Well, by now you all have probably heard that the L.L. Bean Signature Collection is now available online. The closest we got to a preview were some borrowed images of the duck boot but in our opinion, the boots were expected (many of our writers are from New England where these boots are simply a staple and have been for decades). More importantly, other looks from the collection warrant a preview, which we’ll get to over the course of the next few months. For now, we profile the “vintage field watch” from the L.L. Bean Signature Collection. It runs about 25$US less than the J. Crew Timex Military Watch. Which do you prefer?

More looks at the L.L. Bean Signature Collection Vintage Field Watch after the click.

Looks like a normal Bean bag right? Well it’s a bit more original than one might assume. Back the 1920’s the L.L. Bean company produced a 30oz duck canvas bag used to haul ice around the hills of Maine and New England. Heritage Research was able to get the Bean to reproduce a run of these rugged totes sized medium with long double strength handles, reinforced flat canvas bottom and overlapped seams.” The double-stitch finish rounds it all out.  This is a serious tote available at Oi Polloi.

More looks at the LL BEAN Tote Bag for Heritage Research after the jump.

Eric Wilson writes in today’s NYT’s regarding a change in market of sorts for Maine’s L.L. Bean Company. “It now happens that L. L. Bean, like other outdoor companies, is planning an updated look with a collection called L. L. Bean Signature. The company has hired a name designer, Alex Carleton, the founder of Rogues Gallery, as its creative director. In March, it will introduce the line, including tailored linen blazers and buffalo plaid shirts for men and camp jackets and a madras shirtdress for women.” We’re looking forward to see what Mr. Carleton brings to the market with “Signature.” More to come…

Read the full story at The New York Times.