The Bean Boot Project: Components Of Enthusiasm Guest Post

Paul and myself are both devoted members of the church of rap, boat shoes and Natalie Portman.  In the short time I've known him we've bonded over, well, rap, boat shoes and Natalie Portman...besides other things of course.  Long story short, Paul is a great guy who runs a great blog.  I've been reading Components of Enthusiasm for a long time since it's one of the few good style and music sites out there.  His posts, from the most recent on some of the coolest photography I've ever seen (The Europeans by Yamandu Roos) to an older post (and easily one of my favorites ever) dealing with the age old debate of Sperry vs. Sebago, are great, insightful reads. Meeting kindred spirits is always the most enjoyable thing about all this blogging and I've got nothing besides great things to say about Mr. Munford.  Read COE and talk with Paul, odds are you'll become quick friends.  Assuming you like rap, boat shoes and Natalie Portman that is.

P.S. If you're cool you've already checked out my side project with Paul, "Once Upon A Time in Hip Hop", which may be arguably the most gangster website of all time.

Those Bean Boots

"When I think about it, it’s truly unacceptable.  I’ve lived in the South my whole life, born and raised near Richmond, Virginia.  I don’t come from a family who necessarily cares about heritage brands, but as a guy who personally acknowledges and appreciates the history and authenticity of these types of brands, I’ve found myself recently wondering why it is that I still find myself without Bean Boots at the ripe old age of twenty three.

Bean Boots are big in the South, so I’ve seen them plenty of times.  But the first time I truly appreciated their stylishness was my freshman year of college at UVA.  I spotted a fratdog stumbling out of dorms with the low top boots on a fall Saturday afternoon, and thought to myself, “Those are some sick kicks.”  Nearly six years later, I’m laughing as I type this because nothing has changed.  I still find myself holding the exact same opinion, and yet I’m still in the exact same position, no Bean Boots to my name!  Chalk it up to laziness, forgetfulness, whatever; probably a combination of both and more.

In any case (and despite my lack of ownership of said boots), my fondness towards them stems from the generations-old heritage and the simplicity of the design. I appreciate the color scheme—it’s perfect for fall, winter, and spring—and I certainly appreciate the LL Bean re-soling service, ensuring that the same pair of boots truly do become an heirloom that sticks in the family.  They go well with jeans and khakis, doing just enough to add that touch of laid back ruggedness to your look. Stylishness aside, they are fully capable and probably better suited in protecting your delicate toes from the harshness of winter snowstorms and the cold rain that arrives in spring and autumn.  Classic styling, practicality, and high quality construction that you can pass down to your children, the Bean boot just might be the only boot that I’ll ever need, but still don’t have.  That being said…it’s about time I purchased my own."

-L.A.S

[Note: Head here for the project's backstory. Also, If you are reading this and I requested a submission from you or if you would just like to participate please feel free to submit (contact via email). Your participation, as always, is still much anticipated and appreciated.]