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Real Women Wear - Talbots Quilted Down Vest
Four women from across the country went to the their local Talbots, tried on this quilted down vest, and reported back to StyleList. Find out what their experience was with the fall outerwear trend and whether or not they would buy it.
Rosemary Ebertfrom
Real Women Wear: Talbots Vest
Name: Kate Pesich
From: Louisiana
Age: 27
Body type: Classic and curvy
Personal style: Classic but also drawing from each season's new color and print motifs.
How do you feel?
I feel very comfortable in this vest. It's not something I'd normally wear and Talbot's is not a place I'd normally shop--but I was pleasantly surprised.
How is the fit?
The vest fits very well. The medium was the perfect size for me, but if I planned on wearing thicker sweaters underneath, the large would be my choice.
How is the material?
The material is high-quality and the entire vest is solidly constructed. It had one of the smoothest zipper pulls I've ever encountered in outerwear.
Where would you wear it?
I'd wear this vest if I were going to spend extended time outside. It would probably see the most action on the hiking trail I frequent in the fall.
What types of outfits would you wear it with?
I'd pair this vest with jeans, khakis or yoga pants and a long sleeved shirt.
How often would you wear it?
I'd wear it often with casual clothing, especially if I were out doing something active like hiking or jogging.
Would you buy it?
I would definitely buy the vest if I lived in a cooler climate, but I can't justify the purchase living near the Gulf Coast.
Real Women Wear: Talbots Vest
Name: Nana-Adwoa Ofori
From: New York City
Age: 33
Blog: Nightly Candy with Nana-Adwoa
Body type: I stand at 5"2 and I am proud of every inch.
Personal style: Vintage-inspired.
How do you feel?
I don't gravitate towards puffy vests, however I do like the way this one was constructed. It doesn't have the "wilderness expedition" look and I was intrigued. I felt like I could incorporate this vest into my wardrobe.
How is the fit?
The tailoring and construction of the vest is excellent. The fit wasn't bulky and it didn't bunch up in the back. I didn't have to venture downstairs to the petite section, which is a credit to how well the vest was made.
How is the material?
My first guess would not be that the fabric was polyester. It doesn't have the ultra shine that a lot of polyester apparel has. The vest feels smooth and the down feathers do not poke out, which is a plus.
Where would you wear it?
This vest would be my "running to the store if it's not that cold out" piece of outerwear. It's perfect for those autumn weekend errands to your favorite Farmer's Market.
What types of outfits would you wear it with?
This vest would look great with a sweater, super cute cargo pants, over the knee boots, and a knitted beret if it's a little chilly.
How often would you wear it?
I could wear this vest all autumn long however once the temp drops to 45 or below, I would have to retire it until next year.
Would you buy it?
I tried on several vests and had major problems with the double zipper. I can't stand faulty zippers. It's not worth the $89 bucks if I may or may not be able to zip up.
Real Women Wear: Talbots Vest
Name: Rosemary Ebertfrom
From: Coopersburg, PA
Blog: Momperks
Body type: Not pencil thin.
Personal style: Comfy and easy but stylish and current.
How do you feel?
I loved the color of the Talbot's vest. It was the color of iced coffee and seem to be a flattering to my hair and eye color.
How is the fit?
The double zip on the vest is a definite plus. I would be able to pull both zippers to mid-waist and which would give me the appearance of a cinched waist. I absolutely adored the wide collar on the vest. It turned the simple vest into a chicer version of itself.
How is the material?
The feel of the fabric was terrific. It was extra soft and smooth.
What types of outfits would you wear it with?
I would pair the vest with a corduroy above the knee skirt, patterned tights, and tall boots. Layered above a cashmere sweater and bootleg jeans this vest would be the perfect go-to piece for fall.
Would you buy it?
I would purchase this vest, definitely. It was not puffy or too hot, which most vests are. It was comfortable and luxurious looking. I was impressed.
Real Women Wear: Talbots Vest
Name: Sylvia Colette Branch
From: Cleveland, IL
Age: 40
Body type: Classic hourglass figure
Personal style: Comfortable classics paired with a funky accessory.
How do you feel?
The vest was comfortable, there is no denying that. The overall look was sleeker than I had imagined but I still felt a little boxy in it.
How is the fit?
I don't particularly like how boxy vests look in general. The wide open collar on this Talbot's vest did help to create a more flattering look, so I didn't feel quite as self conscious.
How is the material?
The material is soft and matte, rather than shiny. I liked the way the quilting laid flat and didn't completely puff up.
Where would you wear it?
I'd wear the vest to my son's soccer/football/track events. The sporty look also provides just enough warmth for an outdoor activity.
What types of outfits would you wear it with?
The vest lends itself to a simple, classic look; jeans, long sleeved T-shirt or turtle neck and a pair of boots.
How often would you wear it?
Would you buy it?
I would buy this, it is not something I would seek out, but after trying it on, I think it could very well work in my life.
Real Women Wear: Talbots Vest
With
fall in full force and winter approaching, there is no time like the present to shop for stylish insulation.
A down vest is a fabulous
layering piece to pair with
sweaters and hoodies or wear under a fall coat.
We're all
different shapes and sizes so it can be hard to find a vest that does not overwhelm a petite frame or add unnecessary bulk.
So for this week's
testing the garment segment, we decided to send a devoted crew of fashion reviewers to
Talbots to find out if the
Quilted Down Vest is as flattering and functional as it appears on the rack.
The swat team of savvy shoppers (some of whom are bloggers, others are not) headed to their local mall to try on this relatively reasonably priced vest ($99). Made with cozy micro-fleece lining, this two-way zip vest is built to last.
But don't take our word for it. Find out what these women, who are of
varying style and body types, had to say about size, fit, and fabrication as it pertains to this particular garment. The overall take-away: the vest is practical and surprisingly slimming.
Make sure to enlarge the gallery to full-screen -- and let us know if you're a fan of the style of this vest by
leaving a comment.
For simple fall pieces to wear with your chic vest, check out
how to wear the minimalist trend.
