I've bought a few pieces there and they just don't hold up for me - nothing too major, just loose buttons or threads. My big beef with them is their patterned tops aren't lined up on the seams - I don't know if that makes sense, if it doesn't, I'll try to explain it better.

Their website is not working. It works if you do zip, but not state. There are NY&Co's in Champaign, Peoria and Alton, IL. I think they are a great budget conscious choice for work clothes. If you are going there, go to their website FIRST, join and get an instant 20% off coupon that works, even on sale and clerance merchandise. They will then send you coupons by email or mail. I shop there often but NEVER without a coupon! I would also suggest the sales sections of AT or AT Loft for deals. Like NY&Co all three stores put together color schemes and collections so it is easy to but pieces you can mix and match.

I haven't been home in forever. Is the NY&Co at the new mall out on War Memorial (see - new mall, been forever)...??

LOL I'm going to have to agree with GP on the age/clothes issue here (although for the record, I am muchmuchmuch less conservative clothes-wise than she is). I'm in my thirties and wouldn't even consider shopping at Talbots. I don't wear blazers or anything that could be referred to as a "shell" -- that's something my mom would tell me to wear and I'd ignore it.

Of course I would wear a suit to a job interview. However, most jobs do not require or expect such formal clothing on a daily basis. I've been dressing in a manner that I'm sure many would consider very casual for years, and I've never had any problems with being taken seriously. Also, dressing casually does NOT mean I come to work every day dressed for the club. I might wear some khakis, a tank, and a cute hoodie, with sandals. I haven't worn hose in YEARS -- and I appeared in court almost every day for a year and a half. Nobody cares.

I wear Talbots, so therefore I dress frumpy?

Nobody said you had to dress like a pastor's wife, nor did I ever imply you wear skirts that go halfway down your calf. You apparently have not been to Talbots as you claim.

I'm not 22, but I have pretty nice legs from all of the years of being an athlete. You might want to be a bit more careful writing things that can be construed as agism.

Note too, that I pointed out in one of my posts to the original poster how linen wrinkles, which is why I also suggested a "linen" blend. I would agree that silk would be inappropriate for her job, although she certainly could wear a silk shell under her blazer..

As stated, you certainly-- as a student who says she has learned how to dress in school-- have every right to disagree with me. I'm just offering suggestions from my more than 20 years experience in the professional business world and as my position as someone who hires people.

Maybe you have much much longer legs than I do, but suits at Talbots are very long on me - to the point where alterations wouldn't help. In addition, most of them are not cut to flatter women with a larger bust as many of their jackets are one-button. If you like the clothes there, that's great, but as a 22 y/o woman who dresses professionally on a regular basis, I don't. They do have some great cashmere occasionally and good oxfords, but they aren't the place I'd start wardrobing. They are also VERY costly compared to other stores where a more youthful high-quality product could also be purchased.

I wore lots of Talbot's suits when I was in my 20's, and now that I'm in my 40's I look at much of their selection and think "My mom would love this!"

For professional wardrobe, Ann Taylor is always my best answer, but it sounds like fit is an issue. My co-workers and I have discussed this before, and it seems like there are two distinct groups: those who love and wear Ann Taylor, and those who can't and find that Jones of New York has the best fit for them. If there's an outlet store anywhere nearby, it could be worth a trip.

I've also picked up some good looking pieces for work at Target recently. Some of the sweater sets don't hold their shape, and I've already had to re-stitch the inseam of one pair of pants. They're not investment quality, but then neither is the price. Target.com is having free shipping on clothes purchases over $50 for now too.

Good luck!

My mom used to love Talbots clothes about 8 or so years ago. Now she looks at their stuff and says its too frumpy and "suburban housewife."

I stalk Ann Taylor sales-- eventually everything goes to 40% off. Once, I actually had a friend 4 states away mail me a sweater she found on sale. It cost $79 at my Ann and had been reduced to $19.99 at hers. That's extreme, but check out their outlet stores.

If there's an outlet mall nearby, Ann Taylor and Banana make great clothes that last a long time and are good quality. Regarding your chest-- I have the same problem-- XS everywhere else-- I find that it helps to wear petite sized button down shirts because the buttons are closer together. Try that and see if you can keep the girls undercover! Avoid scoop neck tops. What looks great on your B-cup sized co-worker will make you look like the office tramp, no matter your intentions. If you want a lower neck and the tops are cropping because of your longer torso, try a few neutral colored shells-- like bra shelf tops with spaghetti straps (Express, GAP, etc.) and wear them under those shirts. Clever layering and you can wear the same clothes as everyone else. It will also look nice and fitted.

I'm 5'3! I shop in Talbot's Petite department. This is why I'm not convinced you've actually shopped there.

Yes, they are very costly, which is why I specifically recommended she try the twice a year sale which is going on right now.

I'm curious.. what exactly do you consider "more youthful?" A classic suit is a classic suit.

I'm too tall for Petite bottoms, the rise is off.

I've been to their store on Nicollet Mall in Minneapolis, MN. I've been to their store in Mayfair Mall in Wauwatosa, WI. I've been to their store on Bluemound Rd in Brookfield, WI.

I think this is youthful looking suiting.

I think something like this from Talbots would be great if it hit at or slightly above the knee. I think that's a frumpy length, especially when paired with a jacket. Sure, it's technically professional, but I'd rather wear the first suit.

I have three suits right now. One is from Limited and is a fairly traditional black two-button jacket, a knee-length a-line skirt, and also trousers. Another is a J.Crew wool garbadine suit, two button jacket, a-line skirt with very minimal fluting, and cuffed trousers. Third is a more casual Liz Claiborne one, tan with a thin green plaid pattern. I also have a three-button tweed Jacket that works great with the pants from my two black suits. I wear very traditional clothing, but Talbot's tends to be too shapeless in the jackets or too long in the bottoms.

everyone can go to talbots.com to make their own decision.

The first pair of pants I pulled up had front pleats. JUST SAY NO TO PLEATS!

I'm scared to see what's next- mom jeans?

Looking at the suits, they're overpriced, boring and inappropriate for a 20 year old. It's not necessarily something that can be described... you look at them and it screams OLD in the cut, fit, style, color, everything.

Overpriced is a biggie, as OP said that cost was an issue. The materials and styles offered scream suburban middle-aged mom much more than young professional who will have to be physical in the outfit.

In my opinion, you can find great professional wear for younger professionals at stores like Ann Taylor, Ann Taylor Loft and the Limited. Ann Taylor Loft stuff always goes on sale. And if you try on something in the store and like it- go home and look for it online. There are always tons of online sales- not only regular sales, but a lot of email coupons for 15-20% off.

I agree with NY&Co not being of very good quality. However, their stuff is fairly inexpensive.

I also suggest hitting up a store like Filene's basement, that has high quality department store goods at cheaper prices.

Duh, I completely forgot about Tuscola being right there!!!


Here's their women's list:
Bon Worth (217) 253-9888
dressbarn (217) 253-2539
Gap Outlet (217) 253-6666
Geoffrey Beene (217) 253-9010
Maurices (217) 253-2374
Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store (217) 253-4753
Tommy Hilfiger Company Stores (217) 253-5880
Van Heusen (217) 253-3398
VF Outlet (217) 253-9890

And may I just state for the record that Dress Barn terrifies me. Talk about ugly, cheap clothing... no 20-something should ever shop there. Ever.

This is from from Talbots, and it's adorable:

http://www1.talbots.com/images/688/A138688.jpg


But I don't really see much else.

ETA: And then I looked at the price...it's $118 adorable, which makes it 118 times less adorable. Yeesh.