Fashion: Talbots reversible horsebit belt (Hermes dupe) + summer sale

Topshop skirt (2 colors, also at Nordstrom, wearing US 2), Ann Taylor tank & tote

Talbots belt & shoes (sold out), Sole Society weekender bag

This Topshop skirt is quickly becoming one of my more worn pieces this summer - there's still a few left on their site starting in US 4 (which I would guess equates to a ~ 0 at AT/LOFT, for reference). We snapped these photos quickly before a day trip last weekend, and I was pleasantly surprised the skirt didn't wrinkle much after hours in the car. This Sole Society Cassidy bag (faux leather) is still my favorite for short trips, and for those who've been asking, it's durable and held up well over dozens of uses.

I posted about this Talbots belt on Instagram but wanted to do a more detailed review. My vintage Hermes reversible belt is undoubtedly one of my favorite and most versatile pieces, so I was ecstatic to find this affordable dupe. I get lots of requests on a "look for less" with that belt, but previously the only version I've found was by Ferragamo, which is very similar and good quality, but not too much less at about $400. The biggest draw about these belts is the hidden prong buckle, which allows for a really clean look (the extra belt length is tucked away on the inside, not flopping around the outside). I also love the classic horsebit buckle with a hint of equestrian charm.

In terms of quality, compared to my vintage one the leather on this one (listed as genuine leather) feels stiffer and not as supple. The hardware is silver-toned with good weight without being too heavy. I feel you get what you pay for, and this is a novelty belt not really to be compared to those that cost 10x more. I think it's worth it if you've had your heart set on this hard-to-find style belt and don't want to pay Ferragamo prices, plus you get 2 in 1 with the reversible feature.

Fit-wise, I am wearing an XS with extra holes punched. If you don't have a leather hole puncher yet, not sure what you're waiting for because I use one to get a perfect fit on nearly all my belts, and sometimes handbag straps and shoes too. The site lists the XS to fit 29" - 33," so I expected having to punch new holes if I wanted to wear it higher at my natural waist. It did fit fine without extra holes when worn lower at the hips with jeans and pants.

talbots lyndsay espadrille wedge sandals

I also wanted to point out these cute Lyndsay espadrille sandals (see all 10 color/print options) on super sale which I've mentioned before. 5 and 5.5 are online-only sizes but I came across this returned pair and had to try them on. They feel true to size for Talbots shoes and were comfortable for the short period during which I tried them on. I've been eying the tangerine gingham ones (another online exclusive) for ages, and have resisted only due to my already robust collection of Talbots low-height shoes.

Talbots Keaton dress in Petite P (also in classic navy)

I've posted about this dress on Instagram, but wanted to mention it again here as another awesome sale item. I don't usually fit their apparel due to sizing starting mostly in a 2P and up, but this dress in Petite P was not bad. It is also very short-gal friendly, as I'm about 5 feet tall and this hit above the ground. The belt comes with the dress, which helps with the fit as you can tie it tighter or looser to your liking.

Before signing off, I wanted to share some pairing ideas for a reversible horsebit belt. See below for just a few of the many ways I've worn my Hermes version! I could only wear mine high at the natural waist because the belt size is so small, but the Talbots one fits lower and will be more versatile for wearing with pants/jeans.