Part of the product featured in the post was provided by L.L.Bean.
As the Christmas season quickly approaches, you may have loved ones ask you what you’d like for Christmas. I think it’s smart to have some ideas in mind because it helps the giver in the ability to give you something you will love. Although it’s not outwardly rude to say “I don’t know”, it makes it so much easier for the generous person who’s asking for ideas.
There are four main staples from L.L. Bean that I own and love that I recommend you put on your Christmas list (or give to others) because they are both stylish and functional. All four of these have quality guarantees that will ensure they will last for years to come.
1. Bean Boots (thinsulate 8″ tall women’s pair shown above)
I can’t say enough great things about these boots! They are the original “duck boot” and are made for all weather. You’ll find yourself reaching for these over and over again, and they are made to last. My husband also has a pair and a few years ago the stitching started coming out. L.L. Bean replaced them in full without any questions! The quality guarantee and customer service alone gives me confidence as a buyer that this is a product I’ll have in my life for a long time.
If you have these on your Christmas list, get them NOW. They get back-ordered quickly and it would be unlikely to get them by Christmas at that point. I wear the thinsulate version (a tad warmer), but the originals are great too and you can add warm insoles to them later. Remember to size down a whole size!
2. Ultralight 850 Down Jacket (c/o – long version, short version)
This coat is unbelievable. I live in the north, and our winters can be pretty harsh. I’ve always operated under the assumption that all warm coats have to be giant puffer versions in order to keep me comfortable, but this is simply untrue. This coat is both thin and incredibly warm – something I did not know was possible! I cannot stress enough how surprised and impressed I am with the quality and construction of this item. I 100% recommend putting it on your Christmas list if you’re looking for something you’ll want to throw on daily to keep you warm without being overly puffy.
The best part of this jacket is that it can be stuffed into a “stowaway pocket” in the inside of the coat to become smaller for storage. If you vacation to warmer places in the winter, this would be ideal to wear this coat and then stuff it into it’s own pocket to take up barely any space in your luggage.
3. Fisherman’s Sweater (classic version shown above in beige)
This classic design is Made in Ireland with a nod to the heritage of fisherman. It has a heavier weight to it, which is exactly why it will quickly become a favorite in your closet for years to come. I have owned this sweater for a few years and it still looks brand new. The collar of this design is my favorite detail since it sits a little taller than most sweaters giving a little extra warmth. For fitting purposes – size one size up if you like to layer.
4. Scotch Plaid Flannel (slightly fitted with Prince Charles Edward pattern above)
You can find flannels at many places, but none come close to L.L. Bean’s version. With a wide variety of options, this flannel is the softest version you’ll buy and will still look new after you’ve washed it a hundred times. Like many L.L. Bean products, this flannel comes with a lifetime guarantee. In my opinion, their flannels are not much more money than ones you’d find elsewhere, so I’d rather spend a little bit extra because I’ll save money over time with not having to replace it. Again, get one soon because many patterns sell out fast!
This past summer Michigan finally got it’s first L.L. Bean store! Located at Partridge Creek Mall in Clinton Township, it’s worth going in to check it out. If you are unfamiliar with L.L. Bean sizing, this is a great way to see the product in real life and try it on. I can guarantee that you will be impressed with their quality and selection.
As a fan of L.L. Bean, my personal favorite part of the store is the many things you can’t buy online because they’re in-store items only. They have many smaller items that would be great for stocking stuffers!
What items do you have on your Christmas wish list?
Monica
November 14, 2016 at 4:34 pm (7 years ago)Love this post Robin!! LLBean is my favorite retailer so I always have a few things on my Christmas list from them. I have had my eye on the Baxter State Parka, but that longer down jacket looks great too!! 🙂
thedressdecoded
November 14, 2016 at 5:35 pm (7 years ago)That parka is SO cute! I am shocked how warm the coat is since it’s so thin, I don’t think you can go wrong with anything from L.L. Bean! 🙂
Thanks for the kind words!
Hanna
November 14, 2016 at 4:57 pm (7 years ago)Great post!!! What size is the sweater in the photo?
thedressdecoded
November 14, 2016 at 5:34 pm (7 years ago)The one in the photo is a medium after someone told me it ran small. It’s great for layering, but I also have the same sweater in blue in a small and it’s totally fine for layering as well. I’m a XS normally, so if I were to buy another one I’d definitely get a small. Hope this answers your question!
Lynn
November 14, 2016 at 5:49 pm (7 years ago)Hi what size foshermans sweater are you wearing? I’m about the same size as you and like how it fits!
thedressdecoded
November 14, 2016 at 6:18 pm (7 years ago)I am wearing a medium, but I have another one in a small and I would recommend that size over the medium! I’m normally a XS but an XS would be too small for this sweater.
Casey
November 14, 2016 at 6:10 pm (7 years ago)I LOVE YOUR LOOK & STYLE! So glad I came across your blog. Love LL Bean and what you’ve got going here!
thedressdecoded
November 14, 2016 at 6:17 pm (7 years ago)thank you so much!
Southern & Style
November 17, 2016 at 2:16 pm (7 years ago)I love LL Bean so, so much. I wish Alabama had a store! Those Bean Boots were lifesavers last winter, my husband has a pair on his wishlist this year!
xoxo, SS
Southern And Style
Elisa Hall
November 30, 2016 at 8:41 pm (7 years ago)Hi,
Can you tell me what size down coat you bought from llbean? Also, how tall are you? Thanks so much! Would never think of buying this. But seeing on you I want it! Been searching for for a blue puff;)
thedressdecoded
December 1, 2016 at 1:30 pm (7 years ago)i hope i’m not too late to answer!!! just saw this!
I’m wearing an XS and I’m 5’4″. It’s not something I would initially pick out, but I have worn it every SINGLE day since I received it. It’s so warm and I love how thin it is while still being warm.
Caitlin
October 16, 2018 at 2:34 pm (5 years ago)hi wondering what size water you are wearing here for reference? I would like one but not sure what size to order . thank you!
thedressdecoded
October 17, 2018 at 12:46 pm (5 years ago)Coat is XS, Sweater is M, Flannel is XS, and boots are 7. I have a recent post about the fit of these items as well – http://www.thedressdecoded.com/l-l-bean-fit-guide/
please let me know if this answered your question! 🙂