I had an interesting encounter the other weekend, Fashionable Reader.
I was at a barbecue. You know, that thing, in the back yard, where you burn the meat?
This was no a high fashion event ~ suburban in location, and 30-something anti-hipsters in attendance. These were not my friends, I should add.
Now, where was I? Oh yes . . . the encounter.
Also
in attendance was a Very Fresh Girlfriend of one of the fringe members
of said group. Clearly nervous, she enters stage right, a lovely
fashionable young thing.
Now, to set the scene, I am wearing a cute white dress, tights, and riding boots ~ very de mode.
However, it is cold and damp, so over it all I have my favorite black
double-breasted rain cape (I happen to own three capes total).
black double breasted & belted from Max Studio, $130, thrifted vintage cream wool, no label, $25, faux fur from H&M $15
Now this new girl, either in an awkward attempt to make conversation, or just because she is, well, a bitch, says,
"Oh, is that a cape? Not everyone can wear a cape. I should never even attempt it."
It was the tone that threw me. It was said in that way of catty southern ladies,
"Oh, she has put on a few pounds, bless her little heart."
I simply drifted away and on to a far more interesting conversation on the relative merits of DC versus Marvel comic books. (Marvel baby, all the way.)
"Oh, is that a cape? Not everyone can wear a cape. I should never even attempt it."
It was the tone that threw me. It was said in that way of catty southern ladies,
"Oh, she has put on a few pounds, bless her little heart."
I simply drifted away and on to a far more interesting conversation on the relative merits of DC versus Marvel comic books. (Marvel baby, all the way.)
To the meat of the matter.
I disagree with the principle of the statement made by Very Fresh Girlfriend as well as the execution. I think anyone can wear a cape. They are delightful fun, one feels rather comic-book-ish (Marvel, I hope, not DC). The belted cape is a good option to prevent loss of shape.
On the practical side the cape allows you to layer in fun and flattering ways. You can wear full or puffy sleeved jackets and then throw the cape on for extra warmth or rain protection. On the impractical side it is difficult to carry a shoulder bag with a cape. (You'll notice most of the street shots bellow have clutches or handbags.)
If
you are slightly shorter of stature, a short cape is probably a better
option. Regardless, if cut in the right way in can disguise rather than
enhance the chest.
1895
Emile Pingat cape via The Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum
of Art, 1905 Jean-Phillipe Worth evening wrap via The Costume Institute
of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1933-1934 Elsa Sciaparelli cape via
The Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art
"A mackintosh cape, one of the thinnest and lightest possible to procure. should always be carried to protect the shoulders in case of a sudden shower, and a fur cape for chilly evenings or east wind will be found a most comfortable addition."
~ Lillias Campbell Davidson, 1889
2011 RT Convention ~ Richelle Mead, Jeanne Stein, Nicole Peeler, and Gail Carriger (in a cape)
For the Characters!
For Primrose in the Custard Protocol Series
For Felicity in the Parasol Protectorate Series
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