Superhero Season: Gap Kids Trench Cape & Leopard Pumps

*FYI – the Banana Republic Anna Karenina lace dress in this post was just restocked online in all petite sizes (please note I shortened the hem and tapered the skirt). Thanks, Rosie, for the tip : )* trenchcape
Gap Kids Trench Cape (size XL/12), JBrand Jeans (similar), J.Crew bag, Calvin Klein pumps (similar)

Just a quick post today showing last month’s $13 “fun” purchase in action. I love the flowy lines of capes and the functionality of classic trenches – so this combination piece was perfect for testing out the silhouette. This jacket is currently sold out online, but may still be in stores. See this post for details on how to search/order.
trenchcape2
While in store, I also tried on the knit Textured Swing Jacket (just $15.50 w/ code GETSTARTED for 30-35% off) but didn’t have time to snap photos. The texture is like a thick marled knit, and the black and white color scheme is chic and grown up. You can wear it easily over jeans/leather leggings or with red slacks or a black skirt & tights to work. This L(10) looked very shrunken on me, so if you are similarly-sized I’d suggest an XL(12). My only qualm was that a true swing jacket should have the option to only close the top part, versus a zipper going from the bottom up.

redcape1
While previously browsing online, I was also intrigued by this simple twill cape (just $25 after coupon) – the pocketed design has the makings of a classic cold-weather piece spiced up with a punch of poppy red, and may look even better with a button change.

redcape
Twill texture (not lined) is less wrinkle-prone than the trench, and is light to medium weight. It was hard to find the perfect size because of the placement of the armholes. I liked the amount of cape fabric of the M(8) shown on the left, but it was obviously made for a shorter child because my arms could only hang t-Rex style out of the high holes. A L(10) fit better in that aspect, but had more fabric and longer length. This cape goes up to girls size XXL, so it may fit taller women as well.
trenchcape3
I liked all three finds, but only left with the trench ( the other two were also full price at the time). If you’re a shorter woman interested in trying out the cape silhouette, the kids department is a great place to start. The cuts are smaller so petite frames are less overwhelmed, and the price points are better for an experimental item. Certain kids clothing will rarely work for a woman’s body (ie. more tailored items like blazers), but a cape is very forgiving.

trenchcape1 Readers – Are you a fan of capes for fall? If so, how do you like to style them?
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57 Comments

  1. Christy wrote:

    We must think alike because I'm a petite and purchased that coat, too! It's absolutely adorable, but unfortunately the cape didn't fit right for me and went back to the store. It was a little too boxy and the lack of feminine lines made the cape look awful on me 🙁

    Posted 11.16.12 Reply
  2. Tara wrote:

    This cape looks great on you and I love it with the leopard print shoes…I'll have to try that today! I absolutely love capes for fall. I'm a student though, and I couldn't find a cape I loved for an acceptable price last fall, so this fall I made my own. I used a pattern with a few of my own adjustments to get the look I was going for. It was such a rewarding experience and it's nice to own something beautiful I can be proud of 🙂

    Posted 11.16.12 Reply
  3. PetiteAsianGirl wrote:

    I worry about that, but so far there are none. It's coated with a thin plastic-like coating so I'd hope that denim stains can be removed if they do happen. Make sure to avoid rubbing any bag, coated or not, against damp denim (like from rain) though.

    Posted 11.15.12 Reply
  4. PetiteAsianGirl wrote:

    Thanks – they are Talbots! I have quite a few of their costume jewelry pieces. Decent quality for the price and pretty designs that not everyone has.

    Posted 11.15.12 Reply
  5. PetiteAsianGirl wrote:

    Amazing deal! They usually exclude these collab items from coupons, so I'm glad they didn't this time around.

    Posted 11.15.12 Reply
  6. PetiteAsianGirl wrote:

    I think the sizing in general is comparable, but legging jeans usually run a little tighter. I got these in a sz 24 and at first I thought they were much too tight to be comfortable..but after some "breaking in" they are now hands-down my favorite jeans. I like that the dark blue color is fairly consistent and that the pockets have a minimalistic design. I got them on a sample sale site like Hautelook/ideeli, etc, and they were definitely less than retail.

    Posted 11.15.12 Reply
  7. PetiteAsianGirl wrote:

    Have you tried using a teasing brush ( got mine at Sally's Beauty Supply) to tease the pieces of hair used to cover it prior to covering? THe messy hair might make removing harder, but I've heard that trick helps.

    Posted 11.15.12 Reply
  8. Stefanie wrote:

    lovely!

    Posted 11.14.12 Reply
  9. Michelle wrote:

    Love the location of these photos!

    Been kind of out of the loop this past month, but enjoying catching up tonight with everyone tonight! 🙂 Especially love your Halloween and fall wedding post!

    Posted 11.14.12 Reply
  10. newpetite wrote:

    Love this cape on you! Guess when you are bored or it is out of style you can cut the sleeve flaps off and make it into a sleeveless trench?

    Posted 11.14.12 Reply
  11. Anonymous wrote:

    Hi Jean,

    I am thinking of buying the same Prada saffiano bag you have. Is the bag prone to jean stains?

    Thanks!

    Posted 11.14.12 Reply
  12. Anonymous wrote:

    completely unrelated to this post, but i was wondering what earrings you were wearing in the post with the banana republic black lace dress. i love them!

    Posted 11.14.12 Reply
  13. MissLilly wrote:

    wow you look amazing!!! I would never guess it's a kids cape, it looks perfect

    Posted 11.14.12 Reply
  14. Jessica @ Here(and)Now wrote:

    I have never been super crazy about capes, but this gorgeous and unique piece just changed my mind! Love it!
    xx
    Here&Now;

    Posted 11.14.12 Reply
  15. Rosie wrote:

    re: BR dress…. You're welcome! I was looking up store availability and it came back in stock right before my eyes! With the current BR promo and some other coupons I had, I was able to snag one for $60 for upcoming holiday parties.

    I love how you styled it with the fur stole. I'm regretting consigning my old fur scarf last spring.

    Posted 11.14.12 Reply
  16. Rosie wrote:

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    Posted 11.14.12 Reply
  17. Debra wrote:

    A trench with a cape?! Ingenious!! Love how you styled it & agree with the others that you look terrific all the time. Will be checking the children's depts more often when I shop. Thanks for such a great blog for us "snack sized" girls.

    Debra@stylewisebydebra.blogspot.com

    Posted 11.14.12 Reply
  18. m wrote:

    great outfit! i'm not that into capes, but you make them look so pretty!

    Posted 11.14.12 Reply
  19. Caroline Goldingham wrote:

    You look so elegant these capes! So pretty
    – Ididtellyou.blogspot.com

    Posted 11.14.12 Reply
  20. phiphis blog wrote:

    you look fantastic in this cape. i have a black wool one that i got years ago and wear it all the time. this is such a classic, timeless look. xox P

    Posted 11.14.12 Reply
  21. CoastWithMe wrote:

    That cape/trench is amazing:)!!!

    Posted 11.14.12 Reply
  22. Julie wrote:

    I remember when you first bought this cape, yet I still can't believe it's for kids! And as much as I love your skirts, I love your casual posts!

    xoxo, Julie @ //OBSESSED//

    Posted 11.13.12 Reply
  23. Madame de Élégance wrote:

    I love the trench cape on you. I like how you styled it with the check-collared shirt. I bought a black cape a couple of years ago, but have yet to wear it. It's currently collecting dust because I haven't come up with what to wear with it. You've got me wanting to whip it out and at the very least, dust it off and try it on again.. haha.

    You're always gorgeous, makes me think you never have any of those 'bad' days, where no matter what you do to look good, it still doesn't work! 🙂

    Posted 11.13.12 Reply
  24. Suzie Q wrote:

    I especially love the red cape. You look great with it styled with those jeans. I've been wanting to try out capes too but haven't found one yet that drew me enough to purchase.

    xoxo,
    Suzie Q
    http://www.StyleCueBySuzieQ.com

    Posted 11.13.12 Reply
  25. lisacng @ expandng.com wrote:

    The cape-tranch is awesome! Love the photo too!! Not my style, but you rock it!

    Posted 11.13.12 Reply
  26. Anonymous wrote:

    I bought that same GapKids cape four months ago and until now I haven't worn it because I didn't know what to wear with it… It looks lovely on you! And by the way, your blog is amazing, I just found it today and I like it a lot, I also love shopping at GapKids.

    Ari 😀

    Posted 11.13.12 Reply
  27. kat wrote:

    Love the cape on you!! What a great deal as well.
    The pop of red is perfect.

    http://swagnstyle.blogspot.ca

    Posted 11.13.12 Reply
  28. Vi and Ollie wrote:

    As a fellow petite, I do enjoy the option of shopping in the children's section.
    I recently purchased a pair of WildCat Chinos from J. Crew, girl's size 14. I enjoyed the way it fit and bought another pair of black chinos during their current sale.

    I think I might just have to give this cape a try with the chinos! Thanks for sharing this find.

    -Arianne

    Posted 11.13.12 Reply
  29. Naomi at The Occasional Indulgence wrote:
    Posted 11.13.12 Reply
  30. WendysLookbook wrote:

    I love this look Jean! I'm a huge fan of capes and love how you styled this one. So clean and beautiful!

    Posted 11.13.12 Reply
  31. Carol Li wrote:

    I love the cape on you. Very Victoria Beckham!

    http://www.petitestyleonline.com

    Posted 11.13.12 Reply
  32. Stephanie Lam wrote:

    When I saw you purchase it on instagram I had to go searching for it!!! I still haven't found it yet though, but I am inspired to shop more in the kids section thanks to you!

    -Stephanie
    @LaminLouboutins.blogspot.com

    Posted 11.13.12 Reply
  33. Star White wrote:

    Love that you shop in the kids section! I do the same thing! I have a smaller frame so sometimes the kids area has the best finds!

    http://www.beautyandbows.com

    Posted 11.13.12 Reply
  34. Panina wrote:

    I think I would look quite silly wearing a cape and the dude would make fun of me for trying to be the cape crusader I've always wanted to be =P But somehow, you've managed to make it look stylish like with everything you wear! I also love how you paired the tan trench with dark skinnies and a red bag, the colors match so well and are so fitting for Fall.

    I have been on a hunt for dark denim and black skinnies for a while now with no luck. I recently purchased a lovely pair of burgandy skinny pants from H&M; and love the softness, cut, and fit (also the beautiful color). So I thought I could take advantage of the 40% discount and buy another pair in a darker color, but I tried on 4 pairs in my size (26) and none of them fit right or was as comfortable as the burgandy ones =( I would love to order a pair of J Brand jeans, but not sure what size I should get. From experience, how do their sizes compare to H&M;'s?

    Posted 11.13.12 Reply
  35. Isabelle Carpenter wrote:
    Posted 11.13.12 Reply
  36. Petite and Hungry wrote:

    your capes are so cute!

    http://www.petiteandhungry.blogspot.com

    Posted 11.13.12 Reply
  37. the-glitter-life.com wrote:

    LOVE! SO cute!

    See what was in my November Birchbox on The Glitter Life! http://the-glitter-life.com/2012/11/13/november-birchbox/

    Posted 11.13.12 Reply
  38. Mangotatoes wrote:

    Oh man, so I Instagrammed you the actual day you posted it and what's really funny is later on that day I bought leopard pumps! They really do go great with the cape too! Thanks again for the heads up!

    mango
    mangotatoes.blogspot.com

    Posted 11.13.12 Reply
  39. brella wrote:

    Love these pictures! The background is gorgeous. 🙂

    I bought the velcro bump per your recommendation, by the way. I've been playing around with it the last few days. My hair is a lot thinner than yours, so it's been difficult to get the right placement and cover it up. I ended up having to place it a little further back on my head.

    All in all, great buy for a mere $5. Makes my unwashed hair look glam. Thanks for the advice!

    Posted 11.13.12 Reply
  40. Anonymous wrote:

    How much was the gap kids trench cape?

    Posted 11.13.12 Reply
  41. Franziska wrote:

    I just wanted to tell you how pretty you look in these pictures 🙂 I have nothing to add to the conversation about capes because I have never worn one 😉

    Posted 11.13.12 Reply
  42. Anonymous wrote:

    I love your hairstyle! I personally can't pull off the cape look, but you look stylish and chic as always.

    Posted 11.13.12 Reply
  43. Emily wrote:

    I love how elegant and chic this look is.

    creamyclothes.blogspot.com

    Posted 11.13.12 Reply
  44. With Each Passing Day wrote:

    I love the cape on you. I went out to buy the cape when you first mention it. It did not look good on me as it does on you so I return it. When I show the cape to my husband, his reaction was "are you trying to be a super hero".

    Posted 11.13.12 Reply
  45. jenn~the stylish housewife wrote:

    i LOVE this cape on you. i don't own one yet, but am on the hunt. maybe i ought to start checking out the kids sections too! =) these pics are beautiful!

    xoxo, jenn
    the stylish housewife

    Posted 11.13.12 Reply
  46. Anonymous wrote:

    not a fan at all.. =/

    Posted 11.13.12 Reply
  47. Rachelle wrote:

    I love capes, but living in South Florida I wouldn't get much use of one. But you look adorable. This one fits well without looking bulky.
    xo
    Rachelle
    http://pinksole.com

    Posted 11.13.12 Reply
  48. Petite Curves wrote:

    I don't like capes but I really wish I had your sense of style.

    Posted 11.13.12 Reply
  49. sarahsreallife wrote:

    I do love capes, although I don't have one of my own. But I love how you made this kids cape look very grown up 🙂

    Sarah's Real Life (pssst! Gems & Jam giveaway in progress…)

    Posted 11.13.12 Reply
  50. Kimberly wrote:

    Absolutely love this on you! Will have to check my local store to see if they have some left – I love shopping GapKids for affordable finds! 🙂

    http://www.pennypincherfashion.com

    Posted 11.13.12 Reply

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