I’m visiting my parents in Georgia this week, so I hopped down to their local outdoor shopping center to try on things at a couple of your favorite retailers. They have a brand new J.Jill, so I checked in there for relaxed, casual fall fashions. And I tried on some holiday appropriate items at Talbots. Let’s see how they fit and worked for me. By the way, this weekend you can get 30% off your entire purchase at Talbots. And you’ll get an extra 30% off sale items at J.Jill. They do have wear-now styles on sale.
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Keep in mind that I am 5’8″ and generally wear a size Misses 10 or medium. I’ll only remark on the size when I size up or down from that, but I will provide general fit information for everything I show. Throughout the try-on session I’m wearing either my Sam Edelman loafers or my SheecSocks. Please overlook the messy hair (that frizzed more and more as the humid morning went on!) and the fact that the socks/shoes are not always the best look with the garments shown.
J.Jill Try-On Session
Let’s start with the smart fall separates from J.Jill. I often have to size down at J.Jill, but actually opted for my usual size medium in several instances. I selected highly textured and vibrant pieces to try, as well as current denim offerings. First up a pair of grey flare jeans with a couple of nice vibrant green tops.
I’m wearing the size 10 in the flare jeans, but I might could have gone with the 8. At this point I was in a bit of a hurry, so I never got around to switching to the 8s, but the 10s were roomy. The jeans do feel nice on and they have a very slimming silhouette. I’m wearing a medium in the white button up and would probably stick with that. But I’m wearing a small in the green high neck sweater, so I do suggest sizing down there. The poncho, also available in a beautiful crimson and deep blue, is a S/L, but is also available in XL/3X.
Above I’m wearing the blue poncho in size S/L with the same white button up and a pair of high rise corduroy bootcut jeans, again in a size 10. Here I would definitely stick with the 10, as I often find that I need to size up with corduroy anyhow. These cords also come in navy.
Below I’m wearing the same white button up with a pair of fringe-hem wide-leg jeans. I did size down to an 8 in these jeans, and they fit nicely. So consider sizing down in these very on trend jeans.
I topped the outfit with a fun sherpa coat and a scarf that doesn’t seem to be available anymore (more options). The sherpa coat was a size medium and was quite large on me. I’d definitely size down. But it sure is a yummy coat. It features a notch collar, a faux-horn button-front closure and pockets.
And the final item I tried on at J.Jill was this soft cord shirtdress in peacock blue. I think I had this exact same dress last year in a dark purple and thoroughly enjoyed it. I’m wearing the medium here, but I would size down to a small for a better fit.
T by Talbots Activewear
As we move over to Talbots, let’s begin with a few of their winter T by Talbots activewear items. First I’m wearing the cozy cloud half zip pullover in poppy red. It fits true to size and is definitely a cool weather top. The 55% Cotton, 42% Polyester, 3% Spandex fabric feels substantial. The sleeves do have thumb holes and the shirt features on-seam pockets.
I’m wearing the black fleece back leggings with a red stripe down the side. You can see the red stripe in the photo below. These leggings feel warm and very snug. I’d say they fit true to size (remember, that always means I’m wearing a medium or 10) but they are a little short in the crotch for me. So these might work nicely for some, but not for me.
Above I am wearing those same fleece back leggings with the mini diamond geo print half zip pullover. This half-zip top features kangaroo pockets toward the front. It will definitely keep you warm and snug on winter walks.
Above I’m wearing the diamond geo side stripe leggings with a snowflake turtleneck sweater in red pop. Everything here is true to size, and I think these diamond geo side stripe leggings feel much better on, fitting nicely in the crotch. Ahem. Both pairs of leggings have a fleece backing inside, but the fabric content is different. These just feel much better to me.
Elevated & Party Looks from Talbots
Now doesn’t my hair look much better in this first sweater dress? Hahaha! That was actually the first thing I tried on that day. It was downhill from there! Anyhow, I am indeed wearing the highland green sweater dress. The color is very off in this photo. I tried and tried to get it to photograph correctly, but the lighting was just playing tricks with it.
So definitely click through on this sweater dress if you’d like to see the pretty highland green color. It runs true to size with me wearing a medium. It’s a nice thick sweater knit, but I’d still wear shapewear, which, of course, I’m not doing here.
Below I’m wearing the coordinating wool blend sweater and midi skirt (sold separately) in shadow heather, a lovely mid grey. I guess I wish the sweater was just a touch shorter, but I still think it looks very nice at this length, too. They both fit true to size and feel very comfortable for a cold, winter day.
The sweater does have large silver buttons down one sleeve. I kind of like that you can actually use those buttons to open up the neck as you are putting the sweater on and off. This combo would be beautiful with black, grey or even beige or cognac boots. But you could also wear tights and loafers or heels.
Below I’m wearing the modern velveteen blazer and the coordinating flare leg velvet pants, both in indigo. Unfortunately, these photos do not do these separates justice. The size 10 blazer I’m wearing was too large, but the size 10 pants fit beautifully and felt great.
Also I don’t particularly care for the velveteen blazer and flare leg velvet pants with this black sequin shell top. Not only does it all look too dark for me, but it’s a little fussy. I have since ordered the velveteen blazer and flare leg velvet pants, but I sized down to an 8 in the blazer for a trimmer fit. I’ll wear the set (sold separately) with a white ribbed tee or button-front shirt. You’ll also see another way I’ll wear the pants below.
They’re not the same color, but I think the indigo velvet pants look beautiful with this radiant sapphire occasion cardigan, featuring pretty jeweled buttons (not uncovered yet at the bottom of the sweater). The cardigan is also available in black, ivory, red and amethyst. And remember, Talbots is size inclusive, so the sweater comes in XS to XL with fits for petite, plus and misses.
I also wore the cardigan with the silver foil slim ankle jeans. Silver is so on trend this year, and we can expect to see lots of shimmery, silver for the holidays. The silver foil slim ankle jeans fit true to size and feel great on. The waistband hits just below the belly button for a higher midrise fit. I was going to order these…and then I didn’t. What do you think? Should I? If I did I would wear them with my silver slingback kitten heels or silver loafers.
You can also expect to see lots of bedazzled jeans as we approach the holidays. Are you in???
I’m wearing the wool blend cable knit sweater in amethyst with both the black embellished high waist relaxed straight jeans and the crystal hem barely boot jeans in the Riley wash. Everything fits true to size and feels good. My only complaint is that I’ve noticed that several of Talbots’ black jeans (including a pair I already own) have a strange chemical odor. So I would not purchase these black ones personally.
And finally, above I’m wearing a fun metallic back bow sweater in grey sky heather with the crystal embellished slim ankle jeans in the Harlow wash. I also have ordered both of these. (I didn’t buy anything that day because I don’t have room in my suitcase.) The metallic back bow sweater is definitely a little brighter in person that it appears on the Talbots website, but it fits nicely true to size and the bow on the back will be something new and fresh for me. The slim ankle jeans fit beautifully true to size and feel great. If your legs are not as thick as mine, they will fit a little looser in the calves for more of a straight leg silhouette.
Remember, this weekend you get 30% off your entire purchase at Talbots. You’ll also get an extra 30% off sale items at J.Jill. They do have wear-now styles on sale.
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Blessed for My Day
Are you heavy-hearted today? I could just quip, cheer up! But that wouldn’t be helpful. Instead, I suggest you take your heavy heart to One who can truly lift the cares and concerns and regrets that weigh it down.
Begin the conversation by praising Him. When I acknowledge who God is, I begin to remember Who is in my corner and my burdens don’t feel so overwhelming. Then share your heart with Him. Tell him what hurts, what grieves, what worries, what angers you. Next allow Him to speak truth to your heart. Go to His Word and allow His consolations to cheer your soul.
When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul. ~ Psalm 94:19
Thank you for mentioning the smell of the black jeans. I recently bought dark wash jeans on sale (not from Talbots) that looked great but were unwearable because of the smell. I washed and washed, but they still smell. What are they putting in our clothes to make them smell so awful, I wonder?.
Barbara, I know about that smell. I wonder if vinegar would work. They put a lot of chemicals in clothes in the warehouses to protect them from bugs I’ve read. I read that a CEO from a clothing company said he advised everyone to wash new clothes before wearing them.
Yes, that may well fix it. I haven’t tried yet. I need to do that for sure.
Hi Terri. I’ve washed several times, but I haven’t tried vinegar. Thanks, I will try it.
Barbara not sure it will work but I read it somewhere that it does. I donated the smelly jeans I owned before I could try it.
I’ve already purchased the J. Jill flare pants in gray and denim as well as the Talbots crystal hem jeans. They are all so comfy and I feel they update my wardrobe with the flare legs. So fun to wear. Takes me back to the ‘70s!!
It’s a yes from me on the silver pants. I think they suit you well & are unexpected. As far as shape wear. I don’t care for the hardware on my bra straps bumping out on my upper back which destroys a smooth look. What do you recommend ?
I feel the Talbots line fits and looks better on you.
I have found JJill is too boxy. I do like their wear ever pants
Liked the bright green sweater on you. Looks good on blonds, but on me I would look that color. Liked the sweater dress also. I am not too crazy about bedazzled jeans. Will probably pass. Liked the purple and blue sweater on you. Pretty.
Hi Kay, I ordered the indigo velvet jacket and plan to wear it over jeans as well as for holiday looks, I also purchased the embellished jeans which I love! I found the silvery bow sweater to be a little heavy for my tastes and would like to find a silver top for the holidays that is a little dressier and not so bulky. Talbots has some great clothes and sales right now. I tried on the silver foil jeans but decided I preferred the fine wale gray cords that have silver sparkles all over. They’re a little more subtle and I think will be easier to wear. All in all, great looks on you.
I purchased the gray sweater and skirt, the amethyst wool blend sweater and a pair of straight leg jeans(Not sure of the wash).The weather hasn’t been cool enough for me to wear the gray sweater set, but there was a cold day tucked in there when I got to wear the amethyst sweater. The gray sweater and skirt set and the amethyst sweater feel so very good on. Not itchy at all. As for silver pants. Not my style. I’ll rock a pair of gold Kate Spade pumps and a pair of J. Crew Christmas plaid pumps instead of the too flashy silver pants.
I think I’d pass on those silver jeans unless you plan to wear them with a different top. The blue top and silver jeans seems too high contrast for you. I do love the blue cardigan with the darker blue flare velvet jeans.
I love the silver pants on you. My favorite outfit and it will bbe great both for the holidays and to brighten up January.
I love the bright colors and hope you buy the silver pants. Such a fun look!
I love the gray flare jeans and the black velvet pants. Also all the flare and wide leg jeans. I don’t like the silver pants at all. They’re too trendy and will be out after the holidays. I like straight leg jeans and pants but these so called “slim leg” look like skinny jeans to me. I don’t see your devotional. I haven’t had time to watch your video but looking forward to it.
Thanks so much for letting me know about the devotional, Terri. I wrote it, but for some reason it didn’t save. It’s up now!
Your devotional is always so good. I’m not feeling down but good to remember when I am.
All of the outfits look so nice, except I don’t really care for the silver pants with the blue sweater. The contrast is too much so you end up focusing on the pants and not your face and smile. I saw those glitter jeans in Talbots a couple of days ago. You can see them well in you photo but thought it was a fun snd elevated concept . Thanks for the try on. It always helps to see how the clothes look on you.
Some interesting items, I’ll check them out in person today, The strong brights make you shine, even the lime green!
Kay, I definitely think you should get the silver foil slim ankle jeans! They look really nice on you and would be great for the holidays!
The cardigan you styled with it goes really nice too.
I also liked the green high neck sweater.
The mini diamond geo print pullover and fleece back leggings is a really cute casual outfit!
Thanks for showing the different styles. Personally, I do not like the silver pants, too narrow too tight and too few of places to wear them. To me, they look like you’re trying too hard. But the blue occasional sweater and the Velvetine pants were to die for on you
I would pass on the silver jeans, but really like the sweater with the velvet. I also thought the back bow sweater with the bedazzled bottoms was darling on you. I bought the Sherpa coat from J Jill. Love it. I went with my usual J Jill small: so cute. Have a nice weekend. BFMD was just what I needed to hear today
Silver pants 👍🏼love them on you with the blue sweater. I think silver sling backs would look awesome with that look.
Love the silver slim ankle (foil) jeans with blue cardigan. Both fit you perfectly and very flattering. Think you should order the outfit!!
Enjoyed the post. I think you look nice in everything especially the Talbots items.
Happy for you that you are spending time with your family. Enjoy!
Have a safe trip home.
Hello! Great try on. I am not in on the bedazzled jeans or the silver ones! But my style is more basic, and you should buy what you love. I have a question about JJill jeans after purchasing my first pair a few months ago. They fit great – at first – but within a couple of hours they have stretched out and are sagging. Have you had this issue? I want to purchase more pairs but I hesitate considering that one issue.
Hmm. I haven’t had that problem before with JJill jeans. When you say they stretched out and are sagging, how exactly do you mean? In the waist and hips? Or in the knees? If they’re baggy in the waist and hips I’d say that’s probably an indication that you need to go a size smaller. A lot of today’s jeans need to be purchased very snug so that they fit better with wear.
Wait, you’re DAWG?! I was in Athens about the same time you were ’cause I just turned 60. Were you in a sorority? I was a Theta from 1982-1986. I don’t remember how I initially found you online, but your style (& personality) has resonated with me as I’ve gotten to know you through your social media posts. I really enjoy your transparency and great fashion ideas as well as your gentle faith offerings. Thank you so much for sharing all that you do with us!
With love,
Katy
Those are indeed the exact years I was at Georgia. ❤️🖤❤️🖤 I wasn’t in a sorority, but I always admired the Thetas I came across. I was a PR major in the school of journalism and I was an RA in Oglethorpe House. Thanks so much for following along and for introducing yourself.