In my undergraduate years, I often carried a North Face backpack like any public university student. It was practical: It held my Nalgene bottle, protected my laptop and hauled my books. It was "normal" to have one. However, when I was pretending to be important in my liberal arts classes, I often carried a briefcase, tote or leather bag.
Once I graduated, I knew I wasn't going to carry around my beloved North Face backpack to coffee shops and travel, let alone to job interviews and formal outings. I needed a new bag that spoke to my "not-so-professional-but-I-want-to-be-a-young-professional" stage of life.
A Filson tote provided that transition. Practical, functional, and it looks sharp. I can carry it to coffee shop and pretend to look important. I can carry it to a less formal job interview to house my portfolio and laptop. Or even throw some clothes in it and jetset. It's one of my favorites.
Small tote bag ($90 retail, $45 on eBay) by Filson; Salmon puff "lifejacket" vest (thrift store, $4); "The Henley" 14-ounce Karabo dry selvedge (Standard Style, $200) by Baldwin Denim; Classic Lifestyle boot in Java 8878 (Halls, sale $78) by Red Wing Shoes; Button down (retail, $12.99) by J.CREW; Natural leather belt (retail, sale $4.99) by Urban Outfitters; Camper watch
(Amazon, $18.99) by Timex.
(Amazon, $18.99) by Timex.photography by Jarred Donalson
Wickedly cool look man, very at home there in the tall grass. The tote looks good too, carried by the handles as it was meant to be. I've seen some guys try to rock the tote and wind up looking effeminate enough to be on their way to the salon instead of the pub. You should email Filson and make them include that last photo in their next ad campaign, it looks that badass.
ReplyDeleteLove the vest! I'm not a guy (I'm a mid 20's female), but I have to say that I love, LOVE your guys' blog. As an avid reader of female fashion blogs, this is the first male blog I've read that shows young men who are into both fashion and thrifting, and doing so in a way that is current and wearable. I love reading it! Keep up the great work and I'm waiting to see you guys expand your tab on thrifting!
ReplyDeleteDon't get me wrong - I love Filson, spent $$ on a work bag I use everyday and am from the PNW, but their totes are totally overrated. You need to check out Beckel Canvas for the understated, cool and functional - beckelcanvas.com . Eena is where it's at.
ReplyDeleteLike Lisa, I am an early twentys female, but totally fell in love with this blog as soon as I started reading. It's so refreshing to see guys that give a damn about their appearance and dress smart!!!!
ReplyDeleteDavid - Haha, I'll send Papa Filson and email from his boys at the Midwestyle. They also have a Log Carrier, that I know I would probably use to hold toilet paper.
ReplyDeleteLisa - Thanks friend! We're working on those features. I'm working full-time, Seth does freelance full-time and Cam is in school full-time....but we're making time!
Nils - I checked out Beckel, it was a little too modern & sterile for my likings. Great price points & crisp though! Thanks for the suggestion, perhaps I'll do a bag/tote round up.
APR - Many thanks, APR! We're glad that so many women are enjoying it, along with men. We're flattered for all the great feedback & praises.
Really like the Filson bag. How long is the drop of the leather handle.
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