Dressing Room Diaries

Cheers to Friday, friends! I hope you’ve had a great week, and loved our celebration of Summer! We’ve got a few more days in Montana (with horseback riding and white water rafting on the agenda!), but we’re already sad to say good-bye to family and our darling new nephew. We’ve had the best time exploring and adventuring…let me know if you’d like to see a re-cap post. (I’ve written about our past Montana trips here and here.)

But today on the blog, we’re wrapping up our week of Summer Kick-off with everyone’s favorite, 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.

Fit Note: I’m 5’4″-ish, 120 pounds-ish (depending on the week’s taco count), with a slight pear shape.

 

I’m kicking this DRD off with my favorite category, dresses, and my favorite find of the week…this fit-and-flare dress. It’s a beautifully-made dress in soft, thick cotton (fully lined), with beautiful structure through the body and sturdy straps. The pattern placement is super-flattering for the waistline, and the pleats lay flat. Plus, pockets!

Fit Tip: I’m wearing a reg 2 and it fits perfectly, if not a teeny-bit snug through the ribs.

Floral Fit-and-Flare Dress

Gingham is a timeless print, but especially hot this season. This gauzy cotton dress has the cutest ric-rac trim and bow on the back, and the elastic is super-comfortable, but still keeps the dress in place. It looked a little sheer when I unpacked it, but not when on. It would be cute with flat sandals and sneakers.

Fit Tip: I’m wearing a US2.

Gingham Off-the-Shoulder Dress

This one-shoulder dress is so chic and stylish, but unbelievably comfortable! It’s made of a super-soft jersey knit that drapes and hugs beautifully, but still skims over the body without showing ‘bumps’. It looks dressed-up, but feels like pajamas. Plus, the one-shoulder and fit-and-flare shape is super-flattering.

Fit Tip: I sized down to an XXS regular. 

One-Shoulder Dress Jersey Knit

I love the vibrant jewel tones of this dress, and ruffle detail at the shoulder. It’s cotton-knit, but extra thick and really soft.

Fit Tip: I’m wearing a small petite in this pic, but the XS regular fit, as well, with more length.

Ruffle Shift Dress

How fun is this combo of hot pink and red?! The halter-style creates a flattering neckline, and the crepe material hangs beautifully. The flouncy drop waist makes it a perfect party dress for all your Summer evening events, too.

Fit Tip: I’m wearing a regular XS and it’s a little big, so I’d recommend sizing down.

Tiered Halter-Style Dress

This a-line utility dress is a thick twill, with a touch of stretch and fun flap pockets. The tie accents the waist, and it falls just above the knee. It would be fun with colorful shoes and earrings, or perfect for work with black heels.

Fit Tip: I’m wearing a regular 0 and it’s a little tight under the arms and puckers across my bum. 

Flap-Pocket Tie Dress

I had high expectations for this dress…and the material and embroidery did not disappoint, but alas the billowing arms and wide body weren’t flattering on my frame. It’s a sturdy cotton poplin and fully-lined, and would be darling on taller girls.

Fit Tip: I’m wearing an XS.

Embroidered Dress

The black eyelet shift dress is equal parts sweet and sassy, thanks to the flirty cold-shoulder and tie-sleeve. The material is very sturdy and fully-lined, with a touch of an a-line shape. I think it’s best-suited for girls with fewer curves.

Fit Tip: I’m wearing a regular 2 and it’s a little tight across the bum. I think it’s more flattering to hang away from the body, so if you have fuller hips, I’d recommend sizing up one.

Crochet Dress

This classic shirtdress is updated with the fun print and petite collar. The material is a thick cotton poplin, and the skirt a fun a-line shape. And, yes, pockets!

Fit Tip: I’m wearing a 2 petite and it’s snug. If you want the midi length, then stick with your usual size, but if you prefer it shorter like this, then size up one in petites. (So I’d wear a reg 2 for midi, or 4p for shorter.)

Polka-Dot Shirtdress

This silk dress (fully-lined) has a Grecian fit with beautiful drape and wide sleeves. The colors are beautiful, and it buttons up the back.

Fit Tip: I’m wearing a reg XS and it’s too big…so I’d recommend sizing down. I’d probably go with a petite, too, for shorter length to off-set the wide body.

Bell-Sleeve Shift Dress

This brand makes the loveliest maxi dresses for events, especially for us shorter gals since most come in petite sizing. I love the shades of pink and delicate pattern of this one, and the wide band creates a flattering silhouette. Since I’m on the shorter side, I tend to gravitate to smaller patterns like this so they don’t overwhelm my frame.

Fit Tip: I’m wearing a 2p and it’s the perfect length for heels.

Halter-Style Floral Maxi Dress

This one-shoulder chambray is a silky-soft cotton with pretty embroidery across the ruffle, but a little on the thin side. It’s definitely for casual wear with wedges or flat sandals.

Fit Tip: I’m wearing a small, but my usual XS would fit better…so it’s true-to-size.

One-Shoulder Chambray Dress

This lovely maxi has a goddess feel with chain neck, and crepe ruffles that hang in tiers. The color is a gorgeous cobalt blue, and the blouson bodice creates a slimming waistline and keeps the material from overwhelming petite frames.

Fit Tip: I’m wearing 0P, but think my usual 2p would fit better…so it’s true-to-size.

Grecian Ruffled Maxi Dress

Another fun maxi, this one perfect for casual days or easily dressed-up for evening. It’s made of a thick and stretchy jersey knit, with a lined top. The direction of stripes create a longer line, but the criss-cross back is the real showstopper.

Fit Tip: I’m wearing a reg XS, which is pretty long, but you could hem yourself with a simple cut (no sewing needed).

Striped Strapless Jersey Knit Maxi Dress

I’m on a jumpsuit kick lately, and love finding and trying these out for you guys. They’re a great option for evening, and stand out in a sea of dresses. The downside is it’s tricky to get a good fit, especially since I have a long torso. This one is flattering with the halter-style neck, waistband, and wide legs. The crepe feels light and cool, and of course pockets.

Fit Tip: I’m wearing an XS and it’s a little big, so I’d recommend sizing down one.

Floral Jumpsuit

I was instantly smitten with this maxi skirt…the mix of fun colors and the mini-pleats…and it flows beautifully when you move. I loved it so much, in fact, I ordered it three times to find the right fit! There are so many styling options for this one, and would be equally cute with flat sandals or dressed-up with heels.

Fit Tip: You want a snug fit through the waist, so size down. I’m wearing a 00 petite.

Scoopneck Tank | Pleated Midi Skirt

The shape of this skirt is timeless, and flattering for all figures. The key is to get a snug fit at your natural waist, and keep your top fitted to create the fit-and-flare shape, even with separates. This skirt is thick cotton and fully-lined with lay-flat pleats for fun movement. It comes in several patterns if polka-dots aren’t your thing.

Fit Tip: I went with petite sizing for a knee-length instead of midi, and am wearing a 2P.

Tee | Polka-Dot Skirt

Moving on to tops…and I found several with fun patterns and shapes to pair with jeans, shorts and skirts. Staring with this gingham off-the-shoulder with fun tassel ties on the shoulders. It’s a super lightweight fabric, but not sheer. The shoulder band is extra-stretchy, but doesn’t stay put very well. The real star of this outfit is my jeans tho…you’ve seen them about 20 times already in the past month… I just can’t seem to stop wearing them!

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

Gingham Off-the-Shoulder Top | Frayed Hem Jeans | Strappy Sandals

This scoop-neck tank has a fun combo of cobalt stripes and sequin palm trees…darling for Summer! The sequins are lined inside the shirt, and the cotton has a drapey fit.

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

Sequined Palm Tank | Frayed Hem Jeans

This cotton top is thick and sturdy, with an appliqué ruffle trim giving it a bit of a peplum fit. It’s wide through the body, so I’d pair it with skinny jeans or slim shorts.

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

Peplum Top | Frayed Hem Jeans

This striped peplum tee is the softest, pajama-level cotton with just enough stretch to keep it’s shape. The fitted shoulders and shorter sleeves keep it from overwhelming your torso.

Fit Tip: It runs large, so size down…I’m wearing an XS petite.

Striped Peplum Tee | Frayed Hem Jeans

I love a soft swing-dress for Summer…they’re so easy to wear, and keep you cool. Plus they’re perfect for so many occasions! This one is a crazy-soft jersey knit with a lot of stretch. 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. This one is also thicker than most.

Fit Tip: It runs large and a little long, so size down. I’m wearing XS petite.

Jersey Knit Swing Dress

Finally, let’s end with this darling seersucker romper! It’s a thick, fully-lined material, with adjustable straps and tie-front for a custom fit. It doesn’t allow for any type of bra, so it’s best for the small-chested crowd.

Fit Tip: I sized up to a small for more length, then tighten the straps and tie for a closer fit on top.

Seersucker Romper | Strappy Sandals

Sugarplum Style Tip: When shopping for yourself, if you’re ever undecided on sizing or fit, take a selfie and then view it on your phone. It’s a lot easier to look at it objectively that way. For example, I was undecided on the small and medium of this romper…but when viewing them side-by-side in photos, it was obvious which fit better.

 

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! Happy weekend, lovebugs!

{Shop My Dressing Room Favorites}

 

Great Weekend Sales
Nordstrom // Half-Yearly Clearance Sale with 40% off in-season items! (Love this bell-sleeve tee!)
Loft // Flash Sale with 40% off (This swing dress is Summer-perfection, but size down)
GAP // 40% off entire purchase with code SUMMER
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)