https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-has-happened-at-talbots Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 24 Apr 2026 17:25:11 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-has-happened-at-talbots/page/2#post-953356 Tue, 11 Jun 2013 16:51:50 +0000 Gabrielle 953356@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Talbot's quality has fallen off dramatically. &nbsp;I buy for quality and I stopped buying there over a year ago.</p> <p>I also want to add how their constant sales infuriated me. &nbsp;I would buy an item thinking I got a great deal and then find out that it was 30 percent cheaper just two days later. &nbsp;It got so that I absolutely hated buying anything there because I knew the frustration I would feel when it was even more on sale a few days later. &nbsp;I admit their sales staff always made up the difference, but why should I have to keep dropping in their store every few days just to see what their sales were. &nbsp;</p> <p>One last comment. &nbsp;I am tall and I frequently check out items in a store and then buy "talls" online. &nbsp;I was in their store over a year ago looking at their white jeans. &nbsp;I was checking to see how sheer the fabric was and if I liked it or not. &nbsp;A sales clerk came up to me and asked if she could help me. &nbsp;I was rude. &nbsp;All I said was that I was looking at the fabric. &nbsp;She sneered at me and said "I would have to just get over it if I didn't like the sheerness." &nbsp;I was flabbergast and I decided that I didn't have to get over anything. &nbsp;I would buy my white jeans from another merchandiser. &nbsp;Haven't been back since. &nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-has-happened-at-talbots/page/2#post-953347 Tue, 11 Jun 2013 16:41:12 +0000 Peri 953347@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I haven't been interested in anything in Talbots for the past two years, and I used to be pretty regular there.</p> <p>That said, my mom was a Talbots customer if there ever was one, and she hasn't liked it either. So if they are trying to go back to their former fan base, they are failing at that also. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-has-happened-at-talbots/page/2#post-953325 Tue, 11 Jun 2013 15:57:23 +0000 Thistle 953325@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't know.&nbsp; I have gotten rave reviews on some of my WiWs where 90% of what I had on was from Talbots (I never buy their shoes as they are not comfortable to me).</p> <p>But then I am very curvy, and they seem to cut for this.</p> <p>J.Crew looks awful on me, but they cut for a slim rectangle. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-has-happened-at-talbots/page/2#post-953306 Tue, 11 Jun 2013 15:34:19 +0000 Sarah 953306@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well I thought it was just me! I LOVED their stuff from a the past few seasons, but I was looking online last night and I kept thinking "if this is what it looks like on their model, it's going to look simply AWFUL on me!!"</p> <p>I'm bummed. I'm about to turn 40 and favour a classic look, but I find it hard to find things that are not-too-young and not-too-old. Talbots 2010 collections were perfect! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-has-happened-at-talbots/page/2#post-756641 Wed, 24 Oct 2012 23:29:17 +0000 deb 756641@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have always found Talbot's as a hit or miss place to shop. Although, I am pretty much that way with every store. I hate shopping and before the internet was a strict calalog shopper. I ordered shoes from Talbot's from their catalogs then because they had narrows.When the internet started, I switched from the catalog. Their clothing has always screamed 'old lady' to me. As far a J. Jill, goes, I loved their clothing prior to the Talbot's purchase. I have not purchased anything since. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-has-happened-at-talbots/page/2#post-756573 Wed, 24 Oct 2012 21:44:26 +0000 DonnaF 756573@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So the stores that cater to aging Baby Boomers -- and their bodies! -- are running into problems. This does not bode well for my fat arms and sagging boobs. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-has-happened-at-talbots/page/2#post-756568 Wed, 24 Oct 2012 21:38:47 +0000 jenanded 756568@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>still laughing Ironkurtin.... the solution one company here in aust did to deal with the traditional and new customer was to create 2 'brands' so that the style we liked from my era are cut a little more accommodating for rounding and softening out. Does anyone else have the issue that as soon as companies do this they lose shape? Sure I have the tummy from the round side of town now, but doesnt mean I need to live in a sack, have sloping shoulders in my shirts etc etc... the shapes just go totally nowhere... sigh... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-has-happened-at-talbots/page/2#post-756560 Wed, 24 Oct 2012 21:29:35 +0000 Parsley 756560@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It is too bad! Just when I thought there was hope for them to have some decent stuff!</p> <p>I find that their stuff runs too pear-shaped for me in general, though. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-has-happened-at-talbots/page/2#post-756541 Wed, 24 Oct 2012 21:15:34 +0000 rholmes27 756541@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have regularly shopped at Talbots for a long time because of their petite selection; however, at my last visit, nothing I tried on seemed to fit right. I placed a large order online at the beginning of this season, &amp; returned everything. </p> <p>I'm glad to read what Angie posted &amp; know that I don't have to give up hope regarding them. BTW, their corporate customer service is outstanding! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-has-happened-at-talbots/page/2#post-756333 Wed, 24 Oct 2012 17:36:09 +0000 Claudia 756333@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I looked over the new catalog last night. I agree with April that it is very uninspiring and a step backwards for the brand. I had very much liked the more modern and trendy direction (reflected in that link to 2010) of their classics and had become a new and happy customer. I am disappointed both in their return back to a more staid, safe, classic style and also to think of this brand/company not being solvent in the future. </p> <p>Angie, thanks for reminding us that each new season can also bring around another positive renewal for a retailer. I won't write them off. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-has-happened-at-talbots/page/2#post-756143 Wed, 24 Oct 2012 14:12:57 +0000 Angie 756143@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>From a fashion buying background, this is all SO interesting. </p> <p>I occasionally shop with clients in Talbots, and when we do - we do very well. Their petites section is really good and the fit is accesptional for my curvy petite ladies. We mix up Talbots stuff with more modern items and it works like a charm. Look at how well Sarah on the forum does this!! </p> <p>I would not ignore Talbots if you liked them in the past. Each season a retailer has a chance to renew itself because buyers and merchandise managers change - which is always reflected in the assortment :)</p> <p>And Dana cracks me up. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-has-happened-at-talbots#post-756136 Wed, 24 Oct 2012 14:07:24 +0000 April 756136@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ah, J Jill -- another brand that semi-descended into serious frumpdom. </p> <p>This is quite sad all around. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-has-happened-at-talbots#post-756071 Wed, 24 Oct 2012 12:14:38 +0000 Ann in New England 756071@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Here's another interesting article on Talbots, from January:<br /> <a href="http://retailtrafficmag.com/retailing/operations/private_equity_buyout_talbots_last_chance_01262012/" rel="nofollow">http://retailtrafficmag.com/re....._01262012/</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-has-happened-at-talbots#post-756070 Wed, 24 Oct 2012 12:12:53 +0000 Ann in New England 756070@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Talbots sold J. Jill to a private equity company in 2009, but a quick google search this morning brought up this article about the current owners of J. Jill, a Bahraini company, going into bankruptcy protection: <a href="http://dealbook.nytimes.com/2012/03/19/arcapita-bahrain-based-investment-firm-files-for-bankruptcy/" rel="nofollow">http://dealbook.nytimes.com/20.....ankruptcy/</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-has-happened-at-talbots#post-756065 Wed, 24 Oct 2012 12:04:35 +0000 Anonymous 756065@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So who owns J Jill now?</p> <p>J.C. Penney seems to be reducing their petite offerings, and their clothing styles seem to be in "Frumpville." On top of that, I can no longer use coupons or promo codes to get great deals. I haven't ordered from them at all this year.</p> <p>I've never been a huge Talbot's fan, primarily because their clothing just doesn't appeal to me that much. I did admire the quality of their clothing, and am saddened to hear that the quality has gone down but not the price. That alone will sink their ship. I'm sure most people don't want to pay top $ for mediocre quality. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-has-happened-at-talbots#post-756057 Wed, 24 Oct 2012 11:47:34 +0000 Ann in New England 756057@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My good friend's husband worked at Talbots for 15 years in management in their warehouse. He survived 2 rounds of layoffs, and then lost his job last spring. I suspect that the reason that the shipping is so poor is that Catch-22 of lose customers = lose money = fire people = poor service = lose more customers = lose more money...</p> <p>I believe that one of their strategies to adapt to the times was to purchase J. Jill, in order to compete with Chicos. They were in a huge bidding war with Liz Claiborne and paid a ton of money. I suspect it also robbed some resources from Talbots itself, and in 2009, just as the economy was completely at rock bottom, Talbots sold J Jill at a rock bottom price. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-has-happened-at-talbots#post-756052 Wed, 24 Oct 2012 11:25:02 +0000 April 756052@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Una, it looks like Talbots is still offering long gloves -- in seven colors, as is their wont: <a href="http://www.talbots.com/online/browse/product_details.jsp?id=prdi29255&#038;mode=search&#038;backurl=%2Fonline%2Fsearch%2FsearchResults.jsp%3Fquestion%3Dgloves%26trail%3D%26pageNum%3D0%26addFacet%3DSRCH%253Agloves%26removeFacet%3D" rel="nofollow">http://www.talbots.com/online/.....veFacet%3D</a> </p> <p>Yes, Suz, that would be the constructive approach to this tragedy. Thank you for helping us to buck up. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-has-happened-at-talbots#post-756040 Wed, 24 Oct 2012 10:43:11 +0000 Suz 756040@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Okay...so WHO was responsible for the 2010 looks? And how can we find that person and the looks that he or she might currently be creating? If said person no longer directs what's going on at Talbot's, where does he or she work? </p> <p>And let's not forget that even in the midst of frumpy schlump, a few good pieces may be had. Sarah found her fun red tweed jacket at Talbot's this season and it looks fab on her! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-has-happened-at-talbots#post-755990 Wed, 24 Oct 2012 05:44:46 +0000 catgirl 755990@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I just pinned half the lookbook, and I'm not even into ladylike - but these are some stunning combinations. </p> <p>Note to self: find deep cognac elbow length gloves immediately. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-has-happened-at-talbots#post-755987 Wed, 24 Oct 2012 05:18:00 +0000 N-Marie 755987@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This makes me so sad- the 2010 lookbook is gorgeous...off to pin some of the styles to copy </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-has-happened-at-talbots#post-755986 Wed, 24 Oct 2012 05:17:41 +0000 Ariadne 755986@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Looking at that 2010 Talbots catalogue and then checking out their current offerings makes me want to SOB. The 2010 looks were killer! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-has-happened-at-talbots#post-755974 Wed, 24 Oct 2012 04:35:32 +0000 rae 755974@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ah, this explains everything. I guess it is safe to unsubscribe from the catalog now. :T </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-has-happened-at-talbots#post-755962 Wed, 24 Oct 2012 03:58:28 +0000 MsMary 755962@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's funny -- I stumbled upon Talbots just as they were beginning their experiment with more current styles. So I was confused when a friend of mine arched her eyebrow and said her mom shopped there. Now, alas, I know.</p> <p>I remember Lerner's fondly. I bought my eighth grade graduation dress there back in the 70s. It was an elegant floor-length confection of white organza dotted Swiss with flocked pansies and a pink satin ribbon sash. Empire waist and puffy sleeves. And they packed it in a big white box for me to take home. That seemed so elegant! I remember it to this day!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-has-happened-at-talbots#post-755956 Wed, 24 Oct 2012 03:47:55 +0000 Caro in Oz 755956@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>IronKurtin I've just stopped laughing - long story but I know exactly what you mean. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-has-happened-at-talbots#post-755860 Wed, 24 Oct 2012 01:43:39 +0000 April 755860@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sorry, Echo -- we posted simultaneously.</p> <p>I certainly remember Lerner. They were my go-to in high school, probably much like Forever 21 is now for a lot of young girls. Inexpensive and trendy -- perfect when your "salary" consists of 8 hours a week at minimum wage.</p> <p>I don't know what became of them. Off to Google.</p> <p>ETA: You can read the whole saga of Lerner's here: <a href="http://popular.ebay.com/clothing-shoes-accessories/lerner-new-york.htm" rel="nofollow">http://popular.ebay.com/clothi.....w-york.htm</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-has-happened-at-talbots#post-755857 Wed, 24 Oct 2012 01:40:05 +0000 April 755857@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ah -- I have been so disturbed by the loss of stylishness that I completely forgot my gratitude toward Talbots for the wide variety of sizes they offer.</p> <p>I have a sister-in-law who wears a size 18 and it was not until I shopped with her that I realized some of my favorite stores stop at around a 14. Not Talbots -- at least online, they offer petites, misses, woman, woman petites, and tall sizes, many of these going up to a 22.</p> <p>Not to mention that many of their basics are offered in 8 -10 colors.</p> <p>But really, if they're going back to the Unmodern Classic look, I'm done. </p> <p>Someone pass me a handkerchief... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-has-happened-at-talbots#post-755855 Wed, 24 Oct 2012 01:37:13 +0000 Echo 755855@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a tricky thing for any larger, well-known retailer - keeping the loyal customer base and attracting new at the same time. JC Penny is in a downward spiral now because the loyal customer base that shopped with coupons finds that the prices aren't as good as they used to be, but the store has not been able to attract a newer customer base, either, despite an advertising campaign. Now, like Talbots, they risk losing both groups. </p> <p>I've never been a Talbot's shopper, and I missed their fashionable season/s. But I used to work with a woman from New York who would bring an empty suitcase just to stock up on Talbot's clothing when she visited the Midwest. She was the definition of frump to a lot of people, but traditional Talbots was the height of style to her. </p> <p>And speaking of older retailers, does anyone remember Lerner? I remember the catalogues from when I was much younger, and then they seemed to disappear. Did they become Lerner NY and then just NY and Co? Or is that a different company entirely? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-has-happened-at-talbots#post-755842 Wed, 24 Oct 2012 01:25:01 +0000 shiny 755842@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Darn. I now feel personally responsible for the Demise of Talbot's. </p> <p>2010 was just not the time for a switch into a trendiness strategy; the economy was in the tank, barely recovering, still anemic from 2008. HAD they held on, maybe it would work. But dump a bunch of money into it? When customers didn't have any? Bad strategy. </p> <p>I feel personally responsible because I *am* a classic Talbot's customer. It was one of the first places I'd shop at, back in my early career/20-something days, because they offered petites when few other places did. I was quite loyal to Talbot's for years and years... until other brands caught on and I had more to choose from. Then when I returned to Talbot's.. it looked all frumpy to me.</p> <p>I was really thrilled by the 2010 catalog, but was not in a financial place to buy much. Worried about the economy, layoffs, etc, with daughters soon going to college, we reduced clothing budgets. I am sure I am not the only one! </p> <p>Post-2008, all the other retailers shifted strategies and I noticed it BIG time. They cut their petite offerings by... I'll say 70%. That's what it seemed like. It was slim pickings. It still is, but is recovering. And the pickings that were there, were highly conservative. NOT trendy. </p> <p>The way to survive an economic downturn is not to go all trendy and spend oodles of $ on marketing to attract a different customer. No.</p> <p>I do hope they survive. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-has-happened-at-talbots#post-755825 Wed, 24 Oct 2012 01:12:58 +0000 nancylee 755825@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>OK, thank you so much for explaining this. I had never shopped at Talbots before, but the 2010-2011 offerings were promising. (As Angie says, "leave no stone unturned") I actually bought a cute sequin tank from them last Christmas, but I went into a store last month and just found it incredibly boring.</p> <p>I guess there's a market for that look, but I will be avoiding it from now on. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-has-happened-at-talbots#post-755802 Wed, 24 Oct 2012 01:02:25 +0000 Anonymous 755802@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ok, I looked at said 2010 catalog and I'm weeping, weeping hard... </p>