l.l.bean: then & now.

as you may already know (especially if you are from maine), l.l.bean is celebrating its 100th anniversary. that is a pretty big milestone and certainly has earned the use of the term 'a classic'. l.l.bean is a household name and i am sure you can find a thing or two in your own home from l.l.bean. i would even go as far to bet that it is something from at least 10 years ago, because we know those products last.

over the past few years, l.l.bean has entered into the more fashion forward clothing category with the launch of l.l.bean signature. signature takes classic pieces, many a true representation of maine style, gives them a modern twist and more tailored feel. it definitely feels more targeted to my generation, both with work and weekend wear. 

along with many events l.l.bean has been throwing over the past few months, they are doing something special with their catalog covers. this fall catalog will be the third catalog out of four that was shot with award-winning photographer randal ford. though that is super special, it is not the only cool things about these covers. they are inspired by covers of l.l.bean past. 

the original cover was from spring 1966 and was a painting by glen flesichman titled 'the perfect spot'. the perfect spot this fall for l.l.bean was in acadia national park. not only the styling of the clothes, but the styling of the all-american props makes for a cool modern take on 1960s style.

not only did l.l.bean inspire itself, but it inspired me. as an avid thrifter, especially in maine, i come across a lot of older/vintage l.l.bean items. i shopped my own closet to see what l.l.bean items i had from the past to create my own modern look. 

i also got to thinking about 'the perfect spot'. now that i live in the big city (boston), it is hard to find a spot as relaxing and as beautiful as the lookout at acadia. but in a part of my neighborhood in somerville, there is prospect hill monument, where the first american flag ever flew, that is high enough on a hill to see out over the city. it is quiet, not very busy, and a great place to relax and take in the views of the city. in a busy city, this is my perfect spot.

for more on the l.l.bean photoshoot, watch this cool behind the scenes video here!