When it comes to bags and the necessities that go into your everyday carry, you have to decide what works for your lifestyle.
You've got a big-boy office job: Try a briefcase.
You're one of those guys that carry a messenger bag: Fine.
You're a snot-nosed liberal arts undergrad rat (like I was): Give a backpack a go.
You're not a fan of carrying any of those: Tote along, friends.
Carry what fits with your setting and lifestyle. Bags with top handles are particularly my game. I love a good Filson tote, as well as a Jack Spade dipped-canvas coal tote. Durable, beat up and broken in.
My preference comes from not wanting to carry something across my body. It cramps my style, usually dishevels my blazer, and I don't want scoliosis. Enter the tote.
Hold up, what is this guy doing with a Louis Vuitton? Hear me out. I got it for a killer deal and it's a freaking Louis?! Do you know how many middle-aged, Gold Coast housewives armed with LVs, hauling strollers and pumped with Botox have stopped me on the streets of Chicago complimenting this bag? Well, three this week and I don't know if that's a really good indicator of "cool" either, but who's keeping track....Not me. Nope.
Plus, tell us you'd turn down this Louis Vuitton luggage from Darjheeling Limited if you had the chance. No? Neither would we.
Plus, tell us you'd turn down this Louis Vuitton luggage from Darjheeling Limited if you had the chance. No? Neither would we.
I thought you guys were about thrift. It's in the title. Thrift can be relative. Sure, we generally mean it in the Salvation Army sense, but occasionally a thousand-dollar piece comes along for a couple hundo, and we call that a deal. I snagged this sucker off of eBay from the wonderful ladies over at eDrop-Off. I was Googling leather handbags one day and stumbled across this one on their eBay page. It was very clear in the description as it being "well-loved and worn" which I read as, "generally beat up and perfect."
With my interest peaked and time ending soon on the auction, I called the store and asked to speak with an associate. They promptly answered my questions, and I went for it.
Bidding ensued, and I had a price point where I was going to stop bidding (It goes without saying, but always have a figure in mind where you're going to stop. It's too easy to get sucked in to simply wanting to win. And boom: Immediate and brutal buyer's remorse.)
I also happened to thrift this oatmeal-flecked wool cardigan by Pendleton a few years ago when I was in undergrad. If you want to burn up, look for anything wool and itchy. You'll be nice and toasty.
On Jeff: Vintage "Monogram" collection tote (eDrop-Off, $222) made in America by Louis Vuitton; oatmeal-flecked wool cardigan (thrifted, $3) by Pendleton; blue cotton oxford (Legends Shopping Center, $60) by rag & bone; selvedge "Henley" denim ($220) by Baldwin Denim.
That is so awesome.
ReplyDeleteLooks great, just as the raw Coach fellow you posted before.
http://iartfashion.blogspot.com/
What do you carry around that you need a bag that big? What do you carry that requires a bag at all?
ReplyDelete@Myckel S. - I travel everywhere with my laptop, carry a book and a magazine. I tend to also carry various treats and snacks in my bag, such as Poptarts, Clif Bars and fruit snacks, because, well, I'm like a toddler. I also have this irrational fear that I could be somewhere without reading material. Haha. What do you carry?
ReplyDeleteI really REALLY love your speckled cardigan. Finding something of that style and in my size will be a challenge.. but yet I'm still on my mission : ) Love your blog and style.
ReplyDeletewww.mrschong.com
Is that Pendleton cardi for sale? Please, say it is!
ReplyDeletethis is a great look, way to go.
ReplyDeletehomeslice, no disrespect, but your interest was "piqued", not "peaked". C'est un homage à Français, s'il vous plaît.
ReplyDeleteand btw you fellows run a rad blog.
You are truly a Midwesterner if you carry all of those things in your bag. I do too, but I'm a mother of three small children.
ReplyDeleteI work in the Gold Coast and am always surprised when they stop and ask me where i got my clothes. Today i was wearing what i think is a 2x ladies polka dotted night shirt—I just told her it was "vintage."
ReplyDeleteI can't believe the pendleton sweater was thrifted! Good eye. The whole outfit is lovely.
love that bag! so jealous that you got such a deal!
ReplyDeleteThe real star of this blog is not the predictable Louis but the THREE DOLLAR PENDLETON SWEATER. Finding that in Oregon, even in a Goodwill, is going to cost you $50+. Jelly beans.
ReplyDeleteLet the bag go. A man should at most carry a wallet and at least a money clip. Sometimes its good to break gender stereotypes...This isn't one of those times. A man shouldn't have a need to carry so much that his pockets can't contain it. On the upside you did great with the rest of the look.
ReplyDeleteall you guys are so handsome and have such great style! kudos!!
ReplyDeletexoxo