By
Jeremy Rellosa,
editor of the Strategist print section, including “The Look Book.”
He was previously a writer at the Strategist covering fitness and outdoor gear.
More than 80 years old, the classic L.L.Bean Boat and Tote, with its contrasting canvas straps and hearty stitching, is still in demand. In fact, “this spring, we had our best month ever for sales,” says Dave Beahm, who works in merchandising for the brand. Last summer, a somewhat svelte silhouette was quietly added to the collection — the Tall Small ($40), which features a slimmer and deeper body made in Maine from the same thick fabric. It has sold out repeatedly since its launch but is back in stock. While the traditional small bag comes in regular and long handle lengths (five and 14 inches, respectively), “the Tall Small was designed to split the difference with a nine-inch handle,” says Beahm, making it easier to sling the straps over your shoulder — even when it’s stuffed with farmers’ market produce and two bottles of wine.
