I went to college in Cambridge, MA, a city where it is important to have stylish street cred, and where people walk everywhere. This was the mid-80s, the era of big hair on both men & women, bright colors, the early Madonna, and music videos. Being ultra-cool myself (NOT!) I had a black cape coat that I LOVED! I had large vintage jeweled brooches on it in strategic places where the cape fastened to the coat portion, and I wore bright blue leather gloves and a bright blue scarf if it was really cold. Boy, did I stride around Harvard Square in that cape coat! I tell you this story because I still regret getting rid of that coat.
Especially today, as I started thinking about a Halloween costume. I have never been a witch for Halloween, can you believe it? If I had the coat I'd be 1/2 way there to an awesome costume. I went online to see what kind of cheap capes or mu-mu type things might be available. Instead, I ran across some vintage capes, and was off on one of those internet tangents we all get caught in from time to time.
I don't know if I've ever mentioned it, but I am a huge plaid fan. At one time every room in my house had some plaid in it. One of the vintage capes that came up was in plaid, and that just made me refine my search. For Vintage Thingies Thursday I usually share things I own, but this week I'm going to show things I wish I owned. Unfortunately they've all already been sold at the sites where I found them.
This classic plaid cape has great toggle buttons.
Look at the wonderful details of the cool collar and trim.
Here's my ultimate favorite. Check out the lacing detail on the shoulder and sleeve.
Doesn't the idea of a cape make you feel like a heroine or a strong, powerful leader, like Xena?
For more vintage goodness, visit ColoradoLady, our Vintage Thingies Thursday hostess.
Especially today, as I started thinking about a Halloween costume. I have never been a witch for Halloween, can you believe it? If I had the coat I'd be 1/2 way there to an awesome costume. I went online to see what kind of cheap capes or mu-mu type things might be available. Instead, I ran across some vintage capes, and was off on one of those internet tangents we all get caught in from time to time.
I don't know if I've ever mentioned it, but I am a huge plaid fan. At one time every room in my house had some plaid in it. One of the vintage capes that came up was in plaid, and that just made me refine my search. For Vintage Thingies Thursday I usually share things I own, but this week I'm going to show things I wish I owned. Unfortunately they've all already been sold at the sites where I found them.
This classic plaid cape has great toggle buttons.
Look at the wonderful details of the cool collar and trim.
Here's my ultimate favorite. Check out the lacing detail on the shoulder and sleeve.Doesn't the idea of a cape make you feel like a heroine or a strong, powerful leader, like Xena?
For more vintage goodness, visit ColoradoLady, our Vintage Thingies Thursday hostess.
27 comments:
Thanks for your post! that could be a whole 'nother topic - vintage things I wished I owned!
Sorry you were not able to one of your favorite capes. Any one of these you found would be nice. There will be another time.
I think capes look really cool, but I don't think I would enjoy wearing one. It probably wouldn't be hard to make a witch's cape if you left off the collar and sleeves.
Panties potholders were on my blog already:
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Vintage Thingies Thursday - His & Hers Panties Potholders
Elizabeth, you're not vintage...you're trendy.
My mom made me a blue plaid cape in the mid-70's. I wore it all the time. It was so neat to see them again. I used to be cool too!
Pictures! I want to see pictures of you in your cape! Sorry you got rid of it, but you should keep looking for a new one! I loooove that third one. The colors are awesome!
Happy VTT!
I remember this style, although I never had one. Then again, in Florida, I never needed one so warm.
Now I want one of these! Thanks for adding to my list of wants! What a fun post!
I can picture you striding around in your black cape, boots too, right? You were stylin' girl!
I like the red - that's just me though. Internet tangent....I sooooo understand!
Wow....these are wonderful! I love the plaid!
the last one's pretty special with the detailing on the shoulders :)
I know! I always feel as though my white horse is waiting for me when I wear a cape.
I had one in college as well and I was always amazed at how warm they keep you. I'm like you, that third cape is a killer cape.
I love your blog! thanks for sharing.
You must have looked great in your cape and blue accessories. I hope you will find a cape you can wear for both halloween and just cold weather.
Oh my gosh! I never had a cape, but in the early 70's I made a yellow poncho with black fringe in home ec class. Now that would make a costume! LOL!
Thanks for sharing!
Living it up at Lakewood,
Cindy
nice capes and beautiful material they are made of.
Absolutely fabulous vintage capes! I can totally understand your lust for them :-)
Classy and timeless, all of them. The plaid one would make you feel gorgeous, striding along to a great party in three-inch stacks and a mod haircut.
What a great idea, love the capes, hopefully you'll find one in time for Halloween!
Love capes, too. I have a black fleece cape with a wrap around neck scarf that I love to wear when I run out of the house to the garbage can when the weather is cold or to walk my Yorkie on a breezy day. Hope that you find one you like! They are around.
I still love capes. My husband got me one last Christmas. Did you have the big hair??
cindy
Very cool capes....you should take a picture sometime of your parents basement...now go rescue that cup rack and put it to use....would make a marvelous display for your bracelets....now go girl...fast!!!
Have a great Weekend and a wonderful VTT!
I remember capes like that! I had a friend who wore a black one with red trim, and hers was LONG - - - nearly to her ankles.
Hi Elizabeth, your photos of the capes are such a good look. I too love plaid. Are they in style again? The styles today do not impress me, but these do. LOL.
Have a wonderful evening.
Hugs. Jeanne
You said, "Doesn't the idea of a cape make you feel like a heroine or a strong, powerful leader, like Xena?" How about an EVIL OVERLORD? LOL!
I remember the days of hanging out in Harvard Square, but those were the 70's for me!
My mother-in-law gave my Teen a plaid cape made by Moffat Weavers in Scotland. She wore it a few days ago!
I think I'd look like a giant blob in a cape, but I have to say that the first one is gorgeous!
Justine :o )
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