Marketplace: Fingers Crossed

Here’s a perfectly appropriate objet considering the fact that my exams are now over (over! over! over!). I’m now hoping for a decent result on my economics final*.

fingers-crossed-silver-Noirfingers crossed, Noir

*Confession: I haven’t been this close to failing a course since first year calculus years and years ago. My ego is hurtin’. On the plus side, if anyone wants to learn about economics, I discovered Mr. Clifford’s YouTube channel, and his videos definitely helped me learn.

Fashion: L.L.Bean Wellies

A few weeks ago, I noticed that the seam on one of my (insert name of famous brand) rain boots had come apart. Not a cut, not a rip, but an actual seam ungluing (I know that’s not a word, but hopefully you know what I mean). I was disappointed with my interaction with the company’s customer service department, and I received no response from the PR person. So…let’s just say that I’ve left that company very unimpressed.

But, this story has a very happy ending, so please read on…

After putting the call out on Twitter for rain boot recommendations, Meagan (Row House Nest) let me know that she has had amazing experience with L.L.Bean, and L.L.Bean’s Twitter person responded, too. Within minutes, I was browsing L.L.Bean’s wellie selection (and then got side-tracked by the luggage*, as one does!). When I reached out to L.L.Bean, the company generously offered to send over a pair of boots and wellie socks, and I was thrilled!

LLBean-wellie-rain boots LLBean-wellie-warmersI opted for the tall black version, although I think the brown wellies are quite nice for fall

I used L.L.Bean‘s online customer service chat function a couple of times before I placed my order because I wanted to be sure I was ordering the right size. The service personnel were efficient, pleasant, and professional. My questions were answered in no-time.

Did you know that L.L.Bean now delivers to Canada for free? I think this is amazing news. My rain boots were delivered right to my doorstep within just a few short days. The size was true to what I learned on the website and via the customer service chat.

Everything about this transaction was so smooth (and I’m not just saying that because I have a new pair of wellies to wear), and I’m happy to share my experiences with you.

Some companies just get it, you know?**

Anyhoo, so, now that I have a new pair of wellie rain boots and wellie warmers, I thought it might be appropriate to put together some L.L.Bean fantasy outfits.

LLBean-White-Cabana-1outfit 1: ultra warm coat – long, French sailor’s shirt, ultrawarm hat, ultrawarm mittens, corduroy pantsLLBean-White-Cabana-2outfit 2: signature ponte leggings, pima cotton cardigan, pima cotton tee long sleeve crewneck, boat and tote, heritage wool mittens, ultrawarm hatLLBean-White-Cabana-3outfit 3: signature print tee, corduroy pants,  adventure duffle, ultralight 850 down coat, fitbit, polartech touchscreen gloves

Even for the not-so-outdoorsy-or-adventurous person (ahem – me), I could definitely see myself in these L.L.Bean outfits. They’d be good for casual walks or social visits. What do you think?

* I have owned this rolling duffle bag for years now, and it’s served me extremely well. I’d highly recommend it.
** I’m even more picky about companies and customer service now that I’m doing an MBA degree. My expectations were always high, but they’re even higher now. I’m can definitely be a tough one to please!

Thanks to L.L.Bean for sponsoring this post. All opinions are my own.

Marketplace: Getting Organized

I have two MBA exams this week, so in light of this fact, I thought I would shine the spotlight on some cool office and organizational items. Yes? Yes!

chic-white-and-gold-office-e1425573328592-1via Best Friends for Frosting

news_0332016 agenda, Julie Joliat

Notizkalender_grau_1x1_webmemo wall calendar, $30

geQg75p6FXRMsvPet3bLFaKsD0DGg9Jtw8Y3CUGkHCgwhite toy blocks calendar, $40

IMG_3672yay tray, $20

Work+Hard,+Play+Hard+Mug+on+DLK-1work hard, play hard mug, $18

810988010102_hi7 year pen, $9.95 (I have this, I think I’m on to year 4)

45555_A2_Small_Steel_Swiss_Railway_Clocksmall Swiss railway clock, $215

821276806475_hipencil holder, $38

acrylic book endacrylic collator and book end, $24

Fashion: The White Puffy Coat

We are heading into puffy coat season here in Waterloo. Each year, I’m on the look out for a new winter coat (I get so tired of mine by the end of a season). Sometimes I get lucky and I invest in something new, but this doesn’t happen every year. Coats are definitely an investment. Now with the brand names and the high-tech fabrics, winter coats can get pricey. Here’s just a small selection of some of the white puffers that are in the marketplace.

puffy-coat-LLBeanultralight 850 down coat, long, $259, LLBean

white-coat-LLBean-winterultralight 850 down coat, $229, LLBean

J-Crew-puffer-coatshort quilted puffer jacket with faux-fur hood, $302 (CAD, on sale), J. Crew

Joe-Fresh-parka-whitefaux fur trim parka, $149, Joe Fresh

2506L_25Kensington Parka, $775, Canada Goose

LUW0307_W101_2Katie jacket, $400, Lole

white-MonclerJoinville, $1630, Moncler

*I’m just assuming that puffy coats are the warmest ones on the market. My own puffy coat is certainly the warmest option in my closet (though it’s not the prettiest).