Carrying Contraption - Man Bag and Miscellaneous

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Jaeger 60% Off Sale.
2008-01-24 15:33:00
For my British readers: Jaeger is having a sale on RTW and accessories.Too bad they don't ship to the U.S.
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Globetrotter Leather Briefcase.
2008-01-24 14:32:00
Source: BrownsThis Globetrotter briefcase is far too busy and cramped with unappealing lines and motifs. The most glaring offense are those stitched X's -- and there are eight total (four more on the other side)! At least it wasn't contrast stitching because that would have been even more repugnant. Furthermore the handles are attached to the body at an angle. Normally this does not present a problem, however, in this case, the lines are extended to the bottom and intersect with an incompatible pentagon shape. In short, much like the Samsonite Black Label Bayamo briefcase, this bag fails to achieve proper geometric configuration and proportions.Globetrotter leather briefcase available at Browns for £275.
More About: Leather , Briefcase

Samsonite Black Label Bayamo Briefcase.
2008-01-23 18:27:00
Source: Samsonite Dear Readers,I leave it up to you to tell me why this briefcase is so awkward-looking. (Hint: Compare with Dunhill or Louis Vuitton.)Please leave your notes in the comment section.Thank you.Sincerely,CC----------Click here for the follow-up post.
More About: Black , Label , Briefcase

Ann Demeulemeester Hemp-Silk-Cotton Messenger Bag.
2008-01-23 04:51:00
Source: Aloha RagHave you seen The Grudge? Those tassels look like the demonic Asian girl hair that eats its unsuspecting victims. It's too bad Sarah Michelle Gellar falls off the top of the roof and dies in the sequel.This hemp-mix bag is ideal for the shopper of farmers markets and things of the eccentric nature -- abalone bracelets, copper incense holders, and organic pomegranate juice. I hope I don't get nightmares tonight. That movie almost scared the moderate Republican out of me.Ann Demeulemeester messenger bag available at Aloha Rag for $860.
More About: Messenger , Hemp , Cotton , Silk , Mess

Jil Sander Leather Duffle Bag.
2008-01-23 01:04:00
Source: eBay [Seller ID: castorny]I chose this angled view to show the perpendicular placement of the shoulder strap and whatever that thing is on the side. The design is simple, and the leather is sumptuous. And look at that big leather zipper pull!Jil Sander leather travel bag available at eBay. (Current bid at $499 / Buy-It-Now for $649)
More About: Leather

Lanvin Fall/Winter 2008.
2008-01-22 23:19:00
[Click for larger photos]My Aunt Margaret called the other day from the Shady Pines Retirement Home. She mentioned something about cigarette burns and wanting her purses back. Her Medicare card is in one of those.
More About: Winter , Lanvin , Fall , 2008

Fendi Monogram Overnighter.
2008-01-22 18:01:00
Source: SaksI've been cramming for my final exam that takes place in less than two hours, and this monstrosity of a bag effectively purged my short-term memory -- ugh, now I have to read about intracellular signaling in Xenopus eggs all over again. This bag is like mental bleach. If you have painful childhood memories, stare at this bag for a good five minutes, and perhaps you'll be able to develop normal, healthy interpersonal relationships from then on. Lesbians may even start finding men attractive.I kid. Sort of.Why do they keep coming out with garbage like this? No one wants it!Fendi overnighter available at Saks for $950.

Cornell Class of 2007.
2008-01-22 02:31:00
[Click for larger photo]I have a final exam tomorrow, so obviously I need a way to procrastinate. (Grades don't really matter in grad school, although I need at least a B, lest I get kicked out...so I guess it does matter.) Reminiscing about the good times in college, I made a collage of attractive men in my graduating year. (The one on the lower-right corner actually went to Georgia Tech and is my friend's ex-boyfriend.)I suspect two of them are gay -- one has a lisp (let's call him Jarrett), and the other has "girlfriends" that seem more like beards (we'll call him Alex). Jarrett played water polo and would walk around the hallway in his tight speedos. Alex was buff and also walked around shirtless.Those were the days of carefree drunkenness and not worrying about doing something with your life.
More About: Class , Cornell

Paul Smith Fall/Winter 2008.
2008-01-21 21:56:00
[Click for larger photo]I'm not sure what the material is, but the texture reminds me of cardiac muscle fiber (except without the intercalated discs). I would have preferred that the handles be attached by rectangular hardware, but it's a beautiful bag nonetheless, something I would buy on first markdown.
More About: Winter , Paul , Smith , Paul Smith , Fall

Salvatore Ferragamo Fall/Winter 2008.
2008-01-21 21:05:00
[Click for larger photos]These handheld document cases are more functional (ie: bigger) than http://www.carryingcontraption.com/2008 /0 1/fendi-fallwinter-2008.html">Fendi's. Whether the portfolio/clutch/document case becomes a workplace staple among professionals is to be seen.There's something almost imperceptibly "off" with the bag on the left. I suspect slightly smaller, polished buckles should set it right.Did someone end up with extra scraps of crocodile skin? For all I know the "stitched" look could be intentional, but it still makes the briefcase look like an afterthought -- not classy at all. As a general rule for exotics, the exterior side should be composed of a single piece of skin.
More About: Winter , Ferragamo , Fall

Number (N)ine Fall/Winter 2008.
2008-01-21 14:45:00
[Click for larger photos]Do you know what's more heinous than denim-on-denim? Shearling-on-shearling.At least the net looks a bit more appropriate on that bag than on the Louis Vuitton Congo GM.
More About: Winter , Fall , 2008 , Number

Marni Fall/Winter 2008.
2008-01-20 18:06:00
Instead of the usual top zippers, they have all-around bottom zippers, which may be cumbersome if you want to quickly get something out of the bag. However, Marni is never "usual". Luckily these are double zippers so the pulls don't have to remain dangling on the bottom.They also got the proportions right on these bags. On some bags, the external compartment is so bulky that it can literally be ripped off and be a bag all on its own, but the zipped pockets on these bags offer enough space and volume without looking like a Siamese twin that didn't develop to full term in the uterus.One thing I don't like is the snap pull tab -- if you click and look at the larger photos, you'll see more clearly that they break symmetry. I wouldn't buy it just for this reason alone, however petty it probably seems.These are flawless. They even appear to come with detachable shoulder straps.
More About: Winter , Fall , 2008

Etro Fall/Winter 2008.
2008-01-20 17:08:00
[Click for larger photos]Scarves belong around your neck, not on your bags. However, the black paisley is an elegant modification of Etro's signature pattern, which is more than I can say about Louis Vuitton's new Damier color.Even though they're only croc-embossed, the mottled effect adds aesthetic value and creates beautiful shades of blue and indigo.These are as interesting as microtubule dynamics of Chlamydomonas.
More About: Winter , Fall , 2008

Valextra Leather Suitcase.
2008-01-20 01:07:00
Source: eBay [Seller ID: owyangyu]Part of the Avietta luggage line, this Valextra suitcase fulfills every man's requirement of a stylish black leather luggage piece. This bag is not really lightweight, so if you're not willing to carry a little extra weight, steer clear. It also shows signs of use so you should also take that into account. Still, it's worth considering.(The seller should've used flash.)Valextra leather suitcase available at eBay. [Current bid $174.01]
More About: Leather

Cole Haan Rolling Suitcase.
2007-12-07 21:39:00
Source: BlueflyIf all you want is to get from Point A to Point B and just need a sturdy piece of luggage, this Cole Haan suitcase will be your perfect travel mate. It's less than $300, so it saves you the worry of it being handled too roughly by baggage handlers. Plus, they probably won't surreptitiously go through it. Cole Haan rolling suitcase available at Bluefly for $270.Designer man bags and fashion accessories
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Reader Submission: Yves Saint Laurent, Balenciaga, And Dior.
2007-12-07 18:29:00
All from Advocating Style...Balenciaga greige weekender - The difference between the men's and the women's was the length of the handle (and the hardware, which you can't really tell).Dior Baudrier - Might pass as a man bag if the D charm were gone...maybe...Yves Saint Laurent Mombasa messenger bag - The deer horn is really what makes this bag. I'm quite tempted, actually. $695 at YSL.Designer man bags and fashion accessories
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Reader Submission.
2007-12-07 14:23:00
Source: AllanLouis Vuitton Porte-Document Vertical in anthraciteSource: AllanLouis Vuitton Damier Géant Canvas Couguar in earthDesigner man bags and fashion accessories
More About: Reader , Submission , Missi

Stocking Stuffers - Christmas '07: Bottega Veneta Bookmark.
2007-12-07 04:44:00
Source: Bottega Veneta Know someone in Oprah's Book Club? I haven't really cogitated about the ramifications of the bookmark costing more than the books themselves.On a side note, I think an intrecciato leather tampon holder would be a novel, practical idea for women. I mean, it can be marketed as a pen case, but we all know what it's really for. Are women ever afraid that their tampon might accidentally fall out of their bag while they're rummaging for the wallet or keys? If it's inside a case, the uncertainty of whether or not it's a tampon or a writing implement would save you the embarrassment. Bottega Veneta bookmark available at Bottega Veneta for $110.For more Stocking Stuffers, click here.Designer man bags and fashion accessories
More About: Christmas , Bookmark

Sailor And His Duffles.
2007-12-07 02:49:00
Source: Getty[Click for larger picture]I'm sure he had more pressing issues to worry about (ie: World War II), but his duffle bag is cinching in several places. If I ever get drafted, my bags are coming with me.Designer man bags and fashion accessories
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Sharing Is Caring.
2007-12-06 21:35:00
Wouldn't it be much more interesting if you the readers sent in pictures of your overpriced designer bag/luggage and had them displayed here? Yes, yes it would.Email 'em to carryingcontraption [at] gmail [dot] comJust make sure it's not hideous and gross.You'll be properly credited (with a link if you have a website/blog), of course.Designer man bags and fashion accessories
More About: Sharing , Hari

Dinoffer Leather Luggage.
2007-12-06 14:34:00
Source: PorteroElegant black leather luggage is a must-have. If you don't own one, it's time to get your hands on one pronto. This Dinoffer leather suitcase has everything you need to keep your clothes well-organized for a short trip, including a garment bag with hanger and two large compartments.Dinoffer leather luggage available at Portero. (Current bid at $1249)Designer man bags and fashion accessories
More About: Luggage , Leather

"LensCrafters Focuses on Fashion".
2007-12-06 06:20:00
From this article:For most of its 30-year history, LensCrafters has been known for its blue-and-red clock logo and its ability to deliver prescription eyewear in under an hour. But over the past few months, the company has been revamping itself into a purveyor of stylish accessories....The company also altered its media mix, increasing its magazine spend to more than $20 million in 2006 (up from $8 million in 2005), according to Nielsen Monitor-Plus. The buy included fashion-oriented titles such as Vanity Fair and W. This year, the company was a sponsor of Conde Nast's Fash ion Rocks concert and created a four-page advertising insert featuring supermodel Heidi Klum in the publisher's multi-title supplement promoting the event.That explains this LensCrafters ad. I was quite flummoxed for a while.Will glasses become the new It accessory? I doubt it, especially since lasik surgery is getting better and better.Designer man bags and fashion accessories

Stocking Stuffers - Christmas '07: Aspinal Leather Tape Measure.
2007-12-06 05:58:00
Source: AspinalTrue, you can get one at Ace hardware store for $2.99, but is it in a beautiful hand-stitched leather case?Didn't think so. Last time I was at a hardware store, I thought I was walking out with tetanus.Leather tape measure available at Aspinal for $30.For more Stocking Stuffers, click here.Designer man bags and fashion accessories
More About: Christmas

Ermenegildo Zegna Leather Messenger Bag.
2007-12-05 23:48:00
Source: Bergdorf GoodmanIn case you missed my post I wrote three months, here it is.It'll look reallllll nice under a Christmas tree.Designer man bags and fashion accessories
More About: Messenger , Leather , Mess

Bruno Jamais Restaurant Club.
2007-12-05 21:09:00
(For a more detailed description of this fabulous restaurant, visit their website.)Bruno Jamais is blocks away from all of the upper east side's museums and hotels such as The Carlyle, The Mark and The Stanhope. Celebrity diners have included Chazz Palminteri, Cindy Adams, Chris Noth, Fat Joe, Gary Shandling, Robin Givens, Chaka Khan, Alex Rodriguez, Supermodel Carol Alt, The Gastineau Girls, Joan Rivers, Kim Cattral, and even former President Bill Clinton.Bruno Jamais Restaurant Club brings the French Riviera to the upper east side. Where else can one dine in style until 3am with delectable cuisine such as Lobster Brûlée and Foie Gras? The service and décor are equally impressive. The restaurant received the "Best Interior Design" award by Hospitality Design Magazine. Now, for the first time in the restaurant's four history, Bruno Jamais is open on Sunday nights for dinner, dancing and drinks with a reduced priced menu served from 6pm through 2am. In addition, there is also l...
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What Was I Writing About A Year Ago?
2007-12-05 17:38:00
I wasn't a fan of the Dsquared nylon tote.The psychedelic Etro duffle gave me a headache.Complaining about the Louis Vuitton price hike.I also made a Christmas Wish List. (Emphasis on the 'wish' part)A Tod's wallet was marked down to $98.Memories...Designer man bags and fashion accessories
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Stocking Stuffers - Christmas '07: Prada Card Set.
2007-12-05 16:19:00
Source: Prada Do you know a Prada collector? Because s/he's about the only person who'd appreciate this. If the recipient doesn't exhibit even a slight proclivity towards Prada, it'll be destined for the "Stuff to Regift" pile.Available at Prada for £100. (Does this mean Prada is expanding to e-commerce on their website?!)(Not available online in the United States)For more Stocking Stuffers, click here.Designer man bags and fashion accessories
More About: Christmas , Card

John Lobb Calfskin Briefcase.
2007-12-05 15:29:00
Source: Bergdorf GoodmanCrooked. Disproportionate. Uneven. Paris Hilton's eye. And what's with the double-buckles?But I'm not a hedge fund manager or Larry H. Parker. This is really more for the shoe aficionado who's loyal to the brand, and anyone unfamiliar with John Lobb will surely be turned away by the price tag. At least it's a bit more edgy than Berluti, for instance.John Lobb calfskin briefcase available at Bergdorf Goodman for $3300.Designer man bags and fashion accessories
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"Report reveals poor green record of luxury firms".
2007-12-05 05:42:00
This is the most misleading article I have read in the past week.I was expecting to read about diabolical behind-the-scenes deeds of luxury brands, like farming crocodiles in overcrowded conditions, using leather from cows suffering from bovine spongiform encephalopathy, or dumping a massive amount of dye into a pristine river thereby killing all the freshwater fauna.But what do I read?From the article:The WWF ranked companies' performance during 2006 as following:L'Oréal Grade C+ - scored well for stakeholder relations, due to policies on equal opportunities, health and safety in the workplace and attention to the rights of customers and suppliersHermès Grade C+ - scored low on governance due to a lack of a code of ethics but scored high for having avoided negative pressLVMH Grade C+ - high environmental score due to comprehensive reporting of improvements in environmental managements of its own operationsCoach (leather goods) Grade C - low score for environmental factors due t...
More About: Luxury , Green , Report , Record , Poor

Jil Sander Nylon Tote.
2007-12-05 03:27:00
Source: Tess & CarlosAs nice as it is, this Jil Sander tote bag is certainly not worth $1445, not when it's made of nylon. This magnitude of price gouging is something only Hermès can pull off.Jil Sander nylon tote available at Tess & Carlos.Designer man bags and fashion accessories
More About: Tote , Nylon