L.L. Bean is widely known for mom jeans and boxy cardigans with tomatoes or frogs knitted into them, and styles and colors that are about as exciting as peat moss. Pepto pink, seafoam green and mud brown have been popular colors on their palette.
I expected more of the same when I opened the catalog, but was pleasantly surprised to find stuff that I really want in my closet. Like a navy Donegal tweed jacket styled like a vintage hacking jacket. Fitted, self-belt, with leather elbow patches. Hits at the top of the hip. Cute, cute, cute and infinitely wearable!
I was also ready to pull out the credit card for a zippered pebbled leather fold over clutch in black or dark brown with brass hardware. Another favorite piece is the wide-legged stretch denim trouser. Cuffed with a pleated front, all you need is a fierce pair of heels to create a leggy Charlie Girl look. And this collection has a fierce and fabulous brogue. Vintage look with perforated details. Platform sole with a 3½” heel. Comes in a smokin’ black patent and a gorgeous saddle tan.
So, what gives? Alex Carleton, L.L. Bean’s new creative director, took their legendary quality and added style. Updated fits closer to the body, pants with a lower rise. Skirts pretty enough to be featured in the pages of Elle, More, InStyle and Lucky.
How cool! Kudos to L.L. Bean for flying its chic flag and giving us more to add to our wish lists. Check out their website--I'm sure you'll be surprised!
1 comment:
Unfortunately, this new line doesn't come in petite, so us short girls are out of luck.
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