Late night at L.L. Bean is one of my favorite only-in-Maine activities. Sure, Portland may turn in shortly after midnight, but just up the road is a place that never sleeps. And, truthfully, late night is the only time to go. No battling parking or crowds, the employees seem happy for the company, and you can try on all the fur-trimmed bomber hats you want without people staring. Well, with less people staring.

So, two Sundays ago I found myself in search of boots. After a year of battling against it, I was giving in, and officially reintroducing myself to Maine winter. A big step for me, I have never purchased Bean Boots. Growing up I had them, sure, but as soon as I was able to speak up about my snow-appropriate shoe preferences I put a stop to it. So, this was big. But, I was ready. After getting caught out in heels during the last storm, I quickly realized the peril I was putting myself in traversing the streets in anything but a solid, flat boot. Plus, walking around the store, all these pairs of vintage boots were displayed – these long-loved, wool-socks-sticking-out, tall Bean boots. This could actually work. And keep me upright on those slippery sidewalks.

Up to the women’s department I went, where a gold-star goes to Katie for her help and for showing the beat-up Fryes I was wearing a little love. I ended up choosing these toasty-warm shearling 10-inch BBs, and while lovely, I couldn’t help but be a bit disappointed that they weren’t taller…

But, downstairs in men’s! It was an a-ha moment, that, really, well, again, it was good that there were only a few people in the store. And, to George and Patrick and the other employees of the men’s shoe department, thank you for humoring me (and helping me lace!) as I debated between the 14-inch and the 16-inch boots. Gracious and full of good advice, the Beans men helped me decide on the 16s. (See below right.)

Technically hunting boots, these aren't as warm as the shearlings, but I can pick up some shearling inserts and then I’ll have made no compromise. Perfection.

And, the past couple weeks have indeed been blissful in my new boots. My feet are warm. I fear no snow bank. And, rather than sacrificing my wardrobe, I’ve been building outfits around the new boots. Clearly, Beans is the new black.