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Dressing Room Diary – At Talbots Style In Bloom Event!

I couldn’t resist popping into Talbots because they’ve got a great new collection and their Style in Bloom event is on with 30% off your entire purchase, plus classic card members earn 3x style points! Some personal damage was done to my credit card during this trip, which was a good one. You can also get 10% off your purchase by signing up for their emails.

If youā€™re new here, welcome. AĀ dressing room diaryĀ is when I go into a local store for a try-on session so you can see whatā€™s new and how it looks on a woman over 25. For reference, I am 5ā€™4ā€³ and weigh around 140 lbs. I have broad shoulders, straight hips, a long torso, and long arms. I often buy one size larger on top. Youā€™ll see me try on clothes in colors and shapes that may or may not flatter me because I want you to see whatā€™s in the stores and get some styling ideas. I will also tell you what sizes I am wearing to help you understand how things run.Ā 

COTTON PICNIC GINGHAM SHIRT misses M CHARMING CHARLIE CARDIGAN petite MMODERN ANKLE JEANS misses 6 / PLUS SIZE HERE

Nothing says spring quite like gingham, especially in this cheery sunshine yellow. They even call it a Picnic shirt! The cuffes have a contrasting print which is always fun when you fold up your sleeves like I do. I’m wearing it with the classic Charming Charlie cardi tossed over my shoulders which I’ve mentioned is an on-trend way of styling cardigans this spring. I love the fit of these Modern jeans, plus size here. They have a great high rise and come with a finished hem in a darker wash here. These run large so size down.

FLORAL SWEATER large PPORTLAND FAUX DENIM TROUSERS size 8PPLUS SIZE HERE

Florals are everywhere at Talbots this spring. This little short sleeve sweater is one size too large on me so it’s not meant to look so shapeless. It’s a cotton/rayon blend that’s perfect for the change of seasons. The faux denim trousers fit beautifully with a side zip to keep the tummy area smoother and 9% spandex so they’re as comfy as leggings, plus size here. These also come in indigo or black here for a dressier look.

SMOCKED BLOUSE IN SHADOW GARDEN misses M / PORTLAND TROUSER 8P

This pretty popover blouse has smocking at shoulders and cuff with a tiny neck and sleeve ruffle. As I write that description it sounds over-the-top girly (for me), but the details are subtle and it doesn’t come off that way. It pops over the head and I tucked it in, only because the pants have a wider leg. With a slim leg, it would look great untucked. It comes in 3 colors. The body section is lined, which is a lovely detail.

SMOCKED BLOUSE misses smallBRISTAL PANT 8P

Here’s the same smocked blouse in sunshine and ivory. I’m wearing it with the pleat front Bristol pant. This pant has an elasticized back waistband making it really comfy. It’s slightly cropped which I would prefer with a shorter top and I’d also opt for one that fits closer to the body with a pleated pant.

PORTLAND PANT misses 6 BOYFRIEND SHIRT WEEKEND STRIPE misses S

This Portland pant is a personal favorite but this size is to long on me so they look rumpled. They’re a slim riding-look pant with side waist zipper that comes in five colors. They have 9% spandex which snugs everything in and keeps them from ever bagging out. I’ve wearing them with a crisp 100% cotton poplin striped buttonup shirt. This comes in three colors in all the Talbots sizing. I tied the shirt so you could see the pants but it looks great worn untucked with its slight shirttail hemline.

RUFFLE NECK LAYERED SHELL PXLBRISTOL PANT 8P

This shirt is two sizes too large for me so it’s hard to get a good idea of the fit. It’s a great layering piece under jacket cardigans or even on it’s own if you’re comfortable showing your upper arms. I wanted to show how the proportion changes when it’s tucked in and loosened to flow over the waistband. It has a tiny neck ruffle and placket front so it pops over your head.

TEXTURED V-NECK PULLOVER petite MBRISTOL PANT 8P

Here I popped this V-neck pullover over the blouse…which is what I’d actually need for the cooler spring we’re having. This sweater also comes in ivory with black detailing. It’s a soft cotton blend that hits right at the hip which is why it works with these wider pants.

LINEN POPOVER SHIRT MPPORTLAND TROUSER 8P

I would choose a slimmer pant to pair with this linen popover shirt. This 100% linen shirt comes in five pretty spring colors with a button tab to hold up the sleeves. It’s a customer favorite year after year that couldn’t be easier to wear for the warm weather ahead.

GINGHAM SHIRTCURVY FIT STRAIGHT WHITE JEANS misses 6 SHORT TRENCH COAT misses M

This short trench coat is such a great little topper for spring. It’s a cotton blend that includes spandex for comfort. It comes in this gorgeous blue plus pear yellow. It has a relaxed fit and is fully lined. The straight white jeans are misses and curvy fit which make them too loose and too long. I do own these jeans in the proper size and love them!

PANTS ON RIGHT ARE ARE THE CHATHAM ANKLE 8P, PLUS SIZE HERE

I played with proportions a bit with this short trench and wanted to compare the visual effect of a shirt at the waist vs a longer option and a true ankle pant vs longer. These are the customer favorite Chatham ankle pants that come in five colors, plus size here. What do you see about the proportion?

SHORT TRENCH COAT

Here’s how this adorable little spring trench coat looks buttoned. I forgot to take a picture of the back, but you’ll see on the website it’s got a fun back pleat for ease which makes it super comfy. I also love the raglan sleeves. It comes in this stiking blue or a sunny yellow.

All in all, this is a colorful, fun collection that’s perfect for spring to get us out of the winter doldrums.

Thanks for reading, and remember to wear what makes you feel confident.

38 Comments

  1. First, I have to say that I love your blog! So nice to see fashions that are geared for the over 50 woman. Jennifer, have you ever had your ā€œcolors done? ā€œIā€™m reminded of a book in the 90s called ā€œColor me beautifulā€ that suggested certain color pallets based on your skin tone, either warm or cool. The reason Iā€™m mentioning this is that you look so great in all the yellow blouses. They really make you ā€œcome alive.ā€ Much more so than the lavender.
    Now, I have yellow shirts in my closet that I buy because I like the warm and sunny color but then I never wear them! I have cool skin tones that look better in blues and lavenders. You, however, seem to come alive in those warmer tones.

    1. Yes, as a matter of fact, Iā€™ve gone quite a few and shared the results. You can see those posts here-https://awellstyledlife.com/?s=Color+analysis+

  2. Jennifer, you look fabulous in all of these pictures. Although I love Talbots clothes, it was you that I couldn’t take my eyes off . You always look great, but I don’t know if it was your hair or makeup but you made all of those clothes shine!

    1. Thank so much you, Karen. Thatā€™s so kind.

  3. Loved all your examples that you showed this time! I especially love the blue coat with the yellow and white gingham shirt. I am confused about whether tucking in a button down blouse should or should not be done. Does it depend upon the pants you are wearing? (for reference I am 5ā€™4 with a pear shaped body). Would you consider showing some ways to style a button down blouse with pants?

    1. Itā€™s really personal preference. I tend to tuck because it makes my legs look longer unless the pants are very narrow, then I tend to wear them out. Iā€™m 5ā€™4ā€ too.

  4. You look wonderful in those faux denim pants! You are lucky that you can wear yellow as the shirt looks great especially with the blue coat. Very good selection today, thank you!

  5. Jennifer, you look fantastic in those Portland faux denim trousers. They really balance out your top half. I’m built similarly to you and I think I’m going to go try on those trousers! Love the blue short trench too.

  6. I notice you sometimes tie the bottom of your button down shirt. I like the look but find the shirt rides up and exposes some skin. Is there a trick to keeping the shirt down at the waistband of the pants?

    1. Iā€™ve been known to tie it trough a belt loop but that skews to top a bit. You could wear a cami underneath or tie it a bit looser.

  7. Sorry if I missed this in your comments and links, but are those two different short trench coats? The lapels, pockets, buttons and length seem to me to be different. The links under each picture take me to the same coat – the longer coat.

    1. They are the same coat.

  8. Thank you for including plus sized clothing options.

    1. I try to include them whenever I can, Anna

  9. I like the yellow checked blouse and double breasted blue coat. I have not been real interested in Talbots clothing line for a while now. Sorry to be negative but just not my style. You look great.

    1. No worries, we all have different tastes.

  10. I agree-you look marvelous in that yellow and white top! Lights you whole face up!

  11. So, what did you keep?!

    I think Talbots should use you to model the Portland faux denim trousers. On the website, I would not give them a second glance. On you, they are perfect.

    1. You’re so sweet, thanks Bette!

  12. I do love Talbotā€™s styles.
    That yellow check gingham shirt is so cute along with beautiful blue trench.
    Great post.

  13. Funny that the pants you thought were too loose and too long looked perfect to me and how I prefer to wear mine. I can’t imagine that the ones you said you had that were shorter and tighter would look better but to each his/her own! I never bought into the skinny jean/jeggings look either.

    1. They just have a bit of extra fabric on the hips which I donā€™t fill out because I have straight hips. I neglected to mention these are folded under 3ā€

  14. I’m a confirmed Talbots gal since 197…. just saying! This year’s spring lines were really great, including the icy blue paisley which was timeless, not always the case with Talbots. Even their floral line this spring was eye catching, and florals aren’t my thing. Thanks, Jennifer, for going back and updating your style followers with the discounts currently available. The clothes are not inexpensive, but are worth it – classic and classic styling that flatter a woman’s body at any age.

    1. I agree, the quality makes them well worth the price

  15. What cute clothes, on a rainy day, you brought in some sunshine. I especially like the Portland faux denim trousers. Also did you get a new haircut? It’s so bouncy, I love it…I was scrolling thru the latest finds, and saw the Michael Stars jacket. It’s in my closet I just purchased the white one, not on Amazon, but in a very cute boutique in Petaluma, named Stink in old downtown. If you ever find your way there it’s worth a look….just a thought, I have very fine, thinning hair and I purchased from Amazon, Biotin Volumizing Spray for Hair thickening Spray , this product is amazing, better than any volumizing spray I’ve tried, and I’ve tried many , I’d be interested if you like it……Happy Easter

    1. Happy Easter, Nancy! I need to come to visit that boutique! It sounds wonderful.

      1. Happy Easter Jennifer, yes it is a wonderful boutique….downtown Petaluma is a fun walk around and browse kind of town. I was reading today’s blog, and I love all the Wow products……

  16. Love gingham. Love yellow.

    1. I loved this shirt too.

  17. Iā€™m loving Talbotā€™s floral line this spring! I hope the yellow picnic gingham blouse and short blue trench coat came home with you. They look terrific on you!

  18. Pat Patterson says:

    Good afternoon Jennifer. I love your pics today. I bought the Bristol pants in black white. So comfy. BTW, I ended ordering 2 pairs of easy spirit walking shoes and the discount for national walking day was great. I plan on purchasing sandals and dress shoes.
    Have a great weekend

  19. Okay, besides the fact that all of the clothes are super cute, your hair looks fabulous. Can you tell us what you are doing different lately? I also struggle with hair loss, thinning and haven’t found anything that really makes a difference yet.

    1. Itā€™s just a tiny bit longer. Iā€™m grooming out a few layers

  20. It’s so helpful to see what a difference tucking or not can make to your appearance. I never tucked in the past, thinking it would always make me look heavier. The answer is… it just depends. Thanks to your tips, I now do it on occassion and it often improves the overall outfit. I love the tops at Talbots and want to thank you for my winning gift card. I’m very grateful and plan to go before this sale ends. By the way, you look fabulous in those yellow tops!

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