Not Your Father’s L.L. Bean – Signature Summer Line Has Us Drooling!

I did a double take followed by a triple check when, late last week, I found myself perusing–and drooling over–an L.L. Bean catalog I'd just received in the mail.  I'm on the L.L. Bean mailing list because I've purchased everything from ExOfficio sun and insect shield shirts for my sportsman dad, and a British Slip Lead to keep our unruly dog in check, to monogrammed Adventure Duffels for both boys (they'll have them forever), and I'm pretty sure I'll score the Sea-Washed Canvas Duffel for hubs for Father's Day.  Frankly, L.L. Bean sells great stuff: for guys and dogs and kids and moms who like pleated trousers and polo shirts.  But I have never, not even once, considered purchasing something for myself (okay, maybe duck boots). Until now. 

As it turns out, the outdoor gear and polo shirt purveyor's new collection, L.L. Bean Signature (led by Alex Carleton, a veteran of Polo Ralph Lauren, Abercrombie & Fitch and Rogues Gallery, his own line) has quite a few stunning spring and summer looks.  Here are our picks:

I love each of these looks-the trench is from the Spring line while the others are summer, but I had to include it since I'm seriously coveting the hunting-inspired sateen pant.  Also pictured are the Over the Shoulder Bag, a vintage-inspired piece from the 1957 L.L. Bean archives (totally lusting after that one), and the Seersucker Stripe Trouser in royal blue.  Love.

Pictured above:
Over the Arm Bag in Aztec Gold – $145

Seersucker Stripe Trouser in Royal Blue – $69

Sateen Pant in Dark Umber – $85

Cotton Modal Tunic Tank in Darkest Navy – $35

Not all of the line is a hit, but several pieces from each category are, including these fab separates. The silk knits are an inventive if pricey take on basics, but with L.L. Bean's lifetime, unconditional guarantee (yes, seriously), you can bet they'll last.

Pictured above, clockwise from top left:

Cotton Modal Tunic Tank in Darkest Navy – $35

Kennebunk Silk V-Neck in Sea Jade Heather – $89

Kennebunk Silk Stripe Scoopneck in Royal Violet – $99

Ruffle Tie-Neck Shirt in Darkest Navy- $79

Silk Habutai Print Skirt in Antique White – $139

Kennebunk Silk Scoopneck in Darkest Navy – $89

Sateen Pant in Dark Umber – $85

Shoes, Accessories and Bags – YUM!  Want them all.

Pictured above, from top left to right:

Milbridge Clog in Warm Red – $125

Silk Square Scarf in Forsythia/Collegiate Blue – $39

Dessert Bootie in Soapstone – $169

Cork Wedge in Sea Glass – $119

Resin Bangle in Golden Cider – $35

Portia’s Pearl Necklace – $275

Downeaster Sport Canvas Bag in Golden Cider – $59

Over the Arm Bag in Aztec Gold – $145

I don't know about you, mamas, but I am loving the trend of reinvigorated brands from LOFT and Lands End, but L.L. Bean Signature is one of the best, and most delightfully surprising, showings yet.

– M.