I met Kendall through my shop, it was one of those beautiful moments when energy attract energy and I fell in love immediately. It was first a crush on her fearless style, a boldness expression of who she really is. She's that kind of girl that stand in the crowed. She's embracing who she is, and genuinely celebrating life with all it mysterious challenges. Her wisdom Is behind her years. Her story really inspired me, and I know it will inspire you too!
Tell us a little bit about yourself:
Hi! I’m Kendall Hanna, a Texan that has recently moved to Mexico City. I’m a writer, creative director, business owner, and mama of 2 littles. (Although I really don’t like labels). I just feel like a girl who was put on this earth to be creative- and I try and do that through all the mediums I can get on my hands on. And goodness gracious, do I love clothes.
What's is something you are learning to embrace about yourself?
That I’m quite sensitive. I don’t mean sensitive in the way of having my feelings easily hurt. But more that I am a big feeler and a bleeding heart. I used to hide this- even in how I dressed. I was afraid that to show my softness (through my words, my wardrobe, or my truth) would leave me too vulnerable. For years, I wore all black and always a leather jacket. It was projecting toughness to protect myself. But now, I see it as one of my greatest assets. It connects me to people, to my experiences, and my own knowings more deeply. I think the world hardens you up enough- and that it’s beautiful to lead with your heart and stay tender and awake where you can.
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What does personal style mean to you right now?
Personal style, to me, is a form of listening. Listening to my body, to the season I’m in, to what I’m craving, or wanting to say without even opening my mouth.
I think great style does that. Introduces you before even a handshake. That being said, the act of listening means that it evolves as I do. (I feel like I could walk into my closet and walk out a different person depending on the day of the week.)
But there is always a through line. Allison Bornstein coined the popular “the three word method”, and I would say mine are vintage, classic, and unexpected.
I really enjoy coming back timeless silhouettes, classic tailoring, and great materials, but funking it up a bit. I think there’s a lot of pressure and consumption around fashion these days- everyone having a different opinion or link about what you should buy- but the reality is true STYLE is simply getting to know your own preferences (intimately) and building off of that.
That’s what really makes your wardrobe feel effortless and true to you. It takes time and intention. Which is what I think everyone is actually searching for. To feel true in their clothing, not like they are playing a character or falling behind on trends. Style is outside of trends. It’s an ever evolving textural conversation with your real life.
What parts of yourself you are currently learning to love?
COLOR! I recently moved countries, and my previous home was a neutral pallet. Beautiful, but safe. When I landed here- my soul craved lots of color. In my home and in my wardrobe. At first, that felt intimidating. Color is much more difficult to work with, which is why I think so many people shy away from it. But oh my GOD has it been fun.
I painted my ceiling yellow. I got big colorful rugs. I started wearing bold, fun shades and pattern mixing. Nothing crazy, but it felt like I was able to express the kaleidoscope that lived inside of me for the first time. I will still always go back to a white button up and vintage Levi’s for my “uniform” but the introduction of color all around me (and on me) is really expansive. It reminds me that life is too short to only pick items that are meant to please others. Wear whatever you want! It’s really not that serious. And life is more fun that way.
What makes you feel powerful in your everyday life?
Honestly- getting dressed. It’s cold here right now, and it’s easy to want to grab what is comfy and requiring little thought (other than KEEP ME WARM).
But getting dressed, for me, is an act of self love and care. I know that sounds cliché but it’s deeply true. I take myself seriously when I treat myself like someone worthy of getting dressed for. It’s not that every day has to be a winner outfit, but I feel infinitely more powerful when I dress myself in something I love.
When I had a little baby, someone reminded me “it actually takes LESS effort to put on a dress you like than to get into yoga pants”. And I always remembered that. She was right. Sometimes all it takes is a dress and some lip gloss to feel like you’re showing up for your own life. Because being alive IS the special occasion.
What's a small ritual that brings you joy or calm?
I’ve been getting more into tea lately. I don’t know, I always thought tea was for people who were fussy or old. And as I’ve started having tea to wind down at night- it really is so genuinely grounding. It’s a small thing, but brings so much calm to the end of my day. Bonus points for getting a mug or ceramic that you genuinely love (not tacky free mug you got from an event)- but something weighty and pretty. The brand Magic Hour has some of my favorites.
What you are hopping other women will feel when reading your story?
To trust themselves. To trust their eye, their intuition, and their ability to figure out the gaps. To trust that they can learn and grow in the areas they want to. And trust that they’ve already gotten so much more figured out than they give themselves credit for. I think as women, we outsource our power so often- needing validation from others to make decisions. And I want women to remember how much power we ALL have, internally. To trust their own power.
Your best tips for buying second-hand?
1. Keeping a detailed list of wardrobe gaps and wants. They can be jotted in a notebook or your notes app. When shopping second hand, there are a lot of options- and in my opinion, the best closets come from knowing yourself and your life.
A sense of restraint instead of just throwing whatever sparks your eye into a bag. Knowing what materials you genuinely enjoy, knowing your unique body measurements (a big one if shopping online!), colors you’ve been drawn to, and what your closet actually needs keeps you from impulses or regrets.
I’m not saying to deny yourself from things you didn’t even know you wanted (I surely did not NEED the wooden bead and shell belt I bought from Elian herself, but boy do I love it!) but keeping a tally of things you want really helps me from getting overwhelmed.
2. Searching for good materials. Because of the economy, it’s often astronomical to purchase things that are fully made of natural fibers (silk, cashmere, wool, linen, etc), which is where shopping second hand comes in CLUTCH. With vintage, clothes of quality materials have held up the test of time and will continue to. With newer but second hand, it can help take the sting out of the purchase by allowing someone else to take the “car off the lot” first, and you get to enjoy it for a fraction of the price.
3. Studying outfits that you enjoy seeing and breaking down what you like about them, so that you can keep it in mind for shopping. You don’t need the EXACT blue sweater you saw on someone else- it’s deeper than that. What is the draping? The material? What she combined it with? What is it’s ESSENCE? The more you can define what essence you’re drawn to, the easier it gets to source those things with your eye and your search bar keywords. I LOVE second hand, and my wardrobe is largely vintage or second hand. I saw a post recently that said “everything you think you want is available somewhere second hand” and I believe that. We can care for our wallets and the earth by using what is already available.
What's Your guilty free pleasure?
Using fancy glassware for non fancy drinks. I love drinking my morning iced coffee in a huge wine glass (and it keeps it from sweating on your desk!), sparkling water out of a champagne coup, or magnesium at night (I love Rookie Sleep supplement) out of a martini glass. It’s just fun and whimsical and a private delight.
Please share with us 3 items you are obsessed that are under $100:
1. I love updating everyday rituals to make the things we need to do every day feel special. This toothbrush brings me joy twice a day. Available on amazon but the full color range are here:
2. I love this book by Amy Smilovic- The Creative Pragmatist (second edition) It’s full of illustrations and styling advice- with a warm older (and cooler) sister energy. I like to reference it when I’m feeling in a style rut.
Shop Tibi The Creative Pragmatist
3. I journal, ALOT. And this is the journal I get asked about the most:
Where can we find you and follow your journey?
IG: @kendallhanna
SUBSTACK: I write about where soul + fashion come together: Kendall Substack
TIKTOK: @kendall__hanna
Kendall you are such an inspiration! Thank you for sharing your story! also you are a style goddess