Art lover, style diva and public relations professional Christina Kemmer often has days that take her from grassroots community gatherings to Bishop Street boardrooms and on to dinner and the theater. Since she doesn't own a car, what she puts on in the morning often has to work for her entire day.

Black is Kemmer's favorite neutral, but she loves to spike it with bright, bold accessories. Although she enjoys designer clothes, she often buys them on sale or at consignment stores or thrift shops.

Layering and ethnic looks are Kemmer's signatures. A world traveler, she shops in exotic locales such as, most recently, Myanmar and Cambodia. Her next destinations: Bhutan and the Philippines.

CHRISTINA KEMMER

Profession: Executive vice-president, Communications Pacific

Age: 57

Neighborhood: Nu'uanu

The art of dressing: "For me, it's the practice of combining texture, tailoring, color and accessories; piecing all together to create a look that will complement the activities and purpose of the day."

What inspires my look: "Variety is important, so I don't necessarily have a preferred designer or style. It is more about a feeling and a look. I am always inspired by the great designers, but also by the style and look of a country, a tribe, or the street look on sidewalks around the world."

I cannot live without: "Red lipstick, silk lingerie, perfume and an airline ticket to an exotic destination."

I never leave home without: "A passport, a packet of Hawaiian salt given to me by a kahuna nui, a pouch holding spiritual icons and, of course, a cosmetic bag with packets of Oral-B Brush-Ups."

All about accessories: "Jewelry falls into the category of investing in art to wear. Pieces can be ethnic, organic, contemporary, classic, precious or semiprecious, stone, metal or fabric. Shoes, handbags, hats, scarves, shawls all help to complement a look."

Favorite designer: "I tend to mix and match different designer pieces. I also love to mix fabrics — cashmere and lace, leather and silk, even fabric with glitter, such as camouflage with diamonds."

A collector: "I love to travel, so I collect clothes for all seasons and for use on land and sea."

My favorite places to shop: "My favorite place to stroll, discover and enjoy is the Honolulu Culture and Arts District, with its variety of galleries, studios, restaurants, wine and coffee bars, and eclectic retail shops. My second favorite haunt is Kaimuki. Airport shops, import shops, thrift stores, consignment shops, designer stores — all contribute to the thrill of the hunt for something original, classic or just fun."

My best bargain: "A brand new black Italian ostrich bag for $10!"

My style was originally inspired by: "A mother and father who always dressed well and with style; convent preparatory schools, which required a dress or uniform for every occasion and season; a decade of learning about style or "bella figura" from the Italians while studying and living in Rome."

My favorite indulgences: "Art, travel, esoteric books, spiritual icons."

Reach Paula Rath at paularath@aol.com.