Cape it Off….

 a woman with a black cape dress with a tortoise collar and black heels
 a woman with a black cape dress with a tortoise collar and black heels
 a woman with a black cape dress with a tortoise collar and black heels
 a woman with a black cape dress with a tortoise collar and black heels

There is something about a bit of the dramatic and a bit of exquisite details that can make even a classic or a basic- a la the “little black dress”- into a statement. A celebration. Something that when you reach for it, wearing it makes you feel a little better about life.

As I mentioned, this past Friday was my birthday. And I always love wearing a special dress on my birthday. This dress? Beyond. I’ll be honest- this was Plan B. It’s a Simkhai dress that I have had for about a year (maybe more!) that I had never had a chance to wear. For my birthday I had bought a lovely embroidered dress, but it needed a bit of altering and it wasn’t done in time. (yes, you will see it when it is!) So, on a whim and a need to be dressed I pulled this out.

And it may have been the best decision ever.

 a woman with a black cape dress with a tortoise collar and black heels
 a woman with a black cape dress with a tortoise collar and black heels
 a woman with a black cape dress with a tortoise collar and black heels

We all know that I love a cape! (even when they’re swim, vintage, and one of my all time favorites. You can also search cape on this site and feast if you’re into capes!) But this cape dress is so much more. It’s a bubble (a bit, which is so on trend), it’s necklace (THAT COLLAR), a bit of a wrap. And it’s got that wow factor.

When people tell you that they felt like a princess in things I can’t help but think of BIG (whether it’s a puff factor or a full skirt) so I don’t know if princess is the right word here. Maybe modern princess? Or queen? All I know is that this dress made this day a ton more special- and the fun I had in the dress, the compliments I got, and the confidence it gave me? Fantastic present to myself- no notes.

I am a bit fan of everyone having (well, really more than one) a piece like this in your closet that makes you feel SPECIAL. SEEN. And for all of us it will be different. We know I love a party dress (and a detailed one). Part of why I can never resist them is that I feel like this in them. Whatever that is for you- party dress, great jeans, unforgettable set- my wish for us all is that we get a year filled with them!

As I mentioned, this dress is a season or so old- but I have found you similar. I’m also linking some of my current fave Simkhai dresses! Here is to us- in all the things that make us feel special! XO RA

Note: This post does contain affiliate links. While that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!

And my current fave Simkhais can be found here

 a woman with a black cape dress with a tortoise collar and black heels

***Sidenote: My apologies for not having a post up yesterday! We were affected by bad storms (the shoes and I are fine!!) but it affected me posting. We are back and ready to go now. Thank you for your patience and presence!

Cape it Off

Investment Piece: Cape it Off
Investment Piece: Cape it Off
Investment Piece: Cape it Off
Investment Piece: Cape it Off

As we move into the holiday season, statement pieces will become prominent- and I have no problem with that. We know I love a good party dress (and look) and am unafraid to standout. And yet, as we move into the holiday season, I also have a tendency to want to dress as easy as possible. I truly have 2 modes- I’m either VERY dressed up or I’m in workout leggings or sweats VERY casual. While I constantly work to find my middle, during the holiday season (with the statement and party) looks, I have a weird desire to marry the 2 sides of myself in one amazing outfit. (Aka I want an outfit that looks like a party and feels like my pjs)

Capes. Capes are the answer (for me). I have a thing for capes – see here, here, and the ultimate statement cape here. Through the years, I’ve worn capes as coats, tops, dresses, and as statements. The great thing about a cape is that as much as it’s a statement, capes are easy. As fancy as they can be, you simply put them on (even over your workout gear) and go.

Investment Piece: Cape it Off
Investment Piece: Cape it off

This latest addition to my cape collection is a fringed vintage number (look closely: it even has an attached pouch for carrying lipsticks or secrets). I mentioned here that this holiday season is already seeming like a lot. And it is. In the past few days, I’ve had events, work, a lot of housework, deadlines, volunteer shifts, and social engagements. As much as I love a party look, running from thing to thing is tiring (especially when we keep messing with the clocks!). My saving grace? A piece that I can put on, that lets me look as dressed up as I need to, but is simple.

We shot this in between Pilates and a trunk show. Yes, this cape is truly over my workout leggings and a turtleneck. My hair is coming out of its bun, I’m sure my lipstick is smeared- but when you cape it off, those things don’t seem as noticeable. Everyone just focuses on your cape (which lets you get away with a lot, maybe that’s the secret!). Add a pair of shoes that walk the line between slippers and loafers, and you’re ready to holiday. Or run errands. Or whatever it is that your day needs you to do.

Do you love capes as much as I do? What’s your go-to when you need a statement outfit but want to feel relaxed? Or have to run from the gym to a holiday event?

While this cape is vintage (via Recess LA), I’ve found you similar and linked them below!
Xo RA

Note: this post does contain affiliate links. While that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!

Investment Piece: Cape it Off