BY Erica Wark

Interview by Erica Wark

You’re the only 26-year-old aspiring librarian I’ve ever met. Why this line of work?

I have two degrees in French and history from Carleton University and have worked in libraries since I was 16 years old. It just seemed like the right fit, so I decided to get my master’s in Library and Information Studies.

What’s your dream job in the field?

I worked as a librarian with the federal government for a while and am now working as a page at the Greenboro District Library, which I love. I’d also like to work as a librarian at a university someday. I’ve always loved to learn, and I feel that would be a great environment to work in.

You truly have a dapper sense of style. Where does this creativity stem from?

My dad works for the city and wears suits every day, so I grew up knowing the importance of a well-executed suit. He says that I’m a lot like my grandmother (whom I never met). She had one arm slightly longer than the other — not in a weird, Oh my God way [laughs], but different enough that everything she owned had to be precisely tailored to her frame. My dad says I would’ve been spoiled with threads had she still been around.

Have you always favoured the eclectic, tailored, vintage look?

In high school, I was more about wearing the coolest name brands. At university, it became all about proportion and fit. First year at Carleton U. was when I really started to experiment with the style I have now. I have always had the mentality that dressing professionally works alongside acting professionally at work.

How would you describe your style?

Dishevelled elegance. I love Christopher Bailey, who designs for Burberry Prorsum. I think he has the dressy-but-off kind of style down to a science.

Favourite local shopping spots?

I love Harry Rosen and Hugo Boss at the Rideau Centre. The Bay is also great for menswear; same with Schad on Sussex. I send all of my tailoring to Raymond’s on George Street. I get custom shirts made there as well — he’s the best in the city. There’s nothing better than a shirt that’s made just for you.

This story appears in the October edition of Ottawa Magazine. Buy the magazine on newsstands or order your online edition.