Cheers to Friday, friends, and the weekend ahead! I’ve got a long overdue lunch with girlfriends planned, and Little Miss and I might see The Greatest Showman…again. Have you seen it?! We loved the music and dancing. #andzacefron
Thanks so much for the love on this week’s posts, too! I’m thrilled you like the new You Ask, I Answer series, along with the packing tips and Kitchen update! (You can sign up for my daily posts and weekly newsletter here…so you never miss a post!)
Today I’m bringing you an all new Dressing Room Diaries, 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.
I usually kick these off with my favorite pieces, but honestly, there are so many keepers in this post! Starting with this stretchy ribbed pullover sweater, with the cutest puffy sleeves. There’s a wide cuff that helps the sleeve billow a bit, plus darling pleats at the shoulder. My picture really doesn’t do it justice, so check out better detail pics on the site here. I paired it with these brushed twill ankle pants for a chic, Audrey Hepburn vibe.
Fit Tip: The sweater is true and I’m wearing an XS. I was in-between sizes for the pants, which I think are best suited for people with narrow hips. I loved the fit of the 2s, but they gaped at the waist, and the 0s were a bit snug through the bum. I was really disappointed they didn’t work for me though, because they’re darling and so comfy!
Puff Sleeve Sweater (40% off!) | Brushed Twill Pants | Leopard Flats
This n-neck pullover is thick, soft and extra stretchy, with the perfect amount of dip in the front. You could layer it over any color collared shirt, but it’s also a great transition piece for Spring. And it’s 40% off! It’s one of those sweaters you’d find yourself reaching for on repeat.
Fit Tip: I’m wearing an XS.
V-Neck Sweater Tunic (40% off!) | White Jeans | Leopard Flats
This sweater isn’t new around here, but a lot of you asked about the lilac shade…so here you go! Talk about perfect for Spring transition! The color is a tad more muted in person (thanks weird dressing room lights), but lightweight and soft, with a relaxed fit. I always change out of jeans when I get home, but most times I’ll keep this sweater on with my pajama pants or joggers because it’s so comfy.
Fit Tip: I’m wearing an XS, but size down if you prefer a closer fit, as it is a bit oversized.
Mock neck Sweater | Distressed Jeans | Booties | Earrings
Here it is layered over a cute quilted jacket in a great natural shade for all your tops and sweaters. The snap pockets and quilted texture elevate the vest and make it easier to dress up a bit.
Fit Tip: I’m wearing a small in the vest, but an XS would have been better…so stick with your usual size.
Distressed Jeans | Quilted Vest| Booties | Earrings
The sweater game was strong for this round of DRD, and this was another super cozy option I didn’t want to take off! It’s thick and warm, but not at all scratchy, and looks just as cute worn alone or layered over a tee or collared shirt. It’s also long enough for leggings, but not slouchy with jeans. I love the front pockets, too.
Fit Tip: I’m wearing an XS.
Sweater Tunic | Ankle Jeans | Leopard Flats | Earrings
I’ll admit, all this early Spring stuff has me anxious for a season change! This sweater is a large cotton weave with a layered eyelet trim. There’s not a lot of give to the fabric, so it has a close, tailored fit…you could definitely dress it up for work.
Fit Tip: I’m wearing an XS, but it felt a bit constricting through the shoulders, so if you’re in-between or busty, I’d go up a size.
Eyelet Trim Sweater | White Jeans | Leopard Flats | Similar Earrings
I’m not usually drawn to this style of top, so was surprised by how much I liked it. The sweater is a woven cotton blend, and the floral layer a draped, crepe material. The bow is an extra-cute touch.
Fit Tip: I’m wearing an XS and the fit was good.
Sweater | Leopard Flats| Similar Earrings
How can you deny stripes…especially red and white stripes in February? This sweater is a thick cotton-knit blend, and great for transitioning to Spring. It falls just below the hips and has the cutest button detail on the sleeves. I’m wearing it with the same cotton twill pants I mentioned above.
Fit Tip: I’m wearing an XS sweater.
Striped Sweater with Button Trim | Leopard Flats| Similar Earrings
I have this sweater from last year, and couldn’t resist trying it in this great plum shade. It’s a long, tunic style, but still does a cute half-tuck with jeans. I love the little mock neck, too. (See how I styled the black one here.)
Fit Tip: Go with your usual size if you want to pair with leggings, or size down for jeans. I’m wearing an XXS.
Mock neck Sweater Tunic | Distressed Jeans | Booties | Earrings
This sweater has the sweetest unexpected twist…hello, seersucker bows! If this doesn’t make you ready for Spring, nothing will! The sweater is a lightweight knit and the bows a thick poplin cotton. It comes in several color combos, but I’m partial to the pink.
Fit Tip: I’m wearing an XS, which is perfect for pairing with pencil skirt and ankle pants. Size up if you prefer a more relaxed fit.
Bow Back Sweater | High-Rise Jeans | Earrings
This mid-length cardigan is made of the same fine knit, and comes in a slew of colors. It’s really lightweight, so I’d stick with layering it over tanks and tees, but easily dresses up for work or weekend. As for the jeans, they are high-waisted and hit just below my belly button, in a sturdy, but stretchy, denim. They’re insanely comfortable, with a dark rinse and no distressing (perfect for casual Fridays at the office!).
Fit Tip: I’m wearing a regular XS.
Cardigan | Scoop Tee | Earrings | High-Rise Jeans
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, I grabbed some great date options to review for y’all…starting with this fun shift dress with ruffle sleeve. The longer sleeves balance the short length, so it doesn’t feel too revealing…but I think it’s best suited for a less curvy figure.
Fit Tip: I’m wearing an XS, but needed to size up one. If you have full hips or chest, you’ll want to size up, too.
Ruffle Sleeve Dress | Earrings
I reallllly wanted this color-block dress to work for me, but alas, it’s not a good fit for my figure. I sized up to a small, but it was still a tad snug through the hips and bum, but I couldn’t support the top. It’s a chic, long length with a front slit that’s not too revealing…but petite girls would need to hem it.
Color-Block Ruffle Dress | Earrings
This dress (horrible pic, so sorry!) is a cute fit for most every body type, and so easy to throw on and go. It has a dropped shoulder and removable tie belt. You could wear it with heels and a blazer for work, or even flat sandals on the weekend.
Fit Tip: It runs big, so I’d size down…I’m wearing an XS.
Tie Dress | Leopard Flats | Earrings
I love this ballerina-style dress…so feminine and flirty! But the dip is low, so it’s best for small chested gals. The top is thick and supportive, so you can get away with no bra, and the skirt is flowy.
Fit Tip: I sized up to a small, and it was still a tight zip through the torso, so the sizing is really small on this one.
I don’t know where I’ll wear this, but I know I want it. The picture really doesn’t do it justice either…it’s darling in person. I love the sporty meets girlie vibe, and it’s so soft and comfortable to wear. It’s a single piece, and pulls over the head. The sweater is a thick knit, and the skirt fully-lined.
Fit Tip: I’m wearing a regular XS, but it comes in petite sizing, too, for a shorter fit.
Sweater Dress| Similar Earrings
Do I really need to say anything about this tee?! It’s soft with a slightly worn edge at the neck. This one is super cute, too!
Valentine Graphic Tee | Distressed Jeans | Booties | Earrings
This pullover is a bit of a wooly mammoth, but oh my is it soft and comfy!! It’s the kind of thing you put on Friday night, and don’t take off until Monday morning. It comes in solids, too, if the buffalo check isn’t your vibe.
Fit Tip: It runs large and wide, I’m wearing an XS.
Fleece Pullover | Distressed Jeans | Booties | Earrings
Moving on to workout wear…I know high-rise leggings are all the rage, but I don’t like that constricting feeling across my stomach when I work out. Plus, I’m so short they usually come up to my rib cage!! I much prefer these mid-rise, which fall just below my belly button (still holding in the ‘stuff’), and the wide waistband stays put not matter how intense my workout. This midi length is the perfect ankle length for me, too. The top is a super lightweight, drapey shirt with cute twist-front.
Fit Tip: The leggings are true, I’m wearing an XS, but I always size up in tops for this brand.
Twist-Front Top | Leggings | Sneakers
So while those leggings are my go-tos for gym workouts, they don’t provide any warmth when walking or exercising outside. These are extra-thick with an almost fleece-like lining, which keep you warm and dry. They’re a great ankle length, not too constricting, and even have a little zip pocket at the waist (in the back). The pullover hoodie is thick with a tulip hem and thumb-hole sleeves.
Fit Tip: I’m wearing XS leggings and a small hoodie.
Hooded Pullover | Leggings | Sneakers
And finally, let’s end with another favorite find…this oh-so-chic moto jacket in a buttery-soft faux leather. I adore the shape at the shoulders, and little peplum flare, for an edgy, yet super feminine fit. The price is also amazing given the style and quality!
Fit Tip: It runs a little small through the arms, I sized up to a small.
Graphic Tee | Moto Jacket | Mid-Rise Ankle Jeans | Leopard Flats | Earrings
Okay, that’s it for today! I do hope you found it helpful, and maybe discovered some new goodies and styling ideas! And see below for the latest sales happening today, like 40% off my new fave sweater and 20% off my go-to skincare products. What’s your favorite from this round of Dressing Room Diaries? Happy weekend, lovebugs!
{Great Weekend Sales}
NORDSTROM // Huge 40% off seasonal sale, including this Barefoot Dreams cardigan!
LOFT // 40% off new arrivals with code LOVEIT
OLD NAVY // 40% off everything, no code needed
J.CREW // Extra 50% off sale, making this striped cutie only $12!
J.CREW FACTORY // 50-60% off everything, gimme these ruffles!
COLLEEN ROTHSCHILD // 20% off site wide with code 4YEARS
BAUBLE BAR // Huge sale section 50% off
WORLD MARKET // Up to 25% off all purchases with code SHOPMORE
