Q&A about individual items, ensembles, and wardrobe

So, about Talbots...

As I wind up my pre-NJ fall shopping, I'm focusing on finding a jacket that can bridge the wildly fluctuating temperature changes I'll encounter both in Toronto and Morristown through the next couple of months. A denim jacket would be ideal, of course, but the ones I obtained from Kristen won't close and I want that option for maximum flexibility. I'm resigned to the fact that I may not be able to find a denim jacket to fit my bulk in one week, but am hoping I'll have more success if I'm open-minded about fabrications.

I know the Talbot's styles have been getting raves of late, and I've been emboldened to go check out their Woman section (I always avoided them on age principle alone). Have you seen any of the new jackets that could fit my needs, i.e. versatile and attractive without looking like a formal business blazer? I also welcome colour suggestions. I'm after something that can work with most outfits, as I have to pack somewhat light for NJ. I imagine black is too boring?

Thanks ladies!

The latest reply was from April . You can follow further contributions to the conversation through the RSS 2.0 feed.


10 Replies

Posted 2 months ago

Hey Michelle - I found a few that might work, though I'm not sure exactly what size you're seeking? (They also have Woman Petites if you prefer shorter lengths in sleeves.) This one comes in a lovely assortment of colors:

http://www1.talbots.com/online.....on=Regular

This one is a lace print (seems very popular this year) in what looks like a wine over white as well as black (?) over white -- can't tell on my monitor and, maddeningly, the color name is "Antique":

http://www1.talbots.com/online.....on=Regular

And finally, this one is a deep blue with white trim, from the Outlet section so it's a great price:

http://www1.talbots.com/online.....ion=Outlet

Let us know how you make out!

Posted 2 months ago

Oh I love the first one April posted in the red berry colour. This is a bluish red that would look great on you Michelle. I wouldn't necessarily go for a jacket in a neutral colour. In fact, if you tend to wear darker and neutral colours in general, than a bright coloured jacket might prove more versatile than you could ever imagine.

Here are a few more:

http://www.macys.com/catalog/p.....Gy8keQZqNA
The regal wine is a kind of darkish burgundy.

http://www.bodenusa.com/en-US/.....lazer.html
(if you click on body/garment measures, you can see the actual measurements for all the different sizes)

http://www.bodenusa.com/en-US/.....acket.html
This looks a bit like a combination between a biker jacket and a blazer. I like the navy and green best (with the other two colours the light contrast stitching seems to stand out more)

http://www.newport-news.com/sh.....D=94044806

http://www.jjill.com/jjillonli.....W&sk=W
A purply ink tweed on my screen.

http://www1.macys.com/catalog/.....ryID=46203
Can someone describe the "bold geometric print" pretty please?-) It's black and white and not loud at all. I think you'd look great in this Michelle.

http://www1.macys.com/catalog/.....ryID=46203
Had you seen this one? (in case you are still after a denim jacket)

I hope you are enjoying your fab NAS purchases Michelle.
How did the goodbye party for McClure go?

Posted 2 months ago

Thanks, April and inga! I'm intrigued by the idea of that cord jacket April posted in her first link. Could someone please describe it in more detail? Would it be as flexible as a denim jacket?

Posted 2 months ago

I don't think you have a Nordstrom where you are (sad!) but I saw a plus-size denim jacket there the other day.

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/30.....22&P=1

I know that doesn't help you much, but just thought I'd throw that out there. I'd also try Macy's, as they have a great plus-size department with good jackets. The ones Inge posted are very nice.

I've never shopped at Talbots so I can't provide input. They need to rework their marketing strategy! (I always associate them with more mature clothes as well.)

Posted 2 months ago

Marianna, the reason I'm considering Talbots at the moment is because of the new fall lookbook. Cciele started a thread on it a few days ago, and the reviews have been universal raves. I always associate them with mom's wardrobe too, but after seeing the comments from the Ylf girls I'm willing to give it a try!

Thanks for the recommendations. Unfortunately I don't have macy's here either, and I need to get my hands on something before Friday.

Posted 2 months ago

Okay, Michelle, I'll give it a try. The cord jacket is a nice mix of dressy and casual because the shape is more of a fitted-style blazer while the cord fabric and the colors make it less serious than a business jacket. The berry color looks brighter on the model than in the picture where it's shown by itself, but it appears to be a lovely pinky-red. I think that color would be wonderful on you, but it also comes in a pumpkin-y color (Harvest), a warm green, and three neutrals: deep brown (Pine Cone), ivory, and khaki. The buttons (there are four) are the same color as the fabric but rimmed in gold. There are two patch pockets with flap closures, but no breast pockets.

Since the fabric is cotton/spandex, the jacket is probably comfortable and not stiff. It is also machine washable - a nice bonus!

Let me know if you need more details...

Posted 2 months ago

Michelle - Here's a description of the Talbots cord jacket that April suggested:

It has buttons all the way up to the neckline and they are metal edged with the cord fabric covering them. I can't tell what color metal is on the red berry. The collar is slightly rounded and attached to a band at the neckline. The underside of the collar has the same printed lining as the inside of the jacket. It's a small floral in the berry color and what looks like orange, really cute. There are patch pockets on the hip area with rounded edges and a flap at the top. There are no pockets in the bust area. The body of the jacket has princess seaming so it has the potential of a fitted look. I haven't seen this IRL so I can't say if it is fitted. In the past, Talbots has had a reputation for boxy fits, but it seems to have changed. The sleeves look like they are faced with the cord fabric so they could be turned up.

This is a really cute jacket and could be versatile. It could be worn with jeans or with dress trousers for work. If you can get a good fit, I think it could be great. I agree that the red berry would be great on you with your coloring.

Hope this helps.

Posted 2 months ago

It looks like April and I were posting at the same time, so sorry for the repetition.

Posted 2 months ago

Not at all, Donna and April, it's fantastic to have two such fabulous descriptions.
This really does sound like it could be a winner! Oh how I hope they have it in Canadian stores already!
My only fear now is the hardwear on the jacket... The hardware on my bags are all silver, and I usually wear pewter flats and silver jewelry. Will the gold edging pose a problem?

Posted 2 months ago

You know, Michelle, now that I've said the buttons were edged in gold, I can't be 100% sure based on the view from a computer monitor. To be certain, I would ask a clerk at Talobt's. The buttons definitely appear to have a metallic edging, but I can't swear that it's gold.

I think there is no definite rule about mixing metallics, it's more a matter of personal preference. There is a lot of jewelry out this season that deliberately mixes metals.

Posted 2 months ago