Dressing Room Diaries

Cheers to Friday, friends, and the weekend ahead! It’s Homecoming Week at our son’s high school, so it’s a been a busy week of mums and football games, and tomorrow night is the big dance. I’m not sure I can handle seeing him all dressed up, with a girlfriend, and driving away on their own!! I offered to drive them, but for some reason he wasn’t interested?! 😉

Today I’m excited to bring you an all-new Dressing Room Diaries, and not only is it a doozy, but I brought Mama Sugarplum with me for some! I kept finding myself near favorite stores, and there were too many cute new things not to share. But since I’ve increased the frequency of these posts (by reader request!), I have gotten a lot more selective about what I feature.

Used to, I’d share things that weren’t really my style, but I thought others might like. Now I stick with mostly items I adore and would wear myself. Hopefully that’s helpful for you!

Okay, you know the drill with Dressing Room Diaries…I hunt down some of the cutest items from my favorite retailers, and review them for you. As usual, the shots aren’t good, the lighting is bad, and I’m in desperate need of a hairbrush. 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. So let’s get started!

Fit Note: I’m 5’4″-ish, 120 pounds-ish (depending on the week’s taco count), with a slight pear shape. Mama Sugarplum is 5’1″, with an hourglass figure. Our usual size is XS/0.

I fell for this longer cardigan awhile ago, but Mama Sugarplum wanted to check it out for herself, and compare the length on her shorter frame. She agreed it was insanely soft and cuddly, and we’re both fans of the pockets. I’ve worn it over dresses (see that here) and with jeans. And maybe even with my pajamas.

Fit Tip: We’re both wearing XS.

Longline Cardigan | Long-Sleeve Tee | Distressed Jeans | Similar Knee Boots | Dark Jeans | Black Booties | Necklace

I’m ready to pull my favorite leggings out for the season (seriously, they’re so thick, with a comfortable wide waistband), but I’m lacking in the tunic department…so I’ve been on the hunt. (Cover those lady bits, ladies!) I may need to do an entire post on just long tops, what do you think? Anyway, this sweater tunic has a loose cowlneck and soft, merino material. It drapes nicely and doesn’t cling, plus it’s lightweight.

Fit Tip: I’m wearing regular XS.

Cowlneck Sweater Tunic | Dark Jeans | Booties

Mom is wearing it with our fave leggings, and you can see it’s plenty long! She’s wearing a reg XS, but it’s available in petites, too.

Cowlneck Sweater Tunic | Dark Jeans | Booties | Favorite Leggings

I featured this merino sweater in this week’s Camo | Two Ways post…I’ve had this pink one for a few years (this color is old), and Mom had to grab one for herself. I love this sand color.

Fit Tip: I prefer to size up in these to allow room for layering. We’re both wearing XS.

Crewneck Merino Sweater | Distressed Jeans | Similar Knee Boots | Dark Jeans | Black Booties

Surely you’ve seen this top before…I have it in two colors from last year! It’s crazy soft fleece (the drapey kind, not the thick, make-you-sweat kind), and has a twist front, giving it a casual half-tuck look. It comes in tons of colors, and is longer in the back (covers my bum completely).

Fit Tip: I’m wearing reg XS, and if paired with a long tank, it’s long enough for leggings. It comes in petite sizes if you prefer shorter length.

Twist Front Fleece Top | Distressed Jeans | Similar Knee Boots

Mama SP wearing a regular XS, too, and you can see it’s quite a bit longer. She’d prefer the petite. But how gorgeous is that red?!

Twist Front Fleece Top | Distressed Jeans | Similar Knee Boots | Booties

I love a good poncho, but only if it has actual armholes (so it stays in place while I’m wearing it!). I love the oversized cowlneck and pockets on this one, but did feel like it overwhelmed my frame a bit, especially in flat boots. It’s great quality, comes in oatmeal and black, and is darling layered over striped tees.

Fit Tip: It’s one-size.

Cowlneck Poncho | Striped Tee | Distressed Jeans | Booties

I think we’ve covered cardigans pretty well in our last Dressing Room Diaries (see those here), so I concentrated on pullover-style sweaters this go-round. Embellished and exaggerated sleeves are big this season, so I found several fun options…like this bubble sleeve v-neck. It’s a soft, stretchy material with a slight cropped fit. The arms are longer, but the ribbing keeps them in place on your wrist creating a fun bubble shape.

Fit Tip: I’m wearing an XS, but might prefer more length with a small.

Bubble Sleeve Sweater | Distressed Jeans | Booties

This is one of those sweaters you’d reach for every time the weather allowed…I love the bright ivory, and rolled edges. It’s soft enough to wear alone, and has a relaxed fit.

Fit Tip: I’m wearing XS.

Mock Neck Sweater | Distressed Jeans | Booties

Another fun option with the exaggerated sleeve, this ribbed mock neck has a dropped shoulder with puckers to create a larger bubble sleeve. It’s fitted through the shoulders and body, so it doesn’t overwhelm the frame, and I love this light plum shade! This sweater would easily dress up for a night out, too.

Fit Tip: I’m wearing an XS.

Blouson Sleve Sweater | Distressed Jeans | Booties

Probably my favorite sweater of the bunch…this dolman sleeve is so soft with a subtle sleeve detail (not overly bell-shaped). I love the slightly longer length and mock-neck collar, too.

Fit Tip: I’m wearing an XS.

Dolman Sleeve Sweater | Distressed Jeans | Booties

Here it is in black…you could pair it with black slacks or skinnies and some bling, and you’re holiday party-ready!

Dolman Sleeve Sweater | Distressed Jeans | Booties

The sweater parade continues…this cotton sweater has a little bell shape at the wrist, and a cute cut-out at the neckline. You can’t tell in the pic, but it’s a fine ribbed cotton-knit.

Fit Tip: I’m wearing XS.

Cut-Out Sweater | White Jeans | Booties

This plaid poncho wears like a cape, but has armholes so it fits almost like a long cardigan. I love the navy and burgundy plaid, but it felt too long for me.

Fit Tip: One size.

Plaid Poncho | Essential Tee | White Jeans | Booties

Blush pink is unexpected this time of year, and I love the ruffle detail…the placement is perfect, even for the busty crowd. It’s soft and lightweight, and also worth noting the wide neckline.

Fit Tip: It runs a little large, I’m wearing an XS.

Ruffle Sweater | Dark Jeans | Knee Boots (40% off!)

This jersey knit tunic tee is silky smooth, and extra stretchy, plus long enough for leggings. It’s a little on the thin side, so I’d likely use it most as a layering tee…perfect under vests and cardigans. Tons of colors and stripe options, too.

Fit Tip: I’m wearing an XS, but if you want to wear it alone (or have a fuller bum), I’d size up one.

Striped Tunic Tee | Dark Jeans | Knee Boots (40% off!)

Same tee, this time layered under the perfect boyfriend cardigan. The site calls the material ‘brushed yarn,’ and I have no idea what that means…but it feels like stretchy wool, but not as scratchy.

Fit Tip: I’m wearing an XS.

Boyfriend Cardigan | Striped Tunic Tee | Dark Jeans | Knee Boots (40% off!)

Now that I’m a total believer in the power of Patagonia (it’s worth every penny when it’s cold out!!), I love trying out the different styles. This is lightweight with fleece lining, and mock-neck with snap closures.

Fit Tip: I always size up one in this brand for layering room.

Snap Pullover | Distressed Jeans | Booties

A more affordable option is this funnel-neck jacket with a chic moto style. It’s super cozy with a fun asymmetrical zipper, and perfect paired with athletic wear or jeans.

Fit Tip: I’m wearing an XS, but would prefer the fit of a small, so I’d recommend going up one in this. Unless you prefer it fitted.

Funnel Neck Zip-Up Jacket | Dark Jeans | Knee Boots (40% off!)

These puffer jackets are well-insulated for cold weather, but still have a flattering, slim fit. And hello, blush pink! This one doesn’t have a hood, so it’s a very streamlined shape.

Fit Tip: I’m wearing an XS.

Pink Puffer Jacket | Dark Jeans | Knee Boots (40% off!)

I’m seeing a lot of sherpa this season, and I love the texture it adds to outfits! Plus the color is ultra-neutral for pairing with all your Fall tops. This bomber could be dressed up, as well.

Fit Tip: I’m wearing XS.

Sherpa Bomber | Classic Plaid Shirt | Dark Jeans | Knee Boots (40% off!)

I went cuckoo for this jacquard sheath dress…thick, stretchy material with fun pattern and little puff sleeve. It has a retro vibe, and would be darling with black tights. Add some bling and it’s great for holiday parties, too.

Fit Tip: I’m wearing a reg XS…it is a tad short, but the longer sleeve balances it.

Jacquard Sheath Dress with Puff Sleeve (on sale!)

And finally….let’s talk loungewear! Mama Sugarplum and I are serious about getting comfortable the second we get home, but still like to look cute. These fleece pants come in a bunch of fun prints, and have a cute contrasting cuff that keep them in place at the ankle (so we don’t have to worry about them being too long). We paired them with soft tees (and if we were at home, we’d be wearing these, too.)

Fit Tip: We’re wearing XS. 

Crewneck Tee | Striped V-Neck Tee | Fleece Pajama Pants

I used to only buy separates, but lately I’m loving all the cute pajama sets, and these are fleecy soft, but not too thick. I like the jogger-style pants, too.

Fit Tip: I’m wearing XS.

Striped Fleece Pajama Set

This last set it too cute for words! I love the henley top and contrasting accents. The material is a waffle thermal, so while it’s really soft, it’s got a little texture to it.

Fit Tip: I’m wearing XS.

Striped Thermal Pajama Set | Beanie Hat

I can never deny a good beanie hat with a pom-pom, and this oversized one is so fun! Mama Sugarplum isn’t much of a hat-girl, so we always get super tickled when trying them on together. It usually ends with one of us peeing our pants. #oops #weboughtthepajamas

Striped Thermal Pajama Set | Beanie Hat

Okay, that does it 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? Mine have to be the cowlneck tunic, dolman sweater, sheath dress, and boyfriend cardigan. And of course the pajamas. Be sure to check my last one for tons more new Fall pieces! Happy weekend, lovebugs!

P.S. Do you get my weekly newsletter, containing post previews, Q&As, and sale faves? Make sure you sign up here to receive it in your inbox tomorrow!

Great Weekend Sales
Nordstrom // 40% off Fall Sale…including Tory Burch flip-flops & my leopard rug!
Loft // 25% pants & jeans, 40% off sale
Old Navy // 30% off everything (Go ahead & grab this jacket!)
J.Crew // 5 big sales, including 25% off coats
J.Crew Factory // 50% off the cold-weather shop
Ikea // Free delivery on any purchase over $250
World Market // 40% off all furniture (including the popular Everett Console!)