When I think of California style, Kendall Conrad, the woman and her brand of accessories, immediately come to mind. Her minimalist, slightly earthy, elegant yet relaxed aesthetic imbues everything she touches. She has also worked hard to create an ethical company on every level: her limited edition products are made locally from recycled metals and leather that is a by-prodcuct of the food industry, meaning she is zero-waste. Add to that, she is an incredibly warm, generous person. One change I would like to see regarding her brand? That Kendall bring more of her California vibe to the East Coast. We could use it. Here, her Fall Notes from Home.
What do you love and look forward to most about fall? The cooler weather! Summer in California lasts through October, so I am always SO ready for the shift in weather. I love to hike, and it is much more pleasant in the cooler weather. I look forward to the crisper air, rain (hopefully), and cozy by-the-fire time hygge!
What are your newest fave fall purchases? Just ordered some +J [the Uniqlo/Jil Sander collaboration], I’m very excited as I always loved that collab.
Something already in your closet you are pulling out for the cooler weather: Cashmere things–sweaters, tank tops, scarves, socks and leggings. And cords!
Your favorite new pieces from your Fall collection and how you will personally wear them: The Nereida Bag in chocolate for everyday–holds everything, the Girona Franja in black for a little dressier. The Maja Bangle III, the Rounded Ring Collar Necklace, the Hook Bangle with the Rock I Pendant on it, the Festival Bracelet II (always on my wrist) layers well with other bracelets and bangles and two of my Rounded Ear Cuffs, with any of my hoops and Thin Rounded Posts. and I never take off my Disco Box Chain.

Fave Fall food and/or recipe: I am so burnt out on cooking at the moment, so it’s really about the fastest and easiest to assemble, and most flavorful thing that I can cook in one pot that feeds my family. Lots of roasts: chicken, leg of lamb or whole fish with vegetables cooked all together with cumin, lemon and paprika.
Fave Fall drink: Homemade herbal teas. Thyme tea is delicious throughout the day and I love fresh mint tea after dinner.
Fave Fall smell: The Datura tree flowers release an amazing scent at sunset from late summer-end of fall that I love.

Fave Fall flower: Big fat Dahlias and Ranunculas in deep colors. Tall golden Fall fronds, branches and vines.
Favorite weekend activity: Nature adventures that we can drive to easily from L.A. We change it up all the time. Headed up to Orcas Island soon. Taos. Yosemite. Big Sur, the Lost Coast. Sea Ranch. We are headed to Santa Cruz Island this weekend for a long hike to other side of the island, a kayak tour through caves with headlamps and a picnic, we may sleep over and set up camp.
Key elements for being cozy inside your home: Fireplace, music, candles, books, bath, roast in the oven, loved ones.

Latest read: I read a lot-quite a variety, often overlapping with books-biographies, fiction and non-fiction, essays, podcasts, and audible. Currently on my bedside table is Grimus by Salman Rushdie, The Eye of the Lion: A Novel Based on the Life of Mata Hari by Lael Tucker, House of Spies by Daniel Silva, and loving the new Avedon biography by Phillip Gefter.
Current online rabbit hole: Anything with the mycologist Paul Stamets! [A mycologist is someone who works with funghi–who knew?!] See the part about saving the bees. Also see the film Fantastic Funghi–mushrooms can restore the earth! Also, for great herbal recipes I go here.
New Insta Discovery: I have a hard time keeping up, and do not spend a lot of time on Instagram but some favorites are Natgeo, NASA, and Oceana.
Favorite hour of the day: The end of a productive and full day. I unplug and look forward to stopping work and enjoying the evening with my family or friends.

Where you are donating your money and/or time: We have just launched our new pendant to support Project Zero. Project Zero is working to get our biggest weapon against the climate crisis–the ocean–back in shape. We need to invest in the ocean to save our planet. Project Zero has mapped out a battle plan to secure protection for a global network of marine protected areas, providing funding one at a time until the job is done and 30% of our ocean is under protection. It’s an amazing organization!
If you’ve had a chance to travel recently where did you go? If not, what will be your first trip? I miss Spain the most, then Greece, so hopefully next summer, we will go there on our way to France for a wedding. Would love to discover Portugal as well.

What are your hopes for the post-pandemic future (fingers crossed!): That is a giant and complex answer and involves many chapters, all equally important. So many hopes for the future. But top of my list are: A COVID cure and safe vaccine. A really great plan for the homeless situation and poverty worldwide. For the earth and its oceans to recover and healthy nature to return (see Project Zero above). More solar, wind, tidal, wave, hydro-electric and geo-thermal systems, plus many more renewable energy sources put in place. Near extinct flora and fauna to re-populate. And on and on….
Follow Kendall: Instagram.
Just purchased the Project Zero pendant for a holiday gift for my daughter. I love my Kendall Conrad bags and jewelry…..and Kendall is kind, and sweet, as she is beautiful.
Great post! May I ask where the bracelet is from in the 4th image?
Ahhhh found it. It was not listed under bracelets in Kendall’s site- New Jewelry.
I love Kendall’s spirit and style❣️