Lynn Mailey 
I know Memorial Day is kind of designated as the “unofficial” beginning of summer. But for me — and for a few of you guys too, I’m sure! — the end of the school year and the start of summer break really signals summertime. And, summer vacation is so close I can taste it! I personally still have a few weeks left to fully prepare for the season, and I’m going to start doing that by taking advantage of the Talbots Summer Friends & Family sale.
I’m starting a new “5 Things” series where I share a handful of my top picks from some of my favorite stores, and I’m starting with Talbots since the whole store is 40 percent off right now through June 17! Sooooo if you needed an excuse to get almost twice as much for the same cost, now’s the time to shop! You can use the code “FRIENDS40” online, or just shop in store.
Here are five things I’m loving from Talbots right now.
Espadrilles
Fun fact: Rope-soled shoes can actually be traced back to 1300s Europe… which means espadrilles are truly a summer classic. I love how Talbots managed to take a 700-year-old design and make it modern with cute prints, like this cactus pair and this giraffe pair! You can also get a plain pair too. No matter which color you pick, they all have memory foam footbeds so they’re sure to be super comfy.
Floral cut-out top
Another summer classic? Florals. (I know, you’re thinking “florals for spring? Groundbreaking.” But it’s true!) I love this flutter-sleeve top, which is light enough to wear on even the hottest days and could be worn to work tucked into a pencil skirt, or with white jeans on the weekend.
Lightweight blazer
I can’t be the only person that ends up freezing mid-summer in an over-conditioned room, right? This lightweight blazer is perfect to throw on over a cute top and jeans for a chilly restaurant, or to keep at your desk to wear when the office AC is cranked just a little too high. It also has an adorable polka dot lining, which would be fun to show off when you have to take it off and carry it while walking outside!
Sometimes it’s easy to get stuck in a rut when you’re getting dressed in the summer because you’re confined to fewer pieces, and hot temperatures mean less layering. So, since you can’t layer sweaters and button-ups, layering necklaces is the next-best alternative! This colorful piece is a perfect way to add a little bit of brightness to a simple outfit, and can be split into two different lengths to wear alone, or with another piece like this or this.
