1940′s Cape Perfection
December 7th, 2009
40′s rayon cape: Thrifted
Knit headband, turban-style: Value Village
Scarf: Value Village in Vancouver, years ago
Tunic dress: Goodwill
Tights: Hue
Wool socks: Husband’s
Boots: muddy, thrifted Justins (haven’t cleaned them since my hike, oops!)
It has taken me a long time to find a cape that I love. Well, that’s not true, there have been many capes that have passed through my life & shop that I thought were pretty awesome, but just because something is awesome doesn’t mean that it’s totally right for me! There was the heart cape, the famous fall cape, the navy cape, the military cape, the leopard cape (kind of wish I still had this one!), the fur cape… and there were more, too! I liked them all, but none of them really called out to me the way this 40′s cape did. There is a whole cape section right now at a vintage store I like to visit, and this one just felt so good- it’s rayon, so it hangs really nicely. The girl working at the store remarked that this kind of fabric on a cape is so much better for short/small people like she & I, because it doesn’t add much bulk and flows well enough so that our shape isn’t totally hidden. I absolutely love the color and the surprise seafoamy-blue lining… what a great combination! The collar is that blue color too, and it’s always folded down.
I think this outfit was somewhat inspired by Scandinavian street style blogs. Those girls are so good at layering, they can make an outfit with tons of top layers and bulk look good! I’m not sure if I accomplished the same effect, but I did manage to stay warm despite the very cold air. Cool cape wearing tip: wear a big, warm, wool sweater underneath and it’ll feel just like you are wearing a good jacket! Also, gloves. I need to get some gloves that offer full hand coverage, because as much as I love this leather/crochet pair, they really only worked in the early fall.
This is actually still the same park that I’ve been taking photos in lately, but this time I ventured to the other side! I’m really into going to the other side. The fifth dimension? As long as it’s a forest-based dimension, that’s cool with me.
I have to admit that I was having a pretty fun time tromping around in the fake-forest park and taking photos. Can you tell? I think it’s because of the cape. It’s hard to not feel awesome when you are wearing such a fun piece of clothing. Plus, the more I moved around, the warmer I felt! It’s going to be a cold week, and my guests are arriving this afternoon, so we’ll be bundling up a lot in the coming days for all of our Portlandy activities.
A mini stump, and I’ll say goodbye for now. I’ve got an overdue shop update to work on before my friends arrive!
Entry Filed under: outfits
17 Comments
Add your own1. Lindsay Jean | December 7th, 2009 at 11:31 am
once again, you’re my inspiration for the week! love this look! it is very norther European street style blog – i agree!
2. meaghan | December 7th, 2009 at 11:45 am
Ooooh! I totally see the Scandinavian streetstyle blog inspiration here! You pull it off as well if not better though!
And congratulations on your adventure to the other side of your usual park! It definitely does sound and look like loads of fun!
have fun with your friends!!!!
3. Rebecca | December 7th, 2009 at 12:28 pm
That cape is gorgeous!! I want one! Love the red with the grey tights. All I’ve been wearing lately is grey and red! I really look forward to your posts
4. melly | December 7th, 2009 at 12:36 pm
I want to give you a hug, you look so cozy! My favourite bit of your outfit has got to be your headband, makes you look so well put together – hair to toe!!
5. Casey | December 7th, 2009 at 1:39 pm
Oh wow–this is such a gorgeous piece, Anja! I just love the drape of the fabric; I think it is true that the more drapey fabrics (as opposed to the more often used wools and such) give it a much more flattering, elegant line. What a lovely find!
6. Quincy | December 7th, 2009 at 2:45 pm
that cape is amazing! i love rayon too! when i found my first rayon 40s dress my hubby could’t keep his hands off me, and i don’t mean that in a dirty way, lol
)
7. Alex | December 7th, 2009 at 5:23 pm
I’ve been looking for a cape for ages as well, and I can never seem to find the “right” one for me.
But your cape on the other hand, is so lovely. It suits you perfectly!
8. kennedy | December 7th, 2009 at 8:22 pm
oh wow, i am in awe of this outfit. that turban with that cape! they look beautiful on you and i could never ever wear a turban that well! lucky you!
9. Hannah Elise | December 7th, 2009 at 9:20 pm
Let me just say that you have achieved layering perfection.
10. anne | December 7th, 2009 at 9:46 pm
such magical looking photos! i love them and the cape, of course.
11. hannah | December 7th, 2009 at 10:24 pm
adorable! it’s perfect!
12. Jenny | December 8th, 2009 at 9:33 am
I’ve been tempted by your lovely etsy shop for so long now! Your blog is lovely and your cape is lovely. I bought myself a little antique black cape that I’m so scared will fall apart any minute now…
xo Jenny Fashion for Writers
13. Rebecca | December 10th, 2009 at 7:23 am
Excellent cape find! I recently got my hands on this excellent dark greenish plaid cape from my husband’s grandma, but when I tried it on I was disappointed – it’s super bulky, like it was made for someone with a HUGE body or it’s just badly structured.
14. rachel c. | December 11th, 2009 at 9:39 am
You look so cute and cozy!
I went on a streak a couple of weeks ago where I kept finding all of these amazing vintage capes at thrift stores and ended up selling them all and not keeping one for myself. After seeing this, I must say I have a twinge of regret!
xoxoxo
15. kathryn | December 14th, 2009 at 4:50 pm
ahhh that cape!!
and the copper findings I’ve been waiting for came today so I can finally finish your necklace!
16. Esther | December 19th, 2009 at 10:23 am
Love the cape! I’ve been looking for something similar. By the way, which are the Scandinavian style blogs you like best? I’m really interested in checking them out.
17. clever nettle » Mul&hellip | April 16th, 2010 at 1:18 am
[...] bought this cape back in the fall, and I just realized that it could be a cool spring cape too. The color [...]
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