First things first, lets be happy that it is still cold outside and we can take full advantage of wearing all of our favorite winter goods. This catalog from 1969 is the convergence of two of my favorite things: nostalgic ephemera and L.L. Bean. This booklet features some choice goods, along with a cover shot of a hunter about strike down Bambi. Safe to say that 2010 Bean is not going to be using cover art like this — but some of these goods are a bit less controversial and have been much more long lasting. That Flotation Jacket sure does look familiar.

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With the arrival of arctic weather on the East Coast my Bean Boots (the Gumshoes) have been in heavy rotation. Actually, I have the habit (bad?) of wearing those Bean Boots nearly round the clock. In my twisted mind they are shoes (not boots) and there doesn’t need to be snow or slush anywhere in sight for these bad boys to see action. The thing about wearing those boots when temperatures are in the teens (and below), socks are the key to comfort. Enter Fox River Mills — my wintertime sock manufacturer of choice. Fox River Mills is the perfect convergence of necessity, function and style. Plus, their prices are reasonable and I will give you one guess where they are made.

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Sometimes marketing works. Take for instance, the Le Chameau video below. Clearly it is a marketing thing, but I don’t have a problem with it. Maybe it is because Le Chameau is French, maybe it is because of the narrator’s accent, or just maybe because the video takes place in a factory. We all know I am a sucker for a factory tour. All of that aside, the boots are terrific. Le Chameau is a good alternative to all of the British Wellington boots you see everywhere. It is also worth noting that the Dollar is in slightly better shape versus the Euro than the Pound Sterling, if you care about such things.

Le Chameau boots, yet another reason to wish for fall. Thanks to Justin for the tip.

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Number three of a five part series.

My obsession with the April issue of Free & Easy rolls on with the awesomeness that is the accessory still life pages. The nautical theme continues through the world of belts, Zippos, ID bracelets, padlocks, hats and shoes. The pages are a buyers guide to all things Navy and a road map to what to look for this May at Brimfield.

Below: Navy inspired goodness.

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