Make a wedding-and-wine statement from Nordstrom Rack and Schutz

I was catching up via video chat with my friend Debbie, a 31-year-old- wine buyer, who recently moved to Rhode Island. We got to talking about our plans being canceled due to covid, when she mentioned a canceled wedding for which she bought an outfit that was sadly sitting in her closet with the tags still on. Shortly after, Debbie obliged my request for a virtual fashion show so that I could see the would-be ensemble.

“This was going to be for a wedding in California, in wine country,” she said as her mustard yellow wrap-bodice, wide-leg jumpsuit ($70, Nordstrom Rack) lit up my laptop. “So, I figured instead of doing dresses like everyone, I wanted to be a little bit more edgy. Make a statement.”

Thrilled to know that it still fit her new “quarantine figure,” Debbie debated accessories. She pulled out a pair of brown leather, caged stilettos (Schutz brand, $60 at a consignment store), deciding they would achieve a more monochromatic look. “Apparently monochromatic is a new thing, which… I could try to pull off. I’m always down to try!”

“I didn’t know what jewelry because I haven’t decided on the shoes yet. But when you have an open neckline, it’s good to have a pop of color with jewelry.” She thought of a perfectly matching set of tassel earrings she’d found at a boutique for about 5 Euros when she lived in Spain. Pleased with the final decision, she shouted “Now I know what I’m wearing, when I do get to go to this wedding!”

Over the years that I’ve known Debbie, she’s lived in California, Colorado, Rhode Island and parts of Spain. I asked if her many homes had influenced her style. “Yes, one hundred percent. They’re brand whores on the east coast, versus California,” she joked and recalled that living in Boulder also taught her how to layer her “Patagucci” outdoor clothing.

“If I wear flip flops in Spain, I’m immediately known as an outsider and an expat. No one wears flip flops in Europe unless you’re going to the beach.” She might dress slightly different depending on where she lives, but doesn’t let it stop her from being herself. “Because I’m from California, I still feel a sense of comfortability in wearing pajamas to the grocery store or wearing flip flops in winter. But I’ve adapted to the trends that I like.”

Debbie finds balance by “staying true but also taking lessons. The things that have resonated with me, I like to keep wherever I move to next.”