Cheers to almost-Friday, friends! Y'all absolutely blew me away with your response to our One Room Challenge reveal yesterday! I knew we loved the room like crazy, but it's always a little nerve-racking putting yourself out there...especially when your aesthetic isn't exactly mainstream!
I've read every single comment and email on both the blog and social media, and haven't stopped grinning since. So thank you! Thank you for your kind words and sharing our enthusiasm. I only wish I could have you all over for dinner in our new Dining Room! Takeout tacos, of course. ;)
Mr. SP has a business trip today, and I sweet-talked him into letting me tag along since it's my birthday this weekend, so I thought I'd put my next installment of Dressing Room Diaries up a day early.
Dressing Room Diaries is where I hunt down some of the cutest new arrivals from my favorite retailers, and review them for you. You know the drill...the shots aren't good, the lighting is bad (especially now with the time change!), 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-ish, with a slight pear shape. My usual size is an XS/0.
Might as well start with one of my favorite finds...this sweater had me at pink ruffles. But somehow, it's just the right amount of sweet, without it looking like I stole my daughter's clothes. I especially love it paired with these plumy/cranberry booties! In fact, I'm so smitten with both, I'm doing a whole post around them soon!
Fit Tip: Topshop is a European company and runs a tad small, so I always size up to a US4. The booties are true to size, and crazy comfy thanks to the wedge heel.
Ruffle Sweater | Distressed Jeans | Wedge Booties
To quote my mother-in-law, 'I'm really into those tops that cover you whole bum!' Yes ma'am, so am I! This tunic is super soft, not too heavy, and just enough length to for leggings, but not so long that it doesn't work with jeans, too. (See it fully-styled here.) These are my favorite leggings, too (wide waistband that doesn't roll down and extra opaque fabric so no skin shows through), but I nabbed them in navy to mix things up a bit. I think I'm digging the color!
Fit Tip: Sweater is a generous fit, I'm wearing an XS. Leggings are true, and I'm wearing XS.
Turtleneck Tunic | Blackout Leggings | Similar Boots
This was my favorite dress all Summer (see it fully-styled here), so when it was restocked in fun Fall colors (and on sale for only $25!!), I couldn't help but try it in this plum shade. I'll throw on a jean or utility jacket to keep me warm...but it's also available in a long-sleeved version here.
Fit Tip: True to size for me, and I'm wearing an XS.
Cowlneck Swing Dress with Pockets | Similar Boots
How fun is the texture and color of this tunic sweater? It looks great with blue, black and gray denim, and of course my new plum booties. It's also long enough for leggings.
Fit Tip: Generous fit, so I sized down to XS petite. The regular XS fits the same, but it a bit longer.
Cowlneck Tunic Sweater in 'pink fawn' | Distressed Jeans | Wedge Booties
The upside of trying things on at home, is I get to pair them with different shoes and accessories to see how they'd really fit in with my wardrobe. (And free returns means no risk!) An ivory sweater is one of the most versatile pieces you can have, and this one is extra soft with cute front pockets and a mock neck. Plus it looks darling with literally every scarf in my closet.
Fit Tip: Sweater runs true, and I'm wearing an XS. The scarf is very airy, so a great plaid option for those of you who don't care for wool.
Pocket Sweater | Scarf | Crossbody Bag | Distressed Jeans | Wedge Booties
Sweater dresses are typically too figure-hugging for my liking, or hang there like a potato sack...this one is neither! It's got just enough stretch to hug, but not so much that I felt exposed. Plus the ribbing on the side and notched hemline makes it so flattering. I'd add tights as the weather cooled even more.
Turtleneck Sweater Dress | Similar Boots
Fit Tip: The dress runs large, so I wanted to show you the different fits. On the left I sized down to an XXS, and the right is my usual XS. I think I prefer the ivory color, but in the XXS fit on me. (And because I know my mom will ask me, yes you can totally wear this! And to work!) :)
Turtleneck Dress XXS | Turtleneck Dress XS | Similar Boots
I must be planning on hibernating all season, because all I want to wear are long, cozy cardigans! And the softer the better! This one is crazy-soft, in a flattering pink hue...and the circle hem keeps it from overwhelming my frame. (Please note the plum booties again...who knew they'd be so neutral!!??)
Fit Tip: Cardigan is a generous fit, but I'm still wearing an XS.
Circle Cardigan | Favorite White Tee | Distressed Jeans | Wedge Booties
I've had a utility vest for several years, and love the extra layer it adds to my outfits. This one has a cute hood, and drawstring waist to create more shape. The color is off in my photos, as it's closer to a traditional army green. My obsession with shades of plum are a little ridiculous right now!
Fit Tip: Vest is slightly oversized, but I'm still in an XS. Adjust the drawstring for a better fit. Also, the striped tee is true (I'm wearing an XS), but the dress runs small (I'm wearing a small). The dress in my usual XS fits more like a tunic, and super cute with these navy leggings.
Hooded Utility Vest | Striped Tee | Plaid Shirtdress | Wedge Booties | Crossbody Bag
The only like I love more than plum right now? Plum paired with pink!! #swoon Wouldn't this preppy argyle be so cute paired with this pleated leather mini and tights?!
Fit Tip: Sweater is true, I'm wearing an XS. If you plan on layering it over a shirt though, I'd size up.
Argyle Sweater (also here) | Favorite White Jeans | Booties
I don't usually love shirts that fake a layer, but there was something about this color combo and cuffed sleeves I loved.
Fit Tip: Considering I wouldn't layer this top over an actual shirt, I'd recommend sizing down one for a closer fit.
Striped Top | Favorite White Jeans | Booties | Leopard Belt
This dressing room pic doesn't do this lace peplum top justice, but it's really pretty and comes in several great colors. It'd be beautiful paired with these bootcut jeans and leopard heels for a more casual holiday party look.
Fit Tip: My usual size wasn't available, so I'm wearing a 00, but I'd prefer a 0.
Lace Peplum Top | Favorite White Jeans | Booties
Soft pink is so unexpected this time of year, which is probably why I love it so much. This pullover is a nice weight, and soft, stretchy material makes it perfect for wearing alone, or layered.
Fit Tip: Go with your regular size to pair with jeans (I'm wearing an XS), or size up to wear with leggings. #coveryourladybitsladies
Striped Pullover Sweater | Favorite White Jeans | Booties
I featured a fun bird-print blouse earlier this week, that unfortunately sold out quickly. This is another pretty option, and I love the dark background. It'd be perfect with slacks or a pencil skirt, or dressed down with bootcut jeans and heels.
Fit Tip: The blouse runs large...this XS was swimming on me a little.
Essential Blouse | Favorite White Jeans | Booties
I featured this sweater last year in this {1 Outfit | 3 Ways} post, and it's still my favorite affordable cashmere option. While I love the bright colors, this tan is so chic and classic, and would be darling layered over most plaids. And I couldn't resist adding another peacoat to my collection (I'm up to 3 if you're keeping count), but at only $38, it really can't be beat!
Fit Tip: The sweater runs true (I'm wearing an XS), but the coat is small and requires sizing up one or two. I'm wearing a Med in this pic.
Cashmere Crewneck Sweater (V-Neck version) | Favorite White Jeans | Booties | Peacoat
This stretchy textured-knit pullover is soft and relaxed, and comes in a whole slew of great Fall colors.
Fit Tip: Oversized fit, I'm wearing an XS.
V-Neck Pullover | Favorite White Jeans | Booties
I discovered this long cardigan last month, and have the urge to grab it in every single color! The fit is great, I love the pockets, and you can't beat the price!! And while I love a striped top layered under, I didn't love this tee. The neck was too wide and the fabric too flimsy.
Fit tip: Size down, I'm wearing an XXS.
Long Cardigan | Striped Top | Favorite White Jeans | Booties | Necklace
Another long cardi, but this one with a shawl collar and unique bubble sleeve. It's one of those you'd reach for two, sometimes three, days in a row!
Fit Tip: Runs large so I'd recommend sizing down...I'm wearing an XS.
Shawl Collar Cardigan | Striped Tee | Distressed Jeans | Booties
Can you even stand how adorable this hoodie pullover is?! The hood lays normally in the back, but has a cute shawl-collar front, and I love the pouch pocket. I just wish it were a tad softer on the inside...it's not scratchy or anything, but it could be perfection if it were lined with fleece.
Fit Tip: Runs true, I'm wearing an XS.
Hoodie | Distressed Jeans | Booties
With holidays around the corner, several of you are asking for party dress ideas...well, you don't have to twist my arm! I love dresses, especially party dresses. This lace option is a gorgeous deep green, and I adore the little sleeve, and flattering fit-and-flare shape. The length makes it appropriate for a range of events from work parties to weddings.
Fit Tip: I typically wear a 2 in this brand, but I think I'd prefer sizing down for a better fit through the torso.
Lace Dress
Another lace option, but this one fits like a trapeze dress...aka, room for the dessert buffet! The length provides more coverage, but the deep-v makes it subtly-sexy.
Fit Tip: Dress runs large, so I'd recommend sizing down if you're not gifted with 'girls'. I'm wearing an XS.
Lace Shift Dress
Clearly I have a thing for lace this holiday season, and this fit-and-flare is another good option...but the lace isn't as nice as the other green one.
Fit Tip: This dress fits more like a junior sizing, so it runs small and a little short. I'm wearing a small.
Lace Dress
I have this jacket in pink (remember this 3 Ways with it?), so I was thrilled to see they brought it back in more Fall-friendly colors. This one is actually more khaki than baby-poop, and a great neutral.
Fit Tip: Jacket runs large, so size down if possible. I'm wearing an XS.
Utility Jacket | Favorite White Jeans | Booties
Once Winter arrives, my favorite sweaters are slouchy turtlenecks, and good ivory ones aren't easy to come by...but this one is pretty much perfection.
Fit Tip: It's a slouchy fit, so it runs large. I'm wearing an XS.
Funnelneck Sweater | Favorite White Jeans | Booties
This is just a snap of what I wore to the mall this day...I have this blouse in a few colors, but in different sizes for different fits. This is an XXS petite and works great for tucking in pants and skirts, but I also have a regular XS and wear that as a tunic with leggings.
Blouse | Leopard Belt | Deer Print Bag | Favorite White Jeans | Booties
Never mind how dark this pic is (thanks time change!), but this is the same long pocket cardi shown above, but in black. #iheartthiscardi Of course I love it paired with stripes, and this tee is super soft option.
Fit Tip: Cardigan runs large, so sized down one. I'm wearing an XXS.
Long Pocket Cardigan | Striped Tee | Distressed Jeans | Booties
Same sweater but with my favorite crewneck tee, and an infinity scarf in a great leopard print.
Long Pocket Cardigan | Favorite Striped Tee | Leopard Scarf | Distressed Jeans | Booties
This mock neck pullover sweater has been one of the most popular this season...for both it's easy-fit, and great price. It also comes in great Fall colors.
Fit Tip: I sized down to a XXS for a closer fit.
Pullover Sweater | Light Wash Jeans | Booties
This pullover has a silky feel, and a relaxed turtleneck.
Turtleneck Sweater | Light Wash Jeans | Booties
I love dresses paired with jackets and booties for Fall, but this one was a tad thin and short for my liking. You could size down and wear it as a tunic with leggings and a scarf though.
Fit Tip: Dress runs small, so I sized up in this pic.
Swing Dress | Booties
This swing dress is thicker with a ribbed texture, but I'm undecided on the pockets. I'm not one to turn down a pocket, but these have a slouchy, pouch-like look to them.
Fit Tip: Dress runs true, I'm wearing an XS.
Pocket Swing Dress | Booties
I think I already reviewed everything in this pic, but I loved this combo...and my photobomber...to much not to share. Both this sweater and scarf are so versatile. And you can't beat the price of this little crossbody...definitely a great size for travel, too.
Pocket Sweater | Scarf | Crossbody Bag | Distressed Jeans | Booties
Mr. SP accompanied me to the mall for 'a quick return'...but of course a few things caught my eye. ;) This plaid would be cute for holidays, and the cotton flannel is super soft.
Fit Tip: I'm wearing a small in this pic for a relaxed fit, but my usual size works, too.
Plaid Flannel Shirt | Similar Jeans | Booties
This brand is out of my price range, but I still swoon over their preppy patterns. This fair isle is just perfect for the holiday season!
Fit Tip: I'm wearing a small in this pic. The XS fit, as well, but I prefer a little more shoulder room in my heavier sweaters.
Fair Isle Turtleneck Sweater | Similar Jeans | Booties
I pretty much live in this cardi when I'm at home, but these darling pajamas caught my eye...so fun for Christmas morning!
Fit Tip: I'm wearing an XS...the bottoms were a tad snug, but the tee too big to size up. Too bad they aren't sold separately!
Pajama Set (cute pant sets)
And finally, I had to try the long-sleeved version of my favorite cowlneck swing dress, and it did not disappoint! The ribbed fabric gives it a heftier feel (and camouflages lumps & bumps), and the length not-too-short. I loved both the black and plum shades, but there are several great Fall colors.
Fit Tip: I'm wearing an XS, so it's true...but if you're in-between sizes, I'd recommend going up one.
Cowlneck Swing Dress | Booties
I never intend for these posts to be so long, but once I get started, I have a hard time narrowing down which pieces to share with y'all! 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 now on sale, and check the codes below for additional percentage off!
Happy weekend, lovebugs, and follow on Instagram to see where we're headed!
{Great Weekend Sales}
Nordstrom // Huge Fall clearance sale, including tons of boots & booties!
Loft // 40% off everything!
GAP // 40% off with code MORETIME
Old Navy // 50% off sweaters & outwear, and 30% off everything else with code WARM
J.Crew // 25% off total purchase
J.Crew Factory // Up to 25% off with code CHOOSESALE
Anthropologie // Extra 25% off sale
{Shop My Dressing Room Favorites}
JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.