Scandinavian Minimalism from Mismo

A great bag is hard to find, and when you do find one, sometimes the switching costs seem to high, namely moving all your personal belongings from when bag and getting used to a new bag. I recently wrote about 5 timeless bags that would transcend decades, however, they tend to come with high price tags as well.

A great bag does not have to cause so much sticker shock. In fact, some times the $300-500 price range works well as you can find great style and functionality and not feel as guilty when you place the bag you paid a month's rent for in your closet if you change your bag often. I recently was turned onto the brand Mismo. The simplistic silhouettes, color palettes, and designs attracted me to their pieces. Leave it Danes to craft simple, beautiful products. From Ikea to Bang & Olufsen, Scandinavians truly have a knack for simplistic design and beauty.

Mismo calls itself the "the ultimate personal companion to the urban sophisticate." All of their designs or centered around leather as the backbone with durable canvas or other premium materials mixed in. I personally find this to be a great combination as the canvas material is quite durable while the leather adds a touch of timeless sophistication. I selected the N/S tote as it is a simple silhouette that holds quite a bit and can be worn with the long shoulder strap which I prefer. The AW15 season was inspired by the landscape of Iceland.

Apparently I am not the only one that is loving the Mismo line...it seems to be sold out at most places domestically, including Barneys where I purchased mine. I was able to find some in stock at East Dane. So if you are looking for a clean styling and premium construction, I highly recommend checking out Mismo. Perhaps it is the best bag brand you never heard of...until now!

Five Timeless Bags for Men

Some things become overdone when worn too frequently- sunglasses, shoes, a jacket- but a great bag is something that, when done in a classic silhouette, can be worn day after day and season after season. A bag was essential when living in the city for carrying around a full days worth of "stuff", however, I continue to use a bag daily even while living in a more suburban setting. It just becomes very practical and easy to grab and go on my way out the door, knowing that everything I should need while at work is inside.

If you purchase a bag that is built upon craftsmanship and designed for timeless style, you will be able to enjoy it year round and season after season. Perhaps you pack it away one year and pull it out the next, still as "in" as it was the day you purchased it. From attaché to holdalls, the below are a few curations that are classic and timeless from brands that are known in the leather goods arena. Invest in one of these, and you will enjoy it for years to come.

Prada Saffiano Leather Portfolio- simple, whether for running around town or transporting documents for work and meetings - $1460 Neiman Marcus

Bottega Venta Woven Shopper- iconic of the Italian marque, this tote is great for work, travel, or play. - $3850 Bergdorf Goodman

Coach Bleecker Backpack- a slight rugged tone makes the backpack a versatile silhouette for many different individual styles- $698 Coach

Ralph Lauren Suede Weekend Duffle- whether you are going near or going far, a great holdall is a must. - $1250 Ralph Lauren

Globe-Trotter Attaché Case- reminiscent of James Bond, this handmade attaché will turn heads for decades. - $2250 Mr. Porter

Travel In Style with Suitsupply Race Case

Luggage- it always haunts when it comes time to pack for a trip because it seems like we never have the appropriate piece for the occasion, yet it is something for which we are reluctant to shop. With an impending trip to the French Riviera, I have packing and luggage on my mind. One of my favorite menswear brands, Suitsupply, has recently released a highly functional and versatile luggage piece dubbed the "Race Case." 

The Race Case gives us a reason to rejoice when it comes to packing and stylish luggage with its fashion forward styling and aesthetic. I have found myself with a big, clunky suitcase one too many times in the terminal as well as toppling over on the streets of Manhattan. The Race Case's suspension makes it easy and flexible to move around any setting. Additionally, this suspension frame folds up easily, making it easy to carry on. In addition to the functional design, the trolley features luxurious touches such as leather trimmed handles and face as well as nickel finished zippers.

When it comes to functionality, Suitsupply has delivered with interior pockets to keep your things and gear (up to a 15" laptop) secure and organized. I love the overall modern design of this piece- who said luggage had to be ugly or boring? I think this might just have to make a voyage to the Cote d'Azur with me!

Note: Quantities will be limited and are available for pre-order. $499

Images: Suitsupply

WANT Les Essentiels de la Vie Presents Jamaica House at Pitti Uomo

WANT Les Essentiels de la Vie is presenting their Spring/Summer 2015 collection at Pitti Uomo in Florence by inviting guests to experience the leisure and luxury of their latest collection in their Jamaica House. This follows the brands "Alpine Lodge" which debuted at Pitti in January.

The designers get inspiration for each new collection from various places, however, travel destinations that have left an impact on the designers is a large source of inspiration. The destination of Jamaica, this year's inspiration, embodies a certain nostalgia for the designers as they are Jamaican. 

The influence of the Jamaican landscape can be seen in the Spring/Summer 15 collection which is filled with bright colors and interesting textures. The new line also introduces a tropical garden print, exclusive to the brand. Sea hues, palm greens, and raffia weaves are evident across the classic silhouettes. 

The display of the new collection will be open during the entire 86th Pitti Uomo if you happen to be traveling to Florence. The brand is presenting their entire Spring/Summer 2015 collection which also excludes their first venture into footwear.

WANT Les Essentiels de la Vie Spring Summer '14

While the first signs of spring may not be outside, I have been looking to designers for my first signs of spring as many are releasing their S/S 2014 collections. One of my favorite accessories and leather brands, WANT Les Essentiels de la Vie released a new collection that is fresh and vibrant with bright colors perfect for the upcoming season. 

If you are not familiar with the brand, it is growing in popularity and can be found a major department stores. For me, the brand has a clean, refined, classic aesthetic that can be seen in each bag. The founders implement unique marketing concepts such as their Alpine Lodge at Pitti Uomo and draw their inspiration from interesting places. For the S/S 2014 collection, inspiration was drawn from an artist who spends half of their time in an apartment in Manhattan's Chelsea neighborhood and the other half in a serene glass house by the Baltic Sea. 

Blues are reminiscent of the sea while bright reds, yellows, and greens remind us of an artist's drafting table. Signature styles will be in the collection as always, such as the O'Hare shopper tote but updated with new fabrics such as rubberized leather and woven fibers. 

I am hoping to add a new, vibrant bag to my collection for the season. Have you been finding new favorites for spring and summer?

Men's Bags with Jack Spade

A lot of men have a large hesitation about carrying and using a bag. I even wrote a piece at Skimbaco about perfect bags for work and travel that do not have that "murse" stigma. For me, a bag has become essential, especially when living in a city. Each day means lugging around computers, notebooks, moleskines, etc. 

I discovered the great bags that Jack Spade makes a few years ago, before it became the bag hanging on the arm of every young urbanite. They are the perfect, understated bag that gets the job done without being over the top. 

I tend to love the carpenter totes because they are extremely durable, made of canvas with a dipped bottom. This bag holds your daily essentials with some left over room as well. The simplicity in aesthetic is what attracts me to the bags, and they are also available in a nice variety of color combinations.

In addition to the popular totes, Jack Spade makes briefcases which are also available in all leather, messenger bags , and they also have a great line of clothing that is preppy and fun.

You can explore the complete brand online at Jack Spade.

Guys, are you loving Jack Spade?

Versatile Céline

Céline bags have become extraordinarily popular within the past 2-3 years. It started with the luggage tote, which I thought may be the new Birkin, and now has expanded to include a myriad of iconic styles. 

The luggage tote is still by far the most popular Céline style, coming in a wide range of sizes, colors, and fabrics. I see this bag being toted around by everyone in Manhattan. The bag is actually quite versatile. Below, I've shown how to use a large sized luggage tote 3 different ways:

Beach Bag: The large size luggage tote is perfect for a day at the beach, pool, or trip to Central Park.  It fits a large towel, flip flops, bottle of water, and of course sunglasses. 

School Bag: I have seen this bag all over campus and in many of my classes. It fits everything one needs for a day of classes: iPad, Notebooks, agenda, and even a MacBook Air. The bag itself does get a little heavy when loaded, since the bag itself is heavy, similar to a Birkin.

Everyday: The luggage tote is perfect for those who just toss anything and everything into their bag as it does not have many interior pockets. My large size fits a bottle of seltzer, umbrella, sunglasses, and moleskine. All things that have become essential during a summer day in the city!

It is important that a bag be versatile, especially when living in a city where some days it seems like you are packing up your entire apartment into your bag for the day! The Céline luggage tote is a perfect option.