Cape Crusader

Urban Outfitters Local Branch Nomad Blanket Open-Front Poncho

Perhaps its because of the snowstorm that just blew through New York or the week I recently survived with no heat (and in the end no hot water), but I'm ready for winter to cough out its last deep freeze and spring to lead us into milder temperatures. I'm also getting tired of seeing nothing but a sea of black puffy nylon coats every time I step outside. Lightweight coats need to make their comeback and nothing fits the bill better than a cape or poncho. Whether a loose boho version or its more tailored woolen companion, I love the easy warmth and style that these mini coats provide. With these versions currently on the market, this will be the year that I incorporate a cape into my wardrobe.

Zara Poncho Coat

H & M Textured Cape

Anthropologie Lula Capelet

Standard Edition 1960s Red Cape Coat

Mango Wool-Blend Knit Cape

Pendleton Blanket Cape

Ann Taylor Trench Cape

Menswear Inspired Style

When I was 14 and living in a small town in England, I discovered the menswear inspired look via the Sloanes (which the Free Dictionary defines as "young upper-class or upper-middle-class women, having a home in London and in the country, characterized typically as wearing expensive informal country clothes"). Though I didn't relate to the lifestyle, I loved the look and adopted it with ease -- rolled-up jeans, doc martens, and a basic tee with either a tweed waistcoat or jacket over it. I still remember my dismay when I took home a gorgeous tweed jacket I had purchased in Covent Garden only to discover that it reeked of its former owner and had to be trashed. Beware of outdoor markets! Though I've expanded my wardrobe throughout the years, I've never abandoned the basics of the menswear look. Adding an ultra-feminine piece like chunky jewelry or strappy shoes keeps it from veering into Annie Hall territory.                        

 

Images: 1) Stylebop. 2) Boden. 3) Jason Wu. 4 & 5)  Carrier Company. 6) L.L.Bean. 7) The Sartorialist.          

Street Style

I've been working in New York close to a year now and though there are a lot of things I find difficult about this city (noisy neighbors, circling my neighborhood to find parking, long lines at all my favorite grocery stores), finding inspiration isn't one of them. I never know what I'm going to see when I step outside of my apartment and the best people watching is definitely on the subway. Sometimes I wear my sunglasses so that I can observe my fellow travelers undetected. In my view, the only other city that rivals New York in creative street style is Cape Town. Seeing how other women put themselves together helps me see my own wardrobe from a new perspective and try combos I might not have considered before -- like the thin black belt I tied at my waist over a white lace blouse this morning. In home interiors as well as fashion, I'm a big fan of the high/low trend that's been happening for a couple of years now. A high end sofa with an Ikea throw slung over it or a pair of boyfriend jeans with a beaded blouse -- both make me happy. When lousy weather keeps me indoors, Pinterest plays substitute to roaming the streets and offers eye candy like these images.

Images: Pinterest.

Mustard

Images: 1) La Maison d'Anna G. 2) Whipped Style. 3) Emma Louise Layla. 4) Hammers & High Heels. 5 & 6) Pinterest. 7) Birdsnest. 8) Car Envy.