finally belts that fit someone without an hour glass figure. These belts are a little on the longer side which is wonderful. They fit all the different slacks that I have for the different places they sit on my body. I love all three colors that I bought. Dark green; Navy; Brown.
I bought this belt thinking that it would match a pair of green heels that I have. The green in the picture is not the color of the belt that I received. The green was more of a washed out green, rather than the brighter green color in the photo. I also measured both my high waist and lower waist, so that I order the belt to fit both with pants (in the loops) and over a sweater higher around my actual waist. I ordered a large, to make sure it was bigger than my measurements (and there is room to grow), but the belt was too small to wear with my pants (in the loops). I would have returned it, but the return shipping fee would have cost me nearly the full price that I paid for the belt. Besides the color difference and size issue, the belt appears to be a good quality belt.
For less than half price, this was an OK purchase -- not worth sending back once the return shipping is deducted, anyway. From the photo and description, I thought it would be a solid color, but in True Blue patent it is streaky -- almost has a tie-dyed look to it. As other reviewers have noted, the patent finish seems to crinkle when the belt is straightened out, but I'm hoping it won't crack. Bit of an iffy item, but can't complain for the price!
Bought on sale ($18.99) on May 1. Yes, it had a bit of patent leather smell at first, but not too bad, and it is not noticeable anymore. They have probably off-gassed while in L.L.Bean storage, compared to the early reviews written when the belt was still full price! I used very sharp, sturdy scissors to cut off the long tail, making a smooth curved cut that looks like it was made that way. I also liberated the second loop so I can slide it closer to the buckle. I wear it with my white cropped jeans and green/blue thin-striped shirt. It looks like a shiny, playful continuation of the shirt stripes! Oh yes, I also used a needle and thread to tack one of the front belt loops on the jeans so that even though it still looks like a wide belt loop, the skinny belt passes through the loop in exactly the right place without drifting up, down, or crooked. Now that the price is down to only $9.99, it is worth "sewing" a couple more in different colors! My first belt seems to be holding up well after a lot of use, even though the stiff leather needs to be bent at a pretty tight angle to fasten through the buckle and loop.
