L.L. Bean Signature Preview 2011 Men's Fall/Winter

Editor's note: Thank you to Laurie Brooks for allowing me the opportunity to post these photos and create some accompanying monologue before the Signature line launches this fall.

Fall line is available August 01, 2011. Winter line is mid-October

Signified with L.L.'s Signature logo, this Vintage Metal Field Watch will be a heritage keepsake. $225

Cap Toe Shoe. $155

Classic and Polished. The Signature Oxford Shoe. Guaranteed, no questions asked, to be more solid than its resting chair. $155

From Left to Right in (Clockwise):

The Shearling Lined Ranger Moc, a barefoot heaven. The lasting comfort of L.L. Bean shearling is endless. Priced at $179

Hawthorne Dress Boot. $179

If I could snag a high quality print of this photo - I'd frame it and hang it in my living room. Inspiration deriving from Leon's first product surely delivers with this 12" Maine Hunting Shoe. $185.

Pull on Moc Boot. $195.00

It's been said that wearing all blue never looks bad. Check!

Forcing path through a Nor'Easter is made warm once again. 

Rolled up Dark Denim strikes perfection with a Blazer

Canvas Shirt $69.00

Wool Blazer $275.00

Pocket Denim $69.00

Cap Toe Shoe $155.00

Leather Trout Field Belt $59.00

Headin' out to crank the heater in the CJ before sun up? Try this on.

Blistering cold winter blowing behind your double-paned window frame? Found what you need.

This outfit is absolute "Maine" and I would wear this everyday. In fact, this sums up my 3-season style.

Hooded Chamois Shirt $189.00

Fine Wale Cord Shirt $75.00

Maine Hunting Shoe Leather 12” $185.00

O Ring Belt $59.00

5 Pocket Denim $69.00

Suede Baseball Cap $49.00

I'd undo a button or two, but a solid printed pattern.

Fine Wale Cord Shirt $79.00

Wool Pant $175.00

O Ring Belt $59.00

I'd sport these pants while sporting, only. 

If you stood by a Maple tree in Autumn, would you be seen?

Will the suit be chosen for a wedding party this season, too?

The Blanket Lined Cord Coat even looks soft. When photographed clothing looks this great, you can be rest assured, it'll satisfy.

Hunter’s Plaid Shirt $69.00

Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater $199.00

5 Pocket Relaxed Fit Denim $79.00

Blanket Lined Cord Coat $185.00

Field Boot $199.00

Suede Baseball Cap $49.00

Amazing jacket and I'm loving the updated plaid shirt. 

My college friend, Marc, is working with Alex Carleton on the new label and I feel he had a hand in these new sweaters. He can correct me if I'm wrong. Will this one, too, be featured in the WSJ?

Hey, L.L. Bean - Can I snag this shirt right now? This is a workhorse outfit. A combination of Katahdin Iron Works toughness, L.L. Bean style, with a Signature fit. I want it all.

Everyone will know you're an L.L. Bean man. 

Portland, ME

For the visitors unaware that I moved back home to Maine, you can stay up-to-date and not miss new posts by following me @ twitter.com/BackwoodsPlaid. I accepted a new position at a large public company near Portland, ME. I'm trying to carve out where I fit in this world and Maine is a special place.

The "Old Port"  offered beautiful sunshine Saturday as we ventured through the historic Port district of Portland (the most populated city in Maine). Nonetheless, you can find a cozy corner store or hometown Pub without fighting the crowds of Boston.

Experiencing all the wonders of Coastal Maine will bring down many a historic wharf. Brightly colored signs will draw you into local catch counters with lobster @ $5.99/lb.

The camp mocs.

You name the catch - they name the price.

Pulling up a stool at the Portland Lobster Company, we chose seats on the deck for my birthday dinner of lobster and sauteed scallops. The final whale watching trip docked as we finished our first drink. The sun had shone brightly all afternoon and set over the skyline while I was cracking open my first claw.

The historic brick walkways line the streets. Cobblestone still remains in sections of the streets. Nothing screams historic like a lack of pavement.

The scent of the ocean and aroma of bright red boiling lobsters fill the back deck.

A walk about the dock gives remembrance of the day the Great Wall came down.

Sobering.

The next afternoon we enjoyed an outdoor game of Giant Jenga.

Definition of bar fun: Giant Connect Four and Jenga.

I'm the happy victor on the photographed on the right side of the photo.

She wins. All smiles after not having to pick up the fallen blocks.

Shot facing the water. Out of one of my favorite watering holes, Gritty's.



How to Spend $300 Summer Dollars

In case you haven't noticed - summer is still hot. We're phasing into fall look books, but there are some great buys that can still get use before the colored leaves fall and crisp autumn air fills with apple cider and freshly baked pies.

Bean's Jersey Graphic Tee. Even though all 3 styles of this tee reflect Maine woodlands, they needed to throw the name Jersey in there to appeal to all of the Northeast corridor. Baxter Park.

Ralph Lauren's Mesh Polo. A little sunshine additive.

 L.L. Bean's Casco Bay Boat Shoe, perfect for Land or Sea. You can't wear these out.

 Bean's Mackworth Corduroy Short. As if cords weren't comfortable enough.

L.L. Bean's Canvas Cloth Short. Unlike this guy, untuck the shirt and have some fun.

A Rogues Gallery sale tee. At under $30, why not?

A second Rogues Gallery sale find. Unhook the mooring and adjust the sails.

Ralph Lauren. American pride.

Campfire