The Obtainer - 8/21/23, Monday
↦ The Best Leather Work Bags
Monday, August 21st Edition
Happy Monday! My allergies are recovering from all the pumpkin spice overkill stores are already engaging in. I guess you could consider this a PSA for PSS (Pumpkin Spice Season)—it’s too damn early.
- Leon Hedgepeth, Shopping Editor ⋯ @leonhedgepeth
Buying Guide
The Best Leather Work Bags
Our work bags are now working harder than ever. First, we've got a lot to carry. From laptops and tablets to notebooks, pens and cameras—maybe even a water bottle, book and some gym clothes. Maybe you pack your lunch if you're the health-conscious type. And now that so many jobs are a combination of working in the office and from home, it means that we're lugging this stuff to and fro a whole lot more than we used to. This is why the bag you choose matters.Sure, you can use any old bag. But a man's work bag says a lot about him. Why put effort into your daily outfit if your bag is going to bring down your personal style? When you walk into a meeting and set down your bag, you've already made a statement. So you want it to be fashionable, interesting and well-suited to your personal style. And call us old fashioned, but a proper work bag should be leather. There's an inherent boss quality to a well-made leather bag.But it's also got to work for you. The wrong bag for your needs can make your commute all the more excruciating. Who wants a bag that can't hold all the stuff you need? If you're the type that's constantly reaching for your earbuds or lip balm, make sure there are handy pockets. Are you okay holding a briefcase in your hands or do you want a shoulder strap? Maybe you want ultimate utility (and weight distribution) and require a grown-up backpack.The great news is that there are now so many great bags that are as handsome as they are purposeful. You no longer need to choose between fashion and function. But you do need to choose the type of work bag that suits your needs. From totes and slings to briefcases and backpacks, the Valet. team rounded up some of our favorite upgrades. The ones we'd like to bring to the office each day.- Cory Ohlendorf
Our Picks
Tote Bags
Totes have definitely taken off in the last few years. Upgrade from your flimsy yet cultured New Yorker or NPR tote to one of these more structured and organized options. Some also come with a shoulder strap for when you've got a lot to haul.
Stonington leather tote, $169 by L.L. Bean
Briefcases
Think briefcases are just for serious or important businessmen? And what makes you think you're not serious or important? These aren't the latched suitcase style briefcases of your grandfather's generation. They're softer and more suited to the styles of a man in 2023.
Slim leather traveler briefcase, $795 by Shinola
Messengers
Like the ones you remember from your college days, but a little more sophisticated. They're rugged and ready for anything.
Heroes leather messenger bag, $453.75 by Bleu De Chauffe
Backpacks
If you've got a lot to carry, then there's no easier way to haul it all than in a backpack. Thankfully, there are some seriously stylish options out there with plenty of built-in organization and optimization to make your daily shlep anything but burdensome.
Sloan leather backpack, $295 by Leatherology
This is a little lamp ($58) with a big impact. The solid industrial-inspired concrete base is around four inches tall, but the classic grey fabric drum shade adds another five inches. Still, it's perfect for adding a layer of unexpected texture and a pocket of warm light to compact areas of your home—be it a kitchen counter, bookshelf or even a nightstand or entry table.
Test Drive
The Best Mismatched Loafers
When Chris Echevarria created Blackstock & Weber, his goal was to restructure the classic slip-on to fit anyone's age range or wardrobe. He’s done that and then some. How do you reimagine a shoe that’s been around since the 20th century? You tweak it and freak it. Blackstock & Weber have made loafers from tennis balls, added crepe and Vibram soles, and even designed loafers that convert into mules. Whatever you thought a loafer couldn’t be, Echevarria has reinvented and executed the timeless footwear option tastefully.Earlier in the year, the brand released these, and I’ve been wearing them since winter. You’ll notice that these are called the chocolate flips, and no, not the chocolate-covered pretzels. The brand couldn’t decide between pebbled grain leather and suede, so they went with both. And they turned out flawlessly. These are handmade in Portugal, and the leather was sourced from famed Tanneries Du Poy. Goodyear welted construction all around and a 1757 Vibram sole—these can be taken for a spin in the colder months.Once you put these on your feet, you’ll appreciate the material contrast even more. They’re luxe, and the rich chocolate brown looks excellent with colors like navy, green and khaki. Thanks to the Vibram sole there’s quite a heft to the shoe—it feels about the same weight as a lightweight chukka-style boot. For sizing, as the brand suggests, they run extremely large, and they mention sizing down one full size. In loafers and other dress shoes, I wear an eight, so that’s what I ordered. Man, was I completely off. Their customer service was super helpful with the exchange process, and a size seven was on my way before my previous shoe even reached them. And I know you may be thinking; kind of aggressive not to rock with a seven-and-a-half, but the brand suggests a snug fit in the beginning since the leather will stretch. While these took a few wears to break in, they certainly feel like how Mr. Echevarria intended, and that’s the “best f**cking loafers in the world.”
Ellis penny loafer,$395 by Blackstock & Weber
The sales and discounts our team is currently watching.
These lightweight linen trousers are made of a herringbone blend and have been garment dyed for an immediate lived-in feel. They'll work for meetings in the office and date nights on the seaside.
$295 / $206.50by rag & bone
This overshirt does it all, from keeping you warm on summer evenings to keeping you dry down the trails. It's made of breathable Cordura cotton-nylon that lends a crisp and dry hand feel. The boxy silhouette is ideal for layering.
$195 / $97.50 byPilgrim Surf + Supply
L.L. Bean's supplex shorts are made for the outdoors. They're made from lightweight Supplex nylon and include a built-in brief liner and adjustable belt. Plus, they block 97.5% of UV rays and feature anti-odor polyester mesh.
$49.95 / $39.99by L.L. Bean
The three best stories from around the web.
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The LA-based duo of podcasters were in town for their first live recording in Denmark, which a lucky throng were witness to at Babylon restaurant during Copenhagen Fashion Week.”
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Secondhand does an excellent job listing the conditions of its resale denim, leaving notes like ‘thread pull found on item’ and ‘faint fraying on pockets and hem’ on items.”
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While Salomon didn’t invent trail running, it served as arguably the biggest catalyst in its global explosion.”
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Back in Florence …#pittiuomo #pittiuomo104
June 15
