This Wilmington stylist dresses up. She dresses down. But, mostly, she likes to mix styles.

Eileen Smith Dallabrida
Special To Delaware News Journal

WHO: Nikki Kemper, 32, of Wilmington, fashion stylist

WHY: She was nominated by Brian Cawley, who says, “Nikki has a fabulous sense of fashion. She has the gift of knowing what looks great on her — and what looks wonderful on the people she styles.”

HER STYLE: Eclectic. “My wardrobe has a sense of high/low dressing. I love to collect up-and-coming, vintage and designer pieces to mix with styles already in my closet.”

WEARING, at Winterthur:

FIRST OUTFIT —  A plum-colored Aqua off-shoulder bell-sleeve gown from Bloomingdales; vintage gold collar necklace from her mother; diamond earrings and rings from the ef collection from Indulgence Jewelers; Valentino chain trimmed suede sandal.

SECOND OUTFIT — Needle & Thread embellished butterfly gown; Deborah Grivas earrings from Ellie Boutique in Greenville; Sophia Webster silver sandals.

THIRD OUTFIT — Nicole Miller brilliant blue Felicity gown; Mignonne Gavigan silk and crystal collar from Ellie Boutique; Love Token fur shrug from Ellie Boutique; Loeffler Randall crushed velvet shoes with beaded block heel.

Nikki Kemper wears a plum-colored off-shoulder bell sleeve AQUA gown from Bloomingdales with a vintage gold collar and Valentino chain-trimmed suede sandal.

WHERE SHE SHOPS: “Wherever the inspiration strikes. For unique pieces, personal service and attention to detail, local boutiques are where I enjoy shopping most.”

HOW SHE SHOPS: “I love shopping with friends. There is nothing more fun than styling a group of girlfriends and seeing them excited to try something fresh and new.”

FASHION ICON: She has several: Kate Moss, Madonna, Stevie Nicks and Cher.

FAVORITE DESIGNER: “I dream of owning a dress by Markarian one day.” She is a New York designer who grew up in Colorado.

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MOST RECENT PURCHASE: “I recently splurged on a pair of silver Dior sling-back kitten heels at Kirna Zabête, on the Main Line. I pair these with everything from an A-line skirt, to my favorite pair of distressed Rag & Bone jeans.”

OLDEST ITEM IN HER CLOSET: “A beautiful bangle I purchased from Iris Apfel’s personal collection while on a buying trip in New York City. Black resin with pearls; it’s so sweet, and in such classic Iris style. I treasure the memory of getting to meet with her while there.”

Nikki Kemper wears a Needle & Thread embellished butterfly gown; Deborah Grivas earrings; and Sophia Webster silver sandals.

MANE, MANICURE AND MAKEUP: “My daily hair routine is fairly low key, and I love to use at-home coconut oil conditioning treatments. When I need to be styled for a special event, I head over to Blo Blow-Dry Bar in Greenville. I like to keep makeup fairly simple, too, and I mask regularly. I rely on La Mer’s tinted moisturizer and moisturizing lip balm.  Lash extensions (by Adrienne at Spice Salon) allow me to go mascara free. For manicures, I rely on Zyng in Greenville, and pedicures at Zen Spa in Glen Mills.”

BEST FOOT FORWARD: “I am a shoe fanatic. I live in my Golden Goose and Adidas sneakers, and Gucci smoking slippers that go with everything. I also have a weakness for a great heel. Both Dior and Valentino design fabulous evening shoes, without sacrificing comfort.”

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FAVORITE COLOR: “I love wearing all colors and have been trying to incorporate new shades recently; but, of course, black is always a wardrobe staple.”

FAVORITE FRAGRANCE: “Every year I like to try a new fragrance. Recently, I’ve fallen in love with Le Labo’s Rose and Maison Margiela’s Replica travel kit at Sephora.”

WORTH THE SPLURGE: Skincare. “Linden Tyler said, ‘Invest in your skin. It is going to represent you for a very long time.’ I love this quote and believe that skincare products such as eye and night creams and masks are worth the investment.”

NOT WORTH THE SPLURGE: “Something you are only going to wear once.”

Nikki Kemper wears a  Nicole Miller brilliant blue Felicity gown; Love Token fur shrug; and Loeffler Randall crushed velvet shoes with beaded block heel.

FAVORITE FASHION RESOURCE: She follows a variety of fashion influencers online. Caroline Daur, fashion blogger. Marina Larroude, the fashion director at Barney’s. Eva Chen, the fashion director for Instagram. Lauren Santo Domingo, co-founder Moda Operandi.

WISH I HADN’T BOUGHT IT: No regrets here. “Being in fashion, I hate the process of returning things so I try to invest in things I only truly love. Otherwise, I’ll consign it.”

THE GREAT PANTYHOSE DEBATE: “I think hosiery can be a great winter accessory. There is an Italian line of tights called Calzedonia that has super fun and funky styles, like fishnets with little crystals down the legs. For basics, it’s Ralph Lauren or Spanx.” 

ORGANIZATION TIPS: “I use a lot of closet organizers and black velvet hangers. It is hard to find what you need when there are a lot of hangers jammed in. My go-to everyday bags are toward the front of the closet, and my designer bags are in their dust bags.”

FASHION NO-NO: My favorite fashion-quote is by Iris Apfel: “I don’t have any rules, because I would only be breaking them.” Wear what makes you happy.

BEST CELEBRITY HAIR: Beyoncé. “She never has a bad hair day.”

THOUGHTS ON AGING: “Do it gracefully. Take care of yourself the best you can. As I get older, I am drinking more water and moisturizing more.”

GO-TO OUTFIT ON SATURDAY NIGHT: “Either jeans or a midi skirt, a smoking slipper or heel and probably a T-shirt with a great jacket and a fabulous bag.”

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FASHION EVOLUTION: “When I was little, I collected pieces that intrigued me. Self-expression was important to me growing up. I am trying to grow my style to be a little more thoughtful and eclectic. I try to use fast-fashion pieces sparingly and invest in more quality and ethical fabrics where I can.”

INDISPENSABLE WARDROBE ITEM: “A piece that makes you happy and confident. A dress, a handbag, a scarf.”

ACE ACCESSORY: A red silk scarf with a floral brocade print. “It was a gift from my grandmother, and I wear it every way possible. I drape it around my neck as my grandmother did, I tie it to my handbag, or I wear it as a belt or bracelet.”

PANTS OR SKIRTS? Skirts.

HEELS OR FLATS? Flats.

DIAMONDS OR PEARLS? Diamonds.

WHY FASHION IS IMPORTANT: “I love that fashion gives us a source of self-expression. It provides framework for how we get up in the morning and approach the day. It can reflect our interpretations of the world around us, and it’s also fun — like a cocktail or chocolate — instant gratification.”

Style Files runs weekly in Sunday Life. To suggest someone stylish to feature — your co-worker, teacher, friend, relative or even yourself — please send information to stylefiles@delawareonline.com and include contact information. Pictures are super, too. Reach Eileen Smith Dallabrida at esmith@smithreports.com