WIW The Cape Crusade: the one that almost got away

So you know that nice Allsaints burgundy cocoon coat I got at SSIF? Unfortunately I haven't been wearing much lately, because when I wore it DH told me it's too big for me and doesn't look flattering on me. I think it's too avant garde for him and he doesn't get the cocoon silhouette. I hate to admit that his comments bug me, but it makes me question whether I look fat in it and kind of took the wind out of my sails. I had returned the burgundy Helene Berman cape that I bought at NAS in favor of the cocoon coat, but found myself wishing I had it back. Even though it's just as "big" on me, it was a more conventional piece and I wished I had it to go with the all the other pieces I bought at NAS. Then one of my patients showed up for an office visit wearing it, and I thought, OMG I want my cape back! I searched on Nordstrom and even called customer service, but it was all sold out and I was dismayed. Fortunately though, I didn't give up and kept digging, and found it for sale at Nordstrom Rack online! Apparently when they clearance items, they move all the stock to the Rack. I'm surprised they didn't suggest that when I was on the phone with Nordstrom CS, but I'll definitely keep that in mind in the future. I was so happy to find the cape again, plus it was almost half the price of when I bought it at NAS! I had bought a camel Helene Berman cape at NAS when I joined YLF 3 years ago, but ended up returning it because the camel color wasn't good with my skin coloring. But this burgundy is perfect for my deep autumn color palette and matches with my whole "navy and burgundy" fall wardrobe, including the Halogen floral sweater and a bunch of my plaid and lace items. I've been wearing it a bunch and even copying the catalog models. It's surprisingly versatile! Anyways, I finally have my superhero cape now and I'm not letting it go again! Do any of you have tales of "the one that almost got away"? Thanks for your comments!

1-3. Volume over volume--Helene Berman burgundy cape with H&M burgundy/rose plaid A line skirt, WHBM white blouse and H&M grey cardigan. Matchy Matchy burgundy patent Betsey Johnson quilted heart satchel and Aquatalia boots. And Kate Spade specs necklace to match my own specs, and to complete the "librarian" look.
4-5. Complete ripoff of the "mannequin"--with Equipment plaid sweater, Equipment blouse, and DVF navy lace pencil skirt.
6-8. Another model copycat--with Equipment plaid shirt and VC moto leggings
9-12. Double dose of florals with Halogen floral sweater and new Kate Spade cream perforated floral satchel (bought at Kate Spade surprise sale with gift card from DH that I still had from my birthday).
13. The camel Helene Berman cape that did get away...

14-15. The "too big" cocoon coat...

http://goldenpig.lookfab.com/p.....-pic-heavy

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19 Comments

  • anya replied 10 years ago

    Cool that you're so persistent! And it turned out for the better!
    I also saw a pair of owl earrings in a shop while in vacation and i hesitated. Then back home i went to 3 stores to get it. I still have them, 4 years later so  i say it's a win.
    :)
    I especially love how the cape goes with cobalt lace. very very chic!
    But i have a noob question. When such a coat with no arm coverage is helpful? Can't be winter? so i guess more , early autumn?

  • goldenpig replied 10 years ago

    Anya, I love owls too so I agree it's worth it to go back--glad you finally got them! I live in the Bay Area, no snow, so this will carry me through the winter since it's mild. Also, when you wear long sleeve tops or sweaters your arms stay warm and provide visual interest when they peek out through the arm holes in the cape...that way you can still see the pattern of your top. Not the most practical coat, but very dramatic and fun. I love ponchos and capes!

  • anya replied 10 years ago

    Big fun! It's like a different  contrast-sleeve coat each time. Very versatile look 

  • Style Fan replied 10 years ago

    A happy ending!!!  I love capes.  You look amazing in your cape and the burgundy colour is so flattering.  I am on the lookout for a camel cape. 

    I am sure I have missed out and then found my lost prize over the years but I can't remember one.  I did see a beautiful amber cardigan in the fall when I was shopping in Toronto.  I regret not buying it.  I am going to Montreal for 2 weeks on Saturday.  I am hoping I find something I like even better.

  • replied 10 years ago

    Oh I love a happy ending too, especially a clearance priced one!! Looks great Natalie and I love all the varied ways that you styled it.  Fab!

  • ramya replied 10 years ago

    Aww happy endings are fun!!! You look fantastic and love the variations!!
    Serious crush on look 14 though :)

  • UmmLila (Lisa) replied 10 years ago

    I love how your good planning of the blue and burgundy fall wardrobe has worked out. It looks like you're getting maximal use from everything.

    I like the All Saints coat. The silhouette is more avant garde than your other things, and I have to say that your husband's comment is exactly the sort of thing my husband would say (he doesn't like oversized and thinks that all tunics look like maternity clothes). However, since all the rest of you around the cocoon shape is obviously slender, I wouldn't worry about looking fat.

  • viva replied 10 years ago

    That cape is stunning and an incredible deal! It looks beautiful on you! I just forwarded the link to DD. I gave her a gorgeous Maje cape coat for Christmas last year, and she likes it a lot but is finding it too formal for her life right now. What she really wants is this cape, frankly, and this is her favorite color. (I want her to hold onto the Maje for the future because it's gorgeous.)

    I completely agree with Ummlila regarding your AllSaints coat. It's different and more avant-garde than your other clothing, but it works beautifully on you, and you do not look big or fat in it. It's clearly a style. But it's also a style my husband would not understand. That's a limitation of his, and not of the coat. I would urge you to keep it and wear it and know you look fabulous in it.

  • Neel replied 10 years ago

    I really really love the cocoon coat more than the cape on you :) .. Not that it matters to you more than your DH's views :D ... But still!

    That said ... The cape is a fantastic buy too ... It goes so well with all your outfits! The plaid shirt outfit has to be my favorite :)

  • Alassë replied 10 years ago

    I'm glad you were able to find the cape again, and how nice that it pairs with your chosen colours this fall!

  • Beth Ann replied 10 years ago

    The cape is fabulous, although I must confess, I find the cocoon coat more conventional!  Of course, I've been searching high and low for a cocoon shape myself!  A cape is perfect for your climate --- warm enough, but very stylish.

    (Love the new bag, too)

  • carambola replied 10 years ago

    I really love both coats on you. Burgundy is beautiful on you and goes so well with your wardrobe.
    I am tempted by the cape. How is the sizing?

  • catgirl replied 10 years ago

    I am with Neel - the cape is great but the cocoon is STELLAR. Seriously. You bought it under the watchful eyes of Fabbers who saw it on you IRL and would not steer you wrong, yes? Wear it with confidence! You look incredible.

    It sounds like your husband like most guys prefers more traditional figure-flattering looks. I sometimes wonder if I'm alone and wrong in not soliciting my husband's advice about what I wear most of the time, or I'd be in low cut v-necks and bodycon dresses 24/7.

  • Susie replied 10 years ago

    I considered that cape too...I'm so glad that you found it because the color works so well with your wardrobe. It sounds like you will get quite a bit of wear from it.

    I actually think that the coat is MORE flattering (in the traditional sense) than the cape on you. But with both, it is obvious that the fullness is the style rather than any "fluffiness" on you!

  • catgirl replied 10 years ago

    Oh, and what does DH think of the cape? That's a style mine would consider totally weird, but I would love!

  • Suz replied 10 years ago

    A happy ending! YAY. 

    The cape looks fabulous on you and I adore it. So glad you got it back. Meanwhile, I also love the cocoon coat! And agree with Susie -- it is super flattering on you! 

  • Sveta replied 10 years ago

    I have to confess that I like the cocoon coat on you even more than HB cape: it seems more elegant to my eye and more fitting your demure bombshell persona. After all DH's eyes may need to get some adjustment too - after all this style of coat was very popular in 50s and very elegant ladies wore it.

  • Elizabeth P replied 10 years ago

    I'm so glad you found that cape again, it seems to really suit you.

    However... I kinda hope you didn't return the cocoon coat yet.  You look SO freaking elegant in that.  Truly.  What do DH's know? :)

  • DonnaF replied 10 years ago

    I am with Neel, alaskagirl, and Sveta on this.  I am fainting with how great you look in the cocoon coat, super flattering.  The style seems particularly suited for Adorable Apples with their slender legs (says she of the ahem, sturdy legs, quite enviously).  I hope you keep it AND wear it since it is so elegant on you.

    Glad you found *your* cape and that your effort paid off.  Looks like you also found *your* diagonal plaid skirt!  I remember your old one. . .

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