Styled by: Hattie at ERA; Dress by Celia B.

Hair and Makeup: Gus at Stylists at North

Photography:  Renée C. Gage Photography

Shoot location: Lady Camellia Tea Room, 229 Strand Street

When I ask how she met Renée, she shares, “Five years ago, I was in line at the Safeway deli, and Renée’s son and my daughter were in strollers giggling at each other. We casually started chatting and realized we lived close to each other, further down the parkway. It turns out Renée was picking up a corsage next door at the florist for her son’s homecoming date – who also happened to be our babysitter! From there we exchanged numbers and had playdates, and it grew into a lasting friendship.” And Renée is always gushing about Kait: “Her energy, her organization and attention to detail really makes the world go round. She is so genuine.”

Kait lives in the Fort Hunt area and says it was a natural progression. “Condo first, then bigger house, and when I became pregnant with our first daughter, we wanted to find a neighborhood where we could have a bonfire and drinks outside with neighbors. We would visit areas on Sunday mornings and walk neighborhoods looking for that vibe. We found Riverside Gardens, and love the community, the suburban feel. There are front yard happy hours and I do call a neighbor when I run out of sugar. We’re 25 minutes from D.C., and ten minutes from Old Town. I love the convenience of being close to everything and that I can walk my kids to school.” 

She and Matt also recently purchased a cabin in Shenandoah Valley in Edinburg, VA. “We grew up in the country and were craving country fresh air. We found a great cabin on some land out there. The girls love it, they’re very outdoorsy…we’re 30 minutes from a ski mountain, near great wineries, and we can be there in under two hours. It is rustic and depending on the time of year, you’re not getting up the mile-long road to the house without four-wheel drive. We’re also skiers…we started both girls when they were three. Both of us had an awesome childhood and wanted to share that with them.”

Something else Kait shares is that she’s a personal trainer. I’m not surprised because I’ve already told her how great her legs look in the bright pink dress she’s wearing. “I became a trainer long before the girls were born…I had two great mentors that took me under their wing. In the summer, I run a boot camp at our pool once a week and friends come to it. I also train a couple of neighbors out in my car port. In the future, I’d love to jump back into that more, it’s my passion.” 

Check out Kait’s Street Style: 

ABOUT KAIT

Neighborhood: The 22308

Hometown: Canandaigua, NY (The Chosen Spot!!)

What would surprise people about you? I go to bed before most children.  My husband always teases that the kids are still playing in the street when I go to bed. 😉

Favorite movie: Love & Basketball

Guilty Pleasure: Mountain Dew!

Latest binge-watch: Does Bluey count?! … Virgin River

Bucket list travel destinations: Alaska in the summer.

STYLE

Define your style in three words or less. Casual, polished, always comfy.

The go-to piece in your wardrobe: Any jumpsuit or romper.

Favorite trend: Wide, high waisted jeans (may low rise never return)!

Beauty product you can’t live without: LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask, except I wear it all day because I cannot stand dry lips.

Boots, heels or sneakers? Sneaks, but make ‘em cute!

WELLNESS

Go-to way to de-stress:  Working out at MADabolic Alexandria

Most fun way to stay active: Skiing with my family.

Wellness goal: Maintain my strength and mobility as I age.

Want to try: Cupping

Proudest wellness achievement: Becoming a certified personal trainer in order to help other people reach their goals and feel strong.

HOME

Favorite room in your home: My living room, at 6am when the light is just starting to come in.

Antiques, modern, or a mix? Mostly modern.

Last item bought for your home: Frames from Nepenthe Gallery to hang our family photos from Renée C. Gage Photography

Favorite way to entertain: Backyard fire with good friends, wine and snacks.

Clutter-free or well-lived in? Clutter-free.

Next planned purchase:  A new comforter, just waiting for the right one to catch my eye.

ALEXANDRIA

What do you love about Alexandria Stylebook? The sense of community, and opportunity to meet and be surrounded by so many amazing Alexandrians.

Favorite spot in Alexandria: My house (I’m a homebody)!

Your go-to shops: ERA Boutique and Monday’s Child.

Best food spot: Love “Bagel Friday” at Chewish Deli with my fam and date nights at Landini Brothers

Favorite local organization: Be The Good Project

Alexandria event you most look forward to: Mount Vernon Fourth of July Fireworks with friends on the river. 

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