L.L. Bean debuts its Signature Collection.

On Wednesday night I visited Hosfelt Gallery to celebrate the launch of L.L. Bean's Signature Collection. The line, designed by Alex Carleton, founder of Rogues Gallery, features ready-to-wear and accessories inspired by the brand's formidable history as our country's (and especially Maine's) preeminent outdoor outfitter. SupermodelMaggie Rizer (who became my first mannequin crush upon viewing her in, fittingly, a New England-themed spread in Vogue's February 2000 issue) serves as the face of the campaign.

This photo comes courtesy of James Wilson of Secret Forts. The peep-toe brogues are, obviously, mine. The nail polish is "Kennebunk-port" by OPI.

In a brightly lighted corner, past the inspiration board (as pictured below) and the oyster bar (built into an old canoe), a coterie of impeccably dressed bloggers swapped war stories and fabric swatches. I felt very, very honored and humbled to be part of this group - many of whom I have followed and admired as they built their mini style empires on the worldwide web. Among the dapper to whom I was newly introduced are Michael Williams of A Continuous Lean; Kate Jones, designer of Ursa Major jewelry (and previously at Rogues Gallery) and Freemans' hostess with the mostest; the electric and impossible-to-track-down Foster Huntington of A Restless Transplant; Emil and Sandy Corsillo of the Hill-Side; Kyle Hackett of Selectism; Sean Sullivan of The Impossible Cool; and Randy Goldberg and fellow Missouri alum Paul Underwood, both of Urbandaddy. Of course everyone present sported their all-American finest, but this boys' club (and Kate) took the Trad cake.

The collection itself was a mix of staid separates and all-American extras. I suppose the timeless quality was an homage to L.L. Bean's Waspy lineage, but Carleton spruced things up with contemporary Trad styling. Topsiders, Boat 'n Totes, and sneakers all stole the spotlight from chic but practical outfits, a madras shirtdress (which could have been a contender if not for the absence of some mysterious "It Factor", which Max and I debated but could not for the life of us identify), and an enviable Breton striped sweater, worn with shorts and TOMS.

The models appeared sufficiently bored, as models often do.

As usual I found the menswear far more inspiring: a particular pair of Nantucket red shorts set my heart aflame, as did a mishmash of blazers and button-downs. Nip in the waists, add some heels to those bluchers, and pass me a (bright red) lipstick. I'll make the boys' duds cocktail-worthy faster than you can say, "Lake Androscoggin."

Post-show we swilled and were swell at the Ace Hotel's gorgeous new bar, which cemented its status as my new favorite place in all of New York City when I looked up to find an enormous American flag nailed to the wall. If you visit (and you should) order an old-fashioned and the grilled cheese sandwich. You'll probably see me there, dancing on tables in my favorite winter whites (and the Boyfriend Fatigue Jacket).

Many thanks to Max Wastler for extending me the invitation to this swishy and long-awaited event. Check out more coverage and photos at All Plaid Out, Guest of a Guest, and Secret Forts.