THE [SUPERMAN] CAPE

Ah... I'm dreaming of warmer days! Seems like just last week it was sixty degrees & perfect cape weather... oh wait... 

Well. That was last week. This week Cincinnati is throwing negative temperatures our way. So you might want to bookmark this babe for warmer days. I predict they are only a little bit away. But maybe that's because I'm wearing a superman cape & that means anything I want to happen will happen. That's how it works, right?

I bought this cape in college, wayyy back in 2011. Then, I lost it in the trunk of my car for TWO YEARS. About a month ago, I found it again :D. Feels brand new! So what about you guys? I love that the cape trend has been going strong for four years - how do you wear yours?  You can tell me in a second.. BRB while me & my superman cape try  to conquer this polar vortex real fast.

Cape: For Cynthia via TJMaxx (four years ago) (similar)
Sweatshirt: JCrew (two years ago) (similar)
Pants: Thrifted Gap (similar)
Hat: Target
Tote: Madewell Transport Tote
Shoes: Free People (four years ago) (similar)
Photography: Jacob Heath

CASUAL MONDAY + BLANKET SCARF

Get excited people!!! I was on a stay-cation last week & spent a lot of time transferring Magical Simplicity to it's new home & new name. & NOW YOU'RE HERE! Welcome to Ida Street!! While we wait for everyone to join us...

...can we comment on this Cincinnati weather?! What the heck! Last week it was under 20 degrees & up to 60 in just the span of 48 hours. So, rather than bundling my blanket scarf under my huge eskimo coat, it finally got to take the spotlight. 

This is the most comfortable scarf in the entire world. I got it at a winter sale last year at Curate Boutique & never looked back. It doubles as a blanket when I'm traveling for work (airplanes get really unexpectedly cold, don't you think?) & a perfect cozy accessory when just running out for errands. 

Did you guys hop on the blanket scarf trend? How do you wear yours? I've seen some pretty neat ways lately.. I especially love this cape-look by twosixandcounting. Maybe I'll try that someday too :) P.S. We took these photos on Ida Street --- you might be hearing that name around these parts a little more soon ;)

Blanket Scarf: LOOK wool blanket scarf via Curate Boutique (last year) (similar)
Shirt: Merona Chambray Light Wash via Target (last year) (similar)
Pants: Skinny Ankle Jean light wash via JCrew Factory (last year) (similar)
Purse: Woven Faux Leather from SF (similar)
Sunnies: Street Vendor in NYC (similar)
Photography: Jacob Heath 

SUMMER HATS FOR FALL

This summer my love for hats reached a whole new level. I went from never wearing a fedora to owning four. I styled them here, here, here, here + here. We all found big floppy hats +  wore them here. I realized hats are not just stylish but also functional (seems obvious, I know, but this was a huge revelation for me). + best of all,  I learned "good hat day" means I have few extra glorious minutes in my bed every morning.  (Because otherwise I comb my hair every day.) (I really do!) (Well.. most mornings.) (Smirk emoji.)

Even though last week I brought the wool baseball cap back into my wardrobe, I'm not quite ready to put my summer hats away (partially because I don't know where to store them in The Studio...). So, sweet Magical Simplicity readers, let's transition! This amazing summer hat called to me from a boutique at The Market while I was visiting Colleen in NYC. The moment I was told about it's end-of-summer 40% sale - it was mine. It's bright pink + so obviously a sun hat. I suppose that makes it's natural habitat the sizzling summer months. But I think I can stretch it out :)

As the weather cools, the trick is to mute the rest of your outfit with basic colors: blacks, greys + whites. It will make room for this transitional pop of color. Plus, don't you think it's rude to distract from something so beautiful, anyway? If you've been obsessing over hats this summer  (like me!) (I mean, really though, can we talk about how much less makeup you need when hats are the ootd?!) --  I'd love to hear how you plan to transition yours into the fall. Suggestions + comments always welcome. + as always, thanks for reading :)

Hat: The Market in NYC
Pants:  Madewell Skinny skinny ankle coated motorcycle jeans
Shoes:  Frye Laney Lace Up
Photography: Jackie Butler

LA DA DI THE GRAPHIC TEE

La. Da. Di. I love the graphic tee.

What I love about the weekend is that it's a chance to let loose.  No need for you, pencil skirt. Farewell constrained button down! I'm not even going to look  at you til Monday!

I bought my first three graphic tees all in the same day (it was Friday) (smirk emoji). I admit, & my cashier did too, it was a little excessive. Here's what happened: After spotting Elsie + Emma's shirts HERE, I got it in my head I should own a Brunch shirt. Why? Because I would always prefer to be at Brunch. Weeks later: Perusing Banana Republic with my sis for business clothes & in the middle of the fall collection.... BAM. THIS. Sold. But not. They are expensive. So.. I sat in stalk mode til this weekend's $50-off-$100-purchase sale. I came out with three perfect graphic tees. All for half price. (Jump for joy!)

Now let's talk about Banana for a second. Are you surprised? I was. We had a nice chat about it (the cashier + me). Banana has a new Creative Director. Her name is Marissa Webb & "she's all about taking life less seriously."  It's sharp angles & layers & working weekend wear into the work place. I think I'm going to love #TheNewBR. & Marissa, you're my idol.

So that's my thought this Monday. Let's have fun. I know not every day is the weekend. But maybe we could treat life a little more like it was. So, my loves, ready for a great, fun & magical Monday? Hint: the answer should be yes. & let's do it together. Ready? Go! 

Bee tea dubs:

Shirt: Banana Republic Graphic Tee [in stores only] [similar]
Shorts: JCrew Shorts [old.. like 2009]
Shoes: DSW Clearance(!) Gladiator Sandals [here]
Sunnies: NYC Street Vendor  
Photography: Jacob Heath.

P.S. Definitely going to style the graphic tee into my work wear. Stay tuned :)

WORK WHITES

Hi, hi, hi! I think you know that I work at a pretty relaxed work-wear company. We travel... a lot. So  our bosses kind of let us wear what's comfortable for our long hours. This summer I've been into the whites. 

Shirt: Speckled White Tee via Madewell/JCrew Outlet
Pants: The Jasper Skinny BCBGeneration via Gap Outlet Store  
Shoes: The Mindy Slip On from Frye Company (Gifted)
Glasses: Tortoise Shell Glasses via Polo.

Why do I love all white ensembles? Because I try to get ready for work in just under 12 minutes. & all white outfits always match. & you know what, it seems pretty purposeful. Like, "Yes. I planned this. Of course I put thought into what I was wearing today." Also, it's summer. & in the summer you can  wear all white. So you should.

The other reason I love this outfit is because I purchased almost every piece from a discount store. I got my shirt at a JCrew Outlet in Baltimore. The pants (how awesome are they?! Denim top & fo-leather bottom. Amazing!) were on clearance at The Gap Clearance Store [map]. Have you guys been there? The one by CVG Airport? Guys - they have some seriously amazing deals there. It's all slightly damaged - but hey, sometimes "slightly damaged" is seriously on trend.

My friend & co-worker Kelly was so awesome to run out into the parking lot with me after work one day. This is her debut into Photography for Magical Simplicity. How'd she do? I think it's great :)

Do you guys like all whites? I've seen some friends also be monochrome in white (Cincin-Natalie). It can be dressed up or down & worn all around. Well, for a few weeks more, I suppose. Summer is flying!!  Can't wait to see your ensembles :)