**Update: A few readers have mentioned problems with shipping times, live chat questions, as well as returning or exchanging items with Sheinside customer service, which is unfortunate. As a result, please be warned and order at your own risk.**
I’m not sure what it is about capes that keeps drawing me in – maybe it’s the easy silhouette that’s been around for centuries, or just the comfort of wearing a big blanket-like garment once temperatures drop. I tried sewing one from scratch, but upon getting to the lining and collar, realized that I had undertaken a project a bit beyond my current skill level. After giving up, I browsed around online for a classic neutral-colored one and stumbled upon this option.
This cape met all of my requirements (including a back pleat, holes for the arms to come out, pockets to keep hands warm) except the fur was unfortunately not detachable. I do think the trim is cute, but it’s a little much for me on more casual days. After shopping around some more without finding a better option, I decided to DIY remove the trim and possibly make it attach/detach-able using a row of buttons. To remove it, you can use small scissors to cut the threads attaching the two halves of the hood that have the fur sandwiched in-between. After taking the trim out, I then hand-sewed the two pieces of hood shut again per this easy ladder-stitch tutorial. I imagine the buttons will take a few hours (saving the task for a rainy day perched in front of the TV), but an adjustment like this is something a tailor should be able to do for most coats.
This is my first time receiving something Sheinside and I wasn’t sure what to expect. As with other Asian retailers that I’ve worked with in the past, the items appear to come from a multitude of brands/vendors so sizing can vary from item to item. Sizes offered are also more generic – this cape comes in S, M, L with the measurements listed out online in cm. The cape was shipped within 24 hours after it was ordered, and took 9 days (7 business days) to arrive with the free standard shipping from China. Update: Based on feedback from several of you, it seems the average delivery period is a longer 3 weeks.
The fit shown here is of a size S. It has padded shoulders, which help the cape look a little more structured. The shoulders fit me fine over a thicker sweater, but may be too wide for anyone with a smaller frame. The cape is fully lined, and the outer material is a medium-weight wool blend (30% wool, 70% poly) with some stretch. Color is described as “camel” online, but is more beige brown with slight pink undertones in-person.
Measurements of a S: 14.5″ across the shoulder (15.5″ including width of shoulder pads), 23.5″ long, 36″ wide across the bottom when fully extended.
I think the key to finding capes for petite figures is to pay attention to length as well as volume. I chose a shorter cape that hit just at my hips, and the addition of armholes in this design allow me to “hug it in” and keep the cape from billowing out too freely.
Below is another classic cape option that I tried on from Brooks Brothers kids (please pardon the blurry pic!). The largest I could find in-store was a sz L – the neck was snug on me once buttoned up, and the length was a tad short for someone 5 feet tall. I did however love the quality and weight of the 100% wool, and there are XL’s available online for anyone interested.
Thanks for saying hi, Brittany! I love Wendy : )
Hi Julie, it's fully lined so I haven't found it to be itchy. If you are very sensitive, I'd suggest just wearing 3/4 or long sleeve tops underneath, which I recommend doing regardless because the cape itself is not fit for very cold weather.
Hi Chloe, I didn't trim it off (would not recommend) but actually removed the stitching holding the fur in place in between the two halves of the hood. Tried to explain it above but didn't do a great job! If you really like the cape and can't find a fur-less alternative, I'd ask a tailor to remove it and it should not cost more than $15 because I found it to be very simple (but do ask ahead so there's no surprises!)
Thank you for letting me know – I emailed them to please remove my image or at least properly credit it, but never got a response. Simple lesson learned is to watermark all photos online, at the very least!
I'm still yet to find one that suits me really well.
xo
Maggie A
LOVE MAVIN
She said that she bought the camel one. 🙂
"Color is described as "camel" online, but is more beige brown with slight pink undertones in-person."
Love this look! I am seriously craving a cape. And that bag is amazing!
xo Megan, LushtoBlush.com
As always very stylish!!
Jean, your photos are always so lovely! What editing software do you use?
Was this taken at Arnold Arboretum? I went there last weekend; it's so beautiful there right now!
As always I love your outfit!!!! You look so beautiful and elegant…. I love the cape!!! and thank for your useful advices!!! have a nice day!
http://beatrizemoreno.blogspot.com.es
love the outfit! the watch is amazing!
xoxo
Mady
thegirlfromthemirror.blogspot.com
Just thought I should help answer! –> I've ordered many times from Sheinside and the quality has always impressed me. They have pretty accurate measurements for every size in each product description. : )
Dumb people will be dumb, but hey, you're considered a sexy asian girl! Not too terrible, but still terrible.
Really pretty outfit….
http://aeroplaneandapparel.blogspot.com
What a delightful outfit. We love love this look!
xo
http://www.PlumPrettySugar.blogspot.com
The coat looks beautiful on you! I've always been weary on ordering outerwear from Asian fast fashion sites, so I'm glad that you reviewed a coat from one and that the quality is actually decent. I love the pink hue of the jacket!
Suzie Q
http://www.StyleCueBySuzieQ.com
Dumb people. How in the world did they get that out of a simple fashion blog post?
what a beautiful cape and the fit is great on you, Jean! i just ordered it too as i've been on the hunt for a cape for several years now too.
Love the cape! It's a great color on you.
That watch is perfect for you! It reminds me of the skirt you made…I think it was a skirt. Maybe it was a top. It minds me of that pattern you use, nonetheless. Glad to see you wearing a cape this season! I've always been a fan of the cape coat. The pink is a great combo of two great trends for the season.
Corporate Catwalk
Facebook Page
That cape is awesome!
hi jean. would you new aquatalias replace your normal hunter rain boots? or is it for commuting in snow? also, do they run true to size? thanks in advance!
Great review Jean! And beautiful pictures. I am totally buying that cape!! I browsed for it on sheinside already but was hesitant to buy until I heard your full review. It sounds like you has a positive experience, and the price seems rather reasonable. Thank you!
http://theinternetandtheunicorn.blogspot.com/
Just wondering, if you have purchased other items from this store Sheinside. I found a few things that look amazing but unsure about the quality and fit. I'm a petite as well.
Where did you get your watch??
I love cape/poncho jackets! Love this jacket on you! I have a black one (without arm holes) and have worn it so many times already. I agree with you that having arm holes help keep the jacket slim, but I also love the simplicity of ones without too. The Brook Brothers one looks great as well!
Choo Choo
http://choochooli.blogspot.com
Great look, perfect for you, just your style!
OMG! I absolutely love the look of this cape Jean! Im actually looking for coats and capes at the moment as I will be travelling to NY for thanksgiving week. Will this be warm enough for a 2 deg Celsius weather? I tried on the camel/black combo coat from Zara but as with most of their coats and capes, it was too big even for the XS size 🙁
Beautiful photos, as usual! Sigh– fall in New England. Can you share the location?
Hi Jean,
I was wondering how warm the jacket is, and if you had information about the materials before you received it? (percentage wool, cotton, polyester)
I see a few pieces on sheinside that I'd be interested in purchasing, but unsure about quality and warmth.
Thanks! And great photos!
charactersandcarryons.wordpress.com
I liked your response in the Jezebel post here: http://jezebel.com/the-truth-about-that-uc-irvine-before-and-after-job-i-1453488963
I like your posts and tips about fit–they're sound advice and nothing about just being pretty.
It's not possible to please everyone, and it's not possible to stop everyone from misunderstanding. It's quite unfair that they're taking that photo out of context.
I've been looking for a cape for for while and like you, having trouble finding something that would fit a petite Asian frame…not to mention a lot of the designer ones are relatively pricey. This one looks great – I'll have to check it out!
I love that your cape has a hood– it looks extra cozy! Also, thanks a lot for the blow dryer tip to stretch out leather shoes. I gave it a shot the other day on a pair of my pointed-toe shoes and it worked like a charm 🙂
Alma
The addition of the hood on the cape sells it for me. I would love it in red.
xoxo
Ivy
http://www.purrpleivy.com/
Hi
saw this on instagram and had to get for myself cant wait to wear it! im interested in taking off the fur part as well are you able to show us pics of a before and after and also the buttons to attach and detach?
Tricia
So classy,love tthe bag.
Yes the photos are really beautiful and you look so great! The Prada bag which you wear was the alternative for me, when I bought my Prada bag, but finally I dediced to buy the black-grey one. Now I´m not sure, if this was the right decision …
http://www.dressedwithsoul.blogspot.de
Wow. Jean, you should really look into getting that removed.
Love love everything!!!
Hi Jean!
I really love the softness of the cape! It's so beautiful, and so are the pictures!
I came across your blog/facebook page through Wendy about a couple of months ago. I'm so happy to see a similar style like hers! I love it and can't wait to look through your blog more as time goes on! 🙂
Brittany
GORGEOUS!!!
Love capes, I have one also!
Yours is so cute!!!! Fits perfectly to you and love this beige color! So great for autumn!!!
xoxo
Le monde des petites
http://www.lemondedespetites.com/
SO GORGEOUS ! <3
Style-Squared ON BLOGGER
Style-Squared ON FACEBOOK
I love the cape!
Hi Jean
I was wondering if the cape is itchy at all because of the wool?
Thanks
Julie
I've been considering getting a cape but didn't know how it'd look on me. And not sure if it's "practical" enough for me. But love this post and that jacket -the color- is everything!
Love the cape without the fur …. does trimming the fur off makes the edges look unfinished? I am considering purchasing since it is so cute but I am not at skilled to make the fur attachable 🙂
Love the look Jean! It looks like the pink one you have is no longer available? I only see the red and camel online 🙁
The photos are so beautiful, you look great Jean!
Hi Jean,
It looks like UC Irvine "borrowed" your photos…
http://www.cracked.com/quick-fixes/the-4-most-sexist-attempts-at-giving-women-advice/