Carrying Contraption - Man Bag and Miscellaneous

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Gucci Sapphire Guccissima Duffle.
2007-11-13 04:37:00
Source: Neiman MarcusToday I did a little digging of the past and found this beauty. Despite the monogram, the Gucci ssima leather is quite stunning (the picture doesn't do justice), and if you look up close, you can see subtle variations in color. Sapp hire is my favorite color of the Guccissima leather, although chocolate comes close. Gucci sapphire Guccissima duffle was available at Neiman Marcus for $2350. Good luck finding one now.Designer man bags and fashion accessories

Gucci Patent Leather Briefcase.
2007-11-12 16:22:00
Source: Neiman MarcusIf you have a good idea, fantastic even, and want to make a bold, tacit statement during a meeting, this Gucci patent leather briefcase should do the trick. Just make sure the idea really is phenomenal and not already registered with the U.S. Patent Office, lest you want to be known as the company idiot with a shiny briefcase.It's a good thing that horrid shoulder strap can be detached. Use it as a dog leash or something. Gucci patent leather briefcase available at Neiman Marcus for $1950.EDIT: I mention the U.S. Patent Office because people have been ridiculed for suggesting ideas that are already patented. Pun is not intended.Designer man bags and fashion accessories
More About: Leather , Brief , Briefcase

Gianfranco Ferre Small Messenger Bag.
2007-11-12 02:04:00
Source: ForzieriAt 10" x 9", this bag would make a decent carrying case for a camera and camera accessories. Toss out the ugly polyester bag that the Best Buy employee convinced you to buy with your new purchase. For one thing, you don't want to make it completely obvious that you're a tourist. Gianfranco Ferre messenger bag available at Forzieri for $493.Designer man bags and fashion accessories
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Marc Marmel Card Case.
2007-11-11 16:21:00
Source: Marc MarmelLike all Marc Marmel pieces, the leather exterior of this card case looks rough and cracked, but that's the whole appeal of the brand - conveyance of ruggedness infused with subtle style. Though no one knows how long the leather will last before it starts flaking off and degrading, the hardsided frame will keep its functionality.Designer man bags and fashion accessories
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Comments Are Now Unmoderated.
2007-11-11 09:28:00
It's cumbersome to approve each and every comment, not that there are many to begin with.Designer man bags and fashion accessories
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Comme Des Garcons Checkerboard Tote.
2007-11-11 01:51:00
Source: BarneysI was never good at chess or checkers. Chess has too many different pieces doing too many different things, and checkers is just boring. I like my games to be streamlined like Connect Four.I haven't had a haircut in over two months, and someone said the other day that I look like a hipster. I had never been more offended in my life.That tote bag just reminded me of that incident.Comme des Garcons tote bag available at Barneys for $490.Designer man bags and fashion accessories
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Support The Alzheimer's Foundation.
2007-11-10 18:58:00
My grandmother passed away in 2001 after years of suffering from Alzheimer's. We visit her grave at Forest Lawn Memorial Park every New Year's Day (I know, it's a bizarre ritual) and just sit by the grassy slope reminiscing about the past. Isn't it ironic? It's a new year, new beginning and there we are going backwards in time.In the last few years of her life, she went from nursing home to nursing home, losing her memory little by little. She spent most of her time just lying in bed, but everyone knew she was in pain, only to forget she was in pain.I hope we can find a cure, but there's more to Alzheimer's treatment than just finding a cure. We have to improve the quality of life for those who are already suffering and probably have no chance of seeing a cure. The Alzheimer's Foundation of America does just that - provide optimal care and services to individuals confronting dementia, and to their caregivers and families—through member organizations dedicated to impr...
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Loro Piana Twill Travel Bag.
2007-11-10 18:29:00
Source: VivreNo, it's not made of cashmere, but this handmade Loro Piana travel bag captures simplicity and functionality. Oh, and the logo is there for reverse snobbery. It's not widely recognized, and in this age of mass luxury, it seems a giant Prada logo just doesn't cut it anymore.Source: BlueflyLoro Piana travel bag available at Vivre for $1590.Prada jacquard travel bag available at Bluefly for $1344.Designer man bags and fashion accessories
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Salvatore Ferragamo And Valextra Trifold Wallets.
2007-11-10 05:30:00
Source: Neiman MarcusTrifold wallets are fun alternatives to bifolds. The Ferragamo "Kansas" wallet ($230 at Neiman Marcus) also comes in black, which I prefer, but I don't feel like changing the picture now.Source: ValextraIf you want to go a step up, the off-white Valextra trifold goes for $790 at Valextra and select Barneys (maybe Saks too - not sure). The corner indentations add a bit more substance to the design element, and the stitching is tighter than the Ferragamo wallet. The color is nice, too.Designer man bags and fashion accessories
More About: Fold

Martin Margiela Nylon Jacket.
2007-11-10 02:46:00
Source: YooxSnow's coming soon. Now I can't take the shortcut home through the wooded hiking trail.Martin Margiela nylon jacket available at Yoox for $419.Designer man bags and fashion accessories
More About: Jacket , Nylon

Bill Amberg Leather Tote.
2007-11-09 14:02:00
Source: Bill AmbergI like the idea of this bag - a simple all-leather travel tote with no hardware eyesores. You know how much I hate metal studs (e.g. Dunhill croc briefcase, Tod's vachetta briefcase), and thankfully this bag doesn't have any.But the handles are attached to the bag unevenly. Look closely at the indentation of the trapezoidal leather patches. Hopefully this was just an isolated incident like the case of the crooked Prada belt.Bill Amberg tote available at Bill Amberg for $792.Designer man bags and fashion accessories
More About: Tote , Leather , Berg

Lenscrafters Ad Featuring Balenciaga.
2007-11-08 21:23:00
[Click for larger picture]I scanned this from an ad in the November issue of GQ, and it says, "That bag says as much as your business card. Do your glasses?" I say, "If you have a business card, you have no business carrying that bag around." Stick with a briefcase.I'm guessing Lenscrafters didn't get permission from Bale nciaga to use their bag in an ad, but then again, there are no identifiable trademark logos anywhere. Also, the tassel is conveniently missing from the front zipper.If this ad were in any other magazine like Time or Newsweek, the Balenciaga bag would've gone unnoticed by most of the readers. I guess Lenscrafters did their research and picked a recognizable fashionable bag that wouldn't infringe on any trademarks. I still say a briefcase would have been more appropriate.Designer man bags and fashion accessories
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Louis Vuitton Congo GM: Just Needed A Good Laugh.
2007-11-08 15:54:00
Source: EluxuryI blogged about this a few months ago, but it's back for a second time so we can all laugh at it together.The net is totally wasted on that bag; it's better suited for this.P.S. Support controlled use of DDT!Designer man bags and fashion accessories
More About: Louis , Congo , Good , Laugh

Gucci Dark Brown Tote.
2007-11-07 18:34:00
Source: Bergdorf GoodmanI'm getting sick of trashy Gucci bags and accessories now more than ever. How long do they think their plaster-a-logo-everywhere shtick is going to work? I'm not saying they don't make luxurious bags anymore (e.g. python duffle). However I can find a similar tote bag with a Wegmans logo on it for $5.99.Gucci tote available at Bergdorf Goodman for $445.Designer man bags and fashion accessories
More About: Brown , Tote , Dark

Dolce & Gabbana Crocodile Collection.
2007-10-31 04:43:00
Source: Dolce & GabbanaIt seems croc is the way to go if a brand wants to stay relevant and maintain that rarefied reputation. Dolce & Gabbana leather accessories are fraught with giant logos, but fear not, for those who still adhere to the label and shun the logo trend, the crocodile collection is meant to instill that extra exclusivity and luxury. (That means it's really expensive.) Each piece has a plaque with your named engraved on it, so don't even think about pawning it on eBay after you're bored with it.If I ever discover an antibiotic that treats vancomycin-resistant S. aureus (not going to happen), I'd reward myself with that croc portfolio. Eh, why not the whole collection? What's a few tens of thousands compared to millions?Available upon request at select Dolce & Gabbana boutiques.Designer man bags and fashion accessories
More About: Croc , Dile

Ducas Ostrich Suitcase.
2007-10-30 21:43:00
Source: CoutureLabI've decided that I don't like un-dyed, flesh-toned ostrich skin. It just reminds me too much of smallpox, pictures of which I will not show because they're quite gruesome. It's not the ostrich's fault though for having such large feather follicles. I wouldn't mind having that suitcase in flame red, although now that I ponder, that particular color brings up the issue of introducing smallpox to Native Americans and almost wiping them out completely. (I don't mean to sound bigoted and prejudiced. My mind subconsciously associates Native Americans with red skin.)It's intriguing how certain things get tenuously associated with death and destruction, and all of a sudden, a beautiful travel bag becomes unappealing. Does anyone else think of smallpox when they see ostrich skin? Ducas ostrich suitcase available at CoutureLab for $5614.Designer man bags and fashion accessories
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Pierotucci Leather Messenger Bag.
2007-10-30 16:15:00
Source: Piero tucciI'm a fan of decorative metal hardware, but it's probably annoying to have to hook and unhook every time you go in and out of the bag. It'd be better if there was a way to detach the chain completely.Pierotucci messenger bag available at Pierotucci for $307.Designer man bags and fashion accessories
More About: Messenger , Leather , Mess

Response To "Can A Manbag Ever Be Right?"
2007-10-30 04:11:00
I'm back from my three-day hiatus, which I've been enjoying to the fullest extent by 1) not studying, 2) ordering cheap Chinese take-out, and 3) watching DVDs for hours on end, to respond to this dastardly article titled Can A Man bag Ever Be Right?From the article:Boys, it's a purse! A rose by any other name and all. Carry this around and without exception you look like a halfwit. In The Guardian last year, American tennis player Andy Roddick had this to say about them: "Anything bigger than a money clip or a wallet is to be left with your girlfriend-wife ... if you have a man-purse, the wall is waiting."First, if you haven't clicked on the link, it shows a man in a suit carrying a pink (knockoff) Chanel purse on his shoulder. We're supposed to be rendered aghast at the thought of a dashing gentleman carrying a bag...except it's clearly a purse and not a man bag. If the writer can't tell the difference, perhaps he should take a look at the hundreds of man bags I've blogge...
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Be Back Later.
2007-10-27 06:01:00
I just finished my midterm (writing some made-up gibberish about substrate-activated catalysis by a serine protease), and now it's fall break!And by fall break, I mean catching up on my readings and experiments, preparing a class presentation on tissue engineering, and drinking a lot while watching Stargate SG-1.Unless something substantial happens (like a hidden camera video popping up on Youtube of Senator Craig soliciting raunchy bathhouse sex), I'll be MIA.See ya!Designer man bags and fashion accessories
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Jil Sander Leather Duffle Bag (For Charity).
2007-10-27 06:00:00
Source: eBay [Seller ID: club21-by-kompolt]100% of the proceeds will go to support Rainforest Foundation. After all, rainforests like the Amazons make up the respiratory system of Earth and extensive logging has resulted in severe environmental...you get the idea.This leather duffle was specifically designed to celebrate the 35th anniversary of Club 21. (I'm not really sure what they are - boutique operators, brand managers?) Anyways, the particular look is not too exciting, but you can be sure that the quality will be superb. The buckled strap was a nice touch, but other than that, it's fairly conservative.I wasn't going to blog this to increase my chances of winning the auction, but it's for a good cause, and it should fetch the best possible price. Back in high school, I used to be the president of the Environmental Club. As a matter of fact, I started a paper recycling program, and you better believe I put that on my college application, along with after-school tutori...
More About: Charity , Leather , Char , Hari

WANT Ipod Case.
2007-10-26 16:16:00
Source: Shop JakeFinally, an Ipod case that's stylish and functional! The outside is leather, and the interior is lined in velvet, all framed nicely with a chrome finish. It accommodates the Ipod, the Mini, and the Nano, obviating the need for multiple cases. If you close it shut, it looks like a sleek business card case. Or cigarette holder. Seriously though, it's a huge step up from these Bergdorf Goodman alligator cases, knitted Jack Spade thingamujiggie, and Prada saffiano case.WANT Ipod holder available at Jake for $225.(My antediluvian 4th generation Ipod won't fit in this. Ugh, the screen is so small, the whole thing is so thick and fat, and the cord hole is in the middle and not off to the side. I might as well just carry a gramophone around.)Designer man bags and fashion accessories
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Youtube Friday.
2007-10-26 06:03:00
Meredith Brooks - BitchDesigner man bags and fashion accessories
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Jumping On The Croc Bandwagon.
2007-10-26 01:50:00
We start off with this colorful array of Nancy Gonzalez card cases ($390). Jealous, drunk, jolly, adventurous, gloomy, livid, or serious, there's one for every mood. Continuing on to the venerable house of Yves Saint Laurent, we find the price of a similar card case goes up by $105, most likely due to the label. Maybe the crocodile was killed more humanely, you tell yourself as you justify the price discrepancy.Travel wallets are great when you realize your already turgid wallet doesn't have enough slots for hotel room keys, airline vouchers when the flight is delayed or canceled, and travel checks. (Yes, travel checks actually do come in handy.) But if you spend $995 on this Lambertson Truex, your plane ticket to the Maldives should at least cost just as much. No post on useless spending is complete without mentioning Bottega Veneta. At $780, it's not too bad. He's next. Photo Credit - Nancy Gonzalez and Lamberston Truex (Vivre), Yves Saint Laurent (YSL), Bottega Veneta...
More About: Croc , Jumping

Marijuana And Depression.
2007-10-25 00:17:00
My pot-smoking readers might appreciate this.* It was found that at low levels, WIN55 212-2, a synthetic THC, can increase serotonin levels in the brain thereby alleviating depression. However at high levels, it actually lowers serotonin. The study was conducted in lab animals, and to my knowledge, humans have not been used as test subjects to study the effects of THC on mood. But there are plenty of anecdotal evidence. Hint Hint.I may have to look more into this. Alcohol just makes me hate my life even more.* Carrying Contraption assumes marijuana was obtained legally.Designer man bags and fashion accessories
More About: Depression , Marijuana

John Varvatos Leather Messenger Bag.
2007-10-24 14:50:00
Source: Bergdorf GoodmanGreat bag if you're a pack mule. Like the literal animal.John Varvatos messenger bag available at Bergdorf Goodman for $895.Designer man bags and fashion accessories
More About: Messenger , Leather , Mess

Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Briefcase.
2007-10-24 04:34:00
Source: eBay [Seller ID: theaspenvault]Hardsided briefcases are getting more rare than non-toxic Chinese toys, but that doesn't mean you can't carry one in style. The Bottega Veneta above seems to be in decent condition, considering it's vintage. Perhaps you can carry your tablet PC in it - mix modern technology with traditional business accessory. If I ever get into translational research and have to sit through boring business meetings, I'll at least walk into a room with a fab bag such as the one above. Word on the street is nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals are the next big money-making ventures.Bottega Veneta intrecciato briefcase available at eBay. (Starting bid $1625).Designer man bags and fashion accessories
More About: Brief , Briefcase

Zegna Pebbled Leather Messenger Bag.
2007-10-22 15:25:00
Source: BlueflyAt first I thought the leather looked a bit too artificially pebbled, but it does have an advantage of looking more rugged. If Jack Bauer ever decides to take it up a notch...I've never seen 24 by the way. Zegna black leather messenger bag available at Bluefly for $476.Designer man bags and fashion accessories
More About: Messenger , Leather , Pebble , Bled , Mess

Tory (from America's Next Top Model) Gives An Exclusive Interview.
2007-10-19 13:57:00
Source: CWClick here to read about about racist hate mail, Tyra's bodyguards, and "the top history program at Yale".I used to think her nonchalant attitude was just a facade, but it really does seem as though she doesn't give two squats about modeling. I personally think Tyra and the judges took umbrage at her insouciance.Designer man bags and fashion accessories
More About: Exclusive , Next Top Model , Top Model , Interview , Model

Youtube Friday.
2007-10-19 06:13:00
Octopus's Garden - The BeatlesWe would shout and swim aboutThe coral that lies beneath the waveOh what joy for every girl and boyKnowing they're happy and they're safeWe would be so happy you and meNo one were to tell us what to doI remember singing this delightful song in second grade about fifteen years ago. Oddly enough I don't know how to swim. I do like playing with sea anemone though.Designer man bags and fashion accessories
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Vintage Snakeskin Briefcase.
2007-10-19 04:09:00
Source: Vintage Bag/Cara ChellI'm all about vintage, as long as it doesn't smell like Bengay or harbor Aspergillus spores. I don't know why one would ever need this bag, but how often do you find snakeskin briefcases these days? Plus, it's lined in leather, and at $88, it's a cheap thrill. You'll probably just stuff it somewhere in your closet and forget about it when the novelty wears off. When you're cleaning out the closet, you'll find it stashed between your 2-seasons old purple Lanvin sneakers and a box of old Britney CDs.Does anyone remember the songs Lucky and Outrageous?Snakeskin briefcase available at Vintage Bag.Designer man bags and fashion accessories
More About: Brief , Briefcase