Chrome Bags last just about forever. My oldest Chrome messenger is from around 2005, and it has been round and round the world with me, and i’m still using it… and it gets better every day as it keeps softening up. So, while i’ve loved following their evolution over the years, it has been hard to get ready to swap it for a new one! (Also they have a “365 to Life” warranty, where their footwear and apparel is covered 365 days, and the bags for life to be free of defects in materials and workmanship.) My favorite details have always been the seat belt buckles and straps, truck tarp liners, and of course, the secret pocket!

Well Chrome Bags have come a long way since their start in 1995… and it was a fun surprise when they sent over some of their latest goodies: Lieutenant Rolltop Messenger Bag, Niko Camera Pack, and Women’s Storm Pasha Jacket. The details are awesome, and the pictures on their website don’t do them justice, you have to feel them in real life! Lots of pics of details of each of them on the next page to hopefully give you a closer feel… the rolltop messenger is nice and sleek and simple, with an irresistible matte black seat belt buckle… the camera pack is - wow! quite the hardcore pack with waterproof zippers and velcro ready to hold skateboard/tripods/etc… and i love how minimalist and light their storm jacket is while still being “Bombproof. Waterproof. Built to work on the bike and in the bar”. See it all on the next page!

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Tags: bags - camera - fashion - gifts - photography - shopping - unboxing

On fun collaborations, tonight we ended up at the Vanity Fair Campaign Hollywood 2013 party at the Baxter Finley Barber & Shop, and for the event they had a special collaboration with Baxter of California and Topo Designs. This black Topo Dopp Kit with a very Baxter blue lining with has a special patch celebrating the collaboration, and is filled with tons of Baxter of California men’s skincare/shaving goodies - from travel sizes to some full size products, to lots of samples… and mini haribo gummi bears! (My favorite mini packs when i was little… such adorable packaging and deliciousness.)

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Tags: accessories - bags - beauty - gifts - shopping

It has been such an adventure watching our friends at Baggu grow and evolve from their colorful, reusable shopping bag roots to luxurious leathers, and now to more and more SURF inspired goodness! From their Surf Board Slings - now to the most adorable polka dotted Rack Pads… and a lustworthy, Wetsuit Bag, a black vinyl tote with welded seams and a water resistant zipper keep water contained! I suppose this evolution to surfing is no surprise with their San Diego roots (and their current NY surfing adventures!)… take a peek at the Surf goods on the next page, i can’t wait to see what they come up with next!

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Tags: accessories - bags - fashion - gifts - outdoors - shopping

The latest from London-based editor, Justine Aw. Today she caught up with the action at Clerkenwell Design Week 2012.

I love these plastic briefcases from Manzoni Design spotted at the House of Detention during Clerkenwell Design Week from the Italian design collective, Made in Bergamo.

The plastic briefcases are based on a 1965 design by Pio Manzù, the man behind the Fiat 127. The briefcases were initially designed as a promotional material for Fiat sales reps, but has been redesigned by Giacomo Manzoni. The plastic briefcases are made from a single mold with a 95% polystyrene and comes in the black, white and red. They are available through the Made in Bergamo e-store. See more pictures (and the packaging!) on the next page…

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Tags: bags - fashion - gifts - shopping

The perfect camera bag is hard to find. I even have categories of them ~ functional for travel (hand carry and/or check in) ~ perfect incognito bag (usually a big purse!) Lately i’ve been needing a good solution for the travel/hand carry side of things. Something padded to carry my usual amount of tech and basic purse essentials when paired with a roller carry-on for quick (or efficiently packed) trips. Intrigued by the Incase Camera Collection, i was also overwhelmed and baffled by the sizing and options… when narrowing it down, most alluring were the DSLR Sling Pack and DSLR Pro Sling Pack. But was the Sling big enough? Was the Pro Sling too big? The pictures on the site were hard to decipher for sure… SO ~ the kind folks at Incase sent both over for me to compare and share! Take a peek at the sizes and how they seem as i cram things into them on the next page!

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Tags: bags - camera - gifts - incase - photography - shopping - travel

Just in from Emily over at Baggu ~ their classic ripstop nylon reusable shopping bags have gone leather! While the concept isn’t new ~ (there have been japanese variations floating around and A+R has Cast of Vices’ 3 Corner Store variations) ~ i love the direction Baggu keeps evolving beyond what you can stash everything from groceries to random shopping in, though i’m not sure i’d want my milk and eggs in leather… but perhaps more my camera and spare clothes in the car between events? In addition to the new leather small and regular sized Baggus, she’s also launched leather pouches in two sizes (they remind me of the Claire Vivier Clutches) ~ soft leather that flops over on itself with a zip to keep your goodies inside. Each of the 4 designs come in black, apricot, and platinum leather and are made in NYC… i’m dying to see the sheen of the platinum in person and intrigued to see how luscious their leather feels… Take a peek at the new leather Baggus on the next page!

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Tags: bags - gifts - reusable bag - shopping

This post is brought to you by Mercedes-Benz. Every day, we strive to fulfill one simple promise: the best or nothing. Visit MBUSA.com to learn more.

There’s something about the way Hard Graft always manages to craft their accessories that brings an air of elegance and rugged simplicity in balance. Their latest Driftwood and Campfire lines take travel to the next level with the Square1 Holdall, Dopp Kit, and Personal Pouch. Personally, i can’t take my eyes off the extremely versatile looking Square1 Holdall in Driftwood ~ though it does see a tad big for a girl my sized, the functionality of the shape as an overnight/weekender seems perfect. Crafted in Italy and made of premium suede and leather it transforms before your eyes from flat squarish holdall, to totebag, to backpack, to handheld and more… take a peek at all the details on the next page!

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Tags: bags - fashion - gifts - Mercedes-Benz - shopping

Presented to you by Nivea for Men. Look like you give a damn!

When prompted with the challenge from Nivea for Men to let them sponsor a series of posts on “Men Who Look Like They Give A Damn” ~ i couldn’t resist. After all, who can resist a man who looks like they give a damn, right? Well, actually i think the perfect combo is more the man that can NOT look like they give a damn, while still looking better than those who try ~ it’s about effortless execution, no? SO anyhow ~ lets kick this off with some weekender bags that are perfect enough for men ~ and lustworthy enough for women too! Some of my favorites, that i’ve wanted for some time now, and recent updates… all gorgeous, simple, and highly functional… check out the picks on the next page!

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Tags: bags - fashion - gifts - roundup - shopping

This post is part of a NOTCOT series on inspiring, independent design thinking, brought to you by Saab. At Saab, we believe in independent thinking. It’s in everything we do. Learn more here.

A perfect example of “inspiring, independent design thinking” ~ i love the work of Vienna based, Hard Graft ~ and the latest to join the collection is a black version of the now classic 2Unfold. It’s amazing to see how things have grown and evolved since i first posted about their Unfold bag in 2008, back when they were still Working Class Heroes. There’s actually something magically efficient about how much this sleek and manly/neutral bag can handle - ” This multi-use laptop bag has the perfect proportions to be as versatile as possible - you can easily carry your 17” MacBook in the bag as a briefcase, shoulder bag, backpack or fold it into a courier bag and clutch whilst keeping your 13” MacBook safe inside. The 2UNFOLD doesn’t only look good on the outside - every handle, rivet etc. is reinforced and supported on the inside, to ensure this bag carries your busy life with ease and style. The back zipper pocket easily fits your iPad and hard graft case. In the main compartment you’ll find a pocket for your phone and wallet and as well as your MacBook there’s space inside for more, such as your camera, magazines, sweater etc.” Amazing right? Take a peek at the details close up on the next page!

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Tags: accessories - bags - fashion - gifts - shopping

Discovered over at 10 Corso Como, our favorite truck tarp upcyclers, Freitag, have a pop up shop! Featuring a “strictly limited FAKE SNAKE edition in green/grey” for the store, and an installation of Roadkill! Various animals, from rats to birds to foxes to kangaroos, cut in truck tarpaulins are given away for you to put on your bag in solidarity to all the poor creatures that are killed on the roads each day… see more of the description and set up (which include that machine to weld them on to your bag even!) on the next page… i couldn’t help picking up an adorable green kangaroo!

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Tags: animals - art - bags - gifts - recycled - shopping

I’ve been lusting after an Acronym jacket for so long now… ok, after Pieter from Today and Tomorrow’s specific Acronym jacket, in sleek simple black, awesome fabric/cut and detailing… and i was totally drawn in a few years ago by the Jacket Sling feature when he had it just casually slung across his back (nicer with the black interior than the picture of another model above)… well, running in to him again in Berlin, and poking at some of the current collection at Firmament, reminded me to share it here! So take a peek at the new ACR-SS-11 Set 1, with a jacket with removable sleeves that packs down into a perfect little bag… notice how even the ear buds have a magnetic little patch near the neck? So many incredible little details! Also awesome is the ACR-SS-11 3A-9TS which is a laptop “tote bag” that will stay upright, and has support straps to help manage the weight! Take a peek at them up close on the next page!

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Tags: bags - fashion - gifts - outdoors - shopping

This series/post is brought to you by Gillette. Learn more about Gillette and its products at Gillette.com. As usual, thoughts and ideas are all NOTCOT, Gillette is sponsoring us to do our thing!

Let’s face it, there are a lot of girly looking ipad cases out there. And if they double as a bag they often get a bit too man-purse like. And it’s really not a good look - regardless of gender! So, in light of the new iPad 2 (see our unbox here), we decided to take a peek at what new options are out there (and which old ones are iPad 2 updated)… From machined wood and thick hand-stitched constructed leather to stamped and CNC metal to ballistic nylon and even water repellent twill and tough canvas, there are so many well crafted gadget protector options these days. And most importantly, It should age well, do its job and make you look good! Browse over a dozen options on the next page!

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Tags: accessories - bag - bags - ipad - ipad2 - technology - travel

Just discovered these Eero Aarnio Ts and Totes over at Publik in Japan… AND they are half off! Such fun designs for such iconic pop classics… see the rest on the next page!

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Tags: bags - gifts - reusable bag - shirts - shopping

Oooh, more fun pictures just showed up in the inbox! Gabe Brosbe went by to visit my friends at the Mission Workshop in The Mission in San Francisco! (If they sound familiar ~ it may be because this is founded by the original founders of Chrome Bags!) And he’s been test driving one of their Rambler backpacks for a few weeks on his crazy daily 9 mile bike commute (even through the ridiculous rainy season we’re having in cali these days!)… check out his pics on the next page! I love the oil drums in the interiors! Also awesome? A peek at the adorable soles of their collab with DZR on bike clip in shoes…

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Tags: accessories - bags - gifts - san francisco - shopping

Remember the Frietag Reference Collection i obsessed about when they pre launched in silver with 10 Corso Como and gold with Colette? (I gave in to the 10 corso como laptop sleeve) Well the full collection has now launched ~ and it’s stunning! Freitag Reference collection - microsite they even explain - “Since 1993 FREITAG has been manufacturing bags inspired by messengers riding on wheels. Now we turn to those messengers writing on paper. Messenger comes from message; and today, the media are the horse that carries him.” Luckily, in addition to the paper these messengers are writing on, lots of the bags have great laptop sleeves built in too! BUT - beyond this series of 14 stunning bags (a combination of their classic truck tarp bags taken further with sleeker designs and linen lining), there is the daily paper and pop up shop! ” REFERENCE is also a newspaper. Printed at the REFERENCE editoral space on a lead press from 1840, inspired by cut-outs from other newspapers commented on by the Bros., guests and you. Currently, all THE DAILY REFERENCES are reunited and will be published as THE REFERENCE soon. The REFERENCE editorial space is a shop and reading room at Grüngasse 21 in Zurich, where coffee and the new product line are compiled for your enjoyment.” Check out more on the line, as well as close ups of the one i lust for the most… on the next page!

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Tags: bags - fashion - gifts - luxury - recycle - shopping

The more you travel, the more precise your packing strategies become. I have mine down nearly to a science ~ there’s a formula for tech, for toiletries, for shoes, for clothes… and which bags come with, and what expansion options are when unexpected shopping occurs… with all that precision ~ even taking in to account the order of packing based on getting through airport security with more ease, or having dslr handy during window seat flights… is all accounted for. So i’m incredibly excited that photographer, Ari Marcopoulos, got to make his DREAM photography bag with Incase, and they are nice enough to let the rest of us in on it too… especially since his demands include things like not only carrying a dslr and 2 lenses, but also a little digicam, iphone, ipad, moleskine, chargers and batteries… and how do all photography bags not have some secret panel of white balancing swatches printed on the outside? Genius! And i must admit, i love the idea of the rain fly, but the graphic freaks me out a little… however, the heavy-duty canvas already has a water repellent coating, so maybe that will keep you covered for most situations. Honestly, i’m totally dreaming about my perfect carryon and camera bag/purse right now, versatile enough to go from a safari to a cocktail party… and itcould have super fun little customized zipper details… but for now, lets lust after the Incase Ari Marcopoulos Camera Bag ~ lots of details, including the gorgeous box, on the next page!

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Tags: accessories - bags - gifts - photography - shopping - technology

This post is a sponsored series that takes a fun peek at the gorgeous details of modern life. The irresistible design details that enhance our lives… Gillette is the sponsor… but, as always, the post and ideas are 100% NOTCOT

I’m loving all of these more luxurious Freitag bags, fun to see them evolving and growing up so much from when i first became obsessed with them in high school… With a title like: DAS MAGAZIN X FREITAG - A FREITAG BAG LIKE YOU’VE NEVER SEEN. ~ how can one not be intrigued? R099 WYSS IS FOR PEOPLE WHO WORK WITH PENS AND NOTEBOOKS. ~ Apparently its for people like us! If you interpret notebook to mean not only paper notebooks but digital ones as well… Their inspiration? “Laure Wyss was the journalist that founded one of Switzerland’s first (and best) weekly supplements, «DAS MAGAZIN» in 1970. And the new R099 is called WYSS because it was a journalist from «DAS MAGAZIN» who approached FREITAG asking for a special bag to meet his demands. The result is the «DAS MAGAZIN» special edition. A bag like you’ve never seen one by FREITAG. Made from vintage, unicolored truck tarpoulins, toting metal buckles and a totally new, antiquated appeal.” The design of the bag has evolved the recycled materials to no longer be the focal point of the design, so much as another material being used in a stunningly detailed bag, with metal buckles and a vintage inspired design ~ that will soften and age beautifully with use… see more pics of the new design on the next page!

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Tags: bags - fashion - green - recycled

Across the street from my milan hotel was a store front i must have walked past every day, and then one day stopped dead in my tracks when i suddenly noticed HOW these bags and ottomans and more were made… they all use the same simple leather units to build them up! I imagined the packaging being a DIY stack of leather pieces with instructions on the many possible configurations. What a beautiful and unusual use of leather…

Turns out these are the brand new Pinetti products experimenting with materials and shapes creating collections like “Hook” trying to interpret our contemporary lifestyle. The Hook collection makes use of one single leather module without the aid of glue or staples, to create several different types of handmade objects. Pinetti, a handmade leather goods manufacturer based in Bergamo, just north of Milan combines tailor made attention and tradition, inspired by the high quality of its raw materials to satisfy the requirements of the contemporary lifestyle. Take a peek at the shop display and details on the next page!

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Tags: bags - gifts - milan - salone - shopping