Is this messenger bag SF approved?

[Last Year's Man]

well IMO the first one isn't as hideous as everyone's making out, though i'm sort of with them on the second. Personally, if I was spending that kind of cash on a bag I'd get something a bit more timeless and classically styled like a proper briefcase.

Unless you are actually a messenger, in which case don't even think about buying either of those.

 

[entrero]

Needs 70% off to meet SF approval

 

[Dewey]

Messenger bags mess up the shoulders of jackets, and they are hell on your posture.

A guy coming down the street with a heavy shoulder bag stoops along like Quasimodo.

A light messenger bag looks like a purse.

Best idea is carrying as little as possible. Briefcase for work, backpack if camping.

 

[Geoff Gander]

 

[Sazerac]

Messenger bags are intrinsically less practical than a briefcase because they lack the carrying handles, or place one merely vestigial handle along the back in an awkward position.

Also, it's easy to dress down most briefcases, but it's impossible to dress up a messenger bag. With a suit messenger bags broadcast, "check me out, I'm a junior account executive!" They fall into the same category as wearing a ski parka over a suit.

Briefcases are wonderfully diverse. You don't need to choose a stodgy one.

 

[SirGrotius]

Originally Posted by Sazerac

Messenger bags are intrinsically less practical than a briefcase because they lack the carrying handles, or place one merely vestigial handle along the back in an awkward position. Also, it's easy to dress down most briefcases, but it's impossible to dress up a messenger bag. With a suit messenger bags broadcast, "check me out, I'm a junior account executive!" They fall into the same category as wearing a ski parka over a suit. Briefcases are wonderfully diverse. You don't need to choose a stodgy one.
I have never seen a non-stodgy briefcase. Can you point me in the right direction? I'm definitely avoiding the messenger bag thing now...like the plague! FYI--I basically carry around a macbook air and if paper mills are lucky a notepad.

 

[Sazerac]

Look at Jack Spade. Some of them are very casual. I've never owned a Jack Spade, though, so don't know about the quality. Does anyone vouch for them? Here's one. Not my favorite, but you get the idea.

http://www.zappos.com/product/7725603/color/316 At the risk of sounding like an SF cliche, you can always look at Filson. Insanely durable, pretty casual. Lots of guys here carry them with suits, but to me they're too casual for that. EDIT: Here's another Jack Spade I like more.

 

[bcgrija]

I picked up this bag when I was in Florence last semester studying abroad. I wanted something that looked professional and timeless that also could be carried by a 21 year old college student.

I ended up deciding on this bag, handmade 2 buckle brief case with suede lining and all brass metalwork. I think this will last a lifetime and only look better and better. It also only ended up costing me about $350.

Pictures:

Front:

Side:

Inside:

Sorry for the glare, the lighting is terrible in my room and I needed to use the flash on my phone. Hope this helps.

 

[CruzAzul]

Way to kill the thread, son. You sure the carpet's red enough and the flash is bright enough? My f**kin' EYES...

 

[bcgrija]

Originally Posted by Unrefinery

Way to kill the thread, son. You sure the carpet's red enough and the flash is bright enough? My f**kin' EYES...

It's not like I already noted that or anything. I can't help what old age is doing to your eyes.

 

[CruzAzul]

Originally Posted by bcgrija

It's not like I already noted that or anything. I can't help what old age is doing to your eyes.

Oh man, it hurts because it's true -- the years go by, but ugly photos never stop looking ugly to me. Well, while I can't suddenly choose to not be in my 30s, you can always choose not to live in a filthy garish craphole, buy your luggage at TJ Maxx, take pictures of it with a terrible cell phone camera, post them when you don't know how to resize them, get all butthurt whenever someone pokes a little fun at you for doing so, etc.

Anyway, welcome to the forum.

 

[Sazerac]

I think Bcgrija's bag strikes the right balance between formal and casual. I'd be hard pressed to think of a setting where it wouldn't be appropriate. White shoe law firm, maybe not -- but everywhere else this bag is fine. In fact, the more formal the setting, the more rugged and manly it looks while still being appropriate.

And the leather looks very supple.

 

[JesseJB]

Check out Custom Hide. I'm planning on picking one up this spring.

 

[bcgrija]

Originally Posted by Unrefinery

Oh man, it hurts because it's true -- the years go by, but ugly photos never stop looking ugly to me. Well, while I can't suddenly choose to not be in my 30s, you can always choose not to live in a filthy garish craphole, buy your luggage at TJ Maxx, take pictures of it with a terrible cell phone camera, post them when you don't know how to resize them, get all butthurt whenever someone pokes a little fun at you for doing so, etc.

Anyway, welcome to the forum.

Haha, despite your hyperbolic statement, there's nothing I can do about an obvious troll trying to get a rise out of me. I could point out your constant flaws but I suppose that's your point. Xoxo ^_^.

Originally Posted by Sazerac

I think Bcgrija's bag strikes the right balance between formal and casual. I'd be hard pressed to think of a setting where it wouldn't be appropriate. White shoe law firm, maybe not -- but everywhere else this bag is fine. In fact, the more formal the setting, the more rugged and manly it looks while still being appropriate.

And the leather looks very supple.

Thanks Saz, I thought a similar thing about the bag. I will be a professor at a university if all goes well, so I knew the bag will be something I can use for the years to come.

The leather is butter soft, I wish I could get better pictures but I figured my iPhone pictures would suffice for now.

 

[Ivystyle]

Originally Posted by Trompe le Monde

sf does not approve of messenger work as a profession , and, by extension, messenger-derived accessories

shots fired.. haha