Erin Karpluk is one of Canada’s most recognizable TV personalities. The 31-year old Alberta born, Gemini award winning star of Being Erica is enjoying the show’s success at home and around the world. She plays the character Erica Strange; a woman who time travels through her life to fix past mistakes. Naturally, spanning 3 decades’ worth of time would require a bevy of costume changes to fit her age and ever-changing moods. ELLE visited the Toronto set of the show to get a behind-the-scenes glimpse into Erica’s wardrobe and her seemingly endless collection of shoes.

ELLECanada.com: How does the wardrobe help you get into character?

Erin Karpluk: Erica has so many different looks that fit into the person she was at the time. She went through her “raver” look; the “90210” look (Doc Martens, baby-doll dresses and Shannon Doherty bangs.) She plays off of Sarah Jessica Parker in Sex and the City (She has an “Erica” necklace like Carrie’s.) Needless to say, we have fun with it. The clothes definitely set the mood, as do the shoes. I often think the shoes are the most important part of how I feel as the character.

EC.com: Speaking of shoes …

Find out more about this fashionista’s style

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EK:
I know! Erica has 50 shoes in every shade of shoe you can imagine, every style, every fit and design. She’s definitely a heels girl. Good for her, bad for me after a 16-hour shoot day!

EC.com: How does your style differ from your character Erica?

EK: Erica wears a lot of Diane von Furstenberg and Nanette Lepore, which is beautiful, but I don’t think I would wear them outside of work. They’re too girly for my tastes. I’m definitely a jeans and tank-top kind of girl. I love my flip-flops! Besides that, I’m a bit obsessed with cowboy boots — So Canadiana. I have 5 pairs. On the red carpet, I’ll opt for shorter, strapless cocktail dresses and rock a fun clutch.

EC.com: Have you learned anything from the wardrobe consultants here in terms of your own personal style?

EK: Know what colors work for you and know what styles are most flattering for your shape (Skinny pants and I don’t mesh). My character wears a lot of turquoise, corals, gold and cranberries because it compliments my fair complexion and freckles. You don’t always have to spend a fortune on your wardrobe, but know that you get what you pay for. If you’re going to buy less-expensive clothes, then get them altered. I promise you, it makes a world of difference.

(Season 3 of Being Erica launches Sept. 21st on CBC, Season 2 DVD Sept. 14).