Fashion: My L.L.Bean Wellie Review

Last month, I reached out to American classic L.L.Bean to inquire about their rain boot collection, and I’m grateful to L.L.Bean for sending me a pair of their tall black wellies and wellie warmers. When I prepared this style post, I hadn’t yet worn my wellies too much, so I couldn’t do a full review. Now, though, since the arrival of quite a bit of rain and slush, I have plenty more to say! Care to read on?

As I mentioned in my last post, I was completely impressed with L.L.Bean’s social media team, PR pro, and online chat personnel. I received excellent and speedy customer service, and my initial reactions were positive. I do already own an L.L.Bean personalized duffle bag, and it has passed many tests over the years, so I had high hopes for the boots. Thankfully, things are working out very well!

White-Cabana-Wellie_rain Boots_LLBean-2Here I am on one grey rainy December day wearing my L.L. Bean wellies. I paired them with leather-detailed pants, layered black tops, and a classic Longchamp bag.

The boots fit my foot perfectly, and they’re very comfortable for walking around. I do walk a lot (to work, to the grocery store, to the library, to cafés, etc.), so I’m not lying when I tell you that they’re comfortable for walking (as much as walking in the rain is comfortable – ha!).

White-Cabana-Wellie_rain Boots_LLBean-1I still feel put together even thought I’m wearing rain boots.

When I originally placed my order, I wasn’t 100% certain that the boot would fit comfortably over my calf (I do have issues with this with some companies). After asking the online chat person about the sizing, I felt more confident. The boots do fit over my calf easily – even with the wellie sock – and the elastic feature on the back increase the comfort level. The boots sort of just move with me as I walk if that makes any sense. The fit is true to size. I’m normally a size 8, and I ordered size 8, and they even fit well when I wear  the wellie sock.

White-Cabana-LLBean_2back elastic feature

There are loops at the top of either side of the boot, and I hang on to these as I pull the boots on. Easy.

White-Cabana-LLBean_1

loop detail

Another feature I surprisingly like is the buckle detail across the top/side of the foot part of the boot. These make the boots feel unique, substantial, and a bit rock-and-roll.

White-Cabana-LLBean_3the buckle

The sole is thick and sturdy, and I feel very stable as I walk through puddles or slush (you can see evidence of those puddles right there on my boots).

Finally, the boots come in at a fair price point considering the rain boot market. The boots are $89US, and the wellie warmer socks are $24.95. L.L.Bean offers free shipping and an unbeatable guarantee, which are bonuses in my mind.

So, as you can gather, I have only positive things to report about my new wellies. They get my stamp of approval!

White-Cabana-Wellie_rain Boots_LLBean-3Let’s all take another moment to stare at the boots, shall we?

Many thanks to Rox-Anne for taking these photos during one random post-café-meeting photo shoot! Boot photos by me.

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.