Dressing Room Diaries

I hope you all had the most magical holiday, and are still enjoying time with family. We had a busy few days making the rounds, and hosting family, so today we are having a ball being couch potatoes, and playing with all the new goodies. All this family time has been good for my soul, and I’m excited to have the full Winter Break still ahead of us.

I had some good luck with super cute finds at the mall last week, and thought I’d share them with you today. You know, in case you have holiday cash burning a hole in your pocket! I know I’m already making plans for a few new things!

If you’re new around here, Dressing Room Diaries is where I hunt down some of the cutest new arrivals from my favorite retailers, and review them for you. 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.

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

This cashmere blend is so soft and luxe, with the cutest side ties. I didn’t feel exposed, but you could certainly layer a tank under to cover up a little more. I wouldn’t normally reach for yellow, so was surprised by how much I liked it. The hue didn’t wash me out, but rather warmed my skin tone. And in the season normally defined by grays and black, the punchy hue is cheerful and unexpected. (If yellow isn’t your thing, it does come in a bunch of other colors!)

Fit Tip: It’s true to size, I’m wearing an XS.

Side-Tie Cashmere Sweater | Jeans | Knee Boots | Earrings

This mock neck sweater tunic is very similar to this reader-favorite, but a little thicker. It’s soft enough to wear alone, and long enough for leggings!

Fit Tip: I’m wearing an XS.

Mock neck Sweater Tunic | Jeans | Knee Boots | Earrings

I love the cozy feel and oversized fit of this sweater, in the prettiest winter white. The sleeves have a ribbed texture, and the cowlneck is loose. You could pair it with leggings, but I might layer a long tank under because of the deep side slit.

Fit Tip: I’m wearing XS.

Cowlneck Sweater | Jeans | Knee Boots | Earrings

I think I shared this cashmere tunic in this post, but fell in love all over again with this bold red. It’s soft and thick enough to wear alone, but looks darling layered over a collared shirt, and paired with jeans or leggings. It feels so luxe, and is a great price for the quality and style.

Fit Tip: I’m wearing regular XS.

Cashmere Tunic | Jeans | Knee Boots | Earrings

Okay, clearly I was drawn to the cashmere department…but it feels so amazing! I love the classic, chic fit of this v-neck, plus it comes in tons of colors. This one is a wardrobe staple, and easily dressed up with slacks or skirts for work, layered over collared shirts with loafers, worn alone with casual boots.

Fit Tip: I’m wearing an XS.

V-Neck Cashmere Sweater | Jeans | Knee Boots | Earrings

This pullover top is light and fleecy-soft, and not clingy at all. It has the fun side-ties, too.

Fit Tip: I’m wearing an XS.

Side-Tie Fleecey Top | Jeans | Knee Boots | Earrings

The website describes this as a sweatshirt, but it’s really more of a thick long-sleeve tee. It has fun texture details like ribbed edging, raw hem at the shoulder, and a super-soft fleecy material with nice drape.

Fit Tip: I’m wearing an XS

Fleecy Pullover | Jeans | Knee Boots | Earrings

I love the tall neck of this sweater…not quite a turtleneck, but taller than a usual mock neck. It’s thick and stretchy, with a slight bell sleeve. It’s hip length with a thick ribbed hem.

Fit Tip: I’m wearing an XS, and it’s a relaxed fit

Tall Neck Swing Sweater | White Jeans | Booties | Tassel Earrings

This striped sweater is an acrylic and mohair blend, and feels soft and nubby. It’s a crewneck and the colors are a fun mix of blues, pink and citrine.

Fit Tip: I’m wearing an XS petite, but would prefer a regular XS.

Striped Sweater | White Jeans | Booties | Tassel Earrings

I already own (and love!) this top in two colors (see it styled here), but wanted to show it again because I finally found the best bralette…perfect for these sweaters and tops that dip a little low! Most bralettes are racerback and compete with necklines, but this one fits like a traditional bra, with a pretty lacy edge that looks sassy peeking out.

Fit Tip: The top is a relaxed fit, size down if you prefer it fitted.The bralette is true bra sizing, but I layered this one over my usual bra for more support.

Pullover Tunic Top | Lacy Bralette | Jeans | Knee Boots | Earrings

It’s not easy to find longer cardigans that don’t overwhelm shorter frames…many are too voluminous and too long…this one is just right! Plus the varsity-style stripes are too cute. The combo of oatmeal, ivory and grays make it really versatile for all boot colors, too.

Fit Tip: I’m wearing an XS

Striped Cardigan | Essential Tank | White Jeans | Booties | Tassel Earrings

I have a feeling this fair isle will be in the heaviest rotation this Winter! It’s a thick cable knit, with a relaxed fit and the cutest red and navy pattern. The neck is a really tight crewneck, but you can still layer a collared shirt underneath.

Fit Tip: It’s an oversized fit, I’m wearing an XS. Size down if you prefer it fitted.

Fair Isle Sweater | Dark Ankle Jeans | Fur-Lined Moccasins  | Tassel Earrings

This plaid shirt is the perfect classic tartan pattern, with colors of black, green, red and yellow. The material is a crisp cotton poplin with a structure collar (perfect for popping!). The jeans are a nice, even rinse, with no distressing, and a cropped length perfect for flats or booties.

Fit Tip: The shirt is fitted through the body and shoulders, I’m wearing a 2. I sized up to a 27 in the jeans, not because they run small, but because I wanted a slightly looser fit.

Tartan Plaid Shirt | Dark Ankle Jeans | Leopard Flats

This relaxed turtleneck is my favorite find of the week…it’s a thick woven cotton, with wide stripes of pink and deep red. It’s thick and soft, and a great layering piece.

Fit Tip: I’m wearing an XS, so it runs large…but I like the oversized fit.

Striped Turtleneck (30% off!) | Dark Ankle Jeans | Fur-Lined Moccasins | Tassel Fan Earrings

This sweater dress is thick, warm and so cozy, with a lot of stretch. It has a relaxed cowlneck with slight bell sleeve, and longer knee-length. The color is a deep green with blue undertones.

Fit Tip: It runs really big, so size down one. I’m in an XS and it swallows me.

Cowlneck Sweater Dress

This combo is both flirty and professional, and such a flattering fit. The blouse has a darling pleated sleeve and soft pink floral pattern. The aline skirt is thick and stretchy with an elastic waist. Both pieces are incredibly versatile and can be dressed up or down.

Fit Tip: The blouse is true, I’m in an XS, but the skirt runs just a tad big in the waist…I’m wearing an XS and it was loose.

Floral Blouse | A-Line Skirt

Okay, that’s it for the last Dressing Room Diaries of the year…I hope you found some cute new goodies! I’m snuggled up with coffee and my laptop finding all kinds of super sales, especially the Nordstrom’s just-announced Half-Yearly Sale! I’ve got some NYE looks, plus tips for wearing ankle boots with skinny jeans coming up this week! Happy Christmas week, lovebugs!

{Great Holiday Sales}
NORDSTROM // Huge seasonal sale, including my fave knee boots & even Hunter boots!
LOFT // 50% off everything with code WRAPITUP
OLD NAVY // 30% off everything, no code needed (I’d grab this tartan bag!)
J.CREW // 30% off full-price styles with code VIPPERK
J.CREW FACTORY // 50-60% off everything, plus extra 50% off sale
BACKCOUNTRY // 15% off Patagonia fleece pullovers
BAUBLE BAR // 25% off site wide with code MERRY25
WORLD MARKET // Huge furniture sale