Today’s featured Tastemaker is Kendall Hasie of Curated x Kendall, a styling studio designed to help you look special for all of life’s biggest moments with a focus on events and travel. Kendall has been a dear friend of mine for the past seven years, and we have watched our children grow up together here in Austin. Our husbands are also friends, which makes for a really fun experience for all of us.

It’s been such a treat to witness Kendall’s fierce fashion sense front and center as we’ve gone to many events together over the years, and have traveled together as well. She always has an interesting vintage or unique component to her outfit, and looks pulled together yet effortless at the same time - you know the kind of gal I’m talking about!

Kendall dressed me in a gorgeous vintage Italian pink dress for the Contemporary Art Gala in Austin this past fall, and I have been cheering her on from the sidelines ever since as she has successfully launched her business and continues to bring her innate fashion sense to others. 

I asked Kendall to tell us a bit more about herself, the genesis of her styling business, what inspires her, and most importantly…her tips for looking chic during the busy holiday season. Happy reading!

1. We have been friends for a long time and I’ve always admired your fierce fashion sense…but for readers who are unfamiliar with your background, can you tell us a bit more about where you grew up and what you wanted to be when you were older?

Aw, thank you!!  And, thanks for featuring me on your blog!  I love telling people that I was born in Austin!  That is more rare these days.  My parents are both originally from San Antonio so we moved down there when I was little and I grew up in the Alamo Heights community.  I wanted to either be a newscaster (ha) or fashion designer!  Something that would take me to new and interesting places and allow me to be well dressed. 

 

2. Where did you go to college and what did you do after graduation?

I went to the University of Georgia in Athens, and graduated with a business degree.  During college I spent a summer interning in New York City where I was heavily exposed and influenced by the fashion culture in Manhattan.  I also studied abroad in Florence, Italy.  It was exciting to observe Italian fashion as well as the students at my school from all over the country.  Remember, this was before social media (ha) so observations were made in real life!! After graduation, I moved to Austin and went on to have a 12-year career in finance.  I took some time off after my daughter was born but had a pull to do something creative after she started school.

 

3. Have you always been interested in fashion?

YES. Growing up, I was notorious for playing dress up.  I would change my clothes three times a day and refused to wear anything but dresses!  My Grandmother lived a very interesting life and really influenced me.  She was German and lived in Europe until she met and married my Grandfather in Texas.  My Great-Grandfather was in the pearl business and my Grandmother acquired all kinds of interesting and amazing jewelry.  I loved digging for treasures at her house and letting my imagination run wild.  I used fashion as my form of expression from a very early age.  

 

4. Tell me about the genesis of your styling business, Curated x Kendall; what was your “aha” moment?

Well, there was a bit of a trajectory combined with an “aha” moment.  When my daughter was two I decided to apply to Parsons School of Design in Paris because they had a graduate program centered around creating a fashion line!  That was a HUGE learning experience but also really highlighted the complicated logistics.  I had a lot of motivation coming out of that program, however, the timing was not quite right and there were a lot of parts to figure out.  Then, Covid hit.  I had time to reflect and realized styling was something that came naturally to me and really made the most sense.  It took a little time to press start, but I used a recent trip to Italy as a chance to launch my new Instagram account and my business has taken off from there!

 

5. How would you describe your style in three words?

• Eclectic 
• Sophisticated
• Fresh

 

6. I know you have the travel bug and was so envious/living vicariously through your recent trip to Italy. How has travel inspired your sense of fashion?

Yes!  We were invited to an incredible wedding in Lake Como this fall.  It was also our 10-year wedding anniversary and first time back to Europe since Covid.  Travel is a huge inspiration for me.  Art, culture, food, music, landscape, color, and textures all play a role.  It’s fun to escape and have the opportunity to wear things or dress in a way that you don’t from day to day.  I love having the time to shop in person and feel fabrics and see how stores display beautiful pieces.  I am also a big fan of observing street style, especially in places like Europe. 

 

7. I have loved traveling with you, and have noticed you’re very strategic about the way you organize your outfits and pack interesting items, yet staples that can be mixed and matched. Can you tell me a bit more about your method for packing?

A trip allows you to have a theme to work around. There is normally some kind of itinerary so you know where you are going, dining, etc.  Packing for a trip is a great way to edit your suitcase and only take what you plan to wear.  I set up a packing rack and start with my closet.  

A big mistake is going directly to purchasing new things.  Start with what you have and then fill in with new items.  Look up the weather if you are unfamiliar with where you are going or the time of year.  I usually have a color palette that helps with mixing and matching.  I limit shoes and handbags.  Last, but not least, put your accessories to work.  These do not take up a lot of space and can transform outfits.

 

8. The holidays are upon us and you have some amazing pieces for all the parties and events happening. Can you give our readers three tips for how to make holiday styling effortless this season? 

• Set up a clothing rack - If you don’t have the space then clear a section of your closet and pull the holiday items you want to wear to have them accessible.  
• Identify holiday fabrics - i.e. velvet, satin, sparkles, feathers. Then, mix them with denim and loafers for a relaxed look or for kid friendly activities.
• Go for a pop of color - try a bold red lip and fresh mani.  Looks great in photos and while holding your holiday cocktail of choice!

9. What is next for Curated by Kendall?

My business is evolving.  So far I have concentrated on styling for galas.  After the new year, I have some opportunities to focus on trips and then wedding season in the spring.  I am working on launching some seasonal styling opportunities as well so stay tuned!

You can follow Kendall on her Instagram account and contact her there for your next event or travel-driven styling need!