Threads of Destiny

Growing up in the idyllic coastal community of Seaside, Florida, a teenage Kendall Andrews had one driving factor that sent her looking for a role in the local workforce: shopping.

At 14, Andrews took a part-time job at Perspicasity, now known as Cabana by The Seaside Style. Every paycheck, dutifully earned, found its way back into Andrews’ closet.

“In what I thought was a trendsetting moment, I bought babydoll tops, layering tanks and fold-over gaucho pants,” Andrews said, laughing, “but I mostly bought halter dresses for the summer.”

Andrews didn’t know it then, but that simple summer retail job would be her first step on a full-circle career journey.

Her fashion love affair continued well into high school, where her peers idolized her eye for style — she was voted “best dressed” for senior superlatives. At one point, Andrews’ mother had to place a limit on daily outfit changes.

“I remember getting in trouble for going to our neighbor’s house to change my dress after I reached my daily outfit limit,” Andrews said, recalling five to be her max style allowance per day. “As a punishment, I had to wear shorts and a T-shirt for an entire week. It was torture for a fashion-loving girlie like me.”

Andrews holds her closet to a high standard, and not every fashion brand makes the cut. Mainly, she shops what she knows — Cabana by The Seaside Style. Always, she pairs a classic, timeless fit with a few trending pieces. Photography by Savvibelle Photography

Andrews wound up working other endeavors to fund her wardrobe while attending college. She graduated from Florida State University with a bachelor of science in political science and economics. But 11 years after her Perspicacity days, Andrews found her way back to The Seaside Style.

“I was told that The Seaside Style needed a design assistant at Pizitz Home & Cottage, so I moved home and applied for the role,” Andrews said. “This began my post-grad journey at Seaside.”

Since then, Andrews has filled various roles within the company, including marketing coordinator, e-commerce director and director of marketing. Today, she’s the senior director of brand development and marketing for The Seaside Style. In her current role, Andrews oversees marketing efforts across the company’s five stores and the town of Seaside. Beyond the Emerald Coast, Andrews’ work takes her on trips to cities including Miami, Atlanta and New York City, immersing herself in fashion’s latest trends.

“This hands-on experience helps us to curate stylish and trendy collections for our stores,” Andrews said.

Blending her eye for style and her experience in marketing, Andrews ensures that the company’s digital messaging and campaigns reflect ever-changing trends.

Similar to the fashion choices of her adolescence, classic staples and a splash of trendy pieces remain Andrews’ signature style. Embracing the influence of fashion on everyday life, she remains highly selective about her outfit choices.

“I believe that clothing can significantly impact one’s mood,” she said. “So, I choose pieces that bring joy and positivity to my day.”

A bold dress with
a fun, colorful print is a favorite look for Andrews. Here, her green Cabana dress features pops of pink and orange to complement her beaded accessories. Photography by Savvibelle Photography

While her style is generally a refreshing mix of vibrant florals and bold dresses, Andrews balances those statement pieces with neutral tones such as white, black and tan.

“White jeans are a staple in my wardrobe,” she said.

Functional and fashionable, Andrews pairs her favorite closet staple with a tropical print top in the summer and opts for a cozy cashmere sweater in the fall, demonstrating the versatile yet classic elements of her closet.

“I also enjoy adding a pop of color with accessories, such as a bold, beaded aquamarine necklace or a fun pair of bright green wedges,” she said.

Andrews’ 3-year-old daughter Elizabeth, lovingly known as Bizzy, has certainly followed in her mother’s fashion footsteps. The mother-daughter duo’s favorite pastimes include shopping for new outfits and accessories and enjoying time together on the beach.

“Whether it’s a day at the beach or enjoying the Huck & Lilly kids concerts in Seaside, Bizzy shares my passion for shopping and adventures,” Andrews said.

From her early days at Perspicasity to her current role at The Seaside Style, Andrews has woven together a rich tapestry of experiences, each thread representing moments of creativity and passion in the Seaside community.