Clark Whetstone

If Megan Szanik is the Stacey of your espy experience, then Clark is most definitely the Clinton. He is the definition of a fashionista. Clark has always loved fashion because he sees it as an anchor for being whoever you want to be. “Dress clothes, polos, ripped-up-nasty-grudge clothes – I will try anything.” His knowledge and love for fashion doesn’t stop at just his personal style. Start talking to Clark long enough and he will already have brought up Alexander McQueen. His icon. His guru. His inspiration. Whatever you want to call the late designer, Clark is not only a fan and an admirer; he is also a critic who understands that his success came from his eye for design and his technique for sewing. When you can appreciate every single piece in a collection, Clark knows it all comes down to the construction, the talent, and the passion.

His love for a designer like Alexander McQueen stems from the fact that his designs can make anyone look and feel amazing. Clark uses fashion as a way to be comfortable and proud of who he is. He wants the clients at espy to be able to do the same.

Clark grew up in Sherwood Park and Edmonton, but moved to Calgary when he was nineteen. He has a lot of experience working in retail centers such as Urban and Lacoste, but it wasn’t until he landed a job at Urban Barn that he realized how important his interest in design was to him. While at Urban Barn he was hired by a customer who saw his keen sense of style to design her entire condo. He loves interior design and has a natural talent for making everything look polished and timeless. However, thoughts of jumping into an interior design program made Clark uneasy. There is just always going to be that pull towards fashion for him.

“Jeans, tank, fitted jacket, wedge or kitten heel. Or just wear a dress. Dresses always work!”

Clark loves the idea of designing dresses. He finds a lot of inspiration from nature. “Walking in a park for example – you see so many things that could be made into a dress.” He sees the flexibility of a dress for a woman’s shape. There are so many possibilities because there are so many options to work with – textures, colours, patterns, shape. “It’s the most versatile piece of clothing you can make and wear.”

Enter espy! It’s not just about selling clothes anymore. He gets to be there to help make clients feel better about themselves, their body, and have an all around better shopping experience. To Clark, one of the key aspects of fashion that he loves is the fact that with the right attitude, it can be a vehicle for appreciating yourself – both your inner beauty and outer beauty. Clark knows that even though we all have insecurities, there will always be that one pair of jeans that fits you perfectly – and espy is the place where he can help you find it.

You may not want to try out a “ripped up nasty grudge” style, but finding an outfit, whether it’s a dress for an upcoming occasion, a total closet re-haul, or a much needed pair of jeans, Clark will give his straight up, honest opinion and have you leave looking great and feeling like you spent an hour with your new best friend.

If you are ever in a fashion bind, Clark’s best advice is, “Jeans, tank, fitted jacket, wedge or kitten heel. Or just wear a dress. Dresses always work!”