Dressing Room Diaries

Cheers to almost-Friday, friends, and the long weekend ahead! It’s been a busy week with Mr. SP out-of-town, so I’m looking forward to some down-time and co-parenting, for sure! We’re headed to the lake for the holiday, and the forecast is sunny and hot…Summer is here! Perfect time for another round of Dressing Room Diaries, this one chock full of Summer new arrivals.

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.

My darling Mama Sugarplum even makes a little appearance in this one, 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’m kicking this DRD off with my favorite category, dresses, and my favorite find of the week…this t-back maxi dress (I think it’s actually intended to be a midi dress)! It’s made of a crisp, yet silky soft cotton, that barely skims the body. The deep-v and exposed back is so flattering, and keeps my frame from being overwhelmed by fabric. It’s already the perfect length for flat sandals, too! I’d wear it with a hat and flip-flops, or statement earrings and sandals.

Fit Tip: I’m wearing a regular XS, with these stick-on pasties. 

T-Back Maxi Dress | Fringe Sandals

Another darling find, and I’m obsessed with the combo of bright colors, and mix of textures. The body is a soft, thick and stretchy cotton, with a crochet-type trim and back. The hem is slightly longer on the sides, and it moves beautifully.

Fit Tip: I’m wearing a regular XS, but would prefer the shorter length of a petite. 

Crochet Racerback Dress | Fringe Sandals

If only Anthro had better light, then you could see the details of this pretty dress better! It’s a crepey material, mixed with chunky lace for a tiered effect. The pleats make it so feminine, as does the flattering racerback neckline. It’s fully lined and the colors are slightly muted.

Fit Tip: I’m wearing an XS petite, and I love the length. 

Floral & Lace Tiered Dress | Fringe Sandals

You may recognize this watercolor dress from this post…I wore it to a style conference last month. The fit-and-flare shape is right in my wheelhouse, and I couldn’t resist the vibrant colors. And pockets! The striped dress isn’t online, but this one is virtually the same, minus the tassels. Which I can’t believe I’m saying this, kind of cheapened the dress anyway!

Fit Tip: We’re both wearing a 2.

Watercolor Dress | Similar Striped Dress

And here we are doing a little Freaky Friday switch-er-oo. See? Age appropriate for both of us!

Watercolor Dress | Similar Striped Dress

This silky maxi was a big surprise, especially given the under $100 price point! The empire waist and back has some stretchy smocking and the straps are adjustable, so you can get a close and custom fit. The bodice is lined, and the material is soft and has a lovely flow. And even with the silky material, I’d still dress it down for day!

Fit Tip: I’m wearing an XS regular, and it would need to be hemmed or worn with wedges. The top fits close enough to skip a bra, but I wouldn’t recommend it for the busty crowd.

Maxi Dress

And for comparison, here’s the same dress in petite sizing…no hemming required, and the bodice still hits at the same spot.

Fit Tip: I’m wearing an XS petite, which is a great length for flats, but too tight in the chest. So it’s true to size unless you want the shorter length, in which case, size up one.

Maxi Dress in Petite

I’ve had a lot of requests for ‘special occasion’ dresses for Summer…like weddings, showers, graduations, etc. This dress fits the bill for all those occasions, and is under $100! The color is the perfect shade of rich pink, and the lace is surprisingly well-made. It’s fully-lined, and has a great swing to it. Also, no special undergarments required!

Fit Tip: I normally have to size up in this brand, so I’m wearing a Small. However, my usual XS would have fit, as well, with more of a form-fit through the torso.

Lace Overlay Fit-and-Flare Dress

I was surprised by how much I liked this dress, considering there’s so much going on with the ruffles, halter, and asymmetrical hemline. But it’s actually really fun and pretty, with flattering lines, and lined to the mid-thigh. However, this one arrived with a shoddy zipper, so the quality may be hit or miss. (You get what you pay for, in this case!)

Fit Tip: I sized up one to a Small.

Ruffled Halter Midi Dress

Y’all seriously, could this dress be any cuter?! It’s like Posh and Sporty Spice made a dress-baby!! The material is a thick, stretchy knit, but not clingy or overly body-con. The sleeve actually stays put, and the tiered ruffle lays flat without overwhelming my frame.

Fit Tip: There was no XS in-store, so I’m wearing a Small. You can see it’s a little loose through the body, but I love it so much I’ve ordered a smaller size for comparison. 

Off-the-Shoulder Striped Dress

Moving on to a new category…jumpsuits! I know not all of you like dresses and skirts, and my goal of DRD is to find and review an assortment of items…even the ones outside my comfort zone! I actually liked everything about this chambray jumpsuit, except the extra-width in the legs. Some width would be okay, but I think this is best reserved for the tall girls.

Fit Tip: I’m wearing a regular 0

Chambray Jumpsuit

Now this is a jumpsuit I can get on board with! I don’t think it’s supposed to have a hammer-pant, but I’m kind of digging it! It’s a tie-back halter neck, so you can adjust the fit on top, but the elastic waist is fairly loose, causing it to sit around my hips. The material is soft and flowy.

Fit Tip: I’m wearing a regular XS, which is a little big on me. You could wear it relaxed like this, or size down so it’s more fitted through the waist, and shorter.

Halter Jumpsuit | Heels

Clearly the size doesn’t work as well in a floral…so if you prefer this pattern, definitely size down one.

Floral Halter Jumpsuit

Remember this romper from yesterday’s Faves Under $50? It’s a nice thick chambray that’s fully-lined, with an adjustable tie-front and straps. I’m on the fence with the ruffled hem…too juvenile or totally darling? It also has pockets, so that’s winning! (Pretend I steamed it, mmmkay?)

Fit Tip: I sized up to a Small, but if you’re really long-torsoed or want the shorts longer, then size up two!

Tie-Front Chambray Romper | Similar Espadrille Wedges

So many high-end details on this little top!! Embroidered fringe around the neck and sleeves, crisp cotton poplin, and darling pleats across the back make this shirt extra special. The only downside, is the white is a bit sheer…look closely and you’ll see the waistband of my jeans showing through. If that bothers you, you may want to layer a cami, or go with one of the darker colors.

But the real star here are the jeans! You may have noticed that both my favorite jeans of late…these dark-rinse and these cropped…are this brand. I just love the fit, mid-rise, and soft, stretch. However, I’ve never been a fan of their white jeans…until now. These, my friends, are good ones! The pockets are sewn shut, so there’s no show-through or bulk, the material is thick enough to hide the lumps. They do have distressing in one knee and an exposed, cropped hem…but I like that casual vibe for Summer.

Fit Tip: I’m wearing an XS petite in the top, but size down one in the jeans. I promise!

Embroidered Trim Top | Raw-Hem Cropped Jeans | Similar Wedges (on sale!)

Another fun top, this one really well-made also, but still somehow a bit sheer?! Also, this is more of an ivory or bone, than true white…just FYI. I’d stick with the darker colors with this one to avoid the sheerness. If you prefer a shorter length, you may like this one better.

Fit Tip: The top runs large, I’m wearing an XS petite and it’s too big.

One-Shoulder Ruffled Top | Raw-Hem Cropped Jeans | Similar Wedges (on sale!)

I adore this lace top with tiered, ruffled sleeves, but it definitely makes a statement! Not just the vibrant colors, but the cotton is thick enough that the ruffles help the sleeve stay full and stand away from the body.

Fit Tip: I’m wearing XS petite.

Ruffle Sleeve Top | Raw-Hem Cropped Jeans | Similar Wedges (on sale!)

I love a good linen shirt for Summer, and this one had me at pink and stripes. It’s thicker than standard linen, and a bit scratchy, but probably something that softens with washing.

Fit Tip: I’m wearing an XS

Striped Linen Shirt | Favorite Cropped Jeans | Sneakers

I don’t typically choose graphic tees, but this stripe and floral combo is fun without being kitschy. It would be cute with a skirt, or casual with shorts.

Fit Tip: I’m wearing an XS and it’s fitted.

Striped & Floral Tee | Favorite Cropped Jeans | Sneakers

This shirt is a Summer closet staple…crisp cotton poplin with cuffed sleeves and popover style…so cute with everything from pants and skirts, to jeans and shorts. Just an all-around classic style. The shorts are a fun pattern in stiff linen with a high-waist. The pleats weren’t super flattering on me, but they’d be cute for those of you with fewer curves.

Fit Tip: I’m wearing an XS shirt and 0 shorts.

Poplin Shirt | High-Waist Pleated Shorts | Espadrilles

Oh hey, there’s my cutie-pie mom again! I talked her into trying the cold-shoulder trend, and once we figured out how to get this shirt on, we kind of liked it! It’s a crisp cotton with ruffled sleeve, in a popover style. So lots going on, but fun none the less. But note our matching shoes…multi-generational espadrilles. 😉

Fit Tip: It runs large, we’re both in XS regular and it’s too big…so size down, or consider the petite. 

Cold-Shoulder Shirt | Favorite Cropped Jeans | Espadrilles | White Jeans | Espadrilles

Let’s end with this wear-anywhere t-shirt dress! It’s crazy-soft jersey knit and super lightweight. It comes in several colors and stripes, with a keyhole opening in the back. It’s one of those dresses you throw on with sneakers or flip-flops for errands and soccer games, or even over your swimsuit as a cover-up.

Fit Tip: I’m wearing a regular XS.

T-Shirt Dress | Rug

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! I’ll be featuring more sale favorites on my Facebook page all weekend, so make sure you’re following me there! Happy almost-weekend, lovebugs!

{Shop our Dressing Room Favorites}

Great Weekend Sales
Nordstrom // Half-Yearly Clearance Sale with 40% off in-season items!
Loft // Flash Sale with 40% off (This swing dress is Summer-perfection, but size down)
GAP // 40% off entire purchase with code SUMMER (I’m stocking up on Kid’s shorts)
Old Navy // 25% off with code ENJOY (hello, ruffles!)
Banana Republic // 40% off entire purchase (I’m looking at you, scallops!)
J.Crew // Extra 30% off Sale with code SALESTYLE
J.Crew Factory // 40% off new arrivals (obsessed with this embroidered top)
Bauble Bar // Up to 70% off fan favorites