Ahh good point! I can see how the draping could be affected by changing the weight of the fabric. Thanks for the feedback, Emily!

Yeah... I just have to remind myself to keep expectations low prior to purchasing an expensive item. Gotta pay a markup for the brand and "original" design.

Thank you Elizabeth! Just trying something different because I wear neutrals so often :)

I think my initial reaction was much more negative than it is now. I expected too much -- or maybe I've just come to terms with the "issues" now. Loose threading is disappointing and annoying, but I just went ahead and snipped off the problematic areas, so I don't think I'll have to deal with this again. As for fit, my mind alternates between mehh and loving it. From some angles I feel the cape overwhelms my frame, but in others, I really like the way it drapes. That's partially why I can't make up my mind if alterations are worth it -- what if the tailors fix the bulkiness but then from some angles the cape looks too tight/short?

I'm usually pretty level-headed, but I feel an irrational need to keep the cape... and I think this stems from the fact that I've been searching for the cape for so long. I suppose a part of me is seeking justification from others in the form of "no this cape isn't too big on you!" to silence that nagging feeling about fit. Sigh. So I'm having a hard time entertaining the thought of selling it due to the emotional attachment.

I think for now, I will keep the cape as is and wear it happily. Perhaps in the future I'll be able to seriously consider selling it if I really feel the cape is too big and can't get over the fit.

Thank you for your comment, Lisa! Much appreciated :)

I'm very risk-averse so I would definitely not take it to a tailor. If I am honest, I'm not in love with the cape on you. I think it might be the sleeves that I am not crazy about. I think you can find better. But it looks like I'm in the minority here. And I totally get it when you say that you've been searching for a cape for so long so that you feel the need to keep it. I think what happens when we can't find exactly what we're looking for, we end up settling on something, which to me often ends up being a purchase I regret or don't absolutely love. If it makes you feel any better, I have been searching for *years* for the perfect flat or low heeled, tall boots. I still can't find them but I'm practical, critical, very thoughtful about each and every purchase I make (which I think you are too), and a minimalist, so I'm holding out until I find them.

You know, some might say the lack of comments can be perceived as a dissenting opinion, so your feelings may be in the majority after all ;) Either way, all opinions are welcome and valued, so definitely don't feel bad about being honest.

I don't know if you're familiar with project management concepts like the 3 scopes (time, quality, cost)? The joke at my office is that our customers ask for the impossible on every project, when reality dictates they pick 2 and compromise on the third. That's what I thought of when I read your practical/critical/thoughtful criteria regarding each purchase. I think I usually hit 2 of the 3, but really should strive for 3-3 more often. I can't say there are anything on my wishlist that have been there for years, so I'm certainly not at your level. I do want to wish you the best of luck with your flats and boots hunt, and would love to hear updates if you ever come across your holy grails!

I am not familiar with project management concepts, although my boyfriend tells me I'd be good at project management. (I actually think I'd drive everyone crazy.) I think the reason I'm practical/critical/thoughtful to such a degree is because I'm older and with age, I've found your traits just get stronger and stronger. Plus, I'm very frugal (which is also getting worse with age!). I really hate buying stuff I don't love. So I seem to over-analyze every purchase I make.

And thanks for your well wishes on the boots. Funny enough, just today we received a mailing from Stuart Weitzman for "custom-made" boots. It's one of the few brands I can wear for boots because most boots are too big around my ankles/calves. So maybe I could get those "perfect" boots after all.....although I have a feeling that my frugal side may fall over at the price.

Speaking as a minion, as long as you're not a micro-managing PM, I think you'll be liked :)

Whoa, I hadn't heard about SW's custom boots. A quick google led me to custom boots at NM and BG sites, but it doesn't look like there are options besides choosing between 2 styles, 2 heights, and color/material? I figured more parts of the boots would be customizable, like exact shaft and circumference measurements to fit each person perfectly. Though if that was the case, I'd be really hesitant to place an order because the boots won't be returnable. So maybe having limited choices isn't a bad thing because at least you'll be able to try on existing styles for size and just picking the right combo for you. Hmm... definitely an interesting concept!

Yeah, you are so right! There's no way I could buy something that isn't returnable. And after reading your comment, I had to check out the advertisement I received yesterday for further clarification. I actually found the mailing I received on the internet. So here it is....
http://www.stuartweitzman.com/trunkshow/

Just read on NM's site that the boots can't be returned. Yikes!

Thanks for the feedback, Nancy! I'm bigger than Wendy, so I'd think it'd be a pretty risky alteration if I'm not there in person for measurements. Hopefully I'll make it out to LA in the future and can consider that route.