Talbots haul - keep or return?

I bought 3 items at Talbots; all are influenced by YLF. Angie's blog post about layering tops got me thinking about layering turtlenecks, so when Talbots had their pima cotton turtlenecks on sale for $25, I decided to stop by. I got the turtleneck (1-2) in fuchsia - not a color I usually buy but I've seen a lot of fuchsia on YLF and decided to try it.

Also a waistcoat in 1-2 - after seeing Sveta's WIWs, I started looking for a lightweight waistcoat, and ordered one online. This one is almost perfect but it is darker than I thought - almost black with lighter pinstripes. Is it too dark for me? Of course, I unintentionally cut of my head in this picture, which makes it difficult to judge. I would love to have a lightweight structured layer to wear over turtlenecks and t-shirts.

Finally, after seeing Sarah's holiday outfit posts, I was in the mood to try some burgundy or wine colored tops that could be used for a fairly laid-back holiday or going out outfit. I don't have a specific occasion I need this for, so I was looking for something that would be appropriate for a variety of seasons and occasions. I like how this looks in the mirror but not so sure about the photos. Is this burgundy top good enough to keep or should I return it? I was thinking that this would be perfect to throw in the suitcase if I am going somewhere and need to dress up slightly in the evening.

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12 years ago

modgrl

(website)

Veteran

Oooh!! I really like all of these!! I have a black waistcoat from H&M from the summer that I wear alot. I think it's fun with tanks in the summer and over the turtleneck in the winter. The turtleneck is fine, it seems like a useful and versatile layering piece. I like the ruffle tank as a layering piece. That is also how I wear my Loft jacket, with a ruffled tank underneath. Let me try to pull up my WIW's with it. Obviously, I think it's a nice look :))

texstyle

I really like 4 and 5. The color of the t-neck in 1 is really great on you. The length or where if hits your hip kind of bugs me - maybe tuck it in or with different pants/skirt? I'd like to see the vest paired with a button down or v-neck tee - something to give it more edge. Did you try the vest over #3 by chance?

Here's my WIW post with both that same jacket and a waistcoat ... http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....-work-days. How fun to have a YLF twin! Have a great day!

Suz

NIce finds!

I like the turtleneck on you. You are right, it is a bit difficult to tell about the colour with your skintone, without being able to see your face. How does it look to you in the mirror?

I can SO relate to your search for a waistcoat. I want one, too, and haven't yet been able to find one that will work; like you, I was hoping for a charcoal one rather than black. But I really like the look of this on you. I only wonder a bit about the fit. Is it too tight under the arms? For some reason it looks as if it might be.

The burgundy top is pretty and a nice holiday colour. Is it wrinkle free? if you're hoping for a throw-in-the-suitcase option, that's key!

You look fab in Pic 5!

Queen Mum

LOVE the turtle neck on you. It is perfect.
The ruffly top pales a bit in comparison. I think you can do better.

kimlee

I think all of these pieces look great on you. Additionally, they can be mixed with other items in your wardrobe to create new looks. I think the waistcoat would look great over a button down shirt, a long sleeve tee, etc. The ruffled top is going to be perfect for a casual holiday outing or if you need to glam things up (it would look fab with a black pencil skirt).

Angie

Fashion Stylist

Great Talbots loot! You look fabulous in burgundy, Makrame!

Now, we need to get you into a sassier pair jeans. Which brand are you wearing here?

celia

Great tops you picked. Even if they aren't your usual colors you did well in branching out because the y look killer on you.
About the waistcoat, I like it and don't mind the color . The only thing I would say is that i wouldn't probably use it with turtlenecks because the waistcoat closes too close to the neck. But maybe this is my perception only.
Keep all and dazzle people around you

Makrame

modgirl, I remember that WIW! I really liked all of those looks and it's good to see the ruffled top and the black waistcoat on you, that gives me lots of ideas!

texstyle, I haven't tried the waistcoat over the ruffled top because I usually don't like to go completely sleeveless. But I had the same idea after I looked at the pictures. Maybe I will give it a try. The length of the turtleneck bothered me a bit, too, so I might try other pants.

Suz, I've been looking for a waistcoat for a while now; got one at a thrift store in brown but it is very warm (thick woolen fabric) and has a collar so can be a bit difficult to style. I tried the H and M waistcoat that modgirl and, I think, chewspaghetti have - it is nice but they did not have my size. As far as the fit, I was actually wondering if the armholes were too big because I saw a tiny bit of gaping in the mirror. So overall I think the fit is OK but maybe it would look better with a thin button-down or a t-shirt.

Queen Mum, I thought the ruffled top was absolutely fabulous when I tried it on in store but in the pictures it looks less dazzling, which why I decided to ask YLF opinions. I'll think about it some more and will keep the tags on for now.

Angie, these are old NYDJ. These were the only jeans I had on hand as I was on my way to pick up my Paige Hidden Hills from the tailor this morning. I like the Hidden Hills a lot better than these jeans but my homegrown length alteration was less than ideal. Here is a picture of the Hidden Hills.

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Anonymous

Nice Hidden Hills! they will be fab with your fuchia T-neck and waist coat. I like the ruffled tank, but not the way it hides your waist curves. I need a waist coat too!

Jjsloane

I love the waistcoat and the blazer. Great haul - keep all I say.

shipskitty

I like all of them - they look great

goldenpig

I must confess, I've never shopped at Talbot's before because in my mind it was a store for Grandmas in snowflake sweaters. But clearly I am wrong! These all look like nice pieces! You look great in burgundy and I love the ruffle tank under the jacket.

GP, I don't think there was a snowflake sweater in sight when I was in the store. They do tend to have a lot of pastel colors, which gives some of their clothes an old-fashioned vibe. If I am in the store, I usually ignore pastels and go straight for saturated colors. I also only buy from their sales rack because their clothes are expensive and even at half-price they are slightly above what one would pay in Loft etc. But the quality is good.

Just for comparison, I saw a similar ruffled tank at Loft yesterday, the ruffles were completely unfinished (just bias-cut). Not sure how this would hold up in the wash. Talbots tank's ruffles have fully finished edges, and there is a lining under the front part to make it non-sheer.

rae

These all look like great finds with a great fit - way to shop!

M- then perhaps the blouse just isn't very photogenic Sometimes things really don't photograph well.

Queen Mum, I think that's part of it - it does not look so great in the photos. I was still debating this morning whether to return it and decided to try it on one more time. I liked it in the mirror so perhaps I'll keep it. So far, this is the best ruffled tank I was able to find, and I've been looking on and off for a while. I like the relatively high neckline, too - not easy to find.

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