A classic raincoat=$60

I've spent the last few days up in Maine, where it has more or less rained incessantly. Like waterproof boots, a sturdy raincoat is something I just haven't pulled the trigger on, despite the fact that I've needed one for years. This is because I don't want a version from a fashion-y brand, yet so many Gore-tex options are just plain ugly. Fortunately, I'm near Portland, and thus near Freeport—home to L.L. Bean, which is sort of the perfect rainy day destination. I'm not sure how many of you have visited this flagship, but I wasn't exactly expecting to encounter a store the size of a small village. Despite its intimidating depth, it's really fun inside, complete with taxidermy, boxes of saltwater taffy, and all the outerwear and camping gear you could ever want. I ultimately settled on this bright yellow rain jacket from the men's department (the women's coats were a little too short in the sleeves and boxy in the body) in a size small. It seemed appropriately Paddington Bear-ish. Everything at "Bean" has a lifetime guarantee, too, which means that this is the only rain jacket I plan on ever buying. If any of you guys are heading up to the outlets at Freeport, make sure to check-out the brand new outpost for Seabags—the full range seemed to be represented inside (it opened so recently that they're still installing the fixtures).