Attn: L.L. Bean Signature's New Boots

Damn, this came out of nowhere.  Today sees the launch of a bunch of new items from L.L. Bean Signature just in time for the holidays.  The standouts of all the new arrivals are three boots - 2 wholly new styles (the wedge sole boot is handsewn in Maine by the way) and one new version of the instant classic waxed canvas L.L. Bean boot.  I'm pretty impressed with the new designs, which are definitely a step in the right direction, no pun intended, for Signature.  Based on looks alone, these boots all appear to be surefire winners and will definitely be climbing the ranks of many holiday wish lists and gift guides right about...now.

-L.A.S

[Editor's Note: Get free shipping and 10% off with promo code HOLIDAY]

The "New" Norwegian

By this point everyone knows that L.L. Bean's iconic Norwegian is back and, yes, knit in Norway out of 100% wool.  Some of you might even know that L.L. Bean recently introduced a new quarter zip version to add to the knit's already illustrious legacy.  So what's the new news, you ask?  Well, I had no idea that L.L. Bean had just released their newest incarnation - the Norwegian stripe.  I can't say for sure if this is a wholly new style or based on something from the archives, but I sure as hell have never seen it before (update: archive).  It's virtually exactly the same as the original, but now comes with striped ribbing around the neck, wrists and waist.  As of now only a natural and charcoal colorway is available, but if sales are good I can definitely see L.L. Bean introducing some others (I'm on team navy and mountain red).  The pricepoint on the Norwegian stripe is the same as the original ($129), but, since it is much less likely to be seen around town, a much better bang for you buck.

[Editor's note: I had these last two images saved in an image folder on my computer so my apologies if they are in fact yours and I stole them from you.]

-L.A.S

Attn: L.L. Bean Signature Winter 2010 Launch

From preview to launch in 6 days - now that's what I call turn around time.  L.L. Bean Signature has just launched the last of their F/W 2010 gear, which is good news for those of you who enjoy the brand's recent foray into a younger demographic.  You should be familiar, or vaguely familiar, with these items as they were featured in Signature's F/W 2010 lookbook, but today is your first chance to pick up the newly released pieces.  Below you will find arguably the coolest and most polarizing item, the blaze orange Italian wool trousers (I refused to use the world "slacks").  Go to hell has never been warmer.

-L.A.S

Sneak Peek: L.L. Bean Signature Winter 2010

Not much to say here besides the good news that there are indeed some new L.L. Bean Signature releases planned for the coming months and, based on this teaser, look pretty damn good.  For those keeping score at home, both the cardigan and trousers are archive inspired.

-L.A.S

A Few F/W eBay Tips

I don't consider myself an eBay aficionado by any stretch of the imagination.  Some guys just posses a knack for auction wizardry and I am not one of them.  However, I have been buying gear on eBay for a long time so there are a few truths I hold to be self evident.  I'd like to share a few of those with you today.  I'm not going to waste your time talking about sniping services or how to properly low ball sellers.  Instead I'd like to quickly do my best to point you in the right direction of a few F/W staples that are always better on eBay.  What do I mean by better you ask?  In this case, better means cheaper.

Let's start with L.L. Bean boots as they are my favorite thing ever in the history of the world.  When I want a new pair I head straight to eBay.  For starters, there are more Bean boots than you can shake a stick at living on The Bay.  If you are unfamiliar with Bean boots let me tell you right off the bat that the sizing on these babies are very peculiar.  They can often run up to a size and a half too big (depending on your feet of course) and are very wide.  What does this mean for you?  Well, lots of people have bought Bean boots over the years that straight up do not fit.  They also don't take advantage of L.L. Bean's best in class customer service and instead of exchanging them put them up on eBay.  Their loss is your gain.  You can easily find a fresh new pair of Bean boots (in many different styles, both new and vintage) for less than half price.  And if you don't have a problem wearing someone else's used boots (I mean, you're gonna be wearing socks anyway, right?) you can easily grab a pair for like $30 or less.

Shipping costs aside, eBay UK is also a great resource, especially when looking for one of Barbour's many classic styles.  Barbour is practically a lifestyle across the pond, which means a lot of guys are constantly unloading their old jackets.  I know most of you guys probably want to break in your own jacket, but I also realize most of you don't have upwards of 400 bones to drop on a brand new joint.  For all I know your entire clothing budget for F/W is around that much.  I've seen used Barbour's sell in the $30-$180 range depending on the wear/tear and the popularity of the model (i.e. A Beaufort will run you more than a Border).  If you can find a Barbour being hawked by an independent seller (aka some random dude in Northampton), as oppose to a vintage "shop" on eBay, you can easily save around $300 plus dollars.  Buy some wax, put a little effort in on a Sunday afternoon and you've got a great classic jacket for fall.  Happy hunting.

-L.A.S

My F/W Novelty

I would surmise that those of us who read and/or write style blogs take ourselves fairly seriously to some extent or another.  We appreciate looking a certain way and how that makes us feel.  Whether for ourselves or others (or a combination of both), there seems to be a definite level of thought that goes into dressing.  Never is this more so the case than in F/W.  The weather is serious.  The colors are serious.  The layering is serious.  Hell, even the fabrics are serious.  And the results, while often very well put together and admirable, can often come off as a bit joyless.  I realize I don't speak for everyone, but I am sure some of you will agree.  And you know what?  Some people really dig that and that's totally fine.  At the end of the day you should always dress comfortably both in the literal and figurative sense.  But for those of you looking for a little levity don't believe for a second that you can only go that route when the weather dictates.  I'm not advocating wearing your next-level "go to hell" S/S wardrobe in the dead of winter by any means, but merely putting forth the idea that you can find an aesthetic middle ground.  Being deadly serious or seriously lighthearted are not mutually exclusive.  Maybe you start wearing a lapel flower on your tweed sportcoats.  Or maybe you grab some lively socks to go with those 2" flannel cuffs.  Or maybe you buy a L.L. Bean boot novelty tie on eBay for twelve dollars that a friend sent your way.  Just sayin'.

-L.A.S

Lusting After: L.L. Bean Black Watch Heritage Wool Duffel Coat

Well, I'm officially done shopping for F/W outwear.  It's a wrap. Game over.  See ya later.  My buddy Gabe alerted me to the coat to end all coats.  L.L. Bean's Black Watch Heritage Wool Duffel Coat is perfect - classic outwear silhouette, classic tartan.  Hell, the best tartan ever.  It's as bold as timeless gets, which as far as I am concerned is the definition of a must have.  This is a statement making coat, but that statement won't embarrass you in, let's say, 2 years.  The details are standard Bean fare.  The wool is of the Italian sourced 18 oz. variety and the jacket comes hooked up with Bean's Thinsulate insulation (as seen in their Bean boots) to keep you extra warm.  It's got traditional toggle closure, but also features a zipper (presumably YKK from previous experience) and backer buttons for when the wind really kicks up - that's a heavy dose of function to go with a full house of form.  Lots of brands seem to be on the cropped duffel tip these days, but for my money I want a 3/4 length to keep my ass warm - L.L. Bean hits you right above the knee.  If you don't trust me on black watch outerwear, and I know a lot of you don't, at least trust one of the greatest to ever do it.

-L.A.S

[Editor's Note: Of course there is always an option for those of you who prefer to keep things stealth.]

Duck Hunt

Would you like some duck pants to go with your duck boots? If you answered "yes" to this question please continue reading.  L.L. Bean is getting new F/W 2010 arrivals on the daily and some fantastic embroidered corduroy trousers just popped up.  These olive 100% cotton cords stand out thanks to their mallard embroidery and are your F/W answer to the plethora of critter gear available for warmer seasons.  These are easily some of the coolest pants I have seen recently, but take a certain type of guy to pull off.  Despite the slightly overstated nature of critter gear in general, there is something classic about embroidered pants.  If your cold weather kits are understated to begin with (solid OCBD's, peacoat, Bean boots) it never hurts to have one great statement item for those days when you're feeling it - can't say for sure what "it" is, but you know it when you wake up in the morning.  My only issue here is Bean's Classic Fit.  Yeah, it's "trim" by their standards, but that usually shapes up to around a 9" leg opening, which can feel pretty massive.  It's just right for some and pretty far off the mark for others.  I'm gonna grab them unfinished and hit my tailor for a quick taper and 2" cuff.  Of course, L.L. Bean will cuff them free of charge, but keep in mind they do a 1".  Hold up, I gotta go get my Zapper.

-L.A.S

Attn: L.L. Bean Town and Field Pant Sale

I'll make this one quick and painless. Wool trousers are a necessity for F/W - it's that simple.  Getting high quality wool trousers for $50 is a flat out coup.  L.L. Bean's Town and Field pant, one of the best value pants on the market, disappeared thanks to seasonal shifts, but are now back online.  And not only are they back, but they're on sale (and with free shipping by the way).  A full grip of waist sizes are available for the charcoal joints and with complimentary cuff service there is no reason not to pick up a pair, or two for that matter.  There was a good deal of press on these when they first came out, so for a refresher course you can read up on them here, complete with insight from Don Rogers, L.L. Bean's product line manager.  He's the guy who created the pants, so you know, he's got things pretty much on lock. As a side note: these pants are more or less identical to a pair of Cucinelli trousers I own (straight leg, back flap pockets, etc.) and those pants were NOT 50 bones. And they were even on sale. You get the picture.

-L.A.S

L.L. Bean Signature's F/W 2010 Big Winner: The Work Boot

Opinion seemed to be fairly split when I first previewed L.L. Bean Signature's F/W2010 collection - you can hit the comments section to read all the various praises and criticisms if you'd like.  I, personally, was extremely impressed with what Alex Carleton and co. whipped up, especially with the various "new" footwear up for grabs.  A good chunk of F/W 2010 is on sale today, but I'd like to focus on my favorite piece.  Much like the waxed canvas Bean boot from S/S 2010, F/W 2010 had a hands down front runner that happens to be of the footwear variety as well - The Work Boot.  Actually, "Work Boot" is a pretty interesting description for a shoe that seems to draw inspiration from L.L. Bean's classic blucher moc more so than anything else (I'm sure there is a vintage model of The Work Boot no doubt, but it's more than likely that was based on a moc style shoe as well).  Details, such as beefroll stitching, speed eyelets, added height (not sure if it is 8" or 10"), and rugged sole take the blucher moc and make it instantly F/W ready.  The sole might even be the best addition.  The rubber sole (with EVA foam cushioning) appears to be a combination of the typical blucher moc bottom and a traditional lug sole.  This keeps the original low profile moc silhouette in place, while toughening it up for the elements.  Overall, it's a handsome boot and L.L. Bean Signature's F/W 2010 biggest winner.  You can snipe The Work Boot as of today, but I am pretty sure it doesn't ship out until late August/early September. Good things come to those who wait.

-L.A.S

Attn: L.L. Bean Signature F/W 2010 Bean Boot Pre-Launch

Pop on over to the the L.L. Bean Signature webstore to snatch up a pair of those new Bean boots I was talking about earlier.  The black upper made of full-grain Chromexcel leather is the newest addition to the classic boot and Sart Inc favorite.  For $149 it's a must have purchase for all of you folks living for the city.  Just remember to size down accordingly because these babies run huge. This is a "today only" deal with the next pre-launch coming August 2nd.

 

-L.A.S 

Levi's Outback Pant

Front cargo/camp pants (this is the best description I can come up with) are awesome.  They are pretty much a more sartorially advanced version of cargo pants and I say that because the average person probably doesn't even realize pants like this exist in the first place.  You've seen a version of these pants in pretty much every Michael Bastian collection and recently in my L.L. Bean Signature F/W 2010 preview.  It's not really important, at least to me, about who ripped off who (archive this and archive that) because everybody in all tax brackets should have access to such an interesting alternative to their everyday denim and chinos.  Levi's apparently agrees with me because they just released their own style of "FC/CP" called the Outback Pant.  The low rise, slim straight style comes in faded green canvas and at $79.50 is probably on track with what the Signature joints cost.  Levi's sniped this one right out of their own archives and it's an adventurous choice, but a welcomed one at that.

First Look: L.L. Bean Signature F/W 2010 Bean Boots

One of the best things about L.L. Bean Signature, at least for me, are the various reimaginings and archive reissues Alex Carleton pulls off with L.L. Bean's most iconic item - The Bean boot.  If you've followed this blog for a while you already know how I feel about this particular item.  While it's tough to pin down just one all time favorite piece, if you held a gun to my head I'd probably go with the footwear that graces this blog's very logo.  The waxed canvas joints from L.L. Bean Signature S/S 2010 was an insta-cop (aka a "must have" for those not up on how all the cool kids talk these days) for myself and these new blacked out Bean Boots will most likely fall into the same category.  The usual ruggedness of the Bean Boot is nicely substituted for a more refined military-esque vibe and these look to be an instant hit with anyone drudging through downtown when the weather takes a turn for the nasty.  Black and brown isn't a combination I usually think works all that well together, but I'm buying it here.  You can grab your own made in Maine pair for $149 in August.  The only Bean boots Jay-z probably co-signs...

-L.A.S

First Look: L.L. Bean Signature F/W 2010

While we had a sneak peak at L.L. Bean Signature's F/W 2010 collection courtesy of a local news video about two months ago, I just got my hands on the full lookbook thanks to Laurie Brooks aka the best in the business.  If you thought S/S 2010 was impressive wait until you see all the gear on tap for the upcoming cold weather.  Alex Carleton really outdid himself with this one for sure.  The collection is pretty rugged, but with all the updates you have come to expect from L.L. Bean's young, but already making waves Signature line.  Highlights range from the snap front camp pants (you might recall these from Michael Bastian's previous collections) to the incredible footwear (featuring old and new silhouettes alike) to outwear (the high point of the collection in my eyes).  The catalog drops August 2nd with the entire collection hitting their webstore on the same day.  I'm over summer already - it's just too damn hot.

-L.A.S

On The Move

I'm currently in the process of moving (obviously that's why I'm blogging instead of packing) and the more I think about it the more I'm realizing how I need a great duffel bag in my arsenal.  Not only would it come in real handy as I transition into my new place, but for various trips and the like - it's not like you all can't figure out the myriad of uses for functional luggage on your own.  Anyhow, L.L. Bean is selling this killer Sea-Washed Canvas Duffle for $49 bucks.  That's right, forty-nine bucks - no typos.  At a price like that you're pretty much entering Army/Navy surplus territory, which is music to my ears.  Simply put, fantastic looking bags that happen to be as functional as they are cheap deserve a shout out.  If I was one of those bloggers who put together hypothetical kit composites odds are you'd find this joint in the ones dealing with my magical journeys around the world.  And we're off...

-L.A.S