{SS}: What is your Profession? {KV}: I'm a former philosophy professor turned wellness blogger and health coach. This evolution in my career began about 15 years ago. I was suffering from infertility and trying to find answers. I came upon Dr. Andrew Weil's book, Spontaneous Healing, and it opened my eyes to the world of alternative medicine. I'm a communicator by nature, and the more I learned about how simple changes in our diets and lifestyles can yield crucial benefits, and the healthier and happier I myself became, the more I felt compelled to start sharing information. That's how my blog, KaleandKant.com, was born. I mix in some philosophy because I think it helps us stay focused on deeper matters. Being fit and well isn't just about getting into your skinny jeans; it's also about mental balance, life satisfaction, and discovering meaning.
{KV} All of that said, I love fashion! I come from a family of artists, and I find personal style to be a form of creative expression.
{SS}: A few items in your "Styleshack" A.K.A closet that you can't live without?{
{KV}: These are some of my favorite pieces: a distressed leather bomber that's been a staple for ten years; a cashmere woven vest that makes for instant chic; a great nubby belt; a colorful scarf of soft, fine wool; and my beloved kick–ass snakeskin boots.
{SS}: Who or What inspires your style? Favorite Style Icon?
{KV}: My style icon is my younger sister, Tova. A fine artist with an MFA from Cranbrook who is currently in medical school, she is a style genius. She can literally take a piece of fabric and a few safety pins and transform it into a skirt or top that looks like it just came off the runway. No matter what she puts on—from eyeglasses to shoes to any imaginable piece of clothing—the aesthetics are perfect; she just gets it. And all on a student's budget—she proves that style is not something you buy.
{SS}: What is your Style Archetype?
{KV}: My archetype is Boho Chic. I love classic, tailored pieces, but go for things with a little more edge and fun to them. I'm a big believer that fit is the most important thing. I also tend to focus less on clothing itself than on the shoes, bags, scarves, jackets, and jewelry. You can take the same pair of pants and blouse, or sheath dress, and transform your look ten different ways by playing with these other pieces.
{SS}: Favorite online store?{KV} I like browsing online for ideas at many different sites. Some that I frequent are Intermix, Barney's, MadisonLosAngeles, Avenue32, Shopbop, and Net-A-Porter.
{SS}: What would tell your 22 year old self?
{KV} : I would tell my younger self to live more in the moment and listen more closely to intuition. Also, forget about others' expectations for your path: get to know yourself and follow your gut.'
{SS}: Words to live by?
{KV}: My favorite quote, and the one that inspired my blog, is attributed to Socrates: "The unexamined life is not worth living." I really believe that. As far as specific life principles, again I look to the ancient Greeks who stressed: "Know thyself" and "Nothing in excess."
