Stop #1 Key West, Florida

Last weekend, I found myself riding shotgun in my red Chevy Cobalt, cruising down the Overseas Highway which connects the tiny islands that make up the Florida Keys. This vast stretch of asphalt and bridge culminates on Key West, a kitschy tourist town whose residents fully embrace their self proclaimed motto, "One Human Family."

On this beautiful albeit eccentric key, one can hope to find a large homosexual man dressed in women's clothing walking an arm's length away from a traditional Cuban mother carrying her child in a sling across her back. The smell of conch in the air, everyone is dressed in flowy dresses, shorts, and loose fitting tops. Sandals (many handmade on the island) adorn the feet of each traveler making their way to Mallory Square to see the sunset on the horizon.

It is in Mallory Square where Key West's sartorial diversity can best be experienced. Here, locals and tourists alike face west, lured as if in a trance by the sun's colorful palate which paints the clear sky with a rainbow of oranges, pinks, and purples. This awe inspiring display is the ultimate reminder of human equality on earth, or at least on Florida's most magical key.

A lovely floral ensemble at Mallory Square

Strawberry Blonde on Duval Street

A laid-back neon ensemble at the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum

Our lodgings while on the key

(Gap Sunglasses, ella moss tank, H&M bag, thrifted bracelet, Calvin Klein jeans, Havaianas flip-flops)

Samuel's with one of the many quirky fire hydrants on Key West

(drugstore aviators, Fink shirt, Vineyard Vines shorts, Nick Fanning for Reef sandals)

Assorted locals or "Conchs"

Ready for a night on the town!

(Citrine by the Stones brass chain earrings, Express dress, thrifted clutch and shoes)

We met a drag queen (or 20)!

Older gents will fit right in wearing khaki shirts and shorts in honor of Key West's pride and joy, Ernest Hemingway.

Sincerely,

Sartorial Soul
Rachel