Go to Talbots to check out these pieces
Back in the day Avenue, Ashley Stewart, Lane Bryant, and Talbots were the only places that a plus size woman could get her fashion fix. Each of these brands attracted their own style of customer. While Ashley Stewart and Lane Bryant focused on keeping up with the trends, Avenue and Talbots catered more to the suburban, casual, conservative woman. I remember back in the late 90’s to early 2000’s going into the Avenue store and seeing a myriad of floor length floral dresses, hi cut v-neck t-shirts with no shape, and bland washed mom jeans that flattered no one. I immediately walked out and vowed to never return again.
Walking into Talbots immediately made you feel like this is for the more mature woman, a woman of a certain age. Their stores were filled with ill fitting button ups, so, so dresses, and safari style jackets. While I can go on and on about the old styles of Avenue and Talbots, I want to focus on the new changes these two brands have made and how they have caught up with the times.
These days plus size women are proud of their bodies and are demanding on trend styles from old school plus size brands. A few weeks ago I told you about the changes that Ashley Stewart has made (See post here) and last year during the Lane Bryant blogger conference, I told you about all the style changes they were planning to make (which you’ve seen already).
Talbolts announced last year that they were revamping their brand to attract younger customers (See post here), while there were concerns of abandoning their classic aesthetic from loyal customers, Talbots believed that they needed to complete an image and merchandise overhaul that attracted a younger customer in order to boost sales. We couldn’t have agreed more. After slowly but surely incorporating new trendier and modern styles we think that Talbots is on the right track. They have adopted more of a chic and modern style. Just looking at the pieces in the above feature shows that they are paying attention to the trends but are still keeping up with the brands classic looks. They’ve even boosted up their plus size styles too by including striped dresses, trouser jeans, ruffled tanks, and fitted pants. We like that they tapped plus size models Ashley Graham and Tara Lynn to showcase the various styles they offer. Talbots plus sizes goes from a 12W-24W and their misses goes from a 2-20. We like that!
Go to Avenue to check out these pieces
Avenue has also jumped on the band wagon of a style makeover. They traded in their oversized unflattering t-shirts, mom jeans, and frumpy floral dresses for feminine girlie dresses in fun prints and modern details like draping and pleating. They’ve even added a pretty nice selection of shoes which include stacked heels, wedges, and flats, which all come in an assortment of embossed snakeskin prints, suede, and faux leather looks. You will also appreciate that their shoes range from a size 7-13 and come in wide widths.
While you may not wear everything from these two brands you do have to appreciate the effort that they’re making to provide plus size women with stylish body loving clothes. All we have to say is keep up the good work.
What do you think of Avenue’s and Talbot’s revamped style?
I Always had shopped at Avenue ever since I enter the 6th grade. I can say they have really change their clothes to attract more younger customers. I never bought anything from Talbots because I had the idea of they catering to womens in the late 30’s and up age. Since I see they have been revamping their line I will be checking them out. I love Lane Bryant also have great pieces and there quality is real good. Ashley Sterwart is Okay.
The Talbots outlet is near my house so I often check it out – the prices are great – but usually only buy belts and shoes. The clothes have been a bit boring. So I’m really excited about the changes – I’m in love with the striped pieces! – and looking forward to it. I guess that the Avenue changes haven’t made it to my store – they seem to have the same boring shapeless things as usual. The only I buy there is tights.
I am completely in love with the new revamping of Talbots. I used to think their clothes were only for older country club ladies but they are now catering to a younger style. I’ve been stalking their website for the last few months and I am in love with summer skirts and trends for plus size. The fact that they have woman’s petite is even better! Finally jeans that are well made, well cut and I don’t have to hem them!
Like the Talbot’s pieces but price is everything. They are still catering to the rich, chunky fashionista. That’s all fine and dandy but…
Love Avenue, will go there before I go to Lane Bryant. They’ve always been more on trend and priced better. LB had the nerve to try and rave about this maxi that they were trying to sell for $90! Even their loyal customers said no way. Avenue…rarely see any dresses that expensive, especially for summer. LB can use a hint on that. Talbot’s…if I find an outlet, I’ll take a look.
Both Avenue & Talbots have been some of my fav places to shop in recent years. I love the Talbots allows you to build a practical and classic looking closet & Avenue has been a God-send for my big-footed self 😉
I love the “rich chunky fatshionista” comment. I’ve been a Talbots person forever, but I’m in my 40s. This spring, however, has been absolutely wonderful. I think I’ve bought five or six pieces already, both on sale and near full price.
“Rich, chunky fashionsta” ?? I’ve been buying Talbot’s clothes in a size 6 for years. I’m not rich – their prices stretch my budget. Not terribly fashionable either – just like classic, quality clothing.
As for the plus-size models…I guess it has appeal to many, but I’m unlikely to buy anything that looks like it’s been stretched over a balloon.