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 you’re new here, welcome. A dressing room diary is when I go into a local store for a try-on session so you can see what’s new and how it looks on a woman over 25. For reference, I am 5’4″ 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. You’ll see me try on clothes in colors and shapes that may or may not flatter me because I want you to see what’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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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?

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.