Up close on the hardware

So you’re surviving the recession but you’re not exactly thriving.  Money is tight and you want to look more than just professional when walking into work.  Perhaps you might even want to appear like have a few neurons dedicated to style between your ears.

For around the cost of a fancy business lunch, you can keep pace with your fancy leather portfolio carrying co-workers with this grey twill brief from Topman.

The shape is timeless, the top carrying handle is set in the center (so it won’t list to one side), and the hardware has a brushed steel look to it.  Very smart, very simple, very cheap.

Is it better than the new J. Crew Rugged Twill Messenger?  Nah.  But it’s less than half the price.
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So with the economy still obviously struggling, a lot of people are looking to… uh… “expand their career possibilities.”  Translation: They want to find a new job.  Or ANY job for that matter.  But say you were in a t-shirt and jeans industry and you have an opportunity to move onto something more professional… Good for you.  Here’s two steps to follow  before you walk into the interview:

Step 1 - Get a new suit.
Step 2 - Get a bag to match.

Being dressed like you stepped out of Mad Men, but carrying a bag like you fell out of Dawson’s Creek sends a conflicting message.  Sure the canvas messanger bag might work just fine once you GET the job.  But you don’t have the job yet… now do you?

You can’t beat the price on this classically styled bag from Kenneth Cole Reaction.  It’s at a recession-level price for someone looking to upgrade their career during tough times.  And it’s got the handle on top, plus the shoulder strap.  I’m a big fan of that combination.  And speaking of combination, it locks too.  With… a… combination.  Harrr… har.

Under $100?  It’s a rarity in the business case market.  Get one while you can.

It sure seems like Kenneth Cole can’t make a portfolio, briefcase, or work bag with an ounce of leather on it for under $100.  There are a few exceptions, but… more often than not they’ll be pricey.

The nylon/canvas siding on this one offsets the cost just enough to get it to $150… which to me is still out of my range.  But who knows, maybe it’ll go on sale.

Leather trim makes it professional enough for work, but that canvas/nylon side won’t make it look too out of place if you’re going for a bike ride on the weekend.  And I’m quite partial to having not just a shoulder strap option, but a top handle to grab onto as well.

Since the price is over $100, Kenneth Cole will ship it for free.  So hoo-rah for that.

All in all, it’s an all-around all-everything bag.

It’s strangely difficult to find a good looking briefcase/portfolio that gives you the option of a shoulder strap, and a handle on top.  When I’m walking across downtown, I’d like the shoulder strap.  If I’m getting out of my car and walking into work, I’d like the top handle please.

Kenneth Cole has a large selection of work-bags, but this one (which looks terrific) is strangely on sale for $100.

Hurry, it probably won’t last long at this price.