Having a Talbots Moment
Friday, October 9, 2009
Loving Betsy Lowther’s style piece in today’s Express about once-stodgy brands that are now suddenly, and surprisingly, chic. Talbots in particular has really stepped it up, and I can’t believe I’m even typing that because of what my family now calls “a Talbots moment.” It refers to the time when I was shopping with my mom and sister Brenna a few years ago, and we stopped into Talbots because my sister Elizabeth had found a surprisingly cute dress there, so we’re thinking, ‘ok, let’s just see…’ we go in and oh man, it was a sea of awful: pleated chinos with embroidered lifesavers, scene-sweaters, droopy pastel knits. Before we knew it we were competing to find the most hideous thing (“Come look! It’s a sweater with a pearl necklace attached!” “Oh my God, a denim jumper with a Christmas theme! And it’s our lucky day…it’s on SALE!”) and soon enough, we were red-faced and laughing uncontrollably and unable to stop. And had to run out of there because the shop-ladies were giving us nasty looks.
From that moment on, uncontrollable laughing jags, clothing related or not, were referred to as having “a Talbots moment.”
So naturally, I’ve found myself with raised eyebrows on more than one occasion as of late, admiring an item in Lucky magazine, for example, only to then realize that it was Talbots. I’m so glad to see these companies putting out pretty, well-designed, classic and affordable clothes, and in particular I’m loving the longer, ladylike hemlines on these dresses (oh, and this belt and this classic, preppy jacket…). Looks like Talbots is having a moment of its own!
Comments
Leave a Comment
If you would like to make a comment, please fill out the form below.
I can’t believe you typed that either! Has the world turned upside-down? Is the Pope Jewish? Is the grass blue and the sky green? I’m going to have to go to the mall and see it for myself. That is, *IF* they have taken down the “WARNING: do not let these women in the store” pictures of the three of us that I’m sure were distributed nationwide after that little incident.
When I go shopping with my mom, she inevitably stops in talbots. While I agree that I can find a piece or two that’s cute, the FIT is still suspect for smaller women. I’m 5’6″, a 2 or 4 and pretty lean, and nothing fits close enough to the body for me.
i can barely believe i *wrote* the story! but really, the change (at least on some of the merch) is impressive. just read on uber-stylist mary alice stephenson’s twitter that she sported a tweedy little jacket (I think it was this one) around Paris fash week and everyone thought it was Chanel.
And this dress? Yes, please!
I know, I *adore* that dress.
Love that tidbit about Mary Alice Stephenson. Shows that it’s all about context!