Dressing Room Diaries at Last

Happy Friday ladies. Iā€™m not sure if I can resurrect my weekly dressing room diaries on any sort of a regular basis but Iā€™m going to try when permitted because I know you like them and I enjoying doing them.

If youā€™re new here, DRD is when I go into stores and try on new merchandise so you can see how it looks on a woman over 25 thatā€™s larger than a size 2. The lighting in most dressing rooms is dim which makes the pictures grainy and poor quality, but youā€™ll get the idea of what things are like.

For reference, Iā€™m 5ā€™4ā€ with long arms and long torso. I have an inverted triangle figure with broad shoulders and straight hips. Sizing in brands is all over the map but I usually wear a 10 on the top and an 8 or 6 on the bottom.

After so many months at home, it felt bizarre to be out and about doing normal things. Just so you know, all the employees wore masks as did most of the customers. I always wore mine but removed it to snap each picture.

If your Chicos is open youā€™ll find that itā€™s fully stocked with their latest collection and lots of great things. It was hard to know where to start because I felt like a kid in a candy store:)

over 50 fashion blogger jennifer connolly wearing chico's kimono
MEDALLION PRINT SILK RUANA DENIM SCOOP NECK TANKREVERSABLE OBI BELTĀ  IN DOCKSIDE BLUESECRET STRETCH JEGGINGS IN ADVENTURA INDIGOBLUE AND NEUTRAL DISC STRETCH BRACELETBLUE HOOP EARRINGS

I started with thissuper stretch denim jeggings from Chico's on Jennifer Connolly

These are the Secret Stretch Jeggings. I find many jeggings are super tight but these fit more like a jean. They do come in a darker color as well but this pale one feels more modern to me this year. I’m wearing a 6 regular and folded the hem under to the proper length.Ā  The petites are too short for me in these jeggings so I prefer to wash and dry them at home a few times to take care of any potential shrinkage, then hem them up to the best length for me. I tied this Obi belt around the waist and quite like the look but you should know that the tank looks just as nice hanging loose.

Also –Ā How to Shorten Your Jeans and Keep the Original Look

EMBRODERED SCALLOPED HEM KIMONO JACKET from chicos on jennifer connolly of A Well Styled Life
EMBROIDERED SCALLOPED-HEM KIMONO JACKETDOUBLE LAYER MESH TOPSO SLIMMING NO-STAIN GIRLFRIEND ANKLE JEANS

There were only 2 of these kimonos in my store with good reason. The attention to detail in this is exquisite! I’m wearing an S/M in regular but I would be better in the S/M in petite. The cut-out detail is so pretty and allows you to change the look based on what you wear underneath. I’m wearing it over the slimming no-stain white jeans and I have to say, if you struggle with white, (and who doesn’t) this no-stain technology is awesome. I’m wearing a 6 regular because I prefer this length over the petite for me. I picked up the lavender-colored embroidery of the kimono with this double layer cotton/modal top with a subtle mesh hemline.

column of beige from chico's with whote duster
ALL OVER LACE TUNIC – MICROFIBER TANKSO SLIMMING SIDE -SLIM CROPS IN SANDSEASHELL BIB NECKLACE

I am not a typical lace wearer but

I’m including a closeup of this necklace because it’s fabulous. The freshwater pearl strands and shell motif is very popular this summer and this bib necklace gives you lots of bang for the buck as well as being totally lightweight.

lemon linen shirt and green pants from chico's on A Well Styled Life
NO-IRON LINEN LEMON PRINT SHIRT DOUBLE LAYER MESH TOPBRIDGETTE SIDE VENT SLIM CROPS IN SAGE LEAF

Chico’s always has an amazing collection of linen pieces and this summer is no exception. Their newest no-iron linen really does wrinkle less than traditional linen so if the wrinkles have been keeping you from wearing linen, give these a try. This lemon print tunic has a long shirttail in the back so you could easily wear it closed over a bathing suit or slim leggings. I am wearing an 8 which fits loosely, as it should, so it fits true to size. The pants are the Bridgette Crops again, this time in Sage Leaf.

Chico's striped twist front dress on Jennifer Connolly
STRIPED TWIST FRONT DRESS

Winner, winner, chicken dinner…if you’re looking for a tee shirt dress that gives some waist definition, this is for a great one. Most tee dresses are straight up and down which can be unflattering on some figures. Ā The twist ties at the waist allow you to cinch it in to give you some curves.

over 50 fashion blogger Jennifer Connolly wearing Chico's denim short and white shirt
NO STAIN WHITE DENIM SHIRTPULL-ON DENIM SHORTS

This white denim shirt is in Alabaster which is slighter softer than pure white and more flattering on many complexions, including mine:) I love tying my shirts at the waist to give my straight figure some definition, but it doesn’t work here. Tying it with these shortsĀ divides my body into 3 even sections which is not flattering. Our silhouettes are best flattered by the 1/3 – 2/3 ratio so this looks better with the shirt worn long. I love, love these pull-on shorts which are ultra comfy. Who wants to bother with a zip and button closure when you donā€™t have to? These will be perfect with a simple tee for all summer long.

Store collections are rolling through quickly because most brands had delivery problems over the last three months. Shop carefully and only buy what you love that will work with other things in your wardrobe.

If you enjoyed this post, Iā€™d love if you pinned it to your Pinterest boards.

In case you are not signed up for notices, Nordstrom is having a flash clearance sale up to 70% off for a limited time only.

Thanks for reading and remember to wear what makes you feel confident.

47 Comments

  1. I LOVE the ruana, kimono and lace tunic! I could easily wear all 3 and theyā€™d fit right in my closet.

    Iā€™m glad your store was being very careful with staff and customers wearing masks. I was in a Chicoā€™s outlet a few days ago and the staff was not wearing masks, but told each customer they would put them on if they would prefer. There were 2 other ladies at the checkout who were also not wearing masks. I kept mine on. I felt awkward, uncomfortable and put on the spot. So I didnā€™t ask them to wear them, but wish I had. I donā€™t want to get anyone in trouble, so didnā€™t take it further. Am I wrong to think they should not put the responsibility on the customer? Sorry, this turned into a bit of a rant. I think weā€™ll be dealing with masks for much longer than anyone would hope or imagine.

    1. Susan B, I do not think you are wrong. I think the staff in Chico’s should have been protecting their customers from themselves. And I also think customers should protect the staff, just as you did.

    2. These are difficult times but we should feel safe to shop. Ca has just made it a requirement to wear a mask virtually everywhere which I happy about.

  2. Mary Lanteigne says:

    I LOVE EVERY OUTFIT YOU TRIED ON, I especially like the tips you give, cause at 72 and a bit on the heavy side, I need all the help I can get.Please keep up the good work.

  3. I am new to your blog and I loved this post! Look forward to more DRDs. I generally dread shopping and the dressing room. Really appreciated seeing these outfits and reading your thoughts. Maybe at 71 Iā€™ll become a more savvy shopper with your insights šŸ˜„

  4. Pam Sledge says:

    I love the first two ruanas and you look great in the dress!

  5. I like Chico’s for the jewelry and the “statement” clothes. We Boho ladies can usually find something there.

    1. That’s one of the things I love about Chico’s. They have clothes for the Boho lover, the classic dresser, the woman who loves feminine clothes, and the sporty among us. I gravitate to their elegant pieces and they have a lot of that too.

  6. Chicos is hit or miss for me due to shoulder width but I usually get lucky. I love the lemon shirt. Is it really sheer? I would probably tie it in front. I am short waisted so I tie it below my natural waist so I look longer in torso. With long legs it seems to balance me. We al have our figure burden to bear. Pretty kimonos but flowing and me is an accident waiting to happen. šŸ˜Š

  7. Diane Baker says:

    You mentioned that you have long arms and a long torso for your height. I am now wondering about my arms, torso, and, even legs. I am only 5ā€™2ā€. I enjoy following you because we are similar in size, coloring, and, even taste. Thank you.

  8. I wish I looked good in kimonos. I hope I spelled it right! Maybe I am too short. You look great!

  9. Linda Henderson says:

    I am happy to see you at Chicos having some fun. You look great! I have been interested in the no iron linen. Let me know how it is after washing. I try to avoid alot of ironing so that would be a deal breaker for me. Thanks.

    1. I have several of the Chicoā€™s no iron linen shirts that are several years old. I wash them in cold water on permanent press with bounce fabric softener, and dry them on low heat and hang them up! I have never ironed mine.

  10. I so enjoy DRDs. Thanks for venturing out. Our malls open today for the first time since March 16! It will be strange going in to shop in person again.

  11. Love you in the denim top and jeans. The belt defines your waist nicely underneath the flowy top. Colors look good on you too!

  12. Connie Haines says:

    You look fantastic, and it’s good to see you back out there! The lemon top with green bottoms is a super cute look on you, so I hope you indulged yourself and took that home. šŸ˜‰ I have to disagree with you about the white tied top and blue shorts – yes, usually that cut-off might look very choppy, but I thought that was the “YES, DO THIS!” illustration because you just looked adorable in that version. It reminded me of an old Girl Scout outfit for going to sleep-away camp, Day #1, when I was still clean in my white shirt and green G.S. bermudas. Happy Weekend!!!

  13. What are the white tennies you have on? Very summery.

  14. I love all the clothes at Chico’s but absolutely nothing fits me. Their petite is not really petite. But I love their jewelry. That necklace is fabulous. Everything looked great on you, especially the lemon colored blouse.

  15. I love the lemon print linen shirt; I wear a lot of linen here in Florida in the summer. Having said that, I feel this shirt is way too long and I would never wear it over a tank. The kimonos are again too long! I have been disappointed in Chicos sizing over the years. Sometimes my size is too large, and then the next item will be tight in the same size. Because of this, I never order from them.

  16. Lidia Mascolino says:

    Haven’t ever shopped Chico’s… the sizing used to confuse me and a lot of the styling struck me as too trendy. But I love all of these looks! Thanks for all the inspiration!

  17. This lovely, lemon, linen shirt (try saying that 5 times šŸ˜€) might make a great addition to my summer wardrobe. I would prefer a back pleat in this shirt. Linen needs to flow over the body not hug any areas of concern.
    I prefer the solid column of color under any of the longer cover ups. These longer tops offer that magic of a 3rd piece but also make a strong statement.
    The shell necklace is very pretty but I seem to always reach for my longer strands when adding an accessory.
    I havenā€™t been in a dressing room or restaurant for months.

    1. It felt so awkward initially but then I really got into it.

  18. I have missed DRDs! So glad you were able to get out. So many great looks!

  19. Francesca B. says:

    Thanks for doing DRD’s always fun to see something new. I love the denim top and the striped dress so I will go and check out Chico’s next time I am out. I really like their jewelry too, good bargains can be had that really make an outfit. And thanks for the information regarding shorts and the body ratio, interesting stuff.

  20. Thank for giving an example of the 1/3 – 2/3 rule. I can really see what you are talking about. Love everything you tried on.

  21. CHICOS is a favourite for me so thanks for doing DRD here. I really love those kimonos and want to try on several of these pieces!

  22. Paulette Levy says:

    Good morning Jennifer! Love the first two kimonos best! So beautiful yet work even with jeans ! I could definitely see myself wearing these. The longer gauzy white is just not for me personally. You look good in nearly everything but the long white column is not me.
    Iā€™m also not sure on the lemon tunic shirt over tank. You look adorable but I would not invest in this. Like the aloe pant but the lemons? ….not my taste. Iā€™m not A big fan on prints with colorful fruit and flowers anyway, but could see this in a hot tropical place. Love those kimonos in the first two pics. So pretty!

    1. I find my taste changes somewhat depending on my location and activities. Tropical vacations would definitely call for more fun items. I could even see myself wearing a fruit motif necklace:))

  23. I have the lemon print linen shirt. I wear it with yellow slim leg pants. I absolutely love it. Have a great weekend.

  24. Susan Kelley says:

    Imagine you are happy being out and about!
    I have put my toe in the water by having lunch out a few times.Beat wishes. stay safe!

  25. - Vicki Mikola Dack says:

    Haven’t been shopping for clothes since late winter – February? Just have lost my interest. Need to down size with what I have in my wardrobe closets. Am more comfortable in jeans, nice tops, and sandals or casual flats this year. Don’t know if its the sign of the times or what.

    1. We need to be easy with ourselves and see how things have changed. Everyone will be different.

  26. We aren’t allowed to try clothes on in stores in Maine yet, which doesn’t really bother me since I’m not shopping for clothes anyway. Love the jeans and denim top! So many cute options with that kind of outfit.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *