Fashion: L.L.Bean Wellies

A few weeks ago, I noticed that the seam on one of my (insert name of famous brand) rain boots had come apart. Not a cut, not a rip, but an actual seam ungluing (I know that’s not a word, but hopefully you know what I mean). I was disappointed with my interaction with the company’s customer service department, and I received no response from the PR person. So…let’s just say that I’ve left that company very unimpressed.

But, this story has a very happy ending, so please read on…

After putting the call out on Twitter for rain boot recommendations, Meagan (Row House Nest) let me know that she has had amazing experience with L.L.Bean, and L.L.Bean’s Twitter person responded, too. Within minutes, I was browsing L.L.Bean’s wellie selection (and then got side-tracked by the luggage*, as one does!). When I reached out to L.L.Bean, the company generously offered to send over a pair of boots and wellie socks, and I was thrilled!

LLBean-wellie-rain boots LLBean-wellie-warmersI opted for the tall black version, although I think the brown wellies are quite nice for fall

I used L.L.Bean‘s online customer service chat function a couple of times before I placed my order because I wanted to be sure I was ordering the right size. The service personnel were efficient, pleasant, and professional. My questions were answered in no-time.

Did you know that L.L.Bean now delivers to Canada for free? I think this is amazing news. My rain boots were delivered right to my doorstep within just a few short days. The size was true to what I learned on the website and via the customer service chat.

Everything about this transaction was so smooth (and I’m not just saying that because I have a new pair of wellies to wear), and I’m happy to share my experiences with you.

Some companies just get it, you know?**

Anyhoo, so, now that I have a new pair of wellie rain boots and wellie warmers, I thought it might be appropriate to put together some L.L.Bean fantasy outfits.

LLBean-White-Cabana-1outfit 1: ultra warm coat – long, French sailor’s shirt, ultrawarm hat, ultrawarm mittens, corduroy pantsLLBean-White-Cabana-2outfit 2: signature ponte leggings, pima cotton cardigan, pima cotton tee long sleeve crewneck, boat and tote, heritage wool mittens, ultrawarm hatLLBean-White-Cabana-3outfit 3: signature print tee, corduroy pants,  adventure duffle, ultralight 850 down coat, fitbit, polartech touchscreen gloves

Even for the not-so-outdoorsy-or-adventurous person (ahem – me), I could definitely see myself in these L.L.Bean outfits. They’d be good for casual walks or social visits. What do you think?

* I have owned this rolling duffle bag for years now, and it’s served me extremely well. I’d highly recommend it.
** I’m even more picky about companies and customer service now that I’m doing an MBA degree. My expectations were always high, but they’re even higher now. I’m can definitely be a tough one to please!

Thanks to L.L.Bean for sponsoring this post. All opinions are my own.

Fashion: The White Puffy Coat

We are heading into puffy coat season here in Waterloo. Each year, I’m on the look out for a new winter coat (I get so tired of mine by the end of a season). Sometimes I get lucky and I invest in something new, but this doesn’t happen every year. Coats are definitely an investment. Now with the brand names and the high-tech fabrics, winter coats can get pricey. Here’s just a small selection of some of the white puffers that are in the marketplace.

puffy-coat-LLBeanultralight 850 down coat, long, $259, LLBean

white-coat-LLBean-winterultralight 850 down coat, $229, LLBean

J-Crew-puffer-coatshort quilted puffer jacket with faux-fur hood, $302 (CAD, on sale), J. Crew

Joe-Fresh-parka-whitefaux fur trim parka, $149, Joe Fresh

2506L_25Kensington Parka, $775, Canada Goose

LUW0307_W101_2Katie jacket, $400, Lole

white-MonclerJoinville, $1630, Moncler

*I’m just assuming that puffy coats are the warmest ones on the market. My own puffy coat is certainly the warmest option in my closet (though it’s not the prettiest).

Fashion: Clare Distenfeld’s Fivestory in Manhattan

I read about luxury boutique Fivestory in Elle Decor‘s October issue, and I was enticed to browse through its online collection. Fivestory, owned by Clare Distenfeld, is located on Manhattan’s upper east side and it caters to those looking for diverse high-end  brands including Roland Mouret, Alexander Wang, Nicholas Kirkwood, and Rosie Assoulin.

Before I share some of the shop’s collection, let’s just have a quick look at the sleek interior of the 5-story (get it?) townhouse.

smallmainentrance_217237d70d66Fivestory-0892via Life and Times

Fivestory-0871via Life and Times

Fivestory-7And here’s some of what Fivestory carries:

Fivestory-1Dreaming of Diamonds eye mask, $110, Morgan Lane

Fivestory-2ziptop pouch, $495, Anya Hindmarch

Fivestory-4georgina pouch, $747, Anya Hindmarch

Fivestory-3metallic leather suede PVC pumps, $745, Gianvito Rossi

Fivestory-5starburst peal drop earrings, $250, Fallon

Fivestory-6fringe cube charm, $255, Pierre Hardy

Images via Fivestory unless otherwise noted.

The Friday Five: Classic Karl Lagerfeld

It’s amazing how some people’s style is so instantly recognizable. Karl Lagerfeld, for example, is so distinguishable because of his white ponytail-tied hair, dark sunglasses, high-collared shirts, gloves, and random chain accessories.

I laughed quite a bit while I was researching items to include in today’s Karl-centred post. Could you imagine your face as the object of a bag, for example? Have a look…

Karl-Lagerfeld-candleKarl Essence Rare Scented Candle, $85, Luisa Via Roma

karl-father-t-shirt-eleven-parisKarl is my Father t-shirt, $58, Eleven Paris

565861_in_xlLagerbones tank by Brian Lichtenberg, $35, The Outnet

Karl-bagTC Karl crossbody bag, $220, Monnier Freres

3961123Karl Lagerfeld unisex pop rubber strap watch, $74.97 (on sale), Nordstrom Rack

Have a great weekend, everyone!

The Friday Five: Gorgeousness at Anthropologie

Anthropologie (online and in store) always ropes me in. The store always has an eclectic and interesting mix of items for your closet and home. Here are five things that recently caught my attention.

4130275871414_011_bSila wrap dress, $29534886150_010_bCrescendo link necklace, $78

H34467332_010_blacquered regency three-drawer dresser, $149834737775_010_b

radiant alabaster floor lamp, $69834530279_010_bPeacock Alley Overture sheet set, $88-188

Have a great weekend, everyone!

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