A New Signature Brand

On Monday, LL Bean launched their new brand, LL Bean Signature.  It is a mix between Brooks Brothers, J Crew and LL Bean.  It is East Coast style in a contemporary and fairly affordable fashion.

LL Bean Signature is a lot of classic pieces with a modern twist, for example the barracuda jacket with a blue and white gingham lining.  It is a new version to this iconic fashion piece.

In the collection is a variety of shirts, jackets and sweaters that are nicely designed and sold for reasonable prices.  It is a streamlined collection focusing on the essentials and fashion musts, like this shawl collar cardigan.

Or this khaki raincoat, the unique and unusual collar is a nice touch separating it from the other rain coats out there.

The barracuda jacket in navy, which is even better than the white version.

Another example of taking a classic and putting it on its ear.  Here is LL Bean's mix between a chukka boot and a boat shoe, but done in a way no other designers are offering.  Plus you have to love the blue suede.

The rest of the pictures are from the LL Bean signature look book, check them out.  Please let us know your thoughts at: mdignified@gmail.com. 

Fall Essentials - Trench Coat

Everywhere you look there are trench coats. Every designer, store and runway show have variations of the jacket. This is one of the looks that I love for the fall, mainly due to it be a utilitarian fashion trend.

Living in Los Angeles, I do not have a use for a full cashmere trench coat (except for the business trips), but I do have a use for a rain trench coat. I think the look is very sophisticated, with or without a full suit and can be very versatile this fall and winter. I do think that the trench coat looks best with a tie, or at a button-down and sweater combo.

Aside from the rain trench coat, the other trench coat that you will see in stores is trench with a large collar and toggle clasps. Burberry makes a cool version of this trench. I think this jacket makes more sense for cool weather cities as it needs to be wool or cashmere to look good.

When picking out a trench, be sure it is tailored and slim. Make sure it has large lapels and plenty of buttons or toggles. It should have a nice modern fit and hit you on your thigh above your knee. In the rain coat version it should be double breasted, in the toggle version the toggles should be interesting, large and wooden.

This is a fall fashion that will be cool to wear now and useful to wear in all future seasons.