LLBean Wardrobe Conversion

Since I retired in February, my wardrobe has significantly changed. A couple weeks ago I cleaned out my closets and removed all the work suits, heels and the like. What was missing were casual clothes to wear on "keep it really simple" road trips and for "hiking" the concrete jungle of Washington DC. We are not trailblazers, and we don't do any outdoor activity like kayaking, boating, golfing, etc - they are just not on our radar screen. But we do love to walk. So my husband and I decided it was time to check out LLBean as an option and for the assistance we needed. Who would ever think that polyester and nylon would become the fabric of choice? And because it is so hot outside right now, we both stocked up on essentials that we hope will last for a long time to come. We had extraordinary help from Diane, who really knew her stuff, pointed us in the right direction with several options, and kept us thoroughly entertained along the way. So today I put the "quick dry" method to the test by washing, ringing out, and hanging the shirt and shorts I wore today on this dreadfully hot morning walk. They are already almost dry as I'm writing this blog. The underwear that lasts for several days won't get here until Amazon delivers next week. Now that's something I'm really anxious to try! What have I been missing all these years? There really is a life outside of work! 

LLBean Tilley Hat and Owner's Manual

Having just retired in February, it's been a good six months now. So I am beginning to feel compelled to dump clothes I no longer need, and substitute them with items I haven't worn in years. With the heat, blazing sun and humidity gripping DC in July and especially this week, the idea of a good sun hat sounded good. The one I own now is quite traditional and also heavy - a wide brimmed straw hat that can tie in the wind, and used primarily for gardening. So to pursue the idea of easy clothes that can be worn on trips and every day, we headed out to LLBean to check the inventory. Diane, a delightful salesperson, was exceptionally helpful in finding just the right item, along with several other staple products for both my husband and myself. She presented me with a Canadian Tilley Hat that comes with an owner's manual. She was extremely knowledgable about all things LLBean, and we found her stories and recommendations quite useful! So when I got home I read all about it, and wore it for the first time this morning. It is very light, and felt good. It can also be thrown in the washing machine to keep up the looks. When we left LLBean yesterday I can say for the first time I really feel like I'm retired. And now I have the useful every day gear to prove it!