Dressing Room Diaries

Happy Friday, friends, and cheers to the weekend! Our Spring Break starts tomorrow and we are counting down the hours! We’re headed somewhere that’s been on our bucket list for ages, and so excited to finally see and experience it for ourselves. See where we land and all the family fun on my Instagram Story, then stay tuned for a full Trip Report when we get back!

Thank you for the love on this week’s Faves Under $50 and my tips for What to Pack & Wear for a Family Ski Trip. Plus, the look back at the top posts of February! It’s hard to sit on opposite sides of the computer sometimes, so I always love hearing from you!

Today I’m excited to bring you a new Dressing Room Diaries, and it’s a good one with so many great finds for the upcoming season! Plus, Mama Sugarplum is along for the fun!

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. 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!

Sidenote: I’m 5’4″ and 120-ish pounds, and usually wear a 0/XS. Mama Sugarplum is 5’1″ with an hourglass figure, and usually wears an XS/2p.

 

Let’s start with one of our fave finds, and biggest surprises…this v-neck pullover. It’s incredibly soft and snuggly, in a great medium weight. Basically the kind of piece you’ll want to reach for day after day, and pair it with joggers to jeans to shorts. It surprised us because honestly it’s not that cute on the website #sorryNordstrom. We did size up one for a relaxed fit, so that might be the difference.

Fit Tip: We’re both wearing a small.

V-Neck Pullover | White Jeans | Leopard Flats | Dark Ankle Jeans | Loafers

V-Neck Pullover | White Jeans | Leopard Flats | Hoop Earrings

V-Neck Pullover | White Jeans | Leopard Flats | Hoop Earrings

V-Neck Pullover | White Jeans | Leopard Flats | Dark Ankle Jeans | Loafers | Hoop Earrings

 

Before we talk about more tops, I have to tell you about these jeans! I discovered them a few weeks ago, and have worn them non-stop since…and now I have Mama SP hooked! They are soft and super-stretchy like a jegging, but with a sturdier denim for more support and lift.

They’re a dark rinse with no distressing, just some light fading for a slimming effect. They’re also the perfect ankle length for booties and sandals, making them a great transitional jean. Check out that flattering pocket placement, too!

Fit Tip: We’re both wearing a size 2.

V-Neck Pullover | Dark Ankle Jeans | Loafers | Hoop Earrings

 

Okay, now back to tops…hello cutest stripes!!! Boden nailed it with this soft sweater, and I’m smitten with every color way. It’s a thick cotton knit that lies smooth, and is cute worn out or tucked (cute for work, too!).

Mom mixed hers up and paired it with cute blush pink jeans with a slimming ab panel.

Fit Tip: We’re both wearing XS sweater, and she’s wearing size 4 jeans.

Short Sleeve Sweater | White Jeans | Leopard Flats | Blush Jeans | Sandals

Short Sleeve Sweater | White Jeans | Leopard Flats

Short Sleeve Sweater | White Jeans | Leopard Flats

Short Sleeve Sweater | White Jeans | Leopard Flats | Sandals

 

Y’all, we did so much damage on this shopping trip…but the stores are finally rolling out some cute Spring things, like these striped tees! I love them both, but ultimately ended up with the ruffle trim. A sturdy cotton tee with a little ruffle detail at the neck and wrists add a touch of feminine whimsy to an otherwise closet staple.

The ‘Choose Happy’ is so perfectly Mama Sugarplum…she’s literally always smiling!

Fit Tip: The ruffle tee is an XS, but size up if you’re in-between or carry weight in your upper arms. The graphic tee is US size 6, but a 4 would have been a better fit (so go up one).

Ruffle Trim Tee | Jeans | Sandals | ‘Choose Happy’ Tee | Loafers

Ruffle Trim Tee | Jeans | Sandals

‘Choose Happy’ Tee  | Jeans | Sandals

Ruffle Trim Tee | Jeans | Sandals | ‘Choose Happy’ Tee | Loafers

 

Next up, some great light layers for the upcoming transitional season..starting with this long linen-blend cardigan. It’s super lightweight and (some colors) a little sheer, but the linen gives it a little weight. It comes in tons of colors and stripe options, and an easy addition to Spring outfits.

Fit Tip: We’re both wearing regular XS, but would prefer petite sizing for a little shorter length.

Long Linen-blend Cardigan | White Jeans | Scoop Tee | Leopard Flats | Her Hooded Cardigan | Dark Ankle Jeans | Loafers

Long Linen-blend Cardigan | White Jeans | Scoop Tee | Leopard Flats

 

I’ve shared this hooded cardigan before (see it here), in fact, it’s one of my favorites! Super soft and warm, you can wear it open or closed, and the drawstring creates a bit of a waist for a more flattering fit. I have the heather oatmeal (see it styled for travel here), and now Mama SP has the gray!

Fit Tip: We both wear an XS

Her Hooded Cardigan | Dark Ankle Jeans | Loafers

 

I thought I owned gingham in every color of the rainbow, but didn’t know until we spotted this shirt that I was desperately missing green! Can you stand the cuteness?! And excuse me a second while I swoon over Mama SP and her popped collar! I’ve never been so proud!

Green is a tricky color for me, but this shade is perfectly kelly, with just enough blue. The material is a crisp cotton poplin with good structure and a touch of stretch. (Just check out the staying power of that collar!) And how cute is the green and leopard together!!??

Fit Tip: We’re both wearing XS

Gingham Poplin Shirt | White Jeans | Leopard Flats | Loafers

 

Stripes in all my favorite colors…pink, navy, green and yellow. Plus, the cotton is thick and the sleeves are loosely cropped. Pair it with jeans or short, sandals or sneakers, for a darling, easy outfit. I’ve got the dark ankle skinny jeans on it with it, and couldn’t be more comfortable!

Fit Tip: I sized up one to a small for more relaxed fit.

Striped Tee | Dark Ankle Jeans | Sandals

 

Every woman’s closet needs a military jacket. Period. I’ve styled them countless ways for you over the years (there’s a huge roundup of ideas here), and Mama SP and I both have (and LOVE) this one. It’s sturdy and the perfect shade of neutral olive, with flattering cinching at the waist and tall collar.

Fit Tip: We both wear XS

Utility Jacket | Scoop Tee | Dark Ankle Jeans | Loafers

 

Oh yeah…let’s move on to my favorite category…dresses and jumpsuits! This chambray stripe jumpsuit was one a reader-favorite last year, but sold out in a hot second. I’m thrilled to see it back, and can hardly wait to wear it again. The fit is so comfortable and flattering, and you have to see the back!

Fit Tip: I’m wearing a regular 0 and Mom a 4 petite.

Chambray Striped Jumpsuit | Wedges

Chambray Striped Jumpsuit | Wedges | Hoop Earrings

 

A similar style, but in shirtdress form. This dress is thick and sturdy with the cutest flounce hem and belted waist. The fit-and-flare shape is super flattering, and makes the dress perfect for everything from showers to work.

Fit Tip: I’m wearing a 2p (I opted for petite so it would fall above the knee for me). Also, it may have just been this particular dress, but the buttons holes are stiff.

Striped Chambray Shirtdress | Wedges | Hoop Earrings

 

Cutest wide stripes with easy-to-wear swing shape, and the cutest tie up the back! It’s thick, super soft jersey cotton, with good movement and even pockets! Wear it with wedges, flats or even sneakers.

Fit Tip: I’m wearing XS

Striped Swing Dress | Wedges | Hoop Earrings

 

I adore the colors and faux-wrap shape of this dress, along with the pockets and cap sleeves…but do think it would benefit with the addition of a belt. It’s lightweight and drapey, and easily dresses up or down.

Fit Tip: I’m wearing XS

Striped Faux-Wrap Dress | Wedges | Hoop Earrings

 

This gingham dress screams Summer picnics and breezy weekends…I love the nipped waist, and ruffle detail at the neck, and of course pockets! It’s a crisp cotton and light weight, perfect for steamy days.

Fit Tip: I’m wearing a regular 0, but would prefer the shorter length and tighter fit through the torso of a petite 0.

Gingham Shirt Dress | Wedges | Hoop Earrings

 

I loved these pants the moment I spotted them #punny, and crossed all my fingers they’d look as cute on as they did the hanger…and PRAISE, I’m obsessed!! Lightweight and drapey, they hang beautifully and the pattern is perfection. I love the deep pockets and tie at the waist, too.

Fit Tip: The XS fit, but I preferred the looser shape of the small, so I’d recommend sizing up.

Clip Dot Top | Leopard Pants | Sandals

 

Another darling pant option for Spring and Summer, I’m crazy for these wide-leg chambray cropped pants. And it took some serious homework to find winners…I think I tried 7 or 8 different styles from various retailers (all fails!) before finding these! They’re a great alternative to shorts, and will go with literally everything! I’ve already packed them in my bag for Spring Break!

Fit Tip: I’m wearing a 0 and they’re plenty roomie, so size down if you’re in between.

Striped Tee | Chambray Wide-Leg Pant | Sandals

 

Cut-offs are my go-tos in Spring and Summer, and these have been favorites for several years. I love the higher waist (keeps you pulled in), and the length is just right for no ‘cheeky’ action (unroll the cuff for even more length). The denim is thick too, so pockets and undies don’t show through.

Oh, and the striped tee!! Multi-colored stripes on pink, plus super-soft cotton…what’s not to love!?

Fit Tip: Size down in the shorts (really), I’m wearing a 25. The top is an XS

Striped Tee | High-Rise White Denim Shorts | Sandals

 

International Women’s Day!

My friends at Gibson launched a beautiful collection in celebration of International Women’s Day, and I have so many favorites from the limited-edition line! (Find the full Collection, in regular and plus sizes, here.)

You know I love a good halter neckline, so I was immediately drawn to this sassy twist-front…plus the pattern is so fun! It ties in the back for an adjustable fit, and works with a strapless bra. It’s cutest with a little tuck, but falls to the hipbone when worn out.

Fit Tip: I’m wearing an XS

Halter Twist Top | White Jeans | Sandals

 

This darling little wear-with-everything blouse has pretty lace detail on the front and back, and easily dresses up or down with everything from cut-offs to skirts! The lace is lined for more coverage, and the fit is loose through the body.

I paired it with the cutest high-rise jeans (not high waist, just a higher rise), with a fun light wash…perfect for warmer months.

Fit Tip: I’m wearing XS top and size 2 jeans.

White Lace Top | High Waist Jeans | Sandals

 

And here’s the top dressed up with the sweetest pleated skirt. It’s beautifully made and has amazing swing to it, plus it’s silky-soft and fully-lined.

Fit Tip: I’m wearing a small in the skirt, but need an XS so it will sit on my natural waist.

White Lace Top | Pleated Skirt | Wedges

 

Probably my favorite top from the International Women’s Day Collection, this Swiss dot pattern has the cutest puff sleeve with ruffle trim at the neck and cuffs. It’s a lined, stretchy material that looks as cute with jeans as it does skirt and leopard pants!

Fit Tip: I’m wearing an XS, but size down if you’re in-between.

Clip Dot Top | High-Waist Jeans | Leopard Flats

 

This lace and peplum top makes the perfect night out top, but would also be lovely layered under a blazer for work. The lace detail is delicate and the body is silky soft. And it’s safe to say these are my new favorite jeans!

Fit Tip: I’m wearing an XS, but would prefer a size down.

Lace-Trim Peplum Blouse | High Waist Jeans | Sandals

 

Okay, moving on from the fun International Women’s Day Collection….you guys have loved the swimsuits this season, so I scoured for some more great finds, and instantly loved this one-shoulder! I love a swimsuit that also looks chic with shorts or a skirt, and this one fits the bill. Plus, the material is smooth and the shoulder strap stays firmly in place.

Fit Tip: I always size up one in swimwear, and am wearing a small.

One-Shoulder Ruffle Swimsuit

 

I’ve been leaning more towards sassy one-pieces and high-waisted two-pieces lately, but when we’re home around our own pool, I’m always in a bikini. These are two of my favorites I’ve found so far this season…and funny enough, both are navy and white.

The ikat is a smooth lycra, fully-lined, with full-coverage. The pattern is so chic, and it even comes with a coordinating rash guard shirt. The gingham is a stiffer material that provides extra support, but not as much give. The shape is equal parts sporty and girly.

Fit Tip: I sized up one to a small in both, but they still feel a little snug. I’ve ordered a medium to compare.

Ikat Swim Top | Ikat Swim Bottom | Gingham Bikini

 

With all those cute swimsuits, a girl needs a fun cover-up…and I’ve got lots of options coming your way in the next few weeks! Starting with this fun tunic-style pullover, in a stretchy gauze fabric. They’re lightweight and just a tad sheer with cute tassel ties.

Fit Tip: I’m wearing an XS, but would prefer the looser fit of a small.

Stretch Gauze Tunic Swim Coverup

 

Prefer something longer than can take you from the beach to dinner….hello chic cover-up! I love the tiered style and cute little ruffle neck, plus it’s a great weight to not show the full outline of your swimsuit. (I prefer full coverage in my cover-ups.)

Fit Tip: I’m wearing an XS

Long Cover-Up Dress

 

You may have noticed my new white jeans…I wore them in pretty much every pic! I love white jeans year-round, and once I find a pair that fits well, I reach for them constantly. White looks so fresh with all the colors, and these fit beautifully, with good stretch and great ankle length.

Okay, that’s it for today…I’m off to pack for our Spring Break! Any ideas where we’re going? I’ll give you one clue…the kids got their first passports!

What’s your favorite from this round of Dressing Room Diaries? To see more finds from the dressing room, click here. Happy weekend, lovebugs!