I Like The Way You Move.

voltee ♦ September 19, 2011 ♦ 3 Comments

Item: Cape-ish, tunic-ish Blouse Color/Fabric: Lavender, cotton Designer: Elizabeth and James Where Purchased: Next Boutique Years Owned: One

Well, I had every intention of doing this last night. But I simply ran out of steam. I haven’t done any morning writing in a very long time. I am not what one might call “A Morning Person.” Even after my mandatory mug of espresso, I am still feeling bleary eyed and cranky.
I’m still going to try to do this, though…
So I did actually wear this blouse yesterday. I had to work at Next Boutique and ran out of time for choosing an outfit. To save time, I decided to think of my all-time favorite outfit, and just wear that. This popped into my mind instantly.
I bought this almost exactly a year ago at Next. It was something that had been on the sale rack, but even at 75% off still seemed too expensive to me. I remember working one weekend, looking at it, and writing it off. But I loved the color.And then I thought about it constantly. I could not get it out of my mind. If it’s still there when I work next week, I thought, I’m trying it on. After a week, I was officially obsessed.
And to my relief, we found each other. And it was love at first try-on.
A little side note. Many people don’t realize this, but Elizabeth and James is a label designed by the Olsen Twins. I really love it, especially the blazers, the variety of textures, and the crazy proportions. Yes, it’s really pricey, and sometimes I do have a little voice in my head whispering, “You’re wearing something designed by Michelle Tanner.” Anyway.
I love the floatiness of this, how it sort of swallows up my shape, but is sheer enough to let just a glimpse back through. It’s something that looks questionable on a hanger, and then changes dramatically on a body. It needs movement, and it transforms. Plus, it has pockets!
I nicknamed this The Cape. No, it isn’t really I cape. But the shape of it and the way it moves reminds me of one. I imagined that if I ever became a crime-fighting superhero, I would wear something like this, and not an actual cape.
I thrilled at the prospect of wearing this in Spain. The right occasion presented itself in Barcelona. We were staying in this amazing, rock star hotel, and like a true rock star, I had three costume changes that day. (You can read about the other two here.)
Last year, when we were there, Spain was having serious economic woes. The unemployment rate was ridiculously high, and petty crime was rampant like never before. Everyone warned us about getting pick pocketed. I was a little concerned, before we left, and packed things like a practical cross-body bag I could zip underneath a jacket and such. But once we were there, it didn’t really cross my mind.
After a crazy, crazy afternoon in Barcelona, we decided to hit the town. I wanted to be stylish. And so, The Cape!
I wore it over a little black cashmere dress, with black tights, my favorite faux-lizard booties, and lots of necklaces.
We entered the Barcelona night.
Walking down La Rambla, a bustling pedestrian boulevard lined with cafes and restaurants, filled with street performers and peddlers, I felt like a bit of a target. La Rambla is a notorious spot for pickpockets, and this was the only occasion I ever really worried about it. It turns out that I doubted the crime-fighting capabilities of my Cape after all, and just wanted to find a restaurant and get inside.
My husband can be very picky sometimes. Utterly famished, I would have eaten anywhere. But he was determined to find the very best food with the largest portions and the lowest price in all of Barcelona. So we walked for a long time, my eyes ever searching for someone waiting to jump out of the shadows and grab us.
Which never happened. Somehow, we ended up at a restaurant very close to our hotel, and wow, what a meal! We must have eaten for two hours. I can’t remember everything we ate. There were french fries with an egg on top, little crostinis with tomatoes and olive oil, a goat cheese salad, whole baby squid which we actually ate and sort of enjoyed, chicken, chocolate fondue with fruit, cava, salmon, and olives of course. Among others. I wish I could remember it all. It was A Feast For The Ages.
Walking back, I felt much less trepidation, being highly sedated with food and cava. I could finally enjoy the city at night. With the sparkling lights everywhere, and the Gaudi archetecture illuminated, it was like walking through a twisted fairy tale. Beautiful.
I want to go back to that elusive, mysterious city. And soon.
I love The Cape. I am interested to know your opinions, but have to say that if you hate it, I may have to keep it anyway. I believe we were destined to be together.

**I know I have been waiting for more feedback on most newer pieces, but this, I love. So much. It is staying no matter what!