Fashion, Evolved

Victoria Klein is one of those people that radiates beauty.  I’m not just talking about her alabaster skin, her lovely gold locks or her charming dimples.  Yes, it’s true she’s a former model and poster girl for the green fashion movement.  But she’s also a gentle, creative soul who–even online–generously shares her positive energy, spiritual serenity and genuine love for humankind.   I’ve been an admirer of hers for quite a while and was delighted when she agreed to do an interview with me for Fashion, Evolved.  Thanks Victoria–and congratulations again on your recent marriage!

Photo Credit:  Minyan Zhu Photography

You’ve made some significant changes in your life in the past year, not the least of which is getting married and moving across the country.  How are you keeping yourself balanced amidst all the action?

On a simple level, it’s all about sleep, smiles, lots of water, and yoga. I’m a naturally organized person & once I think of something I need to do or keep track of, I write it down – if not, I’d be so very lost! In a larger sense, I have this undying urge for change. Most people are afraid of those unexpected road bumps or sudden turns in the road, but I welcome them – they give me a chance to explore other sides of myself and push my limits. I do have one sour spot – money; whenever I get an unexpected bill, I have to remind myself to stay calm and make things work. All in all, change is nothing to fear – it is going to happen no matter what we do, so the sooner we embrace it, the sooner we can be sane.

Needless to say, my husband (previously my boyfriend of 5 years) helps an immense amount because he is truly my other half – the yang to my yin, if you will. Whenever I trail off to far in one direction, he brings me back to focus.

Since you changed your last name from Everman to Klein, what challenges have you faced in re-branding yourself and your business?

From a personal perspective, the plan to change my name was never in question. I have a very traditional side & I’m elated to be a bride that shares the same last name with her husband. Professionally, I jumped back and forth between staying with Everman or changing to Klein. What it came down to was the fact that I was ready to take my work and my life in a new direction, and a new name was the perfect symbolism for that.

There have certainly been bumps along the way. For starters, I started a brand new website and blog. My previous site, at [www.victoria-e.com], was 3 years old and had began getting some very steady traffic. My new site at [www.victoriaklein.net] is lucky to have 20 visitors a day, all of which I am thankful for. Though most folks don’t recognize me at Victoria Klein, folks have been slowly coming around. Even with lower traffic and fewer readers, I am very passionate about my new site because it is much more authentic and a true outlet of “me” – much more personal and varietal than my earlier site.

The only worry that I still have is my name is now a bit more “common” (there are a lot more Kleins than Evermans!), so finding my online isn’t as easy as it used to be, especially for folks that don’t know about my site & just see my work in a magazine. Thankfully, the other “professional” woman who shares me name happens to be a very talented interior designer [www.victoriaklein.com], so I’ve got good company!

What are some of the major differences between the west coast and the east coast, where you now live?

Oh, how about everything! I know, too general, but it is very true. The biggest difference is the people, which is often the case with anywhere I’ve lived or traveled. We are an unconscious product of our environment and, having grown up on the farmlands of Indiana, I have never been more thankful to have all 4 seasons on my doorstep. Living with two weather types in a small, 40-degree variation in temperatures in San Francisco made all of the days run together – I didn’t feel connected to the cycles of nature.

Back to the people – most of the folks I met in San Francisco were great & very opinionated, which opened the floor for lots of vibrant conversations. Unfortunately, I also found many folks to be far too flexible – setting concrete plans was tough and getting things done took longer than I was used to. For the majority, folks in New England are do it & get it done types, ready to take on any project head on & knee-deep until it is done. On the other side, they can also be very private people, so breaching some subjects can create lots of tension. I wouldn’t say the West & East coast are polar opposites … but close. I’m simply thankful that I got the opportunity to experience them both. I’d never grown more, both personally and professionally, than while I was in San Francisco for 3 years.

You seem to have really embraced the yoga lifestyle in your personal and professional life.  What is it about yoga that is so valuable to you?

Do you have a few hours? I could talk about yoga for an eternity, and still only cover 1% of it greatness. For the most honest interpretation, you have to experience it for yourself – and not just once. My first encounter with yoga was at 16, while I was in high school. I enjoyed it a lot and took many classes a local gym in Connecticut. Over the years, my practice waxed and waned, until I began working the front desk at a yoga studio in San Francisco. Since then, I’ve had a home practice that I do (almost) daily. I haven’t taken a formal class in nearly 2 years, but I very much need to change that. I am NOT a certified teacher (though I have considered it a thousand times over) & nothing can replace their professional alignment advice.

Yoga does 4 things for me:
+ helps me slow down & think clearly
+ helps me pay more attention to my body by noticing how it changes from day to day, practice to practice
+ helps me see the simple beauty of life (since just 5 minutes doing yoga can make me smile – no money & no “stuff” needed)
+ maybe most significant, it has helped me maintain my sanity, allowing my to stop taking my prescription medication for social anxiety and clinical depression

What encouragement would you give to someone who has never tried yoga but has shown an interest?

Try it … just try it. Don’t think about it, don’t judge yourself, just try it. Forget everything you have heard about yoga & do all you can to set aside your expectations. Just try it. If you don’t like it, try it again – but with a different teacher and/or a different style. Just like psychological counseling or getting tattoos, you have to find the right person to share your money and time with.

Yoga is what it is – it is a concept, a lifestyle, an exercise regimen, and a possible source for enlightenment. Yoga does not have to be religious. Even if you chat in class, you are not upsetting your God(s) or spiritual beliefs. More than just poses, yoga is full of knowledge that apply to ever aspect of life. It could be the most fantastical thing you ever experience, so don’t stand in your own way. Just try it.

You have many talents and I was surprised to find out you’re also a photographer.  When did you start working with that medium and what do you love about it?

I’ve been taking pictures almost as long as I have been writing. I could write before I could read, and by kindergarten, I had my first Polaroid instant camera (I miss those things!). I have an interest yin-yang quality within myself, and I can easily see that some things are best expressed with words, and others with images. Educationally, I am a visual learner, so taking pictures was a very natural part of my childhood. I’ve dabbled in photography ever since, but most recently decided that I wanted to take my practice to the next level. I began selling prints of my work on Etsy this year [www.victoriae.etsy.com] & am taking workshops to help further my talents. One day, I hope to work with magazines like Real Simple, Country Living, or Body & Soul.

Having worked as a professional model for over a decade [Portfolio Here], I know just how powerful one image can be. Images can take a story to the next level, or be the inspiration for hundreds of stories on its own. It’s a moment, frozen in time, ready to be experienced by hundreds and thousands of others, who will apply their own interpretation or appreciation for it. Images say, what I as a writer, could never express with words.

What are your favorite subjects to photograph?

Nature … obviously, especially flowers and blooms. I have no idea why I gravitate towards flowers so much – it must be something psychologically twisted, haha, which is probably the same reason I like macro (very close in) images as well. I’m currently practicing more still life, food, and interior design images. The one thing you will hardly ever see me photograph is humans – I never feel like I get the lighting right with them … but animals are fun (though can be tough to keep up with!).

When you set out to plan your green wedding, did you find it easier or more difficult than you originally anticipated?

A bit of both, really. My husband and I started out planning a “traditional” wedding, with the full ceremony & reception, but it only took me a few months to realize that was not what I wanted. Yes, I wish I could have had more of our family there, but both personally and financially, it just didn’t feel right. Instead, we got married at town hall on our 5-year anniversary with just a few close friends and family that could make it (many of them live in NY, Indiana, California, or Florida).

If you aren’t looking for green options in particular, they can be a bit harder to find, but if you search online, you can find an entire eco-wedding world that is growing every day. Simply put, let you imagination run wild – do what feels right for you & don’t be afraid to be different. In the end, it’s all just a party – as long as you have the legal certificate of marriage, the rest is just for fun.

Was your husband a greenie before you met him, or did you have to convert him?

A little of both, again. Like my childhood, his was lower-middle class & filled with tips and time-test values on saving money, reusing things, and green habits that we didn’t realize were green. As we both got older, we grew away from those things a bit. Once you strike out on your own though, your memories come back to life & you need those habits you learned as a youngin’. We have both got greener than we could have ever imagined since we got together and we continue to look for new ways to lower cost, save resources, and have fun – all at the same time! Admittedly, I’m into the whole “green scene” much more than he is, but he does love to learn new things. He’s very passionate about hydrogen cars now-a-days and have strives to learn more.

Most recently, I’ve been contemplating taking up a volunteer position at a local, organic farm via WWOOF [www.wwoof.org] – would be a fantastic adventure & certainly blog- (and maybe book-) worthy.

I noticed from the wedding pictures that you’ve cropped your hair.  It’s super short and very flattering…what was your inspiration for such a drastic cut?

Yes, the hair! I’m surprised no one else has asked me about it yet. I have a long, torrid history with my hair – a very love/hate relationship through and through. I’ve dyed it ever shade possible (except for black) and tried numerous methods of keeping it under control – including that Japanese hair straightening process (my advice: don’t bother). My hair is naturally blonde (don’t hate me, I’m Swedish/German), very fine & inconveniently curly. Especially after being a model for so many years, I was often self-conscious about my hair & it changed the way I felt about myself every day.

Finally, while in San Francisco (surprise surprise), I grew enough compassion with myself to not care anymore. It’s just hair. It grows back. It was a few days before Christmas 2007 and, therefore, almost time for a new year. Yet again craving a good hunk of change, I decide to buzz my hair off. My roommate did the deed, with a Wahl trimmer & a 1″ guard – 1″ is a lot shorter than you realize when it comes to hair! Either way, I was excited and energized to have all that hair off me [Photo]. It is easier to take care off and I buy a lot less shampoo/conditioner/styling products then before. Since then, many people have asked me about it on the street, also telling me they have thought about doing it before. I always encourage them to go for it. Even if you have days where you don’t like it, you will be surprise at just how much it can help you grow. Plus, it grows back.

You are one of the original eco fashionistas so I’d love to hear what some of your favorite wardrobe pieces are. Is there anything special you have your eye on right now?

Haha, that is quite a compliment – I’m the “original eco-fashionsta” no one knows about it. You asked quite a mouthful though! With a low income, I’m very picky about what I can and can’t spent my money on. Of course, vintage/second-hand find are always fun, but being tall and thin yet curvy, it is very tough to find things that fit (old or new). Honestly, come to think of it, I haven’t bought any clothing for over a year … but I have an enormous on my wish list! Here’s just a few things:

+ Pretty Birdie skirts – [website]
+ Pansy Maiden’s bags – [website]
+ Alabama Chanin’s DIY kits – [website]
+ Manimal Moccasins – [website]
+ Beyond Skin flats – [website]
+ Sharkah Chakra jeans (would love to try them!) – [website]
+ Anything from Nau! – [website]

I’m also on the hunt for more high-waisted organic cotton jeans, so feel free to share anything you find. (you too, readers!)

Of what I already have, my all-time favorite things are my Del Forte organic cotton jeans (wear them at least 3x a week!) and Stewart+Brown’s lengthened tees [Blog Post Here] – simple, sexy, functional, and eco. My personal style is like my home decor style – start with solid basics & add patterns/color that can be easily layered/changed, so my wardrobe is mostly solid-colored jeans/pants/skirts/t-shirts/sweaters in soft fabrics and mixed-and-matched. Lately, I’ve been wearing my Del Forte jeans with basic v-neck t-shirts and layering long-sleeve deep v-neck cardigans in funky stripes over them (I get cold really easily).

Now that I am back in Connecticut, I’m closer to my mum, who has a passion for DIY, especially sewing. I’m investing in more pattern books and hope to have lots of new items (that we make together!) very soon. Of course, I’ll feature our works on my blog & they will be made of sustainable fabrics.

I like fashion – a lot! It is fantastic way to express ourselves & change our moods. Finding things that interest me isn’t too hard, but when it comes down to spending money, we all need to be a bit pickier.

What new and exciting things are in the works for Victoria Klein?

Lots! As always, I’m working on more articles about crafts, DIY & green living for major magazines. I’ve got over 20 blog posts in the works, so the content will keep on coming over there. [www.victoriaklein.net/blog]. I also recently began blogging for Natural Home Magazine’s new Green Decor & Design blog [Visit Here], so there will be a new post from my every week on their site.

I’ll be starting up college again (I took 1 semester back in 2005) to finish my Associate degree in Liberal Arts, so that will be keeping me somewhat busy, but also give me a reason to take more pictures!

I’m taking Nicole Hill Gerulat’s [her Blog] photography workshop [Learn More Here] in NYC in October and am eager to learn a lot from her.

Do you honestly feel that the green movement is headed toward the mainstream?  Why?

As long as we are in this economic cesspool, yes. People will continue to see how important sustainable is, as well as how much money it can save. Unfortunately, as we return to “business as usual”, it will be an uphill battle to keep eco-living at the top of people’s agendas when they will likely fall back into their past habits. Every day is a step in the right direction and there is no doubt that we are starting to have an impact, but there is always more to do.