Every time I try and think of an opening line for this post, I come up with something really cheesy. “Capes are so hot right now” – too Paris. “The Cape Escape” – a movie reference that too many won’t get. “Crusading for Capes.” – Okay, maybe that one isn’t too bad… anyway what I wanted to talk about is how many stores I’ve seen stocking capes for this winter.

Let me differentiate here.  Capes are the ones that wrap around your shoulders in some manner and secure at the front. Ponchos, on the other hand, are the ones that have a head opening only.  The only kind of ponchos I do are the emergency rain variety; they just aren’t really my thing what with the hair and all.  Right, so back to the all important capes.

Before the trend for capes gets all pervasive and prices rise accordingly, I suggest taking a little stroll online and see what gems you can unearth. Upon inspecting the wares of a well known chain store here, I saw they had capes on offer that were 100% polyester, not very well cut and were asking $119 RRP.  And while that may service the mass demand, it certainly isn’t my choice.

Before you ask, no I don’t have any kind of deal with Etsy, I just like to shop vicariously for you there and hope they find new, appreciative homes.

Here is my pick of the current bunch..

Despite the arm-less red riding hood, I have to say that this red vintage cape is to die for! It’s velvet, it’s lined and it’s RED! It’s currently listed on Etsy for $64.99 USD.

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A short 1960′s purple velvet caplet that allows you to still show off a nipped in waist and keep a chill at bay.  I’m a bit keen on this one.  Currently listed on Etsy for $38.00 USD

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A truly divine Lilli Ann sophisticated mod style cape from the 1960′s.  I think this is just smashing – and perfect for making an impression without being over the top. Currently listed on Etsy for $118.00 USD

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Here’s a classic that I know many of you are on the look out for – a 1940′s Nurses Cape navy with red lining! Currently listed on Etsy for $78.00 USD I don’t think this one will last long!

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A soft and simple grey wool caplet. I love the simplicity of this as you could make it work for outfits of just about any decade. Put it with a matching skirt suit and you have a more 40′s look. With a mini dress and you’ve got 60′s. It it a fantastic canvas to put your personality into.  Currently listed on Etsy for $88.00 USD

So what do you think, can you pull off the trans-seasonal brilliance of a cape?

I love this outfit.  It’s comfortable, cute, easy, quick and show stoppingly good. There are very few places this combination won’t take you. Meet another new instalment to my wardrobe I like to call Leopard Lust!

Outfit Details

Top – Frankie by Peta Pledger (Melbourne Made!)

Capri Pants – Siren in black by Bernie Dexter

Leopard print ballet flats – Diana Ferrari

Seriously, is this not killer casual?!  It did make me laugh though, when at lunch time today the man at the noodle shop asked for my autograph as he was convinced I was a movie star but just didn’t know who I was! Ha ha!

The top is a mid weight fabric with lots of stretch and I love the length of the sleeves – very forgiving and flattering I think.  It also has a good amount of length and works either pulled down, ruched up a bit or smoothed down and tucked in without getting bunchy at the bottom.  Bernie’s awesome capris (of which I love so much I now have 3 pairs!), are also a mid weight stretch cotton denim. What I adore about these is that they are both high waisted and extremely well tailored with four darts at the front and another decent set behind, so they hug right into the small of your back and make your butt looks incredible.  They also have a rear zip; a nickel zip no less – which means that they have super hold power and sit beautifully. Next to those wide leg pants I custom make to fit myself, these are my absolute favourite pants I’ve ever worn.  For an outfit that is so streamlined, the fabrics make it surprisingly forgiving and infinitely comfortable.

It didn’t take a whole lot of creative styling to put together such a simple look, but it goes to show that comfort can be  both cute and chic!

It is that time of year again. The weather is still miserable, the wind still bites, but I’ll be darned if I’ll give in to it. I’m already yearning for the sun on my (sunscreen protected) skin and a scotch in hand, while the days get longer and the parties start to arrive. This is the same time of year I get restless with my wardrobe and start to listen to that little internal voice of inspiration that tells me what I want to be wearing in the coming months.  This time I’ve come over far more casual than I usually do and that can only be a good thing as I need a little more ‘relax’ in my current wardrobe.

Of course, because I always seem to be so far ahead of the curve, it isn’t likely you’ll see looks like this in store for a while yet, but when you do, you’ll know where it came from!

This time, for something different, I’m giving you more of a window to my world and adding the music I’m listening to as well! Just click to listen, and as usual, just click each image to see the details of the what and where’s of each outfit.

These Boots Were Made For Dancing

This isn’t your usual nightclub attire, but then it isn’t for your usual nightclub girl. It is for springtime evenings, house parties, kicking up your heels with friends, closing your eyes and jamming in your mind.

I’m currently dancing to Ezra Lee - Mean What I Say – Ezra Lee From his album “Can’t Stop a Freight Train” available on Prestone Records. I highly recommend you check out Ezra’s Myspace and get yourself a copy of this album!!

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Cocktails at the Saloon Bar

Tell me any eligible eye candy could miss you in this number! Loads of swank, licks of sexy and lots of lucky! Stretch those pins and start smouldering.

Propping up the bar in style to Reconsider Baby – Lowell Fulson.

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Fancy a Drink Cowboy?

I never thought a cowboy hat and I would ever see eye to eye, but after my photo shoot with Helen McLean I may just be having a little secret love affair. This is how you do Country style with an eye for City Chic. There’s nothing dusty about this!

Tipping my hat to That’s Alright Mama

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Country Princess

The perfect Day to Night party transition outfit. Just change up the top, swap your flower for a bejewelled bow, crimson lips and you’re good to go. You’ll already know that denim is huge for this season, and while double denim remains on the no go list for me, this is about the only way I’ll work anything close to it into my look. With a beautiful satin and denim bra top with vintage style.  Yes, it could be a little racy, but paired with a sequined cardigan its all lady out the outside but the business underneath!

Kicking back to Jackson – by Johnny Cash & June Carter a personal favourite!

You just never know where you’ll find fashion inspiration that captures you’re mood of the moment, but one thing is for sure; whatever you wear make sure it captures YOUR mood, not just the prevailing trends.  This is where you’ll find the best answers to your wardrobe dilemmas!