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The SC transitioned to 71 over this past weekend.  Last year I threw a huge party to celebrate the age of 70. This year I hung out on the other end of the continuum, with a quiet embrace of the march of time.  Contemplation has its benefits.

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I’ve worn this estate sale vintage cape on special occasions that I remember as though they were yesterday.  I love that it takes up space, and that it demands a basic background of navy booties, leggings, vintage pencil skirt and turtleneck.  Vintage suede gloves reflecting the color of its off-white trim ensure the cape’s place as the focus of this ensemble.  It needs no embellishment other than the vintage gold earrings that mirror its sequins.  The cape stands and speaks for itself.

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It’s deco feel, its beads and sequins, and the warmth it provides guarantee that it will have a place in my closet until I wear my last hat.

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The collar which adorns the back of the cape is topped off by the navy cloche with bow which was gifted by Camille years ago.

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Photos by Kelsey

I feel enveloped in luxury every time I throw this piece of art over my shoulders, and wearing it today was a gift that I gave to myself.  It’s one of the small pleasures in life that keeps me in the moment, moving forward and grateful for another year before me.

Thank you to the beautiful Wendy Brandes of Wendy Brandes Fine Jewelry Blog for including The SC in her post on puffer jackets HERE.

49 Comments

  1. Happy Birthday to the beautiful Style Crone! That cape looks to the manor born. It has a regal, royal and stately look to it befitting of you.

  2. Darling SC – there’s no way you look a day over 40! Have you ever posted a blog on your skin care and make-up rituals? If not then you should!
    Love the cape – not just anyone could pull it off though. You & the cape were made for each other!

    I really enjoy and am inspired by your reflections too. Thank you for being here and being the wonderful 71 you are!

  3. Happy Happy Birthday! You and the cape are both absolutely stunning! I love your posts and appreciate your beautiful style. Have a wonderful year!
    Linda

  4. What an absolutely fabulous, stylish piece of vintage fashion. It is just the very thing I would snap up myself, if I were lucky enough to come across such an amazing fine.

  5. Sorry, I was so ‘ wrapped up in the cape ‘ I forgot to wish you happy birthday, and you do look absolutely fabulous too, you look at least 10 years younger, CONGRATULATIONS!!XX

  6. The cape is not the only thing that stands and speaks for itself – the wearer does as well! That is a beautiful piece of wearable art that accentuates all that is lovely about you without overwhelming it.

    That was a spectacular bash you had last year, so it seems fitting that this year there would be more calm reflection. Very warm birthday wishes, dear friend!

  7. Beautiful, stately, whimsical, all together! Perfect for you and perfectly you! And, Irish-for-a-day: may you have a happy year, and may I see you in it!

  8. How “queenly” you look, Judith…that cape was made for you, and vice versa!
    Happy birthday…you are a role model, even for those of us older than you!

  9. Judith, you are the Queen! The cape is royal, and so are you! Happy Birthday! I am so blessed that there is a woman like you here on the planet who inspires and helps to look forward to upcoming years. You are so stylish always, so creative – but not just that. You are a beautiful soul, and the choice of your outfits, and your amazing blog reflect it about you. Thank you for being such a wonderful Inspiration to so many of us. I wish you a happy and very fulfilling new year of your beautiful life!

  10. Happy birthday, Judith! That cape is the most magnificent piece, I’m not surprised you intend to wear it until you can wear it no more, it’s beautiful! And as ever, you find the perfect hat to accompany it.
    Yes, sometimes we want fanfare and people at our birthday celebrations, and sometimes we are content with something quieter and more reflective. I hope you had a lovely day. xxx

  11. Happy belated birthday, Judith! You’re definitely the centre of attention in that glorious cape regardless of whether you intended a low key celebration this year! xxx

  12. I am intending I can look ‘nearly’ as glamorous as you do, when I grow up… You have raised the bar another notch, once again! Thank You for sharing your Beautiful Outfit, and Happiest Day to your Beautiful Self.

  13. Happy, Happy Birthday gorgeous lady!! You look absolutely stunning in that cape. It’s almost as beautiful as you are. XoxoJennifer

  14. Royal outfit to celebrate this regal birthday! What a gorgeous piece to have in your collection. Happy birthday, you look stunning!

    blue hue wonderland

  15. Happy Birthday, Judith! You’re right, sometimes quiet contemplation is the best way to mark the event – each year is different. How lovely to celebrate with such a beautiful companion – that cape! I’ve never seen anything like it, so rich and luxurious.

  16. Happy Birthday Judith!!! Wishing you a year filled with beauty and joy!

    Oh heavens, you look like royalty! I don’t know if I’ve ever seen such an impeccably made garment. My jaw is gaping and I’m filled with awe! Beautiful, absolutely beautiful!

  17. Congratulations Judith. When I opened this post and saw the first picture, I thought: she is a queen. She looks like a queen, she is dressed like a queen, she is a queen. Beautiful cape.
    Greetje

  18. There are no words adequate to describe that cape! It’s just spectacular and you could walk any runway with it draped around your shoulders and steal the show.
    My fondest wish is for your 71st year to be the best you’ve ever experienced on planet Earth! 😉

    Alicia
    spashionista.com

  19. Sorry my post screwed up..I SAID:

    That CAPE! *falls back in chair* You wicked woman, flaunting all these exquisite clothing treasures in front of us! Makes me want to become a CAT BURGLAR and rob your closets! Lucky for YOU that you live so FAR AWAY from me! *wink* Happy seventy-first birthday!

  20. My goodness, Judith, now that’s celebrating your birthday in maximum style! You always show us how it’s done. True royalty fit for a crone of 71.

  21. That cape has rendered me speechless! It is truly a work of art! You have such an eye and hence your endless collection of fabulous vintage! Happy birthday to you xxx

  22. I really had no idea that clothing this beautiful exists outside of film sets, museum exhibits or the clothing vaults of royalty or the extremely wealthy! Glorious. I’m so glad you bring these pieces out for us to see. But what is more astonishing is that you always wear the clothes, they never are center stage!
    Happy Belated Birthday, darling Judith. It cannot have been a year since your big birthday bash! Can’t wait to what you do this year!

  23. It was so interesting you mentioned the march of time in your first statement; when I saw your cape it immediately made me think of one worn by the drum major, regally leading the band, high stepping and waving a silver baton.

    Beautiful! I have the same coloring as you and love to see what you put together!

  24. A belated Happy Birthday my dear friend! Your ensemble is regal and utterly gorgeous, like you. So glad to share another year with you. XXOO

  25. A VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!!

    What a stunner – both you and the cape!

    Have a glorious year. And then another… And then another… And then another…

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