Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Arm Candy

A man's bag is something that should reflect his appearance, even when it's not hanging loyally by his side, or casually slung over one shoulder. How many times have you gone to the gym and seen some business man, all done up in his suit and overcoat, flop down a nylon give-away backpack? An even more puzzling scenario is when that same man is carrying a nice attaché or briefcase in the other hand. The juxtaposition between the two bags is jarring, to say the least. A carry-all bag or even your gym bag is an extension of yourself and should reflect that accordingly. Here are a few bags that may help you stand out from the worker drones.

Mulberry, a luxury leather house from England, is a name with which you should certainly familiarize yourself. While not a venerable house like Hermès (est. 1837), Mulberry has garnered sufficient footing for itself in the luxury market in the 40 years since its founding. They blend the modern feels of the city with the timeless echoes of the countryside. This focus on history has led the designers to zero in on 6 styles that have been perfected, and crafted in a range of colors instead of a myriad of silhouettes. The resulting pieces are well worth owning, and if properly cared for, will last decades.

The next retailer is a little bit more price-attainable, but no less an equal in quality. Filson has been around since 1897 and got their start outfitting the prospectors for the Klondike Gold Rush. As such, the goods needed to be able to brave the elements along with their owners. The label still caters to the outdoorsy community, but has found a foothold in the high fashion realm, with even stores like Bergdorf Goodman carrying a selection. If you happen to have seen the movie The Proposal, Ryan Reynolds' character uses one of these iconic duffles for his trip home to Alaska... and who doesn't want to be like that guy?

Final Verdict: Switch out your carry-all for something a little more stylish, and don't be surprised if you get a few more head-turns from the ladies.

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