Last time I visited my brother Andy and sister-in-law Shari in LA, Shari was all "capes this!" and "capes that!"

What in the hell is a cape?

Oh, I see! It's like a poncho, but with less of this going on:These capes sure looked adorable on Shari. And in fact, I once had a cape or two in my early twenties (I foolishly called them ponchos at the time... capes are so much classier!). I had not rocked a cape in quite some time, but Shari loved them and I was intrigued.Three months later, I was at Forever 21 (or as I like to call it, Forever 29), and stumbled upon the cape in the above photo. It looked fancy. Even decent quality! I've always secretly loved Forever 21, but in a Chic-fil-a at the airport kind of way-- so dirty, so good, so hiding in a corner while I eat it.

Since my capsule wardrobe buying freeze was over, I purchased it.

When I threw it one the next day, I instantly felt put together, even though I was basically wearing a grandma afghan as a shirt. It's warm, comfy, stylish, not too restrictive, and in this case, not too The Good, The Bad & The Ugly. I got loads of compliments on it, and everyone was shocked about where I purchased it. It looks so fancy. Check out the detail!If you want capes on the cheap, hit up Forever 21. Capes-o-plenty! I can't find mine on their website (it's probably still at the store... who knows with that place), but here are some excellent alternatives.

CHEAP & CUTE CAPES

Mid-range Capes

Anyone else feeling the cape these days? It's one of three clothing purchases I've made since wrapping up my capsule wardrobe... though I'm still working with about 40 pieces in my closet. It's magical!

For more fashion-y things I've tried, check out the time I wore a pink jumpsuit (it didn't go well) and the time I re-visited press-on nails.