Dressing Room Diaries

Okay, glad we’re all on-board with the Mudroom/Laundry Room progress! Things are moving quickly (well, minus that whole yearlong hiatus), and I’m excited to share more progress with you next week, and the final space hopefully soon after! Unfortunately, laundry doesn’t wait for makeovers.

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. And this time, I brought my darling Mama Sugarplum along for her take on things.

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. We covered a lot on our last mall trip, so let’s get to it!

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.

I’m onboard with the off-the-shoulder trend, and loved the stripes and bows of this one, but for some reason, it didn’t want to stay put on me. One thing that’s not cute, is an off-the-shoulder top bunched up around your neck. The material is extra-thick cotton, and super soft thought.

Fit Tip: It runs true, and I’m wearing an XS. Actually, now that I think of it, perhaps sizing up would help it stay in place better.

Striped Top | Jeans | Lace-Up Sandals | Earrings

I love a fitted jean jacket for this time of year, so I’ve been on the lookout for a new one to recommend to y’all…and this is the best yet! It has a great worn-in look, without being sloppy, and there’s a hefty amount of stretch. It also falls at a great spot above the hip, so would work for skirts and dresses, too.

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

Striped Tee | Jean Jacket | Jeans | Similar Wedges | Earrings

Here’s the same jacket on my mum, popped collar courtesy of me! I typically wear jean jackets with skirts, dresses, and white jeans…but steer clear of pairing them with blue jeans. However in mom’s case, the cute ruffle top breaks up the denim on denim, and the sandals give the whole thing a Springy touch. She’s actually wearing my espadrilles, but loved them so much she promptly ordered a pair for herself. I prefer my jean jackets fitted, but if you like it slightly oversized, the one I’m wearing is a good option.

Fit Tip: Mine runs large, and I’m wearing an XXS…and mom’s is true, she’s wearing an XS.

On me: Striped Tee | Oversized Jean Jacket | Jeans | Lace-Up Sandals
On Mama SP: Ruffle Tee | Pearl Cluster Necklace | Jean Jacket | Jeans | Platform Espadrilles

We’re both suckers for tops soft enough to double as pajamas…and such is the case with this twist-front tee. It’s a larger, relaxed fit, with a longer back and wider neckline.

Fit Tip: It’s a generous fit, we’re both wearing XS.

Twist-Front Top | White Jeans | Lace-Up Sandals | Jeans | Platform Espadrilles

This flirty peplum is too-cute-for-words…in fact, the ladies in the dressing room next to us asked to try them once we took them off! Okay, so it was a little odd, but I can’t say I blame them. It comes in several fun prints, each cuter than the next, and is a stretchy cotton material, suitable for work or weekend.

Fit Tip: We’re both wearing a regular XS, but because of my long torso, I’d need to size up one for more length. You can see the peplum starts a little too high on me, but is perfect for mom.

Peplum Top | White Jeans | Flat Sandals | Jeans | Platform Espadrilles

This flirty top is fun paired with heels for a night out, or sandals for a casual weekend. The ruffles are a great addition, and I love the longer sleeve. It’s made of a XX material, and there’s not much give to it.

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

Cold-Shoulder Top | Jeans | Lace-Up Sandals

If you’re not comfortable in a full off-the-shoulder (like my mom), this cold-shoulder style is a great option, and doesn’t leave you feeling too exposed. The high-low hem is great for wearing out, or a half-tuck.

Fit Tip: We’re both wearing XS. 

Cold-Shoulder Top | White Jeans | Lace-Up Sandals | Jeans | Platform Espadrilles

This top fits and feels like a perfect tee, but the ruffle sleeve gives it a little something-something extra. It’s super-soft, stretchy cotton, with a nice drape, but a little on the thin side (not sheer though).

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

Ruffle Sleeve Tee | Jeans | Platform Espadrilles

When people ask me for a list of wardrobe essentials, I always include a chambray shirt…it just goes with everything! And the soft blue color is pretty much universally flattering. This shirt is a great weight, and the subtle pleats at the shoulder and wrist give it a feminine touch.

These jeans are so great they’ve got a post of their own coming up later this week…but if you’re looking for thick white jeans, that don’t show lumps and bump, have hidden pockets, and are a comfortable mid-rise…these are for you!

Fit Tip: The top runs a little big, so I’d size down one…I’m wearing a 00. The jeans are true, I’m wearing a 26.

Chambray Shirt | Perfect White Jeans | Similar Wedges

Another cute tee with a twist…this one with darling eyelet ruffle sleeves. The shirt itself is super soft, stretchy cotton, but the white is more on the ivory side. Not necessarily a good match for these jeans, but I fell for the jeans so hard, I had a hard time changing out of them!

Fit Tip: The top is true, I’m wearing XS.

Eyelet Sleeve Tee (more colors here) | Perfect White Jeans | Similar Wedges

Be still my girly heart…look at these flutter sleeves! The jacquard fabric helps it easily transition from work to weekend, and hip-length and boatneck collar give it a refined fit.

Fit Tip: I’m wearing an XS, which is a tad big, but not enough to size down. The armholes are a little low on me, but you don’t see them because of the sleeve.

Flutter-Sleeve Top | Fringe Earrings | Jeans | Platform Espadrilles

Stripes and little bows?! How do they put so much cuteness in a single top?! This crisp cotton top just screams Summer, and would be darling with jeans, shorts and skirts. It’s thick enough I can get away with going braless, but would probably still wear this bra.

Fit Tip: I’m wearing an XS, and it has just a little extra room.

Bow-Back Button Top | Jeans | Platform Espadrilles | Fringe Earrings

Okay, that covers the tops…let’s move on to pants, shorts, and skirts. I can’t even stand how darling this whole outfit is on Mama Sugarplum…she of course agreed, and took the whole thing home! I reviewed both the sweater and cropped pants here, so mom was excited to try them for herself…and ended up with three pairs of the pants! For some reason, the gingham and denim are a thinner, less stretchy material than the others, but still a great fit.

Fit Tip: She sized up one to a small in the sweater, and went with a 4P for more of a pronounced cropped length in the pants.

Tie-Back Sweater | Gingham Pants | Embroidered Clutch | Platform Espadrilles

These are the shorts version of her new favorite capri pants…perfect length for her comfort zone, and come in all the essential neutral colors for Summer.

Fit Tip: She’s wearing regular 2.

Sweater | Bermuda Shorts | Lace-Up Sandals | Favorite Undies

These longer-length shorts are a little thinner than the ones above, but still a great fit, and love the chambray denim. I prefer shorter shorts, and always find great colors and patterns at J.Crew Factory. Mine sit a little lower on the hips, and mom’s are closer to a mid-rise.

Fit Tip: She’s wearing a 2, and I’m in a 0.

On Mama SP: Striped Top | Bermuda Shorts  | Pearl Cluster Necklace
On Me: Blue Oxford | Patterned Shorts

Here she is in all her cherry cuteness! This striped top is a soft, stretchy cotton, and closer to a thin sweater than t-shirt material.

Fit Tip: She’s wearing XS top.

Striped Top | Bermuda Shorts  | Pearl Cluster Necklace

I swear I spent my childhood fighting these Peter Pan collars…she’d have dressed me in nothing but if she had her way! Now I think they’re adorable, especially this crisp collar paired with the stretchy knit of the blouse. The top drapes beautifully and has a timeless shape and fit. The pants have a nice drape, as well, but are a little thin in this ivory color, and obviously run long.

Fit Tip: She’s wearing XS in the top and 2 in the pants.

Pleated Collar Top | Crepe Pants

What’s not to love about pink and stripes?! This statement skirt combines all my favorite colors, but the stripe keeps it from being too sweet. It’s fully-lined, and has a taffeta feel to the material, with minimal stretch.

Fit Tip: Size down if you have a small waist, I’m wearing a regular 00 here. I actually prefer a shorter length, so I’ve ordered a 0P for comparison.

Striped Pencil Skirt | Pink Tee | V-Neck Linen Tee | Tassel Sandals

I loved the colors and gorgeous embroidery of this top, but the fit was a little boxy for me. The skirt, however, makes my inner-9th grade self super happy! The high waist elevates the style from being too youthful, but the raw hem keeps it casual. I’d wear it with everything from tees to button-up shirts, and sandals, wedges, and sneakers. Basically anything I’d pair with jeans or shorts…so it’s super versatile.

Fit Tip: The top is true, I’m wearing XS, but I’d recommend sizing down in the skirt, I’m wearing a 25.

Embroidered Top | Rough Hem Jean Skirt | Similar Wedges

Finally, we made it to my favorite category…dresses! We both loved these striped cuties…mine with ruffle sleeves, and hers with three-quarter. They’re nice and thick, don’t hug the body too much, and are a great knee length.

Fit Tip: We’re both wearing XS.

Similar Ruffle Sleeve Striped Dress | Striped Shift Dress

More stripes, please! This fit-and-flare has a dressier shape for work, but would be equally cute with sneakers or wedges. It’s super thick cotton knit, with a fair amount of stretch. And do I need to mention the pockets?!

Fit Tip: I’m wearing a 2, but I’d recommend sizing up if you’re chesty.

Striped Fit-and-Flare Dress

This dress is very ‘ladies who lunch,’ and really couldn’t be cuter. Mom actually twirled and swooned when she tried it on! It’s a beautiful fabric with crisp pleats and perfectly-placed darts for a very elegant fit.

Fit Tip: I’m wearing a reg 2, but had trouble filling out the top.

Striped Pleated Dress

Here they are on both of us…you can see the difference her larger chest makes in the fit of each. She liked the length of the colorful one, but petite sizing is available if you prefer a shorter skirt.

Striped Fit-and-Flare Dress | Striped Pleated Dress | Pearl Cluster Necklace

This color-blocked dress would work for so many occasions, and easily dresses up or down. The slight racerback cut and nipped-in waist is super flattering, and the thick, stretchy cotton knit is comfortable for all-day wear.

Fit Tip: It’s true to size, I’m wearing a 2, but I’d prefer it a tad shorter.

Color-Blocked Dress

So, I had a few wardrobe malfunctions trying to get this dress on…which got us quite tickled…and in the end, we decided the dress is made for tall, willowy frames. It is fully-lined, with a stretchy rayon material, and the bow is fixed, not adjustable.

Fit Tip: I’m wearing 2, and it’s a little big up top.

Popover Shift Dress

The bow-dress is actually a better fit for mom, but she felt a little too exposed in it. She did, however, love the color-blocked dress, and the longer length of it.

Popover Shift Dress | Color-Blocked Dress

I loved the periwinkle blue and sleeves of this crochet-overlay dress, as well as, the fit-and flare shape. The material and lining feel a little scratchy, but you can’t beat the price tag!

Fit Tip: Size up one, I’m wearing a small, and it’s still a little snug through the waist.

Crochet Overlay Dress

I’d actually recommend paying a little more for this stunner (but not much more, this dress is a steal at $89!!)! It looks so expensive and fits like a glove. The adjustable straps give it a custom fit on top, and the lace overlay reveals just enough leg to be sassy, but not inappropriate.

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

Crochet Overlay Midi Dress

I have to end on this pic, because she’s just so stinking cute!!! Please, Lord, let me have inherited her genes!! I know I got her love of color and cackling laugh. 😉

Ruffle Tee | Pearl Cluster Necklace | Jean Jacket | Jeans | Platform Espadrilles

 

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!

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