L.L. Bean Love

September 28, 2011

A canvas boat & tote bag from L.L. Bean is a beautiful thing. I have been a fan of the bags since I was in high school, schlepping tennis what-not here and there. These bags really are built for the long haul. Constructed of sail cloth canvas, they really will last close to forever, and will keep you looking preppily chic and organized.

20110928-070705.jpg We have used these 2 bags for a dozen years to transport things to our week-end house. They are just now starting to look a tad worn.

20110928-070947.jpg Every once in awhile, they create a bag for a season. This one has been perfectly beachy for small stuff to go to the island.

20110928-071144.jpg They also occasionally offer one with leather handles, which I adore. This bag I have had since I had my wholesale showroom. It has accompanied me to every trade show, working perfectly to hold orders and paperwork.

20110928-071454.jpg And lastly, they are our go-to gift for special occasions. We give them often to friends who have just had a baby, and we have the name of the child embroidered on the bag. The 2 pictured here were a recent “thank you” gift to friends who threw us a wedding party after our recent nuptials. I filled them with orange related treats, like a bottle of Veuve and things to have with it while they enjoyed the champagne.

I taught tennis in Boston the Summer between my senior year in high school and freshman year in college. I made the trek to Freeport, Maine on one of my free week-ends to pay homage to my beloved L.L. Bean. They make a slew of other amazing things that I have loved over the years, but the boat & tote will always hold a special place in my heart.