Librarian Wardrobe

Out-in-front: Reference & Outreach Librarian

Here we are at Day 6 with Jaime Hammond wrapping up the special edition posts! And keep an eye out tomorrow for a post featuring photographers for Librarian Wardrobe at Midwinter.

Librarian Wardrobe: Tell us briefly about your position and what you do. Have you always been in similar positions during your library career? If not, what other areas have you been in?

Jaime Hammond: I’m a reference and outreach librarian at a community college. Before this, I was a technical services library assistant in a public library, so I’m definitely not married to any one kind of librarianship. I’ve also had about 100 other kinds of jobs, including travel agent, video store employee, waitress, substitute teacher, and once I filed for a urologist’s office.

LW: Describe your style. Have any favorite colors or pieces?

JH: My style is definitely a little wacky. Usually my outfits have themes, at least in my head- themes like ‘real housewives’ or ‘old man golfer style.’ People sometimes say to me “only you could get away with wearing that” and that’s my favorite compliment. I go through phases, but right now my favorite colors to wear are brown and grey, but I try to wear something bright with them. My favorite color not to wear is white.

LW: How do you accessorize? Do you gravitate toward a certain kind(s) of accessories, like jewelry, scarves, facial hair?

JH: I definitely love accessories- I think they make your clothes an outfit. I like really big, funky jewelry and I’m kind of into scarves. Necklaces and earrings are my favorite- especially ones with feathers.

LW: What are you most excited about for #alamw12? Is there a program or event you are really looking forward to?

JH: I’m most excited to hear David Lankes’ presentation about transforming librarianship. I’m also really hoping to score some brightly colored cowboy boots.

LW: What will you most likely wear to this event? You’re obviously not committed to wearing whatever you say you’ll wear, but just give us an idea. And why do you think you’d choose this outfit for this situation?

JH: Since this is a daytime event, I might wear something like a tshirt with a blazer and pants. I recently found a box of favorite clothes from high school I had stored away, so I’ve been wearing my Nirvana tshirt a lot.

LW: If you were forced to burglarize another librarian’s house, steal all his/her clothes and wear them for eternity, who would you pick? And why? (Obviously this is likely to happen, so it’s good to plan ahead.)

JH: I’d definitely say Nicole, not just because she asked me to do this, but because I love her style. But honestly, all my librarian friends have insane style, that’s why I’m friends with them! (Also because they are amazing, inspirational people.)

LW: Have any final thoughts for libraryland?

JH: I always try to dress as much like a rock star as I can possibly pull off at 6:30 in the morning. Then for the rest of the day, I feel like a rock star. It gives me confidence, invites conversation with students, and gets me out of weeding the bottom shelves. Triple win.

Jaime Hammond is a reference and outreach librarian at Naugatuck Valley Community College. She always wanted to work for a fashion magazine, so this is rad. She was also a 2011 Mover and Shaker and a 2009 ALA Emerging Leader. She blogs at libraryspaces.tumblr.com.

The Most Glamorous Librarian Wardrobe

Lisa Carlucci Thomas was deemed one of the most glamorous librarians by Dressed Her Days Vintage in their search during ALA Annual 2011. We thought we’d ask her about her style and any tips for other librarians.

Lisa is Digital Services Librarian, New Haven, CT and you can find her on Twitter as @lisacarlucci.

Photos used with permission.
Photos by:
Amy Giaquinto, Angela Ruotolo

Librarian Wardrobe: You were one of the winners of the DHD Most Glamorous Librarian. Could you explain your style?

Lisa Carlucci Thomas: My style is blend of classic and modern; I like to combine current favorites with unique items to create a style that’s always changing. This translates a few ways: first, it makes it easy to curate my wardrobe, selectively add new pieces, and have a range of styles readily available. It also means that I often don’t wear an outfit more than once or twice because I’m constantly mixing things up.

LW: What is your favorite piece or outfit in your wardrobe?

LCT: Ask me today and I’ll tell you it’s my black H&M scarf with silver stitching. Ask me tomorrow and I’ll tell you it’s the sparkly floral brooch from my grandmother’s estate. Next week, it will be the brown Anne Klein boots that a friend gave to me years ago. Actually, the boots are my favorite thing today.

LW: Do you have any style icons?

LCT: My friends are my style icons. I’m surrounded by smart, stylish, creative, passionate friends and colleagues. I admire how their styles reflect the amazing people they are and their enthusiasm for what they love. I talk style with them, I learn from them, and I swap trends and fashion ideas with them.

LW: Any tips for librarians who would like to look as pulled together as you are?

LCT: Own your style. Wear what you like. Like what you wear. Don’t waste money on any item you won’t put on right away. Style isn’t price tag or brand name. Style is fashion that demonstrates you.

LW: Any tips for librarians who aren’t sure what to wear to work parties or parties at professional events?

LCT: Poll your friends. Seek their expert advice on what to wear and what not to wear based on what they know about your style and wardrobe.  If you’re at an event and see someone wearing something you like, strike up a conversation about it. If all else fails, go for the items that best fit you and the occasion. Fashion tells a story; what you’re wearing becomes part of the experience.

LW: You present a lot at conferences; do you dress differently for certain presentations versus others?

LCT: Style context varies depending on the city, season, event and theme, but the basic style elements are the same. I dress similarly for all conferences and presentations and generally pack the same kinds of items: business clothes, casual clothes, dress shoes, sensible shoes, cardigan.

LW: Any final thoughts or comments?

LCT: Read “Love, Loss, and What I Wore” by Ilene Beckerman. Write your own fashion memoir. Talk about your flair.