HINGHAM, Mass. (November 21, 2006) - With consumers looking to rekindle childhood traditions they can pass down, expect to see more red and green, lots of festive trimmings and a stronger interest in gifts that center on family gatherings this holiday season, according Talbots Fashion Spokesperson Betsy Thompson. “While shoppers are embracing tradition, they’re not raiding grandma’s attic in search of holidays past; they’re creating new traditions inspired by childhood memories but refreshed with a dust-free palette and styles that look anything but tired.” Here are the key trends of the season, along with Talbots top gift picks.

1. Rooted in tradition – matching snowmen long johns for the kids ($24-$29.50), a Christmas tree tie ($65) for dad, or a bow-trimmed photo album ($14) for mom to display her bragging rights.
2. Healthy intentions – the health conscious woman age 35 and up will appreciate gifts reflecting her active lifestyle and desire to take better care of herself in ’07. At the top of her wish list - lush spa separates for yoga and sofa stretches ($68-$88) and a must-have puffy vest in artic silver or winter white for winter walks ($78-88).
3. Red and green revival – lively shades of red and green dominate the holiday color palette. Options for her include a chive green tee with a scattering of rhinestones ($28-$32), ruby suede slippers ($78), a zesty lime cashmere v-neck sweater ($118-$134), or a cherry turtleneck ($40-46).
4. Comforts of home – bright red French terry robe ($58), Christmas tree pajamas ($58) or super cozy mom-and-tot socks ($14).
5. Animal magnetism – cheetah print pajamas ($58), cashmere cold weather accessories with faux fur animal print trim (($38-$44), reversible animal-print walker coat ($168-$188) and croco-embossed knit tops ($48-$54).
6. All that glitters – a brooch buckle belt ($34), a sequin-trimmed tunic ($58), or a bejeweled holiday pin ($38).
7. Feminine touch - ruffled cashmere scarf ($88) or a sequined crochet cardigan ($158-$180).
8. As smooth as velvet - velvet is showing up everywhere this season. Casual options include posh jeans, pinstriped pants ($68-$78) and plush peplum jackets in uncut corduroy or velveteen peacoats ($88-$98); dressier options for day or night include retro-inspired evening bags ($58) and bejeweled mules ($88).
9. Not to be forgotten - monogrammed cocktail napkins ($18) or hand painted candles ($16) for the hostess of this year’s yuletide feast.
10. All the trimmings - a trimmed tote featuring a mix of tapestry patterns ($78) with coordinating cosmetic case duo ($28) for the well-decked holiday traveler.

Talbots offers many complimentary services year-round that help ease the stress of holiday shopping. These include:

• Style by Appointment - Before, during or after hours, customers can reserve a fitting room and the undivided attention of a trained sales associate who can customize the experience to suit her needs. Talbots provides light snack and a helpful worksheet.
• Free Gift Packaging - Customers can cross one more item off their “to do” list, at no additional cost.
• Red Line Phone - An immediate connection is provided to Talbots catalog to help shoppers find their desired holiday merchandise.
• Store Search - Associates can search Talbots entire store inventory to quickly track down an item.
• Style Search – Through this online service, customers can locate and reserve merchandise they see on talbots.com at their local Talbots store.
• Unconditional Guarantee - Customers can return or exchange merchandise at any Talbots store if for any reason they are not satisfied with their purchase (no time limit).

With nearly 60 years of experience wardrobing women, Talbots is the headquarters for grown up, classic style. Recognizing that women want clothes that fit without extensive alterations, Talbots offers a breadth of styles in four complete size ranges, including Misses 4-20, Petite 2P-16P, Woman's 12W-24W and Woman's Petite 12WP-24WP. For the Talbots store nearest you, visit www.talbots.com.

Talbots is a leading national specialty retailer, cataloger and e-tailer of women’s, children’s and men’s classic apparel and accessories. The Company offers its merchandise through its more than 1,100 specialty retail stores located throughout the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, a catalog operation with a worldwide circulation of over 45 million and an online shopping site located at talbots.com.