Tagging Along With: Kendra Smoot

While she was amid a short but sweet visit to LA, we jumped at the opportunity to catch up with our friend Kendra Smoot. An incredibly talented Bay Area stylist, Kendra is a master of vintage shopping and an incredibly thoughtful soul who embodies what it means to live with intention and care .

 

 

Photography by Sophia Scrank 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In between popping in and out of a couple of our favorite vintage stores we got to talking…below, an unfolding of our quick but rich conversation on her travel must-haves, the art that's deeply inspiring her right now, and why she seeks out things that get better with age.

 

Can you share advice/top few tips for buying vintage pieces you love?

I think the ethos of vintage is the idea that you are never done decorating and having an appreciation of the craftsmanship and design from another era. My friends that have the best vintage are just constantly on the hunt: they pop into thrift stores once a week and never pass by a garage sale. The hunt is part of the fun. Part of the appeal is that you can find cool things for not a lot of money (but if you find something that is speaking to you and it’s on the pricier side, I say go for it! These are the things you end up loving and keeping.)


Here are some of my favorite vintage home dealers for getting inspiration:


The Window
Galerie Half
Nickey Kehoe
Elsie Green
Antique Society
Boheme Goods
Porter James
Dream Fishing Tackle
Adaptations

" I think the ethos of vintage is the idea that you are never done decorating and having an appreciation of the craftsmanship and design from another era."

What pieces in your wardrobe do you wear and feel most like “yourself”?

I have a big love for strappy sundresses because if I’m wearing one if it means the weather is warm and I’m probably doing something I love: hanging out on a beach or heading out on an evening walk in the city.
In general I try to only wear natural fibers…no synthetics! I’ve been making an effort to do that the last few years and now I can’t stand the feeling of polyester. It also feels good knowing the clothes I wear can break down naturally.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What pieces (vintage or new) are you always on the hunt for + buy multiples of?

Workwear: Painter's jackets and pants, sailor pants, and white Victorian lacy tops.

You travel often for work and I’m sure find yourself in a variety of places/climates/situations that require an adaptable wardrobe and packing list. What other essential, timeless pieces do you bring with you when you travel?

Traveling with hats is the worst but I do love how they can pull an outfit together. Same goes for a great silky bandana to tie around my neck or hair (or I’ve been known to even wear it as a sunbathing top in a pinch!)

When I travel I tend to pack with a tight palette in mind: whites/creams, pale pink, black, and what I call “Mars Dust” brown.

I also love taking a good silky slip dress (so versatile for any situation) and the OZMA linen robe jacket (unexpected yet super flattering shape).

 

 

 

 

 

 

I’ve been making an effort to write for 30 minutes a day in the early morning. I’m definitely tapping into a part of my brain that I haven’t used in a long time. It’s helping me to have a clearer vision for what I’d like my life to look like.

What else has been inspiring you recently (in any medium — place, art, idea, music, food, book, etc.)?

I can’t get the recent Hilma af Klimt show off my mind. I adore her work but the story of how she made her paintings is even better.

My friend gave me a copy of the book The Artist’s Way and I’ve been making an effort to write for 30 minutes a day in the early morning. I’m definitely tapping into a part of my brain that I haven’t used in a long time. It’s helping me to have a clearer vision for what I’d like my life to look like.

And I’m always so inspired by my girlfriends creating beauty through the things they make! That brings a lot of joy to my life.

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