MamaRubi, GrammyRubi and I had lunch in town today and afterwards decided to drop into the Talbots down the block. I am still looking for a crisp, white blouse, and thought I’d grab one there. After some rummaging around, it started to dawn on me that there were no size 18 garments anywhere. So I asked the manager, a family friend, if they’d stopped carrying them in the stores. She confirmed that was the case.
I can’t believe it. I’ve shopped at that Talbots since I was 16 — a mere 33 summers ago. But no longer.
A clothing store that doesn’t want my business in their bricks-and-mortar stores, clearly doesn’t want my business AT ALL. In the current economy, that’s a decision that’s hard to fathom, but there you have it.
I won’t buy clothes that I can’t try on, especially when the sizing is as wildly inconsistent as Talbots’ has been in recent years. (Case in point: I tried on an XL — that is, size 18-20 — top that was so tight on me you could see what I was thinking. I guess they haven’t gotten around to banishing the XLs from the stores yet.) And to have to pay shipping on top of it? No, siree.
So, ta-ta, Talbots. It’s been swell.
Rubi Sez 
6 comments
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September 28, 2011 at 7:52 pm
Linda
See if you have a Talbots Woman shop in your area. Just visit their website and select Stores. You can find the closest store to you easily. And don’t forget about the online Woman’s store. Also, if you sign up for emails from them, they do send you offers on great sales AND free shipping. Can’t say enough nice things about the staff and selection of their plus size clothing. You will not be disappointed.
September 29, 2011 at 2:57 pm
rubiatonta
I appreciate your suggestion, Linda. The thing is, I’m not a woman’s size. I’m a Misses 18. There is a difference — and I’ve found that women’s sizes from Talbot’s require alterations that misses sizes do not.
October 1, 2011 at 3:32 pm
SJ
I also noticed that Talbots is stocking a very narrow size range. I haven’t purchased anything from them in quite a while.
I must admit, however, that I don’t understand the difference between Misses and Womens sizes. Isn’t it all women’s clothes?
October 1, 2011 at 4:39 pm
rubiatonta
You’d think it wouldn’t make a difference, but misses’ sizes tend to have a narrower waist in relation to the hips — and as you’ll remember, I’m built like a Coke bottle, so a women’s 18 is always too big in the waist. (Sometimes a misses’ is, too, but it happens less often.)
October 4, 2011 at 8:50 am
Duchesse
Bummer! I asked staff in the Toronto store and they claim that a Misses’ 18 is equal to a Woman’s 14, sometimes 16. (Talbots sizing is inconsistent no matter what your size is.)
They just were not selling enough 18 and in this economy, will not make what doesn’t sell.
re SJ’s comment: The stores I’ve visited stock Misses 2-16 and Womens 14-22. Who else stocks a bigger range in one brand? And they offer the Women’s in the same fabrics as Misses, unlike, say Calvin Klein, who make their Plus in cheesy fabrics and use the nice stuff for Misses.
Shipping is often free via e-mail promotions. As for returns, it costs as much to drive/park so I’m not bothered.
October 4, 2011 at 8:54 am
Duchesse
SJ: Women’s pants have more room in the hip and thigh, and the skirts more room in the waist. Also, the waist often has an elastic insert for ease. Jacket armholes are cut lower and the bust is wider.
Though it is all women’s clothing, the terms used in the trade are Misses (or Missy) and Women’s (or Plus).