This summer underwhelmed me when it came to Talbots - too nautical, too matronly yet also too cutesy for my tastes. However, checking out Talbots' Fall Look Book got me excited. One of the benefits of being a blogger is getting to see some of the collections early. I scrolled through the online display and kept saying YAAAASSSSSS! THIS is the Talbots I love - classic, simple, understated, yet feminine and elegant and carefully incorporating current trends. Talbots is a favorite for me to share on the blog because they have Misses, Petite, Women, and Women Petite sizes and the quality equals the pricepoint and I know many of you are Talbots fans. Below I share some of my favorite looks from Talbots' Fall 2015 collection, I'd love your thoughts!
Together, this look is classic. Separately, each piece is awesome and so versatile. Wear the Cashmere Cable Cowlneck Sweater with a gray wool pencil skirt, the Dalton Knit Riding Pant with a denim shirt or black silky top, the brown Quilted Leather Vest with most everything in your wardrobe (oh how it would glam up a simple pair of jeans and plaid flannel or Breton tee!). The Tonie Boot is a classic in a rich chocolate brown that blends nicely with cognac, camel, and other shades of brown. Speaking of rich browns, the Kelsey Tassel Hobo in Chestnut is delicious shade that would look fantastic with everything from black and denim to rich jewel tones like garnet, emerald, and amethyst.
White at first glance this may look like a poncho or ruana, this is in fact a coat with proper sleeves and closing at the front. While this would be a great piece of outerwear for fall, I also think it would look great as part of a winter ensemble; imagine with leather-front leggings and a black turtleneck or slim jeans and a gray merino crewneck. Again, the separates of this look are fantastic; the Mixed Stitch Air Spun Turtleneck looks snuggly without being itchy and would be a weekend staple, the Flannel Tailored Ankle Pant looks incredibly flattering and would be a great way to transition summer and fall jackets and blouses into cooler temps. As for the accessories, I want them all: the Wool Felt Fedora (more functional than a floppy brim hat), the Colorblock Cashmere Wrap, the Long Goldtone Pendant (love seeing long necklaces back on trend!), and the Phillipa Boot in Luggage is that perfect color that goes with everything in your wardrobe and plays nice with black and various shades of brown.
Last fall, Talbots had a leopard collarless coat and I found it extremely versatile and it made quite a statement (see me wear it here and here). I can see this Jewelneck Basketweave Coat in Harvest Pumpkin doing the same. The color is gorgeous; I love how it works with denim and neutrals but imagine it with plum, teal, mustard, dark red, or even magenta! Wrap a pashmina at the throat when the temps drop.
Now THIS is grown-up pattern mixing! I love all the textures and prints in here, so much to look at yet it's not overwhelming. Again, on their own each piece is fantastic. The Paisley Soft Top would look lovely with trousers or a skirt for the office, the Highland Glen Plaid Jacket could be styled as easily with a gray sheath dress or sweater and wool trousers as with a band tee and pair of distressed denim. The jeans are called "Flawless Five-Pocket Bootcut" and the rise and leg opening makes me think they truly deserve the name (they come in two cuts - curvy and classic). The hat is crushable, making it perfect for travel (or being shoved in your commuter bag), and the Luxe Brushed Coat is one of those pieces you'll wear for years to come.
This outfit feels the most "me;" I could see myself wearing this exactly as-is. The Varsity Stripe Blazer is fantastic; pair with a crisp white shirt and a different pattern pencil skirt or ankle pant (paisley, glen plaid, tweed) for a funky yet polished work look or slip over a band tee (or the Crest Sweater pictured) and your favorite pair of jeans for a cool weekend outfit. Again, the Flawless Five-Pocket Bootcut Jeans and the Phillipa Boot showing how versatile the two pieces are.
While I likely wouldn't wear this look, I would totally admire it on another woman. It's not my personal style, but I adore every piece. The Buffalo Check Sweater looks so cool with the chambray shirt underneath it, and I love how the Casual Wool A-Line skirt in Citrine picks up the gold tones. That skirt would look fantastic with neutrals, but also paired with bold colors like teal, berry, and indigo. The Coated Toggle Coat's Almond color and fur trim gives a feminine vibe without having it loose its classic feel.
I know I love this look because of the colors. Also it just screams fall. Camel, Cypress gree, and denim and a big color combo fave of mine. This is casual elegance; you could switch out the Doubleface Button Front Jacket for one that is longer or with a different silhouette; I love the cropped casual feel of the Boyfriend Jean but you could also do this look with a straight or bootcut; and the oxfords keep the look comfortable while having a bit of collegiate prep that is always in style come fall.
And my favorite... the Mixed Stitch Rounded Poncho in Forest. That color is so delicious! It would definitely upgrade any weekend look while maintaining comfort and warmth. I love it with the chambray/paisley mix, but it would also look great with denim over a striped long-sleeve tee, a crisp white shirt, or a navy or black ribbed turtleneck. As for the Hampshire Ankle Pant in Blue/Mallard Paisley, I want to wear those with a crisp white shirt and pair of my leopard calfhair pumps to work and a blazer and band tee for the weekend!
I perused Talbots' New Arrivals and while most of these pieces aren't yet available they do have some utterly fantastic pieces that will help transition your wardrobe to fall and work from now until Spring. I'm partial to their Pebbled Leather Clutch (that simple yet not boring bag that goes with EVERYTHING), Chatham Ankle Pant in Glen Plaid (subtle pattern that will work with everything), Leopard Haircalf Clutch (leopard is a neutral! My leopard clutch gets used more than any other bag in my closet), Abstract Hourglass Wrap Dress (figure-flattering one-step dressing for work, Date Night, or a daytime wedding), and the highly rated Classic Denim Jacket (you all know I am now a denim jacket fan!). My picks:
