Nikki Bradley is a well known inspirational speaker and cancer survivor from Letterkenny. She is the founder of ‘Fighting Fit For Ewing’s’ (FFFE) – a campaign to raise awareness for Ewing’s Sarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer which eventually caused her to need a full hip replacement.
Nikki lets nothing stand in her way. She now works as a public speaker and is part of many local projects and campaigns. Her fitness achievements are an inspiration to all people, especially those who have overcome illness.
Nikki is one of Ireland’s Ten Outstanding Young People of 2016. She was the 2015 President of Junior Chamber International (JCI) Donegal. More recently, she was the first woman to abseil off one of Ireland’s most iconic landmarks; Fanad Lighthouse. Check out one of her amazing feats here.
She does all this and more, and always with style. Here is Nikki’s Style Study for Donegal Woman:
How would you describe your personal style?
My style has evolved over the years. When I was a little younger I loved the casual/cool look. Slightly slouchy and very… ‘comfortable’ looking. Nowadays I prefer a more groomed look. Less Kate Moss and more Victoria Beckham. I would describe my style as ‘preppy’.
Who is your style icon?
I don’t really have a style icon if I’m honest, however, If I had to choose I would probably go for the Middletons, Pippa mostly. Her simplistic style is similar to mine in that she will choose a nice dress and pair it with an oversized handbag or killer heels allowing the bag/shoes to steal the show. I like that.
What is your favourite piece of clothing?
I have had a coat for YEARS that I awake from hibernation each winter. It’s HUGE. It is also the warmest/cosiest coat I have ever owned. I bought it in River Island about six years ago and I know I will wear it for years to come.
What inspires you when choosing an outfit?
Pastel colours always catch my eye. I love dresses and shirts with collars too. I work in an office so my Monday to Friday look is usually dressy. Either a dress or fitted trousers and heels. I love this look as again it is quite preppy.
How would you accessorise a look?
With one or all of the following; a watch, coat, handbag or heels. I am not keen on over accessorising. I wear minimal jewellery and hate seeing necklaces paired with earrings. It is too much and annoys me for some reason!
What is your most recent fashion purchase?
I bought a floral bardot dress for a wedding a couple of weeks ago but didn’t end up wearing it so it is currently hanging prettily in my wardrobe waiting for its big moment!
Where do you usually shop for clothing?
Asos. It is just so easy and hassle free, especially now that they have free returns. They provide an excellent service and you don’t have to leave your couch the entire time! What’s not to love☺
Do you have any favourite local fashion boutiques?
Claire Clothing have lovely pieces and The Grey Room attached to Ruth’s Pharmacy have beautiful handbags and accessories. I bought an amazing bright pink umbrella in The Grey Room last Christmas. It is so over the top I feel slightly ridiculous using it but it makes me smile just looking at it.
What are your wardrobe staples?
I have a pair of heels from Next that I wear to death. They are quite scuffed now which breaks my heart a little as I think they have been discontinued.
I also have a floral dress that I have had for years. It has been sewn back together numerous times but I am not ready to throw it out yet.
I wear a lot of faux fur coats and collars too which add a touch of glamour to any outfit and make me feel like a mob wife☺ I actually spotted a beautiful leopard print fur coat in M&S in Liffey Valley recently which I think I will have to buy despite my Mum’s protests. She thinks I look like Bet Lynch from Coronation Street.
Do you follow trends?
I buy what I like and if it happens to be on trend then great! I am not going to buy something just because it is the ‘in’ thing though.
Heels or flats?
Heels all the way! I have been a fan of heels since I was a child, in fact I actually wore them on my Communion day! #Dedicated
I can’t wear really high heels anymore though which is so annoying. I walk with crutches so I have to be careful. I wish more stores stocked mid height heels, that would be perfect.
Shoes or handbags?
Hmmmmm, that’s a tricky one… Can I put my shoes IN my handbag and have both?
What is the best piece of fashion advice you’ve ever heard?
Dress to suit your body. Don’t wear something simply because it is fashionable. If, like me, your stomach is your trouble area then don’t squeeze yourself into the world’s tightest body con dress. It won’t end well!
What do you think about the fashion scene in Donegal?
I think the women of Donegal are on point! I attended the wedding of my cousin Michelle recently and the style was like something out of a magazine! I do think the men folk could make a little more effort though. Some guys look great and know exactly what looks good on them and others look like they got dressed in a plaid shirt shop, in the dark, in the 90’s. Come on dudes, if we can make the effort so can you!
What has been your best investment piece?
The best thing I ever owned was a white ceramic Armani watch. It was a gift and I loved it as it went with absolutely everything. It fell off my wrist about a year ago and smashed to smithereens on the concrete ground below. A little part of me died that night☹
What’s the wackiest item you own?
I, for no reason at all, own a snapback Cap. It has been worn once and sits in my wardrobe mocking me daily. I am clearly not cool enough to wear it. If I ever go back to America I might bring it with me. I feel like they will be a more accepting audience.
If you could wear only one outfit for the rest of your life, what would it be?
I would go for a simple dress with a smart coat, bag, heels and my beloved Armani watch.
What has been your biggest fashion faux-pas?
Probably the heels I wore on my Communion Day. The heel itself was made out of rubber which caused me to fall in a heap on my way up to the church. I had a tantrum and ran behind a tree refusing to pose for photos. Ha, I was and still am, a bit of a drama queen.
If money wasn’t a factor, what would you buy?
Ooooo this is my favourite question.
I would buy so many watches. I love oversized pieces. Christian Paul have a great collection. I would also buy about twenty pairs of sunglasses and handbags and shoes and dresses and… and…. I need to calm down.
How do you feel when you’re in your favourite outfit?
Confident. I think that is the best word to describe how you feel when you are in an outfit you are comfortable in. Confident and happy.
Follow Nikki on https://www.facebook.com/NikkiBradleySpeaks/
Want to share your fashion secrets in the #DWStyleStudy? Email us on news@donegalwoman.ie
