There is no way in a million years I would remotely think in this lifetime I would ever, ever buy a 1960's reversible red cape.
No way.
But here is proof…never say never kids.
Look at how pleased I look with myself.
I'd like to say I was drunk at the time, but I was just drunk on the amazing service and all around great vibe of Tao at Cabaret Vintage and his sweet deals. I swear I would visit the store just to hang out with the guy. If you ever visit Toronto do not miss this little store on Queen Street West. I'm not sponsored by the store or anything, I'm letting you know one dedicated shopper to another, that you will have a great time. Guaranteed.
We actually went there looking for a dance dress for my girlfriend. And found this 1920's reproduction…
We are going back tomorrow for her to try it on as it had to be ordered in. Either she is getting it for New Year's Eve, or I am. It is the battle of who wears it best. Stay tuned for the winner.
Back to my red cape… which I ended up taking home with me from Cabaret Vintage. I tried it on as a lark. Never thinking it would look any good at all.
And then…well you know what happened.
Seriously…who owns a red cape?
Me.
That's who.
The good thing about a cape is that it is essentially a blanket so you can pretty much layer or hide everything and anything you want underneath.
If you layer too much you run the risk of looking more and more like a linebacker. However, I am determined to wear this and not freeze. So my solution is a fitted leather jacket underneath.
Also I didn't want to look like someone playing dress up or look too much like I'm wearing a costume. I think adding the contemporary leather jacket updates the look and give a more modern vibe.
You can see the plaid just peeking out. I will admit I like the plaid side better, but this side is very dramatic.
I feel like a fierce caped crusader or an proper English nanny, depending on the time of the day and my hormones.
So this is what I'm wearing underneath it all.
My best ever little black travel dress and a plaid shirt.
The belt is Anthro and I think it really makes the outfit.
Have you ever bought something that you never thought you'd ever buy? If so, were you happy with the purchase afterwards or did you wind up regretting it?
Linking up with: How I Wear My Red Visible Monday Sunday Style, Yolo Mondays, Watch What I'm Wearing Monday Mingle GFC Collective Blog Hop Thursdays Favourite Things Monday Bloom Passion For Fashion Wardrobe Wednesday Style Sessions 52 Pick Me Up
Oh, wow! that red cape looks FANTASTIC on you. I’ll be interested to see the other side worn too.
I often end up buying trends several years after they’ve been around (lol. Oops). like, say, colored jeans. But I do usually end up liking them and not regretting the purchase.
And look at you looking all glorious in that RED cape! Good call ~
Perfect… What an amazing buy. If I had been there I would have fought you for it. Just kidding, I don’t fight and you have a smaller size than me. I am an eight to ten.
I love all the outfits you are showing. And you have such a lovely face and gorgeous hair… Please next time show us the inside (out) of the cape.
I have not forgotten you said you were more interested in vintage shops in Amsterdam than expensive fashion shops. So I am going to look for vintage shops for you to come over to Amsterdam.
Greetje
Oh! I have a hard time deciding which item is more breathtaking, your cape or that dress! Then you did a reveal of your awesome outfit underneath. *bows*
Wow! Capes are fashionable right now so you have a convenient excuse to wear one. Capes are so dramatic that I understand your initial reluctance to try one on but this baby is beautiful. Great color, smart style. Uh-oh… is that a wolf over there??
Suzanne, the red cape and your red riding hood look are spectacular!!!!
Of course … Little Red Riding Hood isn’t a style icon for nothing! Perfect on you, and yes, it works perfectly with the leather.
What an amazing dress … sure hope it gets to come home with you. I can just see you in it already!
The red lip just works so hard for you! Wonderful! I envy that. I always feel even the right shade of red makes my mouth look small and mean.
You look completely glamorous!
Ooooh, I feel a twirl coming on! I love the cape! Super Nanny come Super Powered Woman…or just super stylish, fierce woman! The beaded dress is ah-mazing, and I can’t wait to see it on!
That is an incredible red cape! I like the red side better actually. I think Melanie at bag and beret had a great red cape too! xoxo
WHAT THE BLOODY HELL???!!! Shut up with that nonsense. Go directly to the post office and send it to me. Ridiculous. I am DYING to see it with the plaid side out. DYING, I TELL YOU!!! The fitted leather underneath is killing me softly. Perfection. I would totally wear that with a pair of leather skinnies and a chambray shirt. Guh. Sh!t. Now I have to stalk the interwebs for a vintage reversible cape.
LOVE this cape, and baby, you are ROCKING it!
XXX
This is smashing, love the red cape and the red lips! Red is powerful and you are wearing this cape with pride.
blue hue wonderland
What a fabulous cape!..and you’ve styled it so well. I’m sure I would have ended up carrying a basket as purse and looked a fool. ha I’m loving the outfit underneath the cape too. I really must learn how to dress up my plaid so that I don’t look like a slob. Bravo!!
The cape is pretty awesome – if anyone can rock it, it’d be you. Now that dress … wow!
You are on fire, girl! You’re right about the fitted leather jacket underneath – it adds a very strong and hip vibe to the outfit. I would love to see the other side of the cape.
Spectacular! The cape and you – made for each other, Suzanne. And with your fab hair and red lips – it’s a WOW. Thanks for sharing with Visible Monday. xox
If it ever comes to the question of “Seriously, who owns a —– to wear?” I usually figure that the answer ought to be me, because it’s so fun to have unusual pieces! I like you look marvelous in your new addition!
That cape is fabulous! I think I need a red one, after a massive cull I’m only left with a purple and a claret one! It looks utterly brilliant!
I have no idea what will end up in my wardrobe, it’s based on how quickly my heart beats when I spot it second-hand!
x
I’m like you, it takes me a while to accept the trend and then decided I want to wear it. Normally by that time it’s no longer on trend. LOL
Oh yes! I am still trying to convince my husband and or girlfriend to try to make it out there in Sept next year. Thanks for thinking of me…I think there might be some very unusual thrift store finds over there.
: )
Thanks Aggie : )
I couldn’t agree more about the lipstick. When I put on a very dark one I think it ages me like crazy. Since I’ve started using this lip liner and going around the outside of my lips and then adding in the brighter red lipstick to fill it in it isn’t so bad. I’m kind of getting used to it now and it most certainly makes my lips look bigger. No need for cosmetic fillers. Do you use a lip liner?
You are right. I needed to twirl. In fact I need to photograph this outside. With the colder weather I’m not at all inspired to take anymore photos outside.
: )
I have some photos with the plaid coming up. I wore it out yesterday and I have to say I kind of loved it. So…sadly I won’t be sending this in the mail to you. I will however, keep my eyes open in case I should find another one. I scored this one on super sale for $29.
Thanks so much : )
I do kind of feel more powerful when wearing the red. It is funny because it is normally a color I shy away from.
I saw something interesting on the weekend with plaid. They had taken rhinestones and made elbow patch designs on the shirt sleeve using very small rhinestones. It looked awesome, and not at all like a slob : )
I could really see you in this dress. Or one of the other 1920’s styles that Cabaret Vintage carries.
Other side of the cape is coming up later this week : )
Thanks Patti : )
So true. You are pretty much the “go-to gal” for unusual.
NOW i need a cape!!
Seriously–LOVE it– and love how you styled it!!
It is the red cape of pure awesomeness!!
That red cape is spectacular. The whole ensemble reminds me of this Alexander McQueen matador-inspired design. You’ve got the black, the leather, you’re playing with proportions with the cape, and you look like a fierce vixen. McQueen would be proud!
I adore such capes but haven’t found one that says fierce or feminine. Instead they say, “Hi, I’m a plus-size design, and I want to mask your entire body and swallow you up.” As you know, I don’t dress to hide. So I’ll keep looking for that perfect cape!
I think I need to pitch my “I’d never wear that” list, too. I wear skinny jeans, I tuck jeans into boots, I layer on the pink, and I’ll even wear skirts above the knee. Gasp! My “I’d never wear that” list is unfortunately a result of thinking I can’t pull certain looks off, not that I’m trying to stay tasteful. I was told recently that I don’t have sophisticated taste. I went home, admired my pink stuffed unicorn bust on the wall with a tinsel scarf around its neck and a tinsel ring around its horn, and thought that I’m the epitome of sophistication. Ha!
<3 Liz
AMAZING CAPE! Love the accessories too, lovely look! Hugs, Beata
I’ve done that countless times and usually find the exact result you are having. I kind of (no really) want to steal that amazing cape right off your shoulders. The plaid inset is TO DIE FOR. One plaid lover to another. I’m simply thrilled to see soooo much plaid this season. Love how you paired it with a fun dress, gives both items a whole new look. Oh, and if neither of you when in the fitting room, let me know (jk). I’m hoping you turn out to be the winner because I would love to see you in that party dress.
your cape is amazing, love it
Suzanne – you are a caped crusader and I say go girl. You are looking ‘fierce’!!
Love these looks!
xx, Heather
Stunning red cape!! I love that it’s reversible! or maybe it’s not?? Either way -it’s fabulous on you. I have been wanting a cape too but they always look like a giant blanket on me.
And that belt..I wished I had picked it up when i fell in love with it. – Anthro has the best belts and everything else too!
Alice
http://www.happinessatmidife.com
Well, Caped Crusader, you look amazing! Yes, thank goodness you tried it on. I must confess I probably would have passed it by as well. Well, more fool me! The only things I ever regret buying are things that I buy when I’m shopping with someone else. I get carried away by them saying it looks great, it’s a good deal, blah, blah, blah…. I have to go alone and listen to my own internal dialogue. (Usually one-sided, saying, yeah, get it!)
Thanks for the tip about the shop in Toronto. I think I’d better make a trip to Toronto and Montreal soon. It’s been almost 17 years since I was last in Canada. I live in England now, and it’s wonderful. Well, I was always such an Anglophile.
Cheers from England,
Rosemary from http://www.foreveronthecatwalkoflife.blogspot.com
No, but it’s an idea that’s easy to try. Thanks for thinking of it!
I love, love, love that red cape and the way you wear it. The baret, the black, the leather jacket…wow! I also love what you are wearing underneath. And that belt is just fab! Well done, dear, well done!