Android's Prefer Capes // Making A 1950's Inspired Shawl

Today I'll be creating a coordinating cape to pair with the dress I made last week inspired by the iconic leopard number Monroe wears in Gentleman Prefer Blondes. A sort of capelet meets shawl topper, this buddy is easy to throw together, as long as you don't spend several days sequining it by hand afterwards of course...
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First, a disclaimer: So many of you have kindly offered to send me things, including vintage items you may have inherited, and I am so honored you would think of me and of course I do adore vintage treasures, however, unfortunately I only have so much storage space currently! So there is a chance that if something just wont work for me, or doesn't fit me etc, that I may not be able to keep all of your lovely things. Please only send things if you are okay with the possibility that I may donate items I just cannot keep. If you would prefer I put things that I can't keep into the TCH Etsy shop to help raise funds for me and the channel, please specify this in a note or letter in your parcel. Thank you so much!
Bianca Esposito
PO Box 632177
Highlands Ranch, CO 80163
Thank you for watching!

[@annlidslot8212]

Hi, As a fellow non-drinker (allergies in my case), just imagine how mysterious you would be, sitting at the end of the space bar, never talking and seemingly being able to hold your liquor better than any individual in creation. You only have to tell Sam the bartender (or is he pianist?), that what looks like gin and tonic is actually tonic with tonic, topped with an olive. You can substitute for your drink of choice, of course. Looking intently at any newcomer, that I do take a firm stance on though. You need definitely to do that, because that's quintessential in being the glamorous, mystery woman at the end of the bar. If I didn't say, I really like the two makes, and the story that goes with them. Also I don't care if you're an Android (I am happily married so... ), just as long as you're doing you all the way to The End. Yours, Ann

[@samwhyatt8685]

Bonkers. Utterly bonkers. Love it. Galactic Senatorial Droid Chic.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Sam!!

[@ZacherlJem]

Now we need merch that says "Androids Prefer Sequins."

[@damogranheart5521]

Emphatically!! With lots of exclamation ‼️ 👉

[@Hrafnasil]

Definitely the outfit for a lovely night at a jazz club. Spend the evening drinking Mocktails, they are starting to make more and more Mocktails (at least around here) so you can indeed look Dark and Mysterious with a drink in your hand listening to sultry jazz music. (or whatever brand of jazz you prefer)

[@halfgoddess_halfhell]

I've yet to adjust to seeing you be so good about removing your pins. Maybe one day I will, but today, it still feels wrong.

[@adri_makeup]

For realll it’s so weird lol I’m so used to her not removing them

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Only one thing could have convinced me, and it's lurex brocades being so sensitive 😩 When I sew with cotton I am my usual self 😈

[@debbiecarter6430]

So clever

[@MorticiaLaMourante]

This is both classically vintage and futuristic. Just lovely!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@gerdaniehaus9508]

Lovely. I loved that you get bug wing vibes when walking away!🎉

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!! 🐞

[@aprildriesslein5034]

I love how you've both held onto the vintage vibe that I come to Closet Historian for, whilst also taking it in wild directions so it always feels fresh.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you April!!

[@ApprenticeWriter]

I LOVE that silver brocade. It’s just so shiny and geometric!

[@katwernery6505]

When I was a kid, I loved the movie, gentlemen prefer blondes, even though alas, I am a brunette😛 I agree with you Marilyn’s costumes in that movie are stunning. I especially love the one you took inspiration from, and the orange dress.

[@selenetaron]

Dang, Bianca. You're so cool. I would happily join you at an intergalactic bar and sip on a mocktail (more bars are offering those, these days, at least in Portland). I guess I'll have to go to Mood and find some sci-fi fabric. Oh, nooooo. Another project... 😅❤

[@alexgould9244]

Thank you, Bianca, for showing me yet another item of clothing I need to sew...

[@jakimcmurdo4810]

Absolutely gorgeous they look so good together , Marilyn had nothing on you !! 🇬🇧😁❤️🪰🪳

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!!

[@rulerofsteej]

Aaaah this would be amazing in a beetle-wing shape as well! Sort of lightning-bug style

[@tiffanytomasino335]

Say yes to capes! This is pretty cool and I like how versatile it is. Also, do not blame you for going the large sequins route. And it still looks fabulous! Thanks for sharing ❤

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Tiffany!

[@emmawileman3416]

The costuming in that film is glorious throughout! One of my all-time fave films, because: Jane Russell *swoon*…

[@chaeburger]

LOVE a senatorial android look

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Me and Mon Mothma dreading dinner parties together 🥂

[@Kera.S.]

Headache after a glass of wine... Lol welcome to getting older! Happened to me too. Either have to keep drinking or take a nap haha Gorgeous cape! TFS 💙

[@dawsie]

Same here, but in my case I started to mix the wine with lemonade, funny enough made it taste better and the headache is not as bad.

[@kathyjohnson2043]

It can be from the specific wine; it happens to me with red but not with white

[@Kera.S.]

@@kathyjohnson2043 true, I did switch odly enough lol

[@Kera.S.]

@@dawsie yeah, sangria doesn't and neither does white wine. There's definitely something to it!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Kera! My mom says wine bothered her in her 30s too, but she's got no trouble now so I may just have to wait 🤣

[@denniscarl2679]

The collar treatment is brilliant!

[@zpoll6798]

Can definitely imagine you sitting in the bar on Star Trek wearing that 😊

[@pixiesmash4297]

I also get headaches from wine, but luckily, here in Australia we have wine drops that help neutralise the preservatives in the wine that gives me the headaches. So handy. Drink all the wine!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Interesting! I think my brain just hates all alcohol currently, probably becuase I am already always dehydrated 😅

[@jaybee2337]

So cool! It almost looks like it’s made from some kind of futuristic metal.

[@lesleyharris525]

The dress was stunning but the cape is just another level. ❤

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Lesley!!

[@Jane-cr9bp]

Wow, that cape really sets off the dress!

[@kiwikiwi5505]

You’re probably reacting to the tannins in the red wine. Quite common reaction. Beautiful cape.

[@olliejones3302]

Its giving Star Terk TOS does High Fashion and I love it

[@debraking7412]

Hi Bianca, the cape you made finishes the dress off beautifully. The whole ensemble looks fabulous.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Debra!

[@jimahalangel]

The tails of the cape remind me of beetle wings and now I must make one for myself

[@cindyfrye3026]

I love the "feathered" headpiece!

[@kaytiej8311]

It kind of has a wing elytra vibe to it. Rather cool!

[@cristinastefan3283]

Oau!Love the cape!Your futuristic outfit is complete and is gorgeous!Thank you!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Christina!

[@eleanormccarthy2713]

So much fun. Mocktails are always great. I prefer tonic with lime. :D

[@sandrafrench6125]

Wonderful work. Love the whole outfit.💜🇦🇺. I’m with you about the red wine😢

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Sandra!

[@tiffsewcrafty]

I hope you do get the chance to show off these outfits in person. They're so pretty!

[@raelenebyrnes7296]

Utterly gorgeous…dramatic and fantastic 😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Raelene!

[@robintheparttimesewer6798]

The cape with the dress is really stunning! I so love it! I I think I really need to join you when you find that bar to sit at. I too don't drink for the same reason... It's really funny or sad how many people expect a sorted story instead of my body will not tolerate it anymore! That and at the few functions I have gone to since it started I'm the driver which isn't always fun. Such is life

[@missred586799]

Gorgeous!!! I adore this cape with the dress. It’s so chic. When I was working full-time, I used to use scarves as a kind of cape, in this style. I wore them backwards, sometimes tying them loosely. I also used Windsor knots with my scarves.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! A draped scarf is always chic, I love a good giant scarf for this reason also 😍

[@MojaveMuse]

this would be a great look for the Neotropolis event

[@goddesspa]

I have a creative black tie event... you've given me great inspiration. Thank you!

[@leslikuyweski4576]

I love watching you create!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!!

[@Beth-ch7pj]

Very pretty and sophisticated. I like the addition of the bugs - especially that big one! Unrelated but ive been re-watching babylon 5 and wondered if you would consider making talia winters chartreuse and black colour blocked suit. It just seems very you! Of course i realise you have a lot of projects already scheduled and a lot on your plate this year life-wise, so no pressure intended ❤ just that every time i see that suit i think of you is all 😀

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Beth! I'm afraid I haven't seen the program or suit, but I do love chartreuse!

[@TrixiaDK]

The cape, completed the ensemble ❤

[@AmPlant]

oh wow! I love how this came out. I have no idea where I'd wear it, but now I'm highly tempted to make my own version and add some beaded fringe onto the ends of the tails...

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! We can all have an online fancy cocktail/mocktail party someday 😂

[@nerdaccount]

That is fantastic!!!! I love Galactic Senatorial Chic!!!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!! ✨

[@ssprout8209]

WOW - Awesome - Love it - Love it..............Thank you....

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@hotjanuary]

2:54 I don’t think anyone could find a ruler that long. The longest I’ve found is a meter stick. I bought two and joined them together with a plate and screws.

[@hesperheart6622]

Gentlemen Prefer Androids is too good

[@SyaminiKaushik]

0:49 CAT!!!

[@Ferry-ug6ip]

Lovely! I love how versatile it is for such a unique garment. Regarding the wine- You may be sensitive to tannins now, or have acquired an allergy. Try antihistamines or fining/aerating the wine!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! Tannins and sulfates I think are the trouble yes, though when I'm ever in France the wine is no problem (and is very tasty of course!)

[@Marillawen]

That is SO cool! Almost look like circuit too? And that luna moth is *chef's kiss*

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! A full on sequin motherboard will have to happen someday for sure ✨

[@emisformaker]

My wine headaches started at 35, along with perimenopause. It was like a harbinger for hot flashes.

[@marierotundo9616]

Gorgeous ❤ you are so talented, you make everything look easy. I wish I had half your talent. Love everything you make. ❤

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Marie!!

[@sharonp6521]

I love how you did the collar!

[@armedvsokord]

Another example of taking inspiration and making your own. I need to be able to do that. So i can see beyond the limitations of what patterns and colors a design is shown in, saying I'll never wear that, and look at the potential it has in different offices colors or textures. I'm still trying to get better at it. 😂

[@sistersarann3819]

OMG absolutely gorgeous. The perfect accessory for the dress. Amazing :)

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@GlobalTrendsCycles]

I admire your ability to do nonstop beading - beautiful results! Speaking of "Gentlemen Prefer Androids" - now it's more like gentlemen (I use that term loosely) prefer an AI-generated "girlfriend."

[@TheClosetHistorian]

I've already started another sequined project, I have no respect for my own spine 😂

[@ReisigSeeds]

The headache may not be from the wine; it may be from the preservatives in the wine. Try using a few drops of food grade hydrogen peroxide in your glass. This will chemically counteract the preservatives so you won’t get a headache. It also works for canned lemon/ lime juice.

[@marcco44]

beyond perfection Ms. B🤩🌹🌹🌹🌹

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Marcco!!

[@dawsie]

😹😹the whole outfit looks not only stunning buts so cute with the cape. I found with wines as I got older I was mixing them with lemonade, it helped to dull down my headache lol, funny enough I found I preferred the wine with lemonade. Many of the white or even red wines tend to go bitter in taste due to one of the meds that I take for my heart (been on it since I was a child) personally I’m more of a Scotch drinker that has never gotten me drunk 😹😹but then I am originally from the Shetland isle 😹😹😹babies are weened on the stuff best treatment for teething babies too😹😹😹GrandPa would dip the teething ring in his drink when Mom or Gran were looking the other way😹😹😹

[@raraavis7782]

I may or may not have put both frozen fruit and juice in wine to improve the taste...but lemonade is a new one to me 😅

[@courtneyx9845]

This is so cool. And I love the video title. 😂

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@pearlkoning1275]

Amazing!!!

[@simonemacandrew]

Love it!

[@Needledownquilting]

beautiful!

[@fikanera838]

This is so stunning! It works so well with those gorgeous sleeves too!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! I can't stop using tulip sleeves 😂✨

[@arvettadelashmit9337]

This is beautiful on you. Thank you for the video.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Arvetta!

[@HelyaRavn]

I love your videos, they're so inspiring ✨

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!!

[@DeniseMJoerg]

Love, love,love! You look gorgeous!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Denise!

[@lynneozzyblackbeard]

It's flipping fabulous!!! 🤩😍🤩😍🤩😍

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Lynne!

[@suzannethevenot2208]

LOVE LOVE LOVE This!! Beautiful!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Suzanne!

[@debbieevans7276]

You never fail to amaze!! Gorgeous!!❤❤

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Debbie!

[@goatladygletha792]

Wow! Amazing! It's beautiful.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@archiecat4182]

Wonderful. You look fabulous and ethereal ❤

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@dianefitzpatrick742]

Love love love everything you make!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Diane!

[@annesullivan1171]

It is so beautiful.❤😊

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Anne!

[@JennyBartG]

Again, so nice!!!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Jenny!

[@Tesco191]

I absolutely love you and the work you do, always amazing ❤

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!!

[@basicbaroque]

Such a beautiful cape! 💕

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@teresababinat6004]

Turned out great. Very beautiful.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Teresa!

[@davidh.4220]

Perfect accompaniment to that stellar dress!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you David!

[@carolbarbee5653]

Wow that's gorgeous I love it ❤

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Carol!

[@wendyhale2189]

Beautiful as always.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Wendy!

[@guineverecassidy4855]

So much fun!! Bravo you!!! Exceptional work!!!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Guinevere!

[@jennglow4647]

Very pretty 😀

[@thomascurb9006]

Perfect! As always you have knocked it out of the park! So so lovely 🌹.👗🌹🌹🌹

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Thomas!

[@gise9393]

Bravo.

[@IvyRosethebus]

If the blue note is still in Boulder, that was a great jazz bar, you would do awesome in there. 😊

[@jenniferschrader293]

That cape is the perfect final touch to the outfit. So yummy.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!!

[@elizabethturel78]

Awesome design❣️ You are lovely.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Elizabeth!

[@belindagritter1572]

Beautiful cape!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Belinda!

[@panacheluxury4262]

The entire ensemble is lovely. The sequins, especially the rectangle ones really set the Cape off. Beautiful work, lady! ❤

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! I wish I could find more giant sequins like these 🤩

[@panacheluxury4262]

@@TheClosetHistorian, 😄

[@ageamiu8923]

I really love the whole concept of taking something from the past and making it sci-fi! If I weren’t chronologically ill I‘d be making my own „victorian meets space“ outfits! Also „victorian just got dragged through a sci-fi horror game and got partially overtaken by a machine“! Just love it! But oh well, I‘ll just have to save up and try to buy myself towards my favorite aesthetic… Does anyone have shop recommendations for futuristic/sci-fi accessories and jewelry that are not minimalist or from a franchise?

[@TheClosetHistorian]

I love searching for "brutalist" or "modernist" jewelry on etsy and ebay for sci fi looking things. The 1960s and 70s did a ton of awesome princess Leia worthy jewelry ✨

[@ageamiu8923]

@@TheClosetHistorian I didn’t think of that! Thank you for the tipp! :D

[@bravehearticus]

I'm allergic to red wine! If I have certain ones, my face flares up red and stings like sunburn. I also sneeze. It's the histamines in the grape. I can take antihistamines to help, but I usually don't bother drinking 😢

[@TheMagnoliaWitch]

You probably thought of this already, but making this cape or a similar one with black satin and iridescent green-toned overlay for a beetle wing aesthetic?

[@jordancarpenter1642]

I think that I need one!😱

[@mim73]

Its gorgeous 🩵

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!!

[@damogranheart5521]

Most Excellent!! I love cloaks and wraps and capes! Everyone should have a little mystery in their life. The bar beads are magnifique!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! These bar sequins were from India and took like a full year to get to me, otherwise I'd try and get more 😅

[@damogranheart5521]

@@TheClosetHistorian YIKES!! Wow! I'm trying to think what it would be like to plan a project one to two years ahead of time and gather materials. And here's me trying to make my bedroom door look like a library! I believe that is possible. A dress and cape? A person would have to be truly driven. You could do that. I 'd have to find something that really moved me!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

@@damogranheart5521 Oh I just bought the sequins knowing I would need them one day, and that day was for this cape 😂The sequin supplier usually got stuff to me in about 6 weeks, then suddenly a year long battle to have them shipped all the way. Inexpensive and super unique sequins, unknowable risky shipping situation!

[@GiraffeLoverJen]

Red wine gives me a headache too. I heard that Kosher wine won't do that, but i haven't tested that. I just generally don't like alcohol.

[@ambercolby5527]

Let me know when you find that awesome jazz club to lurk in and I will definitely join you for a non-alcoholic beverage, ha ha!

[@beckymiller1840]

❤❤❤

[@jaded_gerManic]

I enjoyed wine in my twenties but when I complained to my mom that I was avoiding it and why she said, "Oh you're probably allergic like I am." Thanks for the warning, ma. Lately, whiskey is much kinder to me.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

I am not cool enough to enjoy whiskey, I am however nerdy enough that I prefer sake most of all 🌸

[@jaded_gerManic]

@@TheClosetHistorian sake IS on my list, haven't had the occasion to try it 😅