A Week of Outfits: Claudette Zepeda
“While working, I’m in an apron and Blundstones, clothes that I can get dirty,” says Claudette Zepeda, the award-winning chef, competitor on the new TV series Bobby Flay’s The Line, and author of the beautiful cookbook, Cooking the Borderlands. “But I love dopamine dressing, and if the day allows it, I want to look girly, fun, and whimsical.” Here, Claudette shares five outfits she wore in a week…
Blazer: Zara, similar. Bodysuit: Amazon, similar. Skirt: Amazon. Boots: Sam Edelman, available secondhand.
“Someone once asked me, ‘How do you choose what to wear for special occasions?’ and I said, ‘Well, I’m the occasion.’ We’re told that certain clothes belong in certain environments, but I don’t believe that. I choose to wear my special-occasion clothes on a Monday.”
Blazer: Zara, similar. Necklace: Zara, similar. Top: Amazon, similar. Pants: Zara, similar. Heels: Steve Madden, available secondhand.
“I also have a goth heart, for sure — there’s a little Wednesday Addams in me. Mexicans embrace death. It’s a conversation we start having as children. So, I think black is beautiful, although I do like to throw in a pop of color, like these candy heels.”
“Mexican culture has some of the most beautiful, outspoken women in history. I grew up adoring Alejandra Guzmán, basically the Madonna of Mexico. Also, the women in telenovelas, where everything is dramatic — the dresses are flowing, and the accessories, good Lord! We have an entire mall in Guadalajara for cocktail jewelry. We LOVE an accessory moment.”
Dress: Ada & Edith. Boots: Amazon.
“My friend made this dress — she owns the fashion line Ada & Edith. As for the silver boots, I viscerally remember watching Pretty Woman as a teenager and thinking Julia Roberts’s thigh-high boots were so powerful. When I put on these boots, I feel so sexy, like I can take on the world.”
“I’ve worn prescription glasses since I was 17 and can’t see beyond a foot from my face. I beat up my glasses pretty badly, so I look for pairs that aren’t super expensive, around $30. Recently, I’ve found some fun styles at Zeelool.”
“Dressing to turn heads is a part of our culture. And even when we’re ‘dressed down,’ and going out to grab tortillas from the molino down the street, the nails are impeccable and the red lip is bold.”
Jacket: Zara, similar. Top: Zara. Jeans: “From my mother”, similar. Boots: Jessica Simpson similar.
“This shirt has Mr. Snuffleupagus vibes. It reminds me not to take myself too seriously. If I walk into a meeting, where everyone else is wearing suits, I’m immediately out of place — in the best way possible.”
“As a kid, I had gumption. One day in the fourth grade, I decided, ‘I’m gonna run for student council’ and was voted in as treasurer. But I lost that confidence over time, especially during early motherhood. Nowadays, as a mom of a young woman, I’m constantly thinking, What am I teaching her? If I’m insecure, how is she going to attack the world and feel confident herself? Whenever I need a boost, I call on my spirit army — my grandmother and ancestors. They give me strength.”
Bandana: Zara, similar. Hoops: Hoodland Bazaar. Top: Zara, similar. Shorts: Zara, similar. Socks: Amazon, similar. Heels: Steve Madden, available secondhand.
“This is an outfit that I also would have worn as a teenager, while hanging out with the homies. I have pictures of me as a kid wearing ruffle socks like these.”
“I art directed all the photography for my cookbook. During shoots, I wore what I call ‘business mullets’ — the top half is polished, and the bottom half is sweatpants.”
“My favorite chapter in my book is called ‘From My Mother’s Hips,’ and it’s an homage to the recipes I grew up with and the women who showed me how to be a woman. All the women in my family are divas and fully themselves; they taught me how to take up space. The recipes I’m proudest of are throwbacks to my childhood, like Bananas Foster, which was iconic in my household.”
Thank you so much, Claudette! Check out her cookbook here, if you’d like.
P.S. More people share their week of outfits, including a nutritionist who worked on her stutter and a professor with a pink power suit.
(Photos by Valeria Metz for Cup of Jo.)
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Comments
71 commentsThe silver ankle boots with the bow! Love, love, love it! :)
I was reading this when my 7yo son asked about it. I admitted that I often feel like I don’t wear things that feel fun to me anymore. He got very serious and then told me my challenge is to dress in a way that feels fun every day until his birthday (in November). Challenge accepted, kid!
What a fun challenge – and a fantastic kid! Way to go, momma.
Looove this week of outfits! Go Claudette!
I promise I say this with care, it is a bummer to see amazon linked so frequently. I know links/affiliate links are a normal part of the biz. I know cupofjo is not doing anything more heinous than any other page that relies on ecommerce as a part of their revenue. I say this only because I trust cupofjo more, and I think this kind of conversation and nuance is possible here in a way it isn’t with fucking influencers. I am curious if I am an outlier or if many others agree: I would prefer outfits to be unlabeled with brands if they are fast fashion. I get plenty of inspiration, enjoyment and pleasure out of looking at cool people wearing cool stuff, hearing about their lives and experiences, “shopping their look” is not a big part of experience of this series. I would continue to be entertained and delighted if all the links disappeared. The threat of amazon is too great- it’s not worth it.
Agree 100%. I understand the ease of shopping on Amazon but I hate the impact it has on small locally owned businesses. And for the most part, clothing purchased on Amazon is poor quality and destined for the landfill (as opposed to resale).
I agree, and this turned me off from this article.
Yessssssssss! Boycott the oligarchs!
YESyesYES!
Completely agree. I thought the exact same thing reading this.
My thought too. Her style is so funky and cool, but it’s mostly Amazon and Zara, and styles like she chooses aren’t usually pieces that’ll be worn all that long. A thrift and vintage version of some of this would feel a LOT better to me. But I’m afraid we’re in the minority, and most people don’t think twice.
I noticed the same, and I found it disheartening. Fast fashion is such a blight in our society and if people are going to support it, so be it, but we certainly do not need to promote it through shoppable links.
What fabulous inspiration and a wonderful reminder that getting dressed can be a party. The older I get, the more particular I am about the character i choose to embody on a given day, and the more attracted i find myself to big accessories, unexpected color combinations, and mischievous makeup! Yes to feathers and sequins as basics!
Love the pop of color and party like style
Daygo in the house You look amazing queen beautiful and bright like our gem of a city
Claudette’s “business mullet” confession made me laugh — polished on top for the camera, comfort below is basically my work-from-home uniform too. I love that the jeans she wears are “from my mother”; pieces with family history always carry more confidence than anything new off the rack. The silver boots inspired by Pretty Woman are such a perfect example of dressing from a joyful memory rather than a trend forecast.
Claudette, ERES UNA REYNA!!!!!!! 👑👑👑👑👑👑
this is awesome! and it made me think that the theme running through the week of outfits series is JOY
OMG I LOVE CLAUDETTE. What a fun crossover to see her here!!!
Possibly the best week of outfits ever! Love how joyful and playful she is. I try to use my great aunt’s china whenever possible and I like applying that idea to fancy clothes.
YES to dopamine dressing, love this so much!
Am in NYC for a few days for work, and while I was packing, I was fully thinking, “If I happen to run into Joanna Goddard, what could I wear that might make her want to feature me for a week of outfits!” This is unlikely since I am sticking to Manhattan for the whole trip – but I am ready!
oh my gosh that is the cutest! love it xoxo
When I went to Brooklyn for Kaitlyn’s book event and knew I’d see Kaitlyn and Joanna (and a bunch of COJ readers) there I legit went out and…bought new shoelaces?!
Can relate, Wally! I visited Brooklyn in May and thought WWJW (what would Joanna wear) as I packed.
LOVE this post! Claudette, you are AMAZING. Also, this line “If I walk into a meeting, where everyone else is wearing suits, I’m immediately out of place — in the best way possible” totally got me. “Being out of place in the best way possible” is my new motto :)
Love love love Claudette’s energy and vibe! And I also gasped when I saw Tacos El Gordo! OMG LEGENDARY tacos!!! Our family has made taco pilgrimages to TEG from North Orange County LOL
Love her whole style! I think she’s wearing a gold digital Casio watch, as do I, and wanted to say thank you to whoever commented a while back on a watch post about the timers on those watches. Absolute game changer especially if you’re a lil time blind, and I love the way they look!
Stahhhhpppp same! Love my lil watch timer! I’m a teacher and use it constantly in the classroom. I have talked most of my family into buying versions of the same gold Casio watch bc it’s the best!
ooh, this is selling me on digital Casio watches!
Fantastic! Love her style and just requested Cooking the Borderlands from my local library. And as a fellow San Diegan, I loved the shoutout to Tacos El Gordo!!
Claudette I love your vibe! I love your thoughts on raising your daughter to be confident. Typing this while holding my 8 week old baby girl. I’m flailing in early motherhood (that’s normal right? lol), but I hope to bring this energy towards raising her!
Reminder of all the reasons not to shop at Zara: https://blog.boycat.io/posts/why-boycott-zara-israel-genocide-complicity
Thank you for posting this.
I was not aware of this. Thank you for posting.
Thank you
thank you for this.
Thank you for this. Also adding, boycott Amazon: – Labor exploitation throughout the supply chain: https://www.dazeddigital.com/fashion/article/68321/1/amazon-fashion-new-report-forced-labour-concerns-labour-behind-the-label – Supporting the genocide and the occupation: https://www.ethicalconsumer.org/ethical-campaigns/amazon-palestine-genocide And I just want to note — I am not trying to shame Claudette or anyone on here who does shop at Zara or Amazon or any other fast-fashion outlet. We as individuals make choices within tough economic times under a capitalist system run by tech-oligarchs. But if we collectively push for better, then we can start to see change.
With information we can make intentional decisions. Thank you for adding this to the conversation, Nina!
Thanks for the reminder Nina. And Maya I really appreciate your note and its gentle phrasing🤍 as a mom on a tight budget I feel like I am often making the lesser of two evils decision about where and what to purchase. I’d like to think we are all doing the best we can in a really shitty system
There are two sides to this issue. If one simply condemns one side and cannot stay open to understanding both perspectives, then one is not really open to a solution or to peace.
To make a point more similar to Maya’s: I do not buy *new* fast fashion, but I do thrift it on occasion, and maintain it so it lasts. Does that erase the terrible things that these brands are complicit in? No. But it’s a supplement to the pieces from more ethical brands in my closet. And it makes me feel a little better that these items were already in circulation. Friends, if you feel like certain brands are out of reach, for whatever reason, I swear there’s TONS of it at thrift stores. But we still need to demand change, of course. Sigh. It’s such a complex issue.
It would be such fun if you posted a recipe of hers! What a cool lady! I like the idea of being out of place in the best possible way. I’ll remember that! <3
Thank you for featuring, love her style and vitality! And Kelsey, we miss you already xo
Ah is Kelsey leaving Cup of Jo? I missed that! I’ll miss you and your writing Kelsey. Hopefully still see you here!
Such a wonderfully inspiring QUEEN!
She is quite fabulous! her sparkles! and glitter! such a delight to have razzle-dazzle to help us get through the ordinary days.
What fun! The last outfit is ADORABLE.
Love her style and confidence! We need women to take up space!! Also just wanted to say thank you for all of the posts on here over the years about teaching children consent, boundaries, etc. I’ve been having a hard time this week as a woman and as the mother of a boy, and those lessons are helping me feel grounded. I feel like I have a plan for how I can raise my boy to be a good man, and that starts will lessons he can grasp now. The SA epidemic is terrifying and sad, but I’m trying to do my part.
Love seeing San Diego representation here! Claudette is so talented and stylish, I’m in awe of her once again. Unfortunately, I can’t pull off the trendy baggy knee-length shorts look but kudos to shoe who can.
When I saw Tacos El Gordo I GASPED. This might be my favorite in the series, even before the San Diego connection clicked.
This post is screaming…encore… with a beauty uniform, and or maybe a recipe! I’m avid food competition viewer and love watching Claudette compete. She’s so true to what she says here- she brings the style and personality everywhere she goes. Her food is often vibrant as well. When I was a teacher, I felt very excited to dress for “special occasions” on the regular. I really felt like it brought me to life in the classroom to be excited about how I was presenting myself. I think I need to channel that vibe now.
Wonderful post! I really enjoy following Chef Claudette on Instagram. She’s so real & her knowledge of food history is so impressive!
My jaw dropped seeing Claudette on here! Such a big fan from seeing her on Food Network – she is a VIBE!
We all need more Claudette energy in our lives. And I love all her outfits here.
dale, mami!!!! you look FAB
what energy! thanks for sharing. Also, love it when kelsey miller writes a post! Her writing is always fun to read.
YES SO GOOD I LOVE IT TE AMO!
“Business mullet” is way too relatable! I chuckled aloud when I read that one, its what I wear for zoom job interviews (searching for a job while unemployed is horrible these days) …. a great top or dress that makes me feel amazing and then sweats or shorts on the bottom. Ever since covid I can’t be bothered to wear jeans in my own home anymore. Claudette’s style is so vibrant and self-assured, I love it! Really like her approach to confidence as well.
Wishing the best for your job hunt Jak. I’ve been there!
Every outfit is superb. And inspirational. I’m off to a party on Saturday night and will be channelling some of this. Thank you!!
What a spark of joy! Her smile/energy/persona/light is contagious! She inspires me to dress more bold on the regs.
Here to say my daughters and I loved watching you on GGGGG. You are strong, spirited, stylish, and showed so much heart.
she makes tacos look FAB! Loved every foto!!
Love seeing Latinas on this blog!
Wow! I needed this jolt of energy from Claudette, thank you! I particularly love the notion of being out of place as a good thing! I have a clear memory of an in-person sales meeting at my former employer shortly after we began coming back to the office. Everyone else in the room was wearing black or navy, and all the women had the same blow-dried, chin-length bob, and giant diamond solitaire engagement ring. I felt entirely out of place in my red and leopard print cardigan, wild wavy hair, and small wedding band. Apparently I had gotten weirder during Covid, but in a way I liked! I didn’t know it then but it was the first sign of many that being out of place at that place was a good thing, and that I needed to leave that job!
Cool outfits! ☺️ but the rings!!! 🤍🩶🩵
holy smokes! rad! cookbook: purchased! (do i have time to make anything other than buttered noodles right now? nope, don’t care, what lovely reading! i appreciate her thoughts on confidence and having a daughter. as someone who wants to just blend in the background, how do I make sure to not pass that along to my kid, yeah. i think about it a lot, inner child work and in real time parenting is a lot sometimes!
Love, love, love this!! What a great read on this rainy day in Vancouver.
Whenever I need a boost, I’m going to call on Claudette Zepeda!! What a bad-ass lady! Also, the “business mullet” made me lol. Its my every-day uniform working form home on video calls.
I find it so bloody enjoyable to see women having joy & a confident lust with what and how they wear whatever! Claudette, you look so ALIVE! Fangirl-greetings from a Birkenstock/marineblackwhitegrey/the craziest thing I wear – so far :) – is a red hair tie woman. I adore this!