From the LA Times:
Hmmm, so far on their website I’m just seeing a lot of nautical themed items. But I’ll be keeping an eye out for the spring collection. I like that dress above.
One thing I have noticed the last couple of seasons is that their catalog/website models are beginning to have a much more naturalistic, less stiff look, not only with regard to poses, but the hair and makeup are also done with a lighter hand. That speaks to a change in aesthetic overall that I welcome.
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Trudy Sullivan became CEO in June, 2007, and she’s been re-working the brand since then. It looks like she’s made a lot of progesss.
Ever notice how many mass retailers announce”invigoration”? Patrick Robinson at Gap, Mizrahi at Claiborne, now Talbot’s. They have good basic pants for work, those boatneck tees we all love, and the occasional jacket but the store is still mostly unexciting, 90% staid, 10% gems.
Here’s hoping they generally do a better job with accessorizing than here. That dress is cute, but what is with those shoes????
The “woman who loves her Chico’s” statement got me. I admit I DO love my Chico’s. Then again, I AM a Grand-mere so perhaps I’m permitted.
Darla
MIss J will be interested to see what they come up with. The dres shown is pretty.
Not a bad-looking dress.
Oh, I SO should’ve called this when I noticed it six months ago. I’ve been leery of Talbots for ages, but when they started hitting me with catalogs last fall, I was AMAZED. I got two sheath dresses for Christmas from Talbots and couldn’t adore them more. Fear not the nautical crap, Une Femme, there are good goodies to be found on that site.
I’ve bought a lot of basics from Talbots recently, and I’ve been pleased with the quality, fit, and less stuffy style. Of course, they’ve also been having something resembling fire sales here in Newport, RI, and the price makes it that much more attractive. What I take issue with is their fit — it’s as if they used one fit model for the bottom half and another for the top.
Rita – let’s hope it continues. I’ve always liked some of Talbot’s basics (esp. the boatneck tee!) but have never really looked to them for style. This would be welcome indeed.
Duchesse – so far that’s been my experience as well. I’ve seen some encouraging signs with their last two catalogs, though.
StyleSpy – no kidding. Some metallic or nude slingbacks would have been perfect!
Darla – yes, I noticed that little dig too. sometimes I think Chico’s gets a worse rap than they deserve, but they need to lose some of those eye-searing prints. I have a couple of Traveller’s pieces that I love.
Miss Janey – Spring collections have never been my favorite, but yes that dress shows some possibilities…
WendyB – shorten it about 4″, and I could see you wearing it…
Sal – I’ve been a big fan of the Talbot’s bateau neck tee for a while now. I’ll definitely check out the dresses.
Rubi – I’ve found their fit (esp. with pants) isn’t as consistent as it could be from style to style either, but yes, the fabrics and construction are usually of very good quality for the price, especially when on sale.
With regards to the models having more natural, less stiff looks, I think the model in the photo perfectly captures the impatience of waiting in a long line for the ladies room with a bladder ready to explode. I can relate to that natural pose.
I’m always telling my older clients who tend to dress ‘old lady’ that they should step away from shops like Talbots for fear that they would only pick the bad over the good, it’s nice to see that even these shops are realising that just because our years advance doesn’t mean we have to dress old lady too when we are still young at heart. And that mutton dressed as lamb is more about showing too much skin, than looking fashionable.
I love those shoes. And the dress is cute, too.
How many other stores are cashing in on the Mad Men trend?
I, for one, am pleased to see Talbots go back to a cleaner, more classic look. But it tells me that, if I want to look good in that dress, I must work on my waistline a bit!
I’ve actually worn TLB since the early 1990s. I’m in my mid-40s and I’m a TLB fan for a couple of reasons.
First off, size. I’m what you call “extended misses” or very small plus even though I’ve lost some weight. My only complaint in terms of that is that they are reluctant to introduce women’s sizing in Collection, even 12W-20W. Perhaps they feel larger women won’t spend money.
Secondly, classic and tailored styles in natural fabrics, not cheap poly junk. I swear by their wool crepe pieces. I’ve got some LBDs, suiting, etc.
I mainly use it as a clothes emporium. I’m not wild about their shoes anymore since they stopped sourcing in Italy.