The only thing better than Friday, is a Friday during holiday season! I love starting and ending each day in the glow of the Christmas tree. Little Miss loves it so much, she's already decided she's keeping her lights up year-round! #wellseeaboutthat
We've taken our time decorating this year, and it's been so much more enjoyable than plowing through it all in a day. I can't wait to start sharing our home all decked out for the season with you next week! (See last year's Christmas Home Tour here and a sneak-peek of it here.)
Today is Part 2 of the monster-sized Dressing Room Diaries featuring my darling Mama Sugarplum. We found so many cute things on our last trip to the mall, that I had to split the post. Mom and I wear the same size, but it's still fun to see how she translates the outfits for her age and petite frame.
If you're new around here, Dressing Room Diaries is where I hunt down some of the cutest new arrivals from my favorite retailers, and review them for you. 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. Mama Sugarplum is 5'1", with an hourglass figure. Her usual size is S/2.
We were being silly with the hats, but then realized we actually liked them! How does my mom look so cute in a fur flapper hat?! I loved the stripes of my wrap-style poncho, but her kimono was extra-soft and has actual armholes (so you don't walk around with T-Rex arms all day). ;)
Fit Tip: Everything here is one-size.
Jeweled Cat Ear Beanie | Fur Trapper Hat | Striped Poncho | Fringe Kimono
We found tons of great gift ideas, and I think both of us were dropping hints for each other! "Oh loooook, isn't this the cutest thing everrrrrrr?!?!" #hinthint This scarf was too good a deal to wait though, so we each took one home.
Fit Tip: Size down in the utility jacket, we're both wearing XXS.
Utility Jacket | Plaid Scarf | Dark Skinny Jeans | Bootcut Jeans | Booties
{Favorite Girlfriend Gifts Under $50}
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Mom loves the glitter studs (as you can tell, since she's wearing a red pair!), and the sweet little charm necklace was one of my favorites. I may get it for my sisters living in Montana, so they'll always remember someone in Texas loves them. #aaahhhhh
Glitter Studs | I Heart Texas Necklace (tons more styles available here!)
Beauty sets are always a great gift idea, especially when you aren't sure of someone's style or size. I think beauty products aren't necessarily something women splurge on for themselves, so it's always a treat to receive one. I'm a big gift-with-purchase fan, and this Lancome set is huge!
{Favorite Beauty Gifts}
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I mentioned it earlier this week, but online shopping has basically saved the element of surprise for our Christmases! Every year, the kids would find my stash and the surprise would be ruined! Now I just order online (holla for free shipping!), gifts and toys arrive in unmarked boxes, I wrap them up, and no one is the wiser! #muahahahaha
{Favorite Toy Gifts}
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{Favorite Home Gifts}
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Mama SP is pretty confident she's getting this cardigan from me, but I don't think she's too disappointed about spoiling the surprise! She just wants her cardigan!! It's the softest, most comfortable thing I own...seriously, if I'm at home, I'm wearing that cardigan! The flannel pajama sets are really cozy and warm, and all the design options are super cute (but these are still my faves).
Fit Tip: The pajama sets run large, I'm wearing an XS, but the striped tank (with built-in cami!), runs small. I wear a small, and mom a medium. Both of us wear the XS/S in the circle cardigan.
Print Flannel Pajama Set | Softest Cardigan | Striped Tank | Pajama Pants
I'm not much of a robe-wearer (mostly because I'm always wearing this!), but if I were, it'd probably be this too-cute-for-words sweater robe. Seriously, each pattern is cuter than the next!
Fit Tip: I sized up to a small.
Sweater Robe
These hoodies had us as fluffy and pink, but we both felt a little overwhelmed by the warmth. And well, the fluffiness! If you're cold-natured, you'll love it. And the pants are both really soft...mine are flannel, and mom's are more of a thermal fleece.
Fit Tip: We're wearing smalls in both the hoodies and pants.
Cuddle Bug Hoodie | Fleece Pajama Pants | Thermal Pajama Pants
We're going to break this pic up into two points...first up is the actual lounge sets. They are made of the same material as my prized cardigan, so being bathed in it is borderline dangerous. Seriously, if I owned this, I'd probably take up residence on the couch, ordering take-out and watching Netflix, until my family and a Biggest Loser representative staged an intervention. Plus, it's too pricey for me...I much prefer these pants and my cardigan...which is equally soft and comfortable, but hopefully doesn't come with the threat of becoming house-bound.
Fit Tip: We're both wearing a small in the pants and jackets.
Second point...which I mentioned in Part 1 of this Dressing Room Diaries...is my mom's boobs. Let's all stare at them a second, shall we?! And yes, she's wearing a bra in this pic. #sorrymom
Zip-Up Hoodie | Lounge Pants
I had a bra-intervention on her in the dressing room...and after a Nordstrom fit-expert worked her magic, Mom thanked me, and her girls thanked me! She's wearing this bra, and after seeing the difference in these pics, has since ordered this one, too! #myworkhereisdone
I'd like to tell you about this sweater, but I can't find it online...so we'll just keep it as Exhibit A in my case for the power of a good bra.
Bra | Dark Skinny Jeans | Bootcut Jeans | Booties
I love this swing dress, but Mama SP prefers a sturdier cotton, and this one fit the bill! It's got a slight swing shape, thick cotton, relaxed turtleneck and pockets! I'd wear it with tights and a pendant necklace or even a puffer vest.
Fit Tip: We both sized up to a small for more of a swing shape, and less figure-hugging.
Funnel Neck Dress | Booties
This gorgeous coat is a pricey one, but mom couldn't help but try it on. And pet it a few times. And you can't tell in these pics, but the slacks are a perfect fit (she's wearing a 2), and the lace blouse a fun option for holiday parties.
Lace Blouse | Black Pants | Red Coat (look for less here)
I would have skipped right over this embroidered bomber, but mom was totally drawn to it. I have to admit, it's darn cute! I wonder if you could style it with a pencil skirt for an edgy workwear style?! There's actually quite a few to choose from here!
Fit Tip: We're wearing XS.
Embroidered Bomber Jacket | Dark Skinny Jeans | Bootcut Jeans | Booties
We were being silly with this blouse, but Mama SP actually loved it. The color and fit were so pretty on her, and the sleeves made it so elegant. Check out the other images online to get a better idea of the look. It's beautiful with black pants and heels for a holiday party.
Fit Tip: She's wearing a small, but I think could have sized down.
Pleated Chiffon Sleeve Blouse | Black Pants
This was our snow-bunny style...all we lack is a pom-pom beanie cap and a cup of cocoa! So cute, right?! The sweater is really warm and soft, and the collar so stylish.
Fit Tip: Sweater runs large, we're both wearing XXS!
Fair Isle Knit Cardigan | Dark Skinny Jeans | Bootcut Jeans | Booties
This dress is too thin for mom's comfort level, but I adore it. The ribbing helps to hide the lumps and bumps, and the shape so easy and flattering to wear. It comes in a bunch of great Fall colors, too.
Fit Tip: It runs a tad small...I'm wearing an XS and it was a wee-bit snug in the arms.
Ribbed Cowlneck Swing Dress | Booties | Hoop Earrings
We've got a few festive parties this month, so I've been on the look-out for a fun holiday dress. And clearly I've got a thing for lace dresses right now. This one has a fun cut-out in the back, and comes in tons of colors. In fact, I wore the black one last year in this post!
Fit Tip: This dress is fairly true, but if you're in-between sizes, go up one. I'm wearing a 2 and it's a little loose in the chest and waist.
Lace Dress with Cut-Out Back | Metallic Sandals
This little cap-sleeve number is so elegant, the inky blue color so unexpected.
Fit Tip: It's true to size, I'm wearing an XS.
Lace Dress in Ink | Metallic Sandals
I love the sleeveless fit and feathery fringe of this dress, but the length was a little off for me. I think it's a great knee-length for shorter gals, or a fun mini for the taller ones.
Fit Tip: I'm wearing an XS and it was a little tight across the chest.
Lace Overlay Dress | Metallic Sandals
It's hard to beat this little gem at under $50! Great length, flattering neckline, exposed back zipper, and fully lined! #bamwhat
Fit Tip: Runs true to size, I'm in an XS...and the red has a definite pink undertone.
Twist Halter Dress
I may have found a winner with this one...but which color?! I love all the little details like the high neck and tiered lace skirt. It's both flirty and contemporary, plus I can wear a regular bra with it! #priorities I also like that it's a different silhouette than I typically wear.
Fit Tip: It's true, and I'm wearing a reg 0. It comes in petite sizing, too, but I prefer the longer length on me.
Tiered Lace Dress | Metallic Sandals
We'll wrap up this post with some cozy looks that are perfect for the holiday weekends spent hanging out with family and queso dip. Starting with this textured knit pullover sweater...soft and stretchy, yet still has some structure. Plus it's long enough for leggings (pssst, my favorite ones are still on sale!!).
Fit Tip: I'm wearing an XS.
Textured Knit Pullover Sweater | Dark Skinny Jeans | Booties
This chunky sweater is a too heavy for our climate, but would be so perfect for those of you with real Winters! It's got a really high turtleneck, and long length for leggings.
Fit Tip: I'm wearing an XS.
Turtleneck Sweater | Favorite Leggings | Plum Wedge Booties
This funnel neck option is better-suited for our climate, but you could layer a long-sleeve tee under it for more warmth. I like the stretchy ribbed fit, and mock funnel neck. It's got an easy, relaxed fit, but not sloppy. It would work with leggings, too.
Fit Tip: It's European sizing, so I sized up to a 4.
Funnel Neck Pullover Sweater | Dark Skinny Jeans | Booties
And finally, it wouldn't be a good round-up of cozy styles without including the kitten cardi! There are so many color options, and it's cute worn open or buttoned. I pair it with a long tank when wearing with leggings.
Fit Tip: I stick with a regular XS for the added length, but petite sizing is available.
Button Fleece Wrap Cardi | Favorite Leggings | Plum Wedge Booties
I'm so thrilled y'all enjoy these posts featuring my fun Mama SP, and get inspiration from them. Many of you tell me you're not sure you can 'get away with' some of my styles because of your age. Which is funny because A) I'm not exactly a spring chicken, B) I think I dress fairly conservatively, and C) Fashion is fun, so wear whatever the heck makes you feel good! #rantover
Mama SP wears many of the same styles I show on the blog, but adapts them for her frame and comfort level. We all have parts of our body we prefer to keep covered, but as long as it's a good and flattering fit for your particular figure, and you're comfortable and confident, I say wear it!
Woo-Wee, another doozy of a post! I do hope you found it helpful, and maybe discovered some new goodies and gift ideas. I know Mama Sugarplum and I had a great time...but being with her is always fun!
What's your favorite from this round of Dressing Room Diaries? You may want to check out the previous installment for more reviews and tips on what we're loving right now. Happy weekend, lovebugs!
{Shop Our Dressing Room Faves}
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P.S. Local DFW friends, don't forget I'm hosting a super-fun event at the brand-new J.Crew Mercantile in Frisco, tomorrow morning from 10am-noon! It's at Gaylord and Preston, next to Off-Fifth (the old Gattitown)...they'll have exclusive discounts off the already reduced Factory prices, plus food, prizes and a photo booth! I hope you'll come out and say HI! xo. c
*This post is created in collaboration with Nordstrom, but all opinions and gift-hinting are my own. Thank you for supporting Hi Sugarplum sponsors!*