Dressing Room Diaries

Cheers to Friday, friends! What’s on your weekend agenda? We’re doing some last-minute packing before heading out on our family vacation of National Parks tomorrow. #griswald I’m sure I’ll be oversharing on Instagram Stories, as I can never resist capturing amazing scenery and my goofball husband.

Today it’s time for another round of Dressing Room Diaries, where I hunt down some of the cutest new arrivals from my favorite retailers, and review them for you.

You know the drill with Dressing Room Diaries, the shots aren’t good, the lighting is bad, my hair is usually past it’s expiration, and many of the items aren’t a good fit for me…but it’s real life, real girl, real clothes…and hopefully helpful for you to see them this way, instead of perfectly styled on a model. And occasionally I sweet-talk my darling Mama Sugarplum into joining me to show her take on things.

Fit Note: I’m 5’4″-ish, 120 pounds-ish, with a slight pear shape. Mama Sugarplum is 5’1″, with an hourglass figure. Our usual size is XS/0.

We both fell for this off-the-shoulder top, but this one is another good option, especially if you prefer a little more length. It’s also a little more voluminous than this one, but has a more secure fit across the shoulders.

Fit Tip: It runs true, but is meant to have a more billowy fit. We’re both wearing XS.

Off the Shoulder Top |Similar Distressed Jeans | Gray Booties | Dark Jeans | Knee Boots

This pullover top is made of a super-soft fleecey knit, so it feels amazing. I love the little drape at the hip to give it a half-tuck look, too. The three-quarter sleeve and lightweight material make it a good transition piece for Spring.

Fit Tip: We’re both wearing a regular XS…the petite was too short on both of us.

Draped Front Fleece Top | Dark Jeans | Knee Boots

It took a minute, but I’m slowly warming up to the cold-shoulder trend. #seewhatIdidthere? This top feels like a thick t-shirt, but the ribbed-stripe and open-shoulder jazz it up. It has a bell-shape, so good for disguising food babies…or actual babies, for that matter. Mama SP loved it, but felt it was a little too full around my hips.

Fit Tip: We’re both wearing XS.

Cold Shoulder Top | Similar Distressed Jeans | Gray Booties | Dark Jeans | Knee Boots

These pullovers are like a thick sweatshirt, and lined with terrycloth. I thought it was a little scratchy, but mom had no issues with it. We both preferred the lace-up version, as the crewneck was a little too boxy.

Fit Tip: We’re both wearing an XS, but I’d probably size up for more length (I have a long torso). 

Side Tie Sweatshirt | Similar Distressed Jeans | Gray Booties | Lace-Up Sweatshirt | Dark Jeans | Knee Boots

A lot of fun details in this sweet little top…peplum hem and a lacy panel. I didn’t love the length on me, and wished the color was a bit less ‘dusty.’ But mom thought it was darling.

Fit Tip: We’re both wearing XS, but the armholes are a little too low, so I’d recommend sizing down one.

Lace Front Blouse | Similar Distressed Jeans | Gray Booties | Dark Jeans | Knee Boots

If you watch my Instagram Stories (find a tutorial on where to find those here), then you know by the dancing this two-piece dress was one of my favorites that day! (Impromptu dancing is always a good indicator of how much you love something.) #girllogic It’s a thick ribbed knit, but still manages to have good structure and softness. I adore the racer neckline, and flared skirt (so flattering!), and the colors are gorgeous. It can be worn either tucked or out, and together or as separate pieces. That’s a lot of outfit bang!

Fit Tip: It runs true, I’m wearing an XS.

Sweater Knit Dress Set

I shared these dresses with you in the last Dressing Room Diaries, but even though Mama SP loved her cascading ruffle dress, I wasn’t convinced I had the right size in my off-the-shoulder dress. I’m wearing a regular small, which was a little loose around the shoulders and waist…so I ordered a smaller size for comparison.

Off-the-Shoulder Dress | Fringe Earrings | Ruffle Sheath Dress

This is an XS petite…which fits much better across the shoulders and waist, but I don’t love the shorter length. It’s a great solid material that drapes beautifully without showing lumps and bumps, and the color is striking.

Fit Tip: Stick with your usual size…I’d prefer a regular XS best.

Off-the-Shoulder Dress | Nude Sandal

This chambray off-the-shoulder dress is one-size…which I found very odd, until I tried it on. And yes, it really would fit a variety of sizes beautifully! It’s a little thin, but certainly not see-thru, and stays put at the shoulder. It would be a darling cover-up at the pool, or worn out with sandals or wedges.

Off the Shoulder Dress | Pom Clutch | Drop Earrings

One more because we were loving the blues! (See Mama SP’s review of her flutter sleeve dress here.)

Off the Shoulder Dress | Pom Clutch | Drop Earrings | Ruffle Shift Dress | Statement Necklace

This dress reminded me of my mom, simply because it’s the style she’d dress me in everyday if she could. With all the great details…scalloped neckline, lace insets, banded waistline, and pleated skirt…it looks way more expensive than it really is. The structured fit makes it perfect for work, but the edgier print transitions it to parties and events, as well. (You have to see the back, too!)

Fit Tip: I’m wearing an XS.

Lace Cut-Out Dress

I get my love of color from this pretty lady, and this dress has all the color! It’s a stretchy, thick, sturdy material that holds you in. The back has a cute exposed zipper, and the length makes it appropriate for so many occasions. It’d be darling with heels for work, or flat sandals for weekend.

Fit Tip: It’s true to size through the body, but a tad tight in the arms. She’s wearing regular 2.

Striped Sheath Dress

Another cold-shoulder option, but this one a closer fit through the body, and great length. I love the cascading ruffle, and tons of color options, too.

Fit Tip: I’m wearing an XS.

Cold Shoulder Top | Cutout Booties | Sunglasses | Dark Jeans

You know when you try something on, and then later can’t stop thinking about it? That was me with this top. Mom and I both tried it before, but I had to go back for those navy and white stripes! It’s a great t-shirt material, with crisp cotton poplin ruffles along the bottom.

Fit Tip: I prefer the looser fit of a small, so I sized up one. See how the XS fits us here.

Ruffle Tee | Cutout Booties | Sunglasses | Dark Jeans

We’re both suckers for cozy pajamas, and loved the feel of these sets. They’re lightweight for warmer seasons, and silky soft…and how cute is the leopard!?

Fit Tip: We both sized up to a small.

Silky Knit Pajama Set (also in petite)

One of the trends I’m most excited about this season is the bell-sleeve. I don’t mean Seinfeld-pirate sleeves, but just a little peplum for your arm. (I’m not the tidiest eater, so I prefer the shape on a shorter sleeve.) This top is crisp cotton, with a darling striped detail at the neck, and buttons up the back. It’s long enough to tuck, but a great length for wearing out, as well.

Fit Tip: This is a 2, and a little too big on me. They didn’t have my usual size in store.

Bell Sleeve Top (also here) | Dark Jeans | Boots

This striped top is extra-thick, and jazzed up with an embellished neckline. The beads are fully-backed, so it’s not scratchy or uncomfortable against your skin, and it’s a great length for tucking. This piece would transition easily for Work to Weekend.

Fit Tip: I’m wearing an XS, so it’s a bit relaxed through the body.

Embellished Striped Tee | Dark Jeans | Boots

Okay first up, I think my mirror was leaning at a weird angle, because I look like I’m pelvic thrusting to the mirror. I assure you I am not. Now let’s talk about these jeans…I was skeptical about the high-waist (it’s all the way to the belly button!), but it was so insanely comfortable to have jeans fit at the natural waist, plus they are extra thick with a generous amount of stretch…so they act almost like Spanx across your tummy! These are cropped, making them perfect for sandals and wedges, and thick enough that the pockets don’t show through (neither do lumps and bumps!).

As for the top…it’s a super-soft t-shirt material with good drape. And the flats have a darling scalloped detail, with a soft, bendable material.

Fit Tip: The jeans are true to size…a little tight when you first put them on, but give after a bit.

Ruffle Tee (also here) | High Waist Jeans | Lace-Up Scalloped Flats

The ruffle trend is obviously still going strong, and I couldn’t be happier about it. #girlygirl This dress is a thick chambray, and can be worn either belted or straight. The ruffle across the shoulder gives the illusion of smaller hips, too! The sandals are a great neutral taupe, and have a comfortable block heel…great for jeans and causal dresses.

Fit Tip: I’m wearing a 0 in the dress, and my usual size in the shoes.

Chambray Ruffle Dress (also here, on sale!)| Sandals

I fell for this tank in a previous Dressing Room Diaries, and promptly ordered it in white. It’s a silky-soft t-shirt material, and drapes beautifully, and also the perfect layer under cardigans, but stylish enough to wear alone. It takes the place of both an undershirt-style tank, and a silky cami, since it can be worn both ways!

Fit Tip: I usually size up in this brand, but it wasn’t necessary in this top. I’m wearing a US2.

Draped Tank | Dark Jeans | Boots

Y’all are no stranger to this tee…I styled an entire 5 Ways around it here. I have it in several solid colors, and now this stripe. #oops I love the added length, but it’s also thin enough for a causal tuck. I wear it with everything from jeans and skirts, to shorts and joggers.

Fit Tip: I’m wearing an XS.

Striped Tee | Dark Jeans | Boots

I love everything about this top…the structure, shape, and thick, stretchy material. The placement of the peplum hem and asymmetrical darts create such a slimming silhouette, too, and it’s darling for Work or Weekends.

Fit Tip: It’s fitted through the shoulders, but has enough stretch to accommodate. I’m wearing an XS.

Peplum Top | Dark Jeans | Boots | Pencil Skirt | Pumps

This striped crewneck sweater would be a great Spring staple, especially for work. It comes in a ton of colors and patterns, and is soft and super lightweight (but not sheer).

Fit Tip: It’s a stretchy cotton-knit, and true to size. I’m wearing an XS.

Striped Crewneck Sweater | Dark Jeans | Boots | Pencil Skirt | Pumps

I don’t usually gravitate to two-in-one type shirts…but simply because I like creating my own combinations. This pullover is fuzzy soft, and so lightweight…and I really liked the peek of striped layer at the bottom. The neckline is a softly draped cowlneck, but can be adjusted with the drawstring.

Fit Tip: True to size (I’m wearing an XS), but size up if you want more length for leggings.

Layered Tunic Top | Dark Jeans | Boots

Okay, so I couldn’t get this top out of my head…with the cute bell sleeve and button back…so I tried it in a smaller size, and it was a much better fit (see the solid white one in a larger size earlier in this post). I love the soft lavender for Spring, too.

Fit Tip: It runs true, if not a tad big (for small-chested gals). I’m wearing a 0.

Bell Sleeve Top (also here) | Sneakers | Pink Hoops

I don’t know why this pic turned to crap, but the dress is anything but!! The one-shoulder is so chic, not to mention the high waist and structured shape. The front pleats disguise a tummy, but the back lays smooth. It also stays put across the chest, so no tugging required. I’m crazy for the vibrant floral, grounded by the deep navy combo. It’s perfect for all your Summer events, parties, weddings, etc.

Fit Tip: I’m wearing a regular 2.

One-Shoulder Dress | Nude Sandal

This is one of those wear-on-repeat dresses…I’d pair it with wedges for work or church, and sandals for weekend. It’d even be darling with a jean jacket and sneakers! It stretches for a custom fit, but is thick enough to conceal lumps and bumps. Not to mention, has a darling pink-trimmed back zipper.

Fit Tip: I’m wearing a 2.

Striped Shift Dress | Sandals

I found this darling pic on my phone, and just had to end the post with it!! These shopping days with my Mama Sugarplum have become highlights of my month…so thank you for requesting more of them!! I feel so blessed to have such a close relationship with her, and have all my fingers and toes crossed that I inherited her anti-aging genes!!!

Sunglasses | Pearl Necklace | Monogrammed Bag

Okay, I think that’s enough for today! I do hope you found this post helpful, and maybe discovered some new goodies. What’s your favorite from this round of Dressing Room Diaries? You may want to check out the previous installment because many of the items featured are on sale! I’m so excited about all the darling Spring things…now if the weather would just cooperate!

Stay tuned for a big 5 Ways next week…it’s all about transitioning to Spring! Happy weekend, lovebugs!

{Shop our Dressing Room Favorites}

 

{Weekend Sales Worth Checking Out}

Nordstrom // Huge seasonal clearance…including my all-time favorite utility jacket.
Loft // 40% off everything, even Lou & Gray! (I can’t even with this pom top!)
GAP // 40% off total purchase
Old Navy // 30% off total purchase (hello, ruffles!)
J.Crew // 20% off purchase (I’m looking at you, bell sleeves!)
J.Crew Factory // 50% off new arrivals  (cutest striped dress)
Colleen Rothschild // Restock on all best-sellers + 20% off