TBMD

Another one of my outerwear purchases from over the summer is the Stella McCartney trench cape coat (no longer available). I've loved it ever since spotting Anh and Wendy's camel versions from years past.

I'm wearing size IT 40, but really should've gone down to a 38 so it's more "fitted" like on the model (an oxymoron since it is a loose-fitting style.) From certain angles, it does look like there are too much fabric, and I certainly sometimes felt that way as well depending on how I "drape" the fabric. I keep changing my mind about taking the cape to the tailors because I just don't know if it's worth it. Ideally, I'd like the sleeves to be shortened to bracelet length and maybe slim the sides a bit to get rid of excess fabric. I also wonder if the cape needs to be shortened by 1-2". Any thoughts? Am I just over-thinking this?
This was my first experience with the Stella McCartney brand and I'm underwhelmed. I should've stopped lumping amazing quality, $$$, and a "brand name" together long ago... I suppose the markup is still a hard pill to swallow. I was surprised to find the cape to be unlined on the inside and with loose threading in multiple places. The more I wear the cape, the more I find myself starting to come around to the lack of lining because of how easily the fabric moves and drapes. I suppose it would be unsightly to see lining peeking through? Then again, the pockets are visible in the first photo above.

Capes are very trendy this upcoming cold-weather season, but I think they're something only girls would like. DH hasn't seen me wear my cape yet, but I can already picture his WTF-face and liken me to wearing a garbage bag due to its bagginess. Girls on the other hand, I feel like can appreciate capes more. One of my female coworkers complimented me on my cape the first time I wore it to work. I then started effusing about how it's like I'm all wrapped up in a cozy blanket. Can you tell we've commiserated over the cold office one too many times.

I stumbled across a great "look for less" option in Rebecca Minkoff's Pierre cape coat. This cape is the closest I've seen as a dupe for Stella's (believe me, I've done my share of window shopping trying to hunt one down.) There are a few noticeable differences: RM's lack the shoulder epaulettes, has more buttons, and looks to have "real" sleeves which might make for a sleeker silhouette by cutting down on excess fabric. This cape retails for $498 and comes in two colors:
1) blush [photo left below] - available at Shopbop
2) noble green [photo right below] - available at Nordstrom, NM, Cusp, RM

When I was in London earlier this year, I inquired about trench cape re-releases because the camel and pink versions were from two different seasons. The SA at the Stella boutique said she doesn't know about this particular cape style, but capes in general are usually available every winter season. I don't know if the waiting game is worth it since RM's is such a great dupe. If I hadn't already gotten my hands on Stella's, I would snatch up RM's in a heartbeat. Patience is not always my strongest virtue.

After seeing this gold chain necklace on Elle late last year (plus reading her rave review), it became a must check out in person item. I loved the heavy weight and shimmery-ness, but was content waiting for the right sale. When the first 40% sale rolled around, I was sad to learn that the necklace had sold out. Back to the waiting game. Then the next 40% sale started and I saw that the necklace was back in stock... but jewelry (among others) were excluded (the same promo is actually going on starting today with code SPRINGUP). Finally, during yet another 40% off sale a couple weeks ago, I was able to grab the necklace at a discount. As the saying goes, third time's the charm.

The longer I look at today's outfit photos, the more I'm doubting my jacket choice. While the tweed and lace combination essentially works due to the similar color scheme, I think I should've gone with something simpler on the bottom (like dark washed jeans) or a solid colored jacket (like my tan leather jacket). Live and learn, right? :)

According to my blog postings, I've been wearing pants every day for the last month and a half (!) I don't own many winter skirts and dresses, so the ones I do own will be making repeated appearances when the mood strikes.

Have a good weekend, everyone!

Sale alert: Through 11/19, use code MERRY and take 35% off at Banana Republic, Old Navy, and Gap + 30% off at Piperlime.

Some recent buys and fast favorites include:
- Old Navy military-style jacket - $25.96 with code (I sized up to a S for a looser fit / outfit below)
- Gap cowlneck sweater - $38.97 with code (TTS - I'm wearing XS in both gray and black / outfits: here, here, here)
- Gap printed poplin PJ set - $38.97 with code (TTS - I'm wearing XS / outfit: here)
- Gap broken-in straight khakis - $32.47 with code (TTS I'm wearing sz 00 / outfits: here, here, here)

My love affair with white bottoms continue with a wool skirt for winter (because I have a feeling I may have to retire my white jeans until spring since the fabric is on the thin side). Unfortunately the skirt wrinkles like crazy! It's especially noticeable after a day in the office, so I cheat by taking outfit photos in the morning with the sun behind me. Also, pretending to be moving around instead of standing still for photos make the wrinkles look more "natural."

Sale alert: Take 40% off everything at J.Crew Factory (prices as marked). Also, take an extra 10% off on 2+ items or extra 20% 3+ items with code EARLYBIRD through 11/24.

Current season buys include:
- Double serge mini - $44.50 (TTS - I'm wearing sz 00 / outfit: here)
- Stripe racerback cami - $32.50 (TTS - I'm wearing sz 00 / outfits: here, here, here)

Old favorites include:
- Tissue turtleneck tee - $17.50 (wearing XS in yellow, XXS in red - prefer XS / outfits: here, here, here)
- Skimmer pant in wool - $53.50 (TTS - I'm wearing sz 00 / outfits: here, here)

Items previously sold at the retail store but brought back to Factory include:
- Classic button-down shirt in suckered plaid - $38.50 (I'm wearing sz 0 / outfits: here, here, here)
- Pleated mini - $44.50 (I'm wearing sz 0 / outfits: here, here)

Happy shopping and have a great weekend!

As much as I love summer, fall is simply a beautiful season to enjoy and to capture photos of. Don't the colorful leaves look absolutely glowing with sunlight filtering through?

Have a great weekend, everyone!