Worn: L.L. Bean Camp Moc
Casual: Belt by Narragansett Leathers.
#Pre-Americana
This is the only footwear I brought with me on my trip—Chippewa ‘Katahdin Iron Works’ boots from L.L. Bean. My father-in-law is a builder, and he and my mother-in-law built their own house, including the stone wall on which the shoes perch here in the photographs. The stones used to pave the old part of town, and are said to have been laid by Cornwallis’ soldiers during the Revolutionary War. The town was preparing to toss the stones when they put more modern paved roads in, and my father-in-law grabbed a bunch with which to pave the front walk, and to build a nice wall. Pretty cool for a history nerd.
Waterproofed.
L.L. Bean Katahdin Iron Works Boot by Chippewa.
LL Bean’s longstanding Katahdin Ironworks Boot by Chippewa:
I’ve had these great winter boots for several years. LL Bean used to sell them for about $30 less than they do now, but, if you look around they show up in new and like new condition on ebay from time to time. Even with the relatively recent $30 price increase, these boots are stil about $100 less than J. Crew’s recent Chippewa collaboration, which is essentially the same boot under a different name (the J. Crew boot is a bit ‘chunkier’ than the Bean Katahdin). Granted, they’re slightly different shades of brown too, but unless the color of the J. Crew boot is exactly what you’ve been looking for and have been unable to find, I say save yourself $100 and go with the Bean boots—plus, they’ve got a way better warranty than J. Crew…
Shoes: Florsheim Royal Imperial, antiques market $45
Pants: Dockers, $20
Shirt: Zegna, thrifted $3
Tie: Borrelli, thrifted .50
Jacket: LL Bean cotton sport coat, thrifted $5
I was inspired to recreate the look reblogged below at brokeandbespoke prices, though I chose a more staid pocket square. I think I might wear this next week with a more decorative pocket square, similar to the one below. We’ll see…
Jacket: LL Bean now-unconstructed (I removed some shoulder pads) and half-lined cotton sport coat, thrifted $5
Shirt: Tommy Hilfiger, thrifted $5
Tie: J Crew, thrifted $2
Pocket Square: Touristy silk scarf from Ponte Vecchio, estate sale $3
Pants: Polo Ralph Lauren white jeans, $11
Here’s a few other pics from yesterday’s post-hair cut thrift outing. Some cool vintage labels (especially the pre-Gap Inc. Banana Republic one), and a gorgeous vintage Brooks Brothers purple paisley tie that I had to forego because of some stains and frayed edges.
and the rain is starting to come down…
navy crewneck sweater. essential.
Taken with instagram
getting a late start on the day…
Today’s rainy day fit.
Shoes: LL Bean (see below)
Pants: Dockers Alpha Fit Khakis
Jacket: Club Room, thrifted
Scarf: Barbour, STP
Outerwear: North Face Gore-Tex shell, circa 1998
Last night I posted a picture of the new Red Wing Iron Ranger Brogue boots, and admitted that they’re now a grail boot for me. I also gestured towards the fact that I have some regrets about not owning a pair of the original IRs. The regret is not complete, however, as I have a great pair of boots that fill their place well—the LL Bean Katahdin Iron Works Engineer Boot made by Chippewa. These are made in the USA by a company as old and storied as Red Wing, and come with all the bells and whistles menswear nerds geek out about—Vibram soles, Goodyear welting, blah blah blah…
Search ebay religiously and you will find these for a steal.
