That’s From WHERE? Talbots. That’s Right. Talbots.

I nearly stopped in my tracks when I saw the windows at Talbots on Bellevue Avenue last month. The pieces were nautical, fresh and dare I say, head-turning. I’m not sure about you, but when I think of Talbots, I think of matching sweater sets, smart blazers and well, safe polished pieces for women … women much older than I. Laura Bush comes to mind. Heck, Barbara Bush. Turns out, a lot of women feel that way. In an informal survey I conducted, without meaning to, I garnered 100% of the same reaction to the Talbots sweater I admired from the window that I’ve worn this past month: “THAT’S from Talbots?” Yes, it is. And it’s fabulous.

The cozy, striped boatneck pullover with nautical stripes and sequined letters that spell “Je t’aime” (I love you in French) is super soft and a new Saturday go-to. Talbots, cited in the Official Preppy Handbook (the prep’s field guide) along with staples from Brooks Brothers and L.L. Bean, is intrinsically nautical, even if it doesn’t seem so, as it was was founded in Hingham, Mass. in 1947. So it just makes sense that the spring line features anchor print cotton buttondowns, scarves and tops emblazoned with lobsters, sailboat print tops, outerwear, accessories and more.  The best part? Most of these pieces, included the coveted Je t’aime top, is currently on sale!

Based on what I’m seeing, it might be time to see what’s behind that iconic red door…

Talbots in Newport is located at 162 Bellevue Avenue.

For purposes of this review, Talbots supplied me with a sample of the Je’taime top. Opinions expressed are my own.