Hello sweet gal! Welcome to Dressed for My Day. I tell ya what, summer is truly here. And I am beyond thrilled. I stopped into Talbots again yesterday (to get my price adjustment on all the things I bought pre-sale so I could show them to you in yesterday’s YouTube video) and I did a strange thing afterwards. I turned right out of the parking lot and headed to a local ice cream parlor. Oh, yes I did! And I treated myself to a yummy scoop of peach ice cream on a sugar cone. Pure summer bliss!
Well, today I thought I’d follow up on my What to Pack for Your Summer Beach Vacation video by sharing the other things I tried on at Talbots recently. Now that the Talbots summer collection is here, we’re going to savor this thing! And I definitely have more colorful, cheerful and flirty clothes to share with you. Let’s go shopping!
Talbots Friends & Family Event
Talbots is giving you 30% off your entire purchase (there are brand exclusions) + an additional 15% off if you are a Classic Awards members. (Not a Classic Awards member? Sign up for free!) Use code FRIENDS to get the discount in your shopping cart. Talbots offers flat rate $8 shipping, but if you use a Talbots Premiere Credit Card, you get free shipping.
By the way, Talbots is behind on their shipping for good reason. They had to close down their distribution center for a number of weeks due to employees having Covid-19. So if you are still waiting on shipment – like I am – don’t worry; it’s coming. And they are making up for lost time quickly.
Fitting Room Details
Here’s the scoop on fitting room sessions. The photos aren’t great. I don’t have my photographer along with me – it’s just me and my iPhone in really bad lighting. Some fitting rooms are too dark, while others are awfully bright. And when I include photos taken in my office, they’re not great either.
I am including the photos from yesterday’s video in this fitting room session, however. So those will be crisp and pretty. Yay!
I also need to fill you in on my sizing in case you’re trying to compare fit. I’m 5’8″ and about 155 pounds (well these photos were taken pre ice cream!). I have even proportions and an hourglass or X shape. I usually wear an 8 or medium across the board. I think that’s my true size. So if something else fits better, I’ll tell you I sized up or down. Otherwise, if I tell you it’s true to size (TTS), then I’m wearing an 8 or medium. I wear a 9.5 medium width shoe.
Talbots Summer 2020 Collection
Let’s start with one of my favorite outfits from yesterday’s video. I adore this embroidered novelty tee and I think it’s darling with these bright papaya (orange) relaxed chino shorts. (The denim jacket is my Levi’s original trucker jacket.)
bright papaya (orange) relaxed chino shorts // I’m wearing my TTS 8 in these relaxed fit shorts. They have a mid-rise, hitting slightly below the waist, and they have a nice stretch with 98% cotton and 2% spandex. They also come in 6 other colors, including the white you’ll see in a minute.
embroidered novelty tee // This tee runs a little large, but if the 100% cotton fabric worries you, you’re regular size will probably do nicely with a generous fit. It’s also available in petite, petite plus and plus sizes. In fact, most of these pieces are available in the full spectrum of sizes.
Gold Metallic Gia Sandals // I’ve enjoyed my metallic Gia sandals (shown above) for three summers now. This year’s version features a rattan buckle. They’re so darling! Mine run true to size; I went down to the 9 since they don’t carry half sizes.
Striped Cotton V-neck Sweater// I could have worn my TTS medium in this Striped Cotton V-neck Sweater, but I liked the slimmer fit of the small. So it really depends on what kind of fit you want this sweater to have. It’s extremely lightweight. You could easily wear a tank under it if that’s your preference, but you don’t need to for modesty.
gold hoop earrings // I am so glad they finally restocked these gold hoop earrings. They’re also available in silver. I wear mine almost daily. They’re the perfect size – not too big, not too small!
lace trim split neck tee // This sweet t-shirt is 100% cotton and oh so soft. It is a generous fit. I’m wearing a small and it’s still full. This is the gardenia shade, but it comes in 6 other colors.
enamel bracelets // My enamel bracelets are from last years, but they have them in this summer’s collection, too, in kelly green, indigo blue and white.
white relaxed chino shorts // Here I’m wearing those same 7″ relaxed chino shorts but in white. So I’m still wearing my true size 8. I love the fit of these shorts. They have a nice bit of stretch, but not too much. And the leg opening is generous but not wide.
cotton bateau neck tank in laguna multi blue ???// I thought the tank above was the cotton bateau neck tank in laguna mutli blue, but I’m not sure now. It just does not look like it, but I find no other tank that it looks like either. Hmm. Anyhow, the cotton bateau neck tank in laguna multi blue on the website looks like a nice piece to wear under jackets and cardis or by itself. In the one I have on, I’m wearing a medium.
flower embroidered gauze top // This soft, lightweight flower embroidered gauze top is one of the sweetest surprises of this collection. It runs TTS or slightly roomy, but I went with the medium for a blousier fit. I tried the small and it worked well, but I decided this kind of shirt should be a little full. It’s also available in navy or yellow with white embroidery, but I love the white on white. Such a great summer staple, so versatile. The photo doesn’t do it justice at all.
Bermuda Shorts in rhubarb // These 10.5″ shorts come just to my knee on my 5’8″ frame. I decided I wanted at least one pair of longer shorts, and these work nicely. I’m wearing my true 8 very comfortably. They’re available in 8 other colors and all the fit variations.
similar CeCe braided flip flops in silver // Above you see my CeCe braided flip flops from a previous year, but this year’s are similar. I found them to run true to size. And I absolutely love having metallic sandals in my wardrobe for summer.
girlfriend denim shorts in miller wash // Well I just discovered these are almost sold out. They are amazingly comfortable. I’ve actually also ordered the girlfriend denim shorts in Ryder wash, but they’re one of those packages that has been delayed. So I purchased the lighter wash in the store the other day. I think the darker Ryder wash will actually be more flattering, more slimming. But I do love these denim shorts. Amazingly comfortable. Hit just below the navel, TTS.
floral garden sleeveless shirt // I wore this pretty floral garden sleeveless shirt for the past two days. Ha! I didn’t think I’d like it when I saw it online. I thought it looked a little too old fashioned. But in person the colors pop a little more and it does have a nice retro vibe, but I love it. I’m wearing my true size 8. It has a little stretch in it, too.
blue & white stripe perfect crop pants // I didn’t expect to like these blue & white stripe perfect crop pants, but I love them. Unlike capris, these crop pants hit below the calf for a more flattering silhouette. And this blue and white stripe fabric is a lot like seersucker, but they’re not calling these seersucker. They do have a bit of stretch in them and I’m wearing my true to size 8 in the regular fit. They’re also available in curvy fit.
fruit and flowers perfect crop pants // I had absolutely no intention of liking these fruit and flowers perfect crop pants, much less buying them. But I did indeed leave the store with them. I’d sworn off print pants, y’all. But once I had them on I couldn’t resist. They are so, so, comfortable. And the pretty colors just made me happy. And made me go buy a peach ice cream cone, for Pete’s sake! I’m wearing my true 8. They’re also available in a curvy fit.
button shoulder tee in geranium pink // I think this button shoulder tee in geranium pink looks darling with these print pants. But the daisy yellow would pair well with them, too. The shirt runs a bit big, but I went ahead and stuck with my medium. If you’d like a closer fit, size down. the button shoulder tee is available in 9 shades.
festive floral pleated maxi skirt // I love the print in this soft, flouncy festive floral pleated maxi skirt, but the silhouette is not for me. I definitely think it’s best for gals with narrower waists. It features an invisible side zipper and a removable sash. I found it to feel a little snug, too. Maybe if I’d sized up it would have felt better, but I don’t think it would have looked any better.
I think I would have preferred the Rati Coronado paisley maxi skirt, but they didn’t have it in the store. In fact, there is a lot on the website that is not in the store. So really I think shopping online is the better bet. Anyhow, the Rati Coronado paisley maxi skirt appears to be a little less full.
pima cotton v-neck tee in poolside // Talbots’ pima cotton v-neck tees are not among my favorite t-shirts. I think they have too much stretch in them and lose their shape. That said, they are available in some pretty shades for summer. I’m wearing a size medium and it feels a little loose. See how the shoulder seems hang past my arm pit?
embroidered belted peplum top // I thought this little top looked prettier on the website than it feels in person. It’s just a little too stiff and stuffy for my lifestyle. But it is darling and very flattering. I’m wearing a size 8, and I’d say it’s true to size. It fit nicely. But it is a bit of a bear to get off. It has a side zipper that starts at the hemline of the shirt and goes up under the arm.
white perfect skimmers // The white perfect skimmers are a nice lightweight pant alternative to shorts. But they’re not my favorite length. I returned these since I bought a couple of pairs of longer crop pants. Plus I already have white chinos. But they do run true to size and they feel nice on.
festive floral classic cotton shirt // Here’s another one of my favorite pieces in the collection. This shirt is so amazingly lightweight and breezy. It’s a perfect option for when you want a little sun, bug or chill protection, but you don’t want anything heavy. And that darling print! It runs true to size.
palm stripe tee // This tee is pretty basic, but I do love the beaded palm tree on the front. It’s a nice way to add a little sparkle and joy to your outfit without going overboard. So, especially if you’re a more classic dresser and all the colors and fruits and flowers aren’t really your jam, you might like adding this bit of classy sparkle to your summer wardrobe. It runs true to size.
lightweight stretch woven cutout crops // I mentioned in the video that I didn’t know if these great lightweight stretch woven cutout crops come in black. They do. These pants are a bit roomier than the Nic + Zoe pants I introduced you to a couple of weeks ago, but they’re just as soft and lightweight and stretchy. They serve the same purpose. I’m wearing my true size 8.
striped jersey side drawstring tee // This T by Talbots tee will make a great little tee for walks around the neighborhood, but you can easily pair it with walking shorts, too. It runs true to size.
everyday yoga pedal pushers // I originally was returning the striped jersey side drawstring tee, but then I saw these everyday yoga pedal pushers in coordinating pacific blue. I thought these would make a nice workout outfit for the summer. I’ve gotten to where I prefer capri workout pants over shorts, especially if I workout in the gym. These fit true to size and they feel a-maze-ing on.
ladder back stripe t-shirt dress // I might could have worn a small in this t-shirt, but I didn’t feel like fooling with trying it on. I tell ya, I felt like Talbots is doing a great job with sanitation procedures, but shopping in the store is still a bit of a hassle right now. The mask, the not wanting to touch too many clothes, the distancing, etc. It just feels a little overwhelming. I’m content to shop from home still as much as possible. I really just got into the store this time to check things out for you gals. I wanted to introduce this line right, since I know so many of my readers love Talbots.
Anyhow, the ladder back stripe t-shirt dress is a generous TTS. But it is darling and comfy, and I kept it. I like having a fresh little dress each summer. And this deep pacific blue is so pretty, especially with the orange contrast stripe.
floral gathered tie neck dress // This is the dress I wore in the video yesterday. It’s a simple floral gathered tie neck dress, lightweight and very feminine. I love it with a denim jacket, but it definitely holds its own, too. I’m wearing my true size 8.
Well, that’s a wrap! Like I said, there are so many lovely things in the website that are not in the stores. I’m going to fill a shopping widget with all the things I like, but didn’t get to try on because they weren’t available. But let me know if you have any questions about the items I’ve shown here. These are definitely the ones I’m most familiar with.
Shop the Looks above through the affiliate links above. The shopping widget below is full of other beautiful pieces that were not available in the store.
And remember, get 30% off + another 15% off if you’re a Classic Awards member with code FRIENDS.
Don’t forget you can also check out my Talbots Favorites and shop from there! And did you catch yesterday’s video, in which I used a capsule wardrobe from the new Talbots summer collection to pack for a summer beach vacation?
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Now is a time for hard conversations and deep thinking. It may be a good time to begin dialogues with new people even. But we also need to be careful about what we do with those conversations. Just because thoughts are tossed about and feelings are expressed, that doesn’t mean we necessarily need to bend our thinking in that direction. You, dear gal, may need to change your thinking on some things. But you may not. Just as you encourage yourself to be open minded and teachable and compassionate, give yourself permission to stand firm, too.
We can allow thoughts expressed to provoke some new insight and we can feel and even express compassion without getting carried away from our moorings by the tide of emotion. Let’s make sure that truth has the final word. And let’s make sure that we allow the Bible to speak wisdom over all the other voices we’re leaning in and listening well to.
But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. ~ James 1:5
Thanks Kay, for taking one for the team!! Just ordered two MORE things from the new Talbot’s summer collection. That makes 5 total now that I’ve ordered. Yikes!! This is my favorite collection they’ve had, so far, this year! You did a terrific job of showing us a variety of clothes and they all look so pretty on you. Can’t wait to get them.
Kay, I so enjoyed tour try on post. You look great in all the outfits, which makes the choice of which to keep very difficult I’m sure.. I spend lots of money at Talbots…probably way more than I should.( of course that’s what my husband tells me each month when the bill arrives) Thank you for braving all the challenges of these trying times to bring your readers a fitting room try on. Glad you treated yourself to the peach ice cream cone..you certainly deserved it. It’s the simple pleasures in life that can bring us the most joy. Have a wonderful day.
Kay I just finished watching your video (beach vacation). I loved the format you used and you did such a beautiful job putting it all together (outfit capsule and versatility). I am going to check out the items you have recommended. Have a beautiful day!
Absolutely beautiful collection! Everything looks well on you, Kay. I like everything which may be a problem for me. HAHA Thanks for all the great ways to wear our clothes.
BFMD is encouraging as always. Thank you for it.
God bless you today and always!
Suzanne
Hi Kay! Thanks for taking the time to show us your fitting room session at Talbots. I honestly think you could become a Talbots model! Seeing the clothes on you makes me want to buy more !
Take care and thanks for all you do! PS Love peach ice cream!
Thank you for today’s post. I love the striped v neck sweater!
I wanted to take a moment to thank you for your blessed for my day post. In today’s world it’s nice to have a place to go first thing in the morning with my coffee that isn’t politically motivated. I’ve stopped with the morning news.. but I am still informed by way of internet to search what I choose. Just yesterday I had an email from Gogana jewelry company that was totally devoted to black lives matter. I immediately emailed them to unsubscribe. I am of the feeling all lives should matter. And felt in these times it was inflammatory. When all our first responders, including the police men and women are worn out and exhausted.
Thank you Kay for your wonderful daily posts!
Kay, since I am not a regular Talbots shopper, I have a couple of questions. I am wondering if the beautiful Sunshine tee and stripped sweater are thick enough to not allow excess skin to show thru, and if the fit is on the fuller side. I have a thicker backside, so finding cotton knit dresses that I like on me is a challenge. Do you feel that there is room in the stripped dress to prevent it from hanging on my hinny? Thank you so much for trying on some things in the store during these unusual times! I definitely prefer online shopping and have for years. Have a beautiful day!
Hi Ginger. Yes, all three of the items you mentioned should give you a very generous, loose fit if you get them in your regular size. The tee and sweater are thin, but I don’t think they show skin. Hope that helps.
That does help a lot! Thank you!
Hi Kay, so enjoyed your video yesterday. Thought you’ve hit a good rhythm in the segment that rotates through the outfits on you. Not too slow. Or fast. Well done!
Question: The white flowered embroidered gauze top had already caught my eye. Such a fun summer vibe. Is it opaque enough to wear without a tank or cami underneath?
Hi Lael. I’m so glad you enjoyed the video. It’s a work in progress! Yes, at least for me, I do believe the white gauze top works fine without a cami underneath. It is a little sheer, but not ultra sheer. Hopefully that helps. I guess we all tend to judge such things a little differently, so it’s always a little tricky answering that question. But, yes I’ve worn it alone.
Lael, I just went back to my closet and looked at that white gauze shirt again. When I put my hand under it, I can see my hand pretty clearly. It’s a loose fit, so I feel fine with it as is. But if you don’t want it to be very see-through at all, you might prefer the indigo blue or yellow one. I just hate to lead you astray.