Tastemaker 005
Mermaid, sporty, motomami
I interviewed Kayla Robison while she was in Puerto Escondido, Mexico, living fully on beach time. Kayla has always had an intuitive sense of style that feels shaped by place rather than trend. Her taste is deeply informed by travel, climate, and color, and she pays close attention to texture, craft, and the small details most people overlook.
We talked about how the environment shapes personal style, why imperfection matters more than polish, her current closet staples, and what she’s actually buying right now while living in a surf town. Kayla observes without assimilating, and she’s always been someone I look to for a truly individual point of view.
How do you define your taste?
My taste is very much based on my travels and the natural colors surrounding me. Woods, stones. New Mexico and Mexico have been really inspiring me lately. Color feels more important to me right now…the little flags, the food, the colors of ceviche and all its different parts.
I love things that are a little wabi-sabi. Something imperfect, something that doesn’t completely make sense. I like seeing a human touch, whether that’s in stitching or pottery with a thumbprint left behind.
Your clothing philosophy?
Quality is at the center. I also really believe in adapting to where you are. Part of the fun for me is experimenting—different styles and flavors depend on place and mood.
I actually love constraint. When I don’t have all my clothes available, I get more creative instead of just reaching for the same combinations.
Three words to describe your style?
Mermaid, sporty, motomami. (goals)
Style icon?
the sunset
The last thing you bought?
A sarong.
Something you’re thinking about buying?
More vintage bags. Always.
What do you invest the most money into?
Vintage purses. They’re an easy way to elevate an outfit, and I love pieces with history. At night, especially, it’s fun to bring out something special, even in a place where style isn’t the focus.
Your top three items in your closet right now?
An Oaxacan skirt I wear constantly.
Basketball shorts styled with a bikini.
Bikinis in general.
Go-to bikini brands right now?
I try to buy from small, niche brands—often local or women-run. There’s a brand here in Puerto I love, and another out of Hawaii. I usually find them through word of mouth or TikTok. Cute! Feeling plaid for this summer?
Your version of jeans and a white tee?
A bikini and a sarong, plus lots of beach jewelry, rings, necklaces, and bracelets. If I’m dressing it up, my grandma’s heirloom gold necklace.
Where do you go for inspiration?
Walking cities. Sitting at a cafe and people-watching. Mexico City, especially.
I’m not huge into Pinterest or online inspiration. I’m more inspired by people in real life like older women, uncles, and shop owners. When someone has a style they wear every day, and it feels natural, that’s what really inspires me.
Most iconic era for style?
The 90s.
And honestly, I think the most iconic era is still coming.
Make sure you follow her. We didn’t even scratch the surface. Check it out here.
Who should I interview next? DM me ideas :)