Here at OTC, we are lamenting the loss of one of our favorite bags – the No. 43 Mailbag – made by American leather goods brand Colonel Littleton. The design for the No. 43 was based on the iconic U.S. Postal Service mail carrier bag, once a ubiquitous sight on America’s tree-lined streets. This roomy…
The Bosca Partners Brief is an iconic bag, no question about it. In design, the gatemouth style lawyer’s briefcase is instantly recognizable and carries with impressions that range from high-power envy to stodgy old-fashionedness. For generations of attorneys, becoming partner was a milestone often accompanied by the acquisition of a proper lawyer’s briefcase, traditionally monogrammed…
One of the classic minimalist workplace holdalls is the zip portfolio. By design, it’s clean, simple, and meant to transport one’s papers and files in a low-profile sort of way. a leather folio is practical but also personal and often thoughtfully chosen. Sort of a workplace male clutch that holds a few things you really…
Things that never go out of fashion often seem to have a common thread. Sometimes it’s design or construction, maybe function or literal functionality. However, the one thing that tends to win out in the long run is utility. If something retains an ability to do its job over time, it will likely become a…
J. Panther Luggage Company is one of the most interesting bag makers in the men’s lifestyle space. While there are plenty of women who love J.P.L.C.’s elegant yet rugged tote bags and briefcases, the brand’s personality hits squarely a space occupied by men who both appreciate stylish functionality and possess a certain sophisticated wanderlust. We…
The emotional pull behind the Mission Mercantile brand story is a interesting play on the heritage wares movement prevalent in menswear today. the company seeks to emulate the long lost local mercantile store that was once the heartbeat of any American frontier town. The mercantile was where one might find anything needed for a journey…
Guest columnist Daniel Chamier, founder of Chapman Bags, lays out eleven key points about the importance of knowing your bag and what it’s made of. Why eleven? One word: This is Spinal Tap The Movie. As OTC readers may know, Chapman is a manufacturer of authentically British made bags and luggage for men and women,…
Balancing practical yet stylish function with the increasing casual-ization of the workday wardrobe is an increasing challenge for men. What we tend to wear for work these days is clearly shifting in a less formal direction. While this is not necessarily a bad thing – indeed, it allows for more creativity and mixing high and…
Barbour is of course best known for it’s waxed jackets. World famous and instantly recognizable, Barbour waxwear has spawned legions of imitators and inspired many to imagine themselves living the life of landed gentry. As a brand, Barbour is both respected for the rugged construction of its products, designed to be loved and abused in…
While Lodinatt is a new bag brand to most Americans, the label has been paired with stylish South Koreans since its launch in 2012. The name is actually a compound that combines mixed three Swedish words: Liv (Life), Dag (Day), and Natt (Night). The representation is that Lodinatt bags accompany you through your daily life.…
