Beautiful Equation

When it comes to her wardrobe, Nadia Edoh is like a fusion chef, taking a little from this country, a little from that one, then adding the perfect topping to spice it all up. Born in Togo, West Africa (where, we're told, a woman never reveals her age), the Ayer resident developed her style of mixing American classics with ethnic touches when she moved to the United States to attend Maryville College in Tennessee. "I start with jeans," she says, "then add a big necklace from Africa, maybe some materials from India. But I keep the look clean, not Bohemian." Her love of many cultures led to volunteer work as web coordinator for Spheres of Exchange, a Boston-based organization that assists female immigrants. She'll be modeling in the group's annual transModa fashion show Wednesday at the Cyclorama in the South End. For work as a business analyst contractor at Liberty Mutual in Weston, however, Edoh keeps it simple. "Though my style is about ethnic fabrics and colors, I always think less is more."

Where She Shops

FOR A BARGAIN "I believe fashion is not something you should be spending a fortune on. You just need to be a little creative," says Edoh, who frequents affordable stores in Acton, including TJ Maxx (365 Massachusetts Avenue, 978-263-0196) and Ann Taylor Loft (Brookside Shops, 145 Great Road, 978-263-1091) for work classics.

FOR ETHNIC STYLES Nomad (1741 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, 617-497-6677) is Edoh's hands-down favorite store for clothing and accessories from around the world. "My outfits always have an ethnic influence somewhere."

FOR A SPLURGE When Edoh wants something really special, she turns to Charlestown designer Shirley Straface (617-407-4766 or shirleystraface.com), who participated in last year's transModa show. "She made me the most elegant strapless cocktail dress for my husband's company Christmas party."