LLBean Pants and Boots

It seems we go to LLBean at least once a year. We rediscovered LLBean when I retired almost three years ago. My professional work wardrobe was swapped out for every day walking gear. My husband needed to get a couple pair of pants and I needed some winter walking boots - for rain and snow. My winter snow boots are over fifteen years old and I can’t get the zipper up or down - the insides are so shredded. They are one of the last reminders we have from our thirty years in the frigid Midwest. We started in the men’s department and my husband quickly found a really nice pair of jeans and corduroy pants. Then we went over to the shoe area and found a really cute pair of snow boots that looked very different from my ugly black numbers. The trick is to find anything in my size. But luckily for me, this shipment had just arrived that week so they were stocked up in size eleven. I wanted to get the same rain boots my husband got last year, but the lower cut option hit my ankle in just the wrong spot. So I tried the shin high boot and it felt okay. Hopefully with some wear and tear the top will loosen up around the same ankle area. I had a chance to try them out this week in the torrential rain and one foot was perfect. The jury is still out on the other. Why do they have to rub in the wrong spot!? So now I’m stretching the top out sideways and hopefully it will help the fit. Otherwise it will be a bit uncomfortable. I am always ecstatic when there is a shoe available in my size. But it’s a rare find to get the kind that fit just right. As for my husband’s pants? Perfect!

LLBean Boots, Pants, and Socks

We haven't been to LLBean for a while. We stocked up on several things since I retired almost two years ago. I switched out my business work wardrobe to casual walking attire for all seasons and haven't looked back. I was hoping to find some ear muffs and a slouch hat to round out my winter wear; my husband wanted to replace some old corduroy pants and find a winter walking shoe or boot that would keep his feet dry. So we drove out to LLBean at Tyson's and started looking. He immediately found a grey pair of nice fitting corduroy pants. When we looked for my hat and ear muffs, there was nothing that caught our eye. The only ear muff they had was the kind you wear behind your neck rather than over your head and slouch hats didn't exist. Then we asked about a good waterproof shoe or boot that would not irritate the ankle. We have tried hiking style foot wear before and even with lambs wool tucked inside around the ankles, the shoe rubbed and it was very uncomfortable. My husband tried on a couple of things and hopefully what he selected will work. He picked out a pair of thick wool socks and got gaiters last year to keep the snow out if it's one of those days. So my husband did get what he was looking for. I, on the other hand, didn't. That's one of the reasons I prefer Amazon. But some things need to be tried on and it was a good excuse for an afternoon ride. Who would have thought we would need all this winter stuff in DC after living in the Midwest for thirty years? I wish I had kept a few more of my favorite pieces. 

From Heels to Flats

I always had a variety of shoes to match my closet full of clothes for all seasons - especially in Milwaukee. I also had a large closet to house all these clothes, shoes, and boots. Most of the time I wore heels with my work clothes - some were up to three inches - making me an imposing five feet eleven inches. Maybe it helped when I had to deal with obnoxious physicians. My coworkers gave me a Nordstrom going away gift certificate when I left, and I happily got two new high healed pairs of shoes for my new job here. However, our closet space here remains practically non existent. I am also several years older, and the sidewalks are lousy. So most of my heels and work shoes sit in a file drawer in my office. Because I walk a couple blocks to the office, I always wear my flat "home shoes" or boots to and from work and change in to my work shoes.  But over the last year, I have not even worn any of these work shoes or boots once. They have all been exchanged for a single pair of flat shoes that have a silver or gold hue depending on whatever it is that I happen to be wearing. It must be a sign of the times... working less hours a week, edging towards retirement, personal priorities changing, clothes purchases only have to do with weekend wear rather than work. It's just another transition, and in my mind, a very good one. 

The Tornado Lunch

It looked like it was about to storm when I walked home for lunch. As soon as I entered through the door my phone sounded a tornado alarm. The TV was also reporting an imminent tornado threat. Obviously it was not a typical restful afternoon break. I was pulling down shades to keep the glass from penetrating the room and planning a stay in the first floor windowless bathroom. It soon ended thank goodness. We used to get tornado warnings in Milwaukee and oftentimes heard the sirens ringing out. It hardly matters where you live... I was just glad to be home rather than at work. And it gave me time to swap out my rain shoes for my rain boots and hefty sized umbrella. It was still pouring when I left.  When I returned to my desk, the all clear notice was sent. There's always the threat of flooding around here, even if you live on a hill. 

 

Long Underwear, Boots, and Turtleneck Sweaters

I'm really getting tired of this cold, damp and snowy weather and waiting for the day I will be able to walk outside without having to put on all this extra apparel. Thank goodness I kept a lot of my winter garb from Milwaukee. I really didn't think I would be needing it this much! There are four types of boots - knee high light leather that is best suited for skirts, fur lined ankle boots that go best with pants, knee high rubber rain boots when there is more rain than snow, and something to the shin that is lined with flannel stuffing for heavy duty several inches of snow. Work wear has becomes casual with turtlenecks rather than skirts and jackets. I never wore pants to work but because it's so cold and I walk a couple blocks it would be fool hearty to do otherwise. But the one item I thought I would never use again is long underwear. Because it is so cold in my office a sweater isn't enough. So the extra layer of silk and cotton makes a big difference. The one item I left behind and regret the most is my lumberjack hat with the ear flaps. My heavy fur lined coat with the  hood is okay, but it's much easier to turn your head with a hat. This is ridiculous - except of course if there is a snow day tomorrow. Then I won't have to deal with any of it.