Dressing Room Diary in Pink & Blue
Happy Tuesday ladies. I wandered in and out of several stores yesterday before I found colors that were pretty enough to feel cheery. Color is increasingly more important to me these days so that’s what I’m sharing. I didn’t plan on them all being pink and blue, but these are what caught my eye.
If you’re new here, a dressing room diary is when I go into stores and try on new merchandise so you can see how it looks on aĀ woman over 25. For reference, I am 5’4″ and weigh 136 pounds. I have broad shoulders and straight hips with very few curves. I have a long torso, long arms, and can swing between the petite and regular department depending on the fit I want. I typically wear one size larger on top than the bottom.
My hair gets trashed and the lighting is poor so the pictures are grainy but you’ll get an idea of what things look like.
This open front cardigan snagged my attention because it’s so light and airy, and comes in a bunch of yummy colors. It’s an acrylic/merino blend that’s the perfect weight for spring. Just slightly warmer than cotton but not heavy. It looks like linen. It’s available in sizes XXS-XXL. I’m wearing an XS so I suggest you size down.
The blouse I’m wearing isnāt the exact same pink as the cardigan but it coordinates nicely. It comes in 11 colors so is clearly a very popular blouse. And what’s not to love? Itās a machine wash and dry, 100% polyester which will pack beautifully and come out of the bag unwrinkled when we finally get to travel again. I’m wearing a small so it runs true to size.
These cotton stretch ankle pants are machine wash, tumble dry, and have a hidden back zipper so theyāre very slimming. I’m a big fan of side and back zips on pants because they add no bulk upfront. This fabric has a lot of spandex so these pants will retain their shape. They’re sized 00-18, with a nice high rise. I am wearing a 6 so they run TTS.
This brighter pink blouse is a classic Vince Camuto blouse that they make every season in tons of colors. Funny story…while I was looking at these blouses a salesperson was chatting to a lady on the other side of the rack and said, “you don’t want the bright pink…go for the Barbie pink” I immediately grabbed this bright Hybiscus pink and I love it!! If it’s not your thing it comes in 8 other colors.
It’s a simple, slip-over-the-head, v-neck with 3/4 sleeves. It’s sized XXS-XXL. I’m wearing an XS which is a tiny bit snug so it runs true to size. Another great travel blouse because it’s meant to be rumpled.
Cropped jeans and pants are all over the racks this time of year. These are a slim-fitting straight crop that is shorter than many cropped pants. Mid-calf can be an iffy length for most women so you might think about hemming or folding up the hem depending on where they hit on your leg. I would roll these about 2″ to hit at a spot where my leg narrows. These are available in sizes 00-28 and will stretch out as you wear them so size down.
**A reader asked me about jeans that loosen up. The truth is, all jeans loosen up. Call me old-fashioned, but I machine wash and dry my jeans after every wearing so they snug right back up.
This dress is a cotton/modal blend that’ll be great for the hot weather. I’ve wanted one for several summers but always tried to buy it when my size was sold out!Ā Itās sized XXS-XXL. The website says itās available in regular and petite but I could not locate a link for the petite version. Iām wearing a small in regular which is pretty long in the torso so I would love to find the petite and will make it my business to hunt it down. They make this dress every year so clearly, it’s super popular.
This boat neck sweater is a cuddly cotton blend with a straight fit and a drop shoulder. Itās lightweight and perfect for spring. Iām not a fan of boat neck or drop shoulders on me, but the color was so beautiful I wanted to share it with you. It also comes in plain white, but frankly, I think the stripes are what make this shirt. It runs true to size Iām wearing a medium which is a bit slouchy and a great fit for this type of sweater.
I’m a big fan of the fabric and fit of NYDJ and these side-slit ankle jeans have a terrific shape. They have classic 5 pocket styling and are available in 5 colors. They’re sized from 00 petite to 18 regular. I’m wearing a 4 regular. This brand stretches out when you wear them so size down. The label says machine wash, line dry but I see nothing in the fabric content that would require line drying, so I’d toss them in the dryer and remove them before totally dry.
This classic pleat back blouse is an amazingly popular shape that’s made season after season. It has delicate neck pleats, a banded collar, and easy 3/4 sleeves. This season it comes in 21 colors and patterns so there’s something for every taste. The label says dry clean or machine wash /tumble dry. Since itās polyester, I would never choose to dry clean this. It’s sized 00-18 and in plus size here. It runs large so size down.
I snagged this cheery blue and white striped tee first thing off the escalator. I love the rounded V-neckline and classic stripe. It’s available in 12 colors, sizes 00-18. The fabric is soft and pretty delicate so it may snag easily. They call it semi-sheer but I didn’t find it so in this stripe. I’m wearing a small so it runs TTS.
I was looking for white bootcut jeans but this was all they had so far this season. These linen-blend pants have a high rise and lots of stretch. I would definitely size down in these because they run a bit large and loooong. They’re described as wide-leg, but they’re not. They are more a trouser shaped leg that looks graceful on…when hemmed to the correct length. They are in sizes 00-18, I am wearing a 6 but would buy the 4.
There were more ladies shopping today than I have seen for many months so I think spring fever is catching.
Thanks for reading ladies and remember to wear what makes you feel confident.
Such beautiful choices! The pinks and blues really suit you. We’re all craving colour these days!
So agree with others, that the deeper pink and various shades of blue look stunning on you. -Brenda-
What a great post! I love that you try on different things and deconstruct what works and does not. I learn a lot from your blog posts. I love many of the pieces in this post, and I already have some. I purchased a soft pink tank and waterfall sweater from Chico’s a few years ago. I wear it with black, gray, navy, and white bottoms. It is one of my favorite outfits because it is so comfortable but feels special. I find I like the softer pink in clothing and the brighter pinks in small doses like a scarf. I really liked the NYDJ blouses fir a while , but have purged all from my wardrobe as I cannot tolerate the 100% polyester. I am only buying cotton, linen, and silk tops and sweaters. I wash and dry all my jeans also. It seems to soften them over time and make more comfortable. Thank you for such thoughtful and substantive content!
All great picks and nice to see colour and pattern! Let us know if you find white bootcut jeans. They are on my list too. š
Line drying is the new/old plan to help our climate. Iām wondering if thatās behind the care instructions on the pants and if weāll be seeing more of that.
I hadnāt thought of that
Brighter pink really suits you.
Hi Jennifer,
Could you please post info on your website about your recent haircut? I don’t do Facebook. It looks lovely on you & i would like something similar. Thank you.
Tomorrowās post has the update on my hair for you.
You look scrumptious!!!! In every one of these outfits!! I know you like neutrals, but these colors absolutely light up on you! May I have the same luck because these colors and styles inspire me for some togs to wear at a Huntington Beach fancy wedding in June.
Blessed week, everyone!!!
How fun to go to a wedding! Iām so anxious to get back to celebrating life events
That Pepto pink is perfect on you!!!!
Both the pink and blue are stunning colors on you
What brand are the crop white pants?
There is a link below each garment for you.
Thanks for your comment about jeans with stretch. I read an article that said we shouldnāt wash them so much but mine are toast after 2 wearings. A baggy mess that gets fixed with a wash and dry.
Absolutely perfect for me — the stripes and white pants. I love them. They are me no two ways about it. They look great on you. So very classic and classy.
Thanks so much Cheri
Bright pink blouse is fabulous on you!! I have commented before how beautiful you looked in blue, this is definitely another color for you. Brightens your face and compliments your blonde hair. Have a great week.
This is the first time Iāve liked this bright color on me. The events of last year have certainly changed how I think about color and fashion.
Hi Jennifer,
Could you please post info on your website about your recent haircut? I don’t do Facebook. It looks lovely on you & i would like something similar. Thank you.
Hi Jan, I am sharing about my new haircut in tomorrow’s post.
I love the bright pink on you! This would look sharp with white ankle jeans/pants too! Thanks for your ideas and video clips on the clothing articles!
It would be great with white, blue or black!
Love your choices. Makes me want pink. I find Iām drawn to brighter colors after what weāve been through. These are your colors. Since Iāve not been shopping, your DRD are my favorite.
I like the blue and white striped sweater on you the best. Thanks for your blog. I see that every time I check in you have lost more weight. How are you doin it. I lost 11 lbs and now I am stuck. I’m even getting more exercise.
No I havenāt lost more, but Iām remaining careful to avoid snacking which was always my downfall.
Love the light pink blouse and sweater and also the blue and white boat neck sweater.
Going shopping this week with my BFF that we do every year around this time (40 yrs to be exact) for New Spring Things.
Thank you for the great ideas to look for.
Have fun!!!
I love the light pink color on you , sophisticated and softly feminine. I have similar coloring to you, I get a lot of compliments on that light pink color. Iām a natural fiber gal and like boatneck styles, so the tee is more me, except for the length, I would hem it. ( Iām a pear and ā summerā)
This color seems to smooth the lines on my face which is always a nice benefit š
There are a lot of items that you showed that I definitely WANT!!!!!!!!
These are fun, for sure
Really like the DRD today. The colours are perfect for spring and I appreciate the commentary on fit and washing etc. The comments (on line) on the linen pants were interesting and as one said, you really need to try on, so that is not happening for me. There are no Nordstrom anywhere near where I live. These do however give me lots of ideas to check out other sorces and that is what I always find useful. I am so looking forward to dressing rooms opening up. I get my first shot next week, and that gives hope, but second one is not until July so still much caution here.
I had my first one too! I think we will still need to be careful for quite a long time.
Thank you for this post. I love blouses with 3/4 sleeves. The collar on the Halogan blouse is very nice and I will be able to dress this up or down.
I love them too
For years I thought pink was too girly, but now I love it in every shade. I like almost every top you show, especially the ones from Nordstromās and I find boatnecks very flattering. I have a couple of pairs of cropped jeans which will get a lot of wear this spring. However, by the end of May it will be too hot in central NC for heavy denim. This is a great DRD!
I didnāt realize NC got that hot! Itāll certainly be too hot in the summer here
I love the light pink blouse and cardigan, and the hibiscus pink blouse is amazing (I will have to go shopping!). I don’t love the blue maxi dress because it’s shapeless and the fabric isn’t structured enough to give it any shape. I love a maxi for summer, but not this one. The striped boatneck top and jeans just screams summer and looks amazing.
thanks for sharing.
I love that stripe too. Iāll have to find a crew or v neck version for me
Blue and pink are comfort colors. They donāt drain energy like black or purple. My theory only but I find I reach for these colors now too. The boatneck is not something I usually wear either but I really like this outfit.
Thatās a good way to describe them
Your DRDās are so much fun! The pink and blue color palette is really perfect for you.
But….for me, there was little that sparked my interest enough to warrant a shopping trip. I am not a fan of slim, straight, crop jeans. I have several crop pants in a dri fit, travel fabric that stay cool and pack well with few wrinkles. I will not pay $70 for a blouse that I can source for much, much less.
I guess what Iām getting to is that I am finally learning to be more āclothing savvy ā?
My goal is to find several new items that will coordinate with pieces I already possess.
I did purchase several items last year that no one ever saw!
We were in the 70ās here yesterday and will struggle to make 40 degrees today. Hello spring!!
Thatās a big temperature swing! Wow
Love all the ideas in this post. I love you in the bright pink blouse. It looks so happy.
The next post with the light pink blouse and sweater. I would definitely buy those three items…
Love your DRD!!!!!
I loved your choices as well. The bright pink and blue look fabulous on you.
Informative post!!! Loved your choices… I tried the pink floral yesterday too!
Bright pink is your color! Fabulous.
Iām loving it too