Q & A with Erica Wark

Few people understand the connection between style and confidence quite like Erica Wark. As one of Canada's most sought-after fashion experts, Erica has built a career helping women discover the power of personal style—not by following trends, but by embracing what makes them feel their best.

With the launch of our first-ever Leopard Collection, we couldn't think of a better person to join our Comfort Series. Bold yet timeless, leopard has long been considered a fashion staple, and few people understand its enduring appeal quite like Erica.

We sat down with Erica to talk about personal style, confidence, comfort, and the rituals that keep her grounded. Plus her take on why leopard continues to reign season after season.

We’re excited to bring you this Q&A with Erica Wark!

As a stylist, you spend your days helping others feel confident in what they wear. What does comfort mean to you, both in fashion and in life?

Comfort to me means soft and cozy fabrics, it means things that move and flow with my body with ease. Things that ultimately make me feel good and confident to take on the day. Comforts in life? Haha at this moment the simple answer is a full night's sleep! As a mother of two now (a four month old and a four year old) sleep has never been further away - I look forward to the comforts of a full night sleep again - hopefully soon Haha! Being with family, being with friends, cozy on the couch to watch a good show, being at my cottage, the sun in my face. Reading or listening to a good book. Belly laughs. A good meal, a good coffee, a good glass of wine!

Your personal style always feels effortless, polished, and uniquely you. How has your relationship with comfort evolved over the years?

Comfort has always been SO important in my everyday wardrobe, arguably now more than ever. My job can be quite physical at times so I’ve sort of leaned heavily into the athleisure aesthetic while still maintaining my personal elevated cool style. I won’t turn down anything with an elastic waist band these days being four months postpartum either haha!

When do you feel most like yourself?

Ooooooo… great question. I am pretty lucky that I feel most myself, most of the time! I love the career I’ve built where I get to be a chameleon when it comes to style. One day I’m on television in a fabulous suit, another day I’m out at an event in a gown, another day I’m in a pair of jeans and a tee, and sometimes I’m in leggings and a sweatshirt or a sweatsuit! All of these ‘versions’ of me feel authentic to me in the moment to be honest!

Loungewear and PJs never seem to go out of style. What do you think their staying power is and why do you think they continue to grow in popularity as pieces to wear inside and outside of the home?

I think COVID changed the game when it comes to wearing your traditionally more ‘at home goodies’ out in the world. There are so many different ways to elevate a casual set - it all comes down to what you wear with it to really make it count.

To celebrate the launch of our first-ever Leopard Collection, we have to ask: what is it about leopard that has made it one of fashion's most enduring prints, season after season?

I think since it’s rooted in neutrals - usually shades of creams, browns and black - it makes for an easy print to add into your existing wardrobe with other solid neutrals and pops of colour. The print itself also has more of a ‘classic’ shape - similar to polka dots - making it a print that’s ultimately easier to style.

We think of leopard as a neutral print because it’s so classic that anyone can wear it. However, for someone who loves the look but feels intimidated by it, what's your advice for incorporating leopard into their wardrobe?

I mean a great place to start would be PJs! Matching sets are always fun too because you can wear them together, or break them up to restyle them in fresh and new ways.

 Erica Wark AKA @ericaonfashion

Leopard is often associated with confidence and self-expression. What do you think wearing a bold print says about the person wearing it?

I mean I think no matter what a person is wearing - if they feel good in it, it shows. Confidence radiates through a person when they feel great in what they’re wearing, regardless if it’s print or even a HTT black moment.

If you could style our Leopard Collection beyond the bedroom, what would your ideal look be?

I think the caftan styled as a top - doing a partial tuck at the waist of a wide leg trouser, then adding a jacket on top - maybe a leather moto or a bomber or funnel collared jacket could be super cool and unexpected. Make the leopard feel a bit more edgy.

As a stylist and entrepreneur, your schedule is constantly on the go. What helps you slow down, recharge, and reconnect with yourself?

Haha as a self-employed new mom of two, I have never been busier. It’s been a huge adjustment - one I’m still learning to manage. Early bedtimes, fueling my body with nutrients, drinking enough water, a delicious coffee in the morning (that is actually still hot haha!), going for a walk. Getting hugs and kisses from my kids. Having a laugh with friends. Going out for a girls dinner (one that I’m home by 10 PM!). Cuddles on the couch with my husband. Having a chat with my mom on the phone. Honestly the simple things are what fuel me these days. The sun on my face first thing in the morning. Making time to move with my body. These are the things in life I’m making time for. They’re the things that truly matter.

Tell us about your ideal cozy day. What does comfort look like from morning to night?

Spending time at my cottage - on the dock all day long with my people. That’s the perfect day!

Confidence and comfort often go hand in hand. What makes you feel your most confident?

Being at peace with where I am. Having grace for myself when things maybe don’t go the way I planned them to go. Loving myself with all of my flaws while also trying to learn and grow and be the best version of myself. That’s when I feel most confident.

At This is J, we believe comfort is a form of self-care. What does self-care look like for you in this season of life?

Hahaha SLEEP! Keeping up with physio treatments. Moving my body. Calling a friend or my mom to catch up while I’m driving to a client visit. Listening to a good podcast or audiobook. Eating a delicious meal. Getting a massage. WALKING IN NATURE.