LL Bean Mountain Fleece Vest: Cozy and Good Looking
Weather on the Sechelt Peninsula in British Columbia is rarely extreme temperature-wise, but it can be exceedingly fickle.
Light rain one day, frost on the deck and sunshine competing with afternoon clouds the next. Thus, a comfortable, well-fitted vest is a definite plus in one’s wardrobe. If you want to simultaneously feel cozy and comely on a brisk autumn day to winterize your rose garden or power-walk local trails, LL. Bean’s Mountain Fleece Vest ($49) is ideal.
This vest is not just an autumnal piece of clothing. Here in the Pacific Northwest, it could be worn for all seasons. Because it is light-weight and features a relaxed fit, it works well layered over a long-sleeve crew neck to keep the chill of colder months at bay too. I haven’t owned the vest long enough to have worn it in a summer season, but can imagine in August, a good month for sighting falling stars, slipping it on over a tee shirt to star-gaze from a well positioned deck chair.
There are many positives about the LL Bean Mountain Fleece Vest. In all four colors (Raspberry, Lapis Slate, Lily Pond, and Tan Oak), the ribbon-trim detailing is a nice contrast to the fleece. I have the Lapis Slate color vest; it combines nicely with my favorite jeans and a green turtleneck similar to the color of the vest.
That said, the agreeable color combos are also difficult to mix and match with other pieces of clothing. There are only certain colors that work with LL Bean’s hues. I would suggest similar cheerful colors that are more compatible with daily apparel.
The attractive ribbon piping give LL Bean's Mountain Fleece Vest style. The relaxed fit makes it easy to layer.
The princess seams on this Mountain Fleece Vest make the fit pleasing and comfortable. And the length, for my slightly more than average height, is just about dead-on. The on-seam pockets are a nice proportion for tucking keys, tissue and chilled hands. I’d like to see LL Bean add zippers to the pockets for extra security.
The Mountain Fleece Vest washes well, coming out of the dryer soft and wrinkle-free.
All in all, this vest is a welcome addition to any woman’s collection of clothing.
You can buy this vest and other excellent LL Bean products at www.llbean.com. — Real Tested by Cheryl Horn, RFT Contributor
