Carrying Contraption - Man Bag and Miscellaneous

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Bloggy Award.
2007-09-21 13:16:00
I was excited when I found out I won, but I read their review, and I'm starting to suspect there's been an error."The blog of blog designers. Geared to help companies communicate with their customers through the use of weblogs this blog is all about businesses and web design.I don't do that. I bitch about things and ogle bags.Designer man bags and fashion accessories
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Il Bisonte Small Leather Messenger Bag.
2007-09-21 04:57:00
Source: Il BisonteI was recently introduced to this Florentine company. None of their products are in the forefront of fashion, but they are reputed to create quality leather goods. Apparently they have a boutique in Beverly Hills, but I've never seen it. Maybe it's by Cesare Paciotti or Emporio Armani.Il Bisonte (Website)Designer man bags and fashion accessories
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Ralph Lauren Modern Hollywood Director's Chair.
2007-09-21 01:24:00
Source: Ralph Lauren Is there a diplomatic way to ask your corpulent guest not to sit on that rather pricey leather chair?I can't think of any, unless "Ummm...Hi Brenda, before you sit down, could you quickly help me in the kitchen with the quiche? Maureen tells me you have a delicious recipe. Oh and could you just not sit anywhere? Thanks" works. Speaking of fat, I just ate tablespoons of this cheese/artichoke dip. I suppose I can go running tonight, but that never ever happens.Available at Ralph Lauren for $5187.Designer man bags and fashion accessories
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Math/Science Library.
2007-09-20 22:11:00
I'm on page 2 of my protein biochemistry book. Two rows in front of me is this really hot guy in a wifebeater/whatever the politically-correct term is. He's about 6'1", 180 lbs, and nicely tanned with soft, wavy brunette hair. At some point I have to read about bacteriorhodopsin...that point being whenever he leaves.Sometimes I have to Google how many children Angelina Jolie has. I thought 4, but that one is Madonna's.Edit: Angelina has 4. I forgot about the biological one.Designer man bags and fashion accessories
More About: Science , Library , Math , Libra

Emporio Armani "Eco" Leather Messenger Bag.
2007-09-13 13:27:00
Source: Emporio Armani I can just imagine how artificial the "leather" on that bag would feel. Or worse, it might have the weird synthetic chemical smell. I will never acquiesce to the whole "green" movement that's slowly beginning to simmer in the fashion world. Ironically, real leather is probably more environmentally friendly in terms of degradation than this polyester/polyurethane faux product. $545? I don't think so. Spend a little more and get this Dunhill messenger bag instead.Designer man bags and fashion accessories
More About: Messenger , Leather , Messen , Pori

Level Of Comfort.
2007-09-13 04:04:00
We each have a defined notion of what is "comfortable" to us, shaped primarily by our social environment and perhaps by individual genetic differences that happen to result in a psychosocial phenotype.I was browsing a public web forum this morning and saw a picture of two bears (large, burly, hirsuite homosexual men) cuddling and kissing.That grossed me out.In between eating overpriced Cheerios purchased from the campus store and brushing my teeth with Arm & Hammer toothpaste containing irritating granules of sodium bicarbonate, I tried to analyze my aversion to seeing two bears displaying affection and came to the conclusion that I'm just not comfortable with it.And in that sense, I began to understand why some people are so abhorred by homosexuality. It doesn't fit their idea of normalcy, just as the two bears did not fit my idea of what homosexuals are supposed to be: well-groomed, young, and fit.The worst part is I'm not ashamed of my reaction. You must be thinking I'm no ...
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Crocodile Wallet.
2007-09-13 01:39:00
Source: Madison Avenue MallCroc odile leather is becoming more scarce these days, and this trend will likely continue as more designers and brands experiment with exotic leather. Here's a relatively inexpensive exotic leather wallet. If you're looking for a crocodile wallet, but the Bottega Veneta, Jil Sander, or Ralph Lauren prices of ~$800 are scaring you away, this may be an enticing alternative.Crocodile leather wallet available at Madison Avenue Mall for $159 (reduced from $249).Designer man bags and fashion accessories
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Andrea Brueckner Hamptons Voyageur.
2007-09-13 00:44:00
Source: ClarabellaNYCBuckled straps are tricky things to work with. If done incorrectly, they can lead to disastrous consequences, much like Britney's unhealthy dietary habits and poor life choices. The Andrea Brueckner Hamptons Voyageur manages to get the buckled straps right. They blend in with the structure of the bag while adding just the right amount of accessory detailing. It's all leather too!Available at Clarabella for $500 (reduced from $725).279 East Houston Street (West Store Front)New York, NY 10002Designer man bags and fashion accessories

Gucci Canvas Tote.
2007-09-11 15:25:00
Source: Neiman MarcusThis canvas tote is still doable for the fall. The colors are subdued enough that it doesn't scream, "I got this half off at the end of the season sale." It is lightweight and makes for an overall good casual tote bag. Gucci tote available at Neiman Marcus for $418 (reduced from $835).Designer man bags and fashion accessories
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Valentino Luggage.
2007-09-11 03:44:00
Source: Valentin o Somebody went a little overboard with the riveter. And the material looks like it came from a nursing home wallpaper. It doesn't look like the Valentino monogram. It just looks like goose droppings (which I almost stepped on this morning).My apartment is next to a "lake", and avian creatures like to hang around there, leaving behind their fecal matter.It's a lovely sight. Really.Designer man bags and fashion accessories
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Berluti Tote.
2007-09-10 14:50:00
Source: BerlutiIt's just not something I'd spend $2700 on. The calfskin has beautiful natural variations and shades, but it's rather...stodgy.Available at Berluti.Designer man bags and fashion accessories
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Jack Spade Boarskin Wallet.
2007-09-10 14:28:00
Source: Jack SpadeIf you liked Lord of the Flies, then perhaps you'll like this wallet.Because you know, there's obviously a high correlation.Available at Jack Spade for $125.Designer man bags and fashion accessories
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Read These.
2007-09-07 13:25:00
1 and 2.Basic premise: Mass marketing of designer goods does not lead to perceived devaluation of the said goods, and Dana Thomas, the author of How Luxury Lost Its Luster, is an elitist b*tch.Designer man bags and fashion accessories
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Slowly But Surely.
2007-09-07 03:04:00
My life is settling into place like red dirt on the Snake River.UPS delivered all my packages; none of the 11 got lost.I'm feeling slightly less anxious about grad school.Oh, and I didn't "meet up" with the professor at the veterinary school. There were several reasons: 1) I was still busy packing. 2) I had a strange suspicion he had a hidden camera set up in his office. 3) I did not want the last thing I do in Ithaca to be that. 4) If you do bad things, bad things will happen to you.I'll be gone for the weekend (department retreat).Ugh, I have to pack yet again.Designer man bags and fashion accessories

Ermenegildo Zegna Leather Messenger Bag.
2007-09-07 02:46:00
Source: Bergdorf GoodmanThis mid-sized leather messenger bag is appropriate for just about any occasion (except dinner at a Korean all-you-can-eat meat restaurant where the oil from the grill gets all over the place or cruising for sex in a teen camp for the terminally ill). It's hard to go wrong with black leather, simple design, and functionality. Considering you can use this bag almost anywhere and it costs less than $800, this needs to be on "The List" (I know, that list is endless). On a per use basis, it's probably more economical than a similar-styled Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Montblanc, or Prada.Ermenegildo Zegna messenger bag available at Bergdorf Goodman for $765.Designer man bags and fashion accessories
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T. Anthony Wheeled Luggage.
2007-09-05 22:58:00
Source: T. Anthony It would be an understatement to say investment in quality wheeled luggage is worthwhile. Look sophisticated and delay spinal wear and tear at the same time.Available at T. Anthony for $2200.Designer man bags and fashion accessories
More About: Luggage , Heel

My Apt.
2007-09-05 20:18:00
When the Graduate Housing website said the apartments are unfurnished, they weren't kidding. I'm in a barren white room right now with my stuff scattered across the brownish-grey tile floor. I have no chair, so I'm sitting on the hard surface right now, trying to decide how to decorate this hole in the wall. I have no bed either, so tonight will be interesting as I try to assemble a haphazard sleeping arrangement with sweatshirts and jackets.UPS is supposed to deliver the rest of my stuff tomorrow. The only thing I'm looking forward to is the memory foam pad which will serve as a mattress for the time being. Oh, and a small fluorescent lamp. When the sun goes down, the only source of light will be the laptop screen and possibly the moonlight if it's on this side of the apartment.I'm hungry. I wonder what kind of take-out food is around here.Designer man bags and fashion accessories

Before I Leave.
2007-09-04 22:18:00
Is it slutty of me to hook up with a professor because I can possibly blackmail him to write me a recommendation?Designer man bags and fashion accessories
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Prada Ad.
2007-09-04 19:09:00
Source: Prada [via The Coherent][Click for larger picture]The Prada ombre patent leather is stunning, and the orange/black is no exception. Any ombre patent leather accessory from this season will definitely be a collectible piece in the future. It's marketed as a woman's handbag, but it's big enough that a man can pull it off. Normally, one of the differences between a woman's bag and a similar style bag modified for men is the hardware, but I think the hardware is fine in this instance. Don't worry about the ombre patent leather going out of season - it'll be acceptable to bring it out of the closet in four years.Designer man bags and fashion accessories

"Craig kids believe dad is not gay".
2007-09-04 18:42:00
Click here for full article.WASHINGTON (AP) — Two of Sen. Larry Craig 's children said Tuesday they questioned him explicitly about "what exactly happened in that bathroom" where he was arrested in a sex sting and believe his assertions that he isn't gay.Michael Craig said they asked their father about the June 11 incident at the Minneapolis-St. Paul airport, which led to the Idaho Republican's resignation last week after it became public, because "we were shocked" at media accounts of the incident, he said.Craig, 62, pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of disorderly conduct following his arrest. The arresting officer said in his report that the restroom where he encountered Craig is a known location for homosexual activity.In an interview with ABC's "Good Morning America," Michael Craig said his father was simply "a victim of circumstance" and "in the wrong place at the wrong time.""We've known him our whole life. He has been so trustworthy to us, so honest to us, that we beli...
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Givenchy Messenger.
2007-09-04 02:56:00
Source: Givenchy I don't see too many men's Givenchy bags when I'm shopping, but I'm also probably not looking hard enough. Next time I venture to NYC, which will be much easier to do now that I'm in Jersey, I'll dig harder. I really like the rectangular buckles and the relatively discreet top handle. I wish I had more information on this bag (ie: internal compartments, detachable or non-detachable strap, material, price), but going by this one picture, this messenger bag looks promising.Designer man bags and fashion accessories
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These Shoes > Your Shoes.
2007-09-03 15:43:00
Source: Hint Magazine/Andrew BurmeisterDo these Raf Simons shoes not make you want to take ecstasy* and jump up and down to happy hardcore? (I know there are people out there who still listen to it. Perhaps unemployed people but people nonetheless.) Source: Unknown (Balenciaga?)Who did gawdy-fab better, Raf or Nicolas?* Carrying Contraption does not condone illegal drugs.Designer man bags and fashion accessories
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Prada Navy Blue Saffiano Briefcase.
2007-09-03 03:39:00
Source: YooxConsidering Blue fly is charging $968 for the same style briefcase and navy blue is a less common saffiano leather color, $595 looks very appealing.I promised myself I'm not going to buy a briefcase until I actually use my Roberto Cavalli pewter briefcase. But still, a Prada briefcase for less than $600? That's almost eBay price.Available at Yoox.Designer man bags and fashion accessories
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OK, So I'm Back.
2007-09-01 14:28:00
If you haven't read, I graduated from college a few months ago and decided to take a break...but I ended up working full-time this summer. The reason being, I want another publication under my belt before grad school. I'm actually quite terrified of grad school, mainly because I haven't taken real math since AP Calculus in high school. If I do a rotation in a lab where I have to do any computational biology or advanced bioinformatics, I'm screwed like Senator "Tap-a-Foot" Craig. So if I'm a published author (OK, so it's not Nature or Cell or anything), it helps to allay my paranoia.I'm still in the process of moving out of state. I've grown accustomed to living in a rural community (Ithaca, NY), but it's time I venture out to civilization. I'll be approximately an hour away from NYC and Philly...not that there's much in Philly except crime and the Liberty Bell.I'll do a real post when I get settled. September 10th.Designer man bags and fashion accessories
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Not Quite Back.
2007-08-05 06:03:00
(I'll officially be back in September...ish.)Anyways, this blog is not meant to provide an "intellectual" dissection of luxury brands. There is nothing "intellectual" about fashion. I don't aspire to make it big in the fashion world. I am not a fashion critic. I can care less about the evolution of Jil Sander.Get real, folks.Designer man bags and fashion accessories
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MIA.
2007-07-17 00:04:00
Brief hiatus.When I come back, the focus of this blog will shift a bit.But I will still denigrate hideous bags.Designer man bags and fashion accessories

Ralph Lauren Cooper Bag.
2007-07-11 01:50:00
Source: Ralph Lauren Not a fan of the angled buckles - but I like the vintage-inspired look of the bag.Ralph Lauren Purple Label Cooper bag available at Ralph Lauren for $2495.Designer man bags and fashion accessories

Prada Belt Buckle.
2007-07-09 15:21:00
Source: Neiman MarcusNotice the crooked R and the A. Was it done on purpose or does it signify lack of quality control at Prada ?Prada croc embossed belt available at Neiman Marcus for $375.Designer man bags and fashion accessories
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Prada Quilted Messenger.
2007-07-09 15:15:00
Source: Neiman MarcusIt looks like a diaper bag. And that's exactly what it is. A nylon Prada diaper bag.Prada quilted nylon bag available at Neiman Marcus for $1195.Designer man bags and fashion accessories
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Dolce & Gabbana Metallic Leather Wallets.
2007-07-09 14:11:00
Source: LuisaViaRomaOnce again, Dolce & Gabbana couldn't leave good enough alone. As you can expressly see, the unsightly logo stripe completely contravenes the luster of metallic leather. Moreover, maybe it's the patriot in me, but I would not want to carry a wallet bearing another country's flag. (I mean, it's not like most Americans can even recognize the colors of an Italian flag...but still...I'm a proud American at heart.)Want to see another hideous Dolce & Gabbana leather accessory? Here it is.Dolce & Gabbana wallet available at LuisaViaRoma for €306.Designer man bags and fashion accessories
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