Contrary to what we all believed when we were kids, it’s not always necessary to advertise your predilections on your clothing. While we all spent many a year proudly declaring our allegiance to a particular band by absolutely living in a ratty, faded tee we picked up at a concert, or relegating ourselves to permanent hat-hair by showing our team spirit emblazoned on a baseball cap, or even sewing patches from our favorite record stores or concert venues to worn-out jackets (hey, we were weird kids), we eventually heard the voice of reason and decided that, yes, it is okay to remain a mystery to the widespread public until they actually talk to us and find out what our interests are. And from that day forth, with the possible exception of the upturned cuffs of our selvage denim, our subtler senses prevailed and a mystery we did indeed remained. That said, there are some moments when we feel the urge to show our true colors, even just a little bit, even just for a fleeting flash. Such a moment: this awesome wallet from Ashland. On the outside, it’s a smart, grown-up, handsome-looking wallet. But open it and the reverse-side Horween boasts the stamp of quality that secretly makes us all grin. It’s sort of like having a secret hand-shake or code word. Hey, just because we became grown-ups, doesn’t mean we have to lose our sense of humor. Get it here.
Perusing a vintage shop/auction house yesterday, we stumbled upon a remarkable leather briefcase— one of those items that had stood the test of time so well you’d have thought it spend its life packed comfortably away in a closet. Yet there were some hints that it had not been coddled by time. A smudge of ink here, a bit of dust there, a custom tag affixed to its handle. It served as a small but mighty reminder of what a quality briefcase should be— striking yet timeless, hearty yet sleek. In a word? Mitchell. Made in limited-edition from trusted Horween leather, using fixtures and finishes patented by Mitchell themselves, this, friends, is a briefcase. It’s called The Classic, but it’s been updated with a pocket for your cell and the like. And, it’s guaranteed for life, with free repairs if you need them. Hint: you won’t. And that’s sort of the point. Get it here.
Tennessee: sort of the nexus of country and rock n’ roll (excuse the reference). Home to Sun Records, but also the Grand Ole Opry. Home to the Victor Recording Sessions, but also the early sessions of Mr. Elvis Presley. Home to Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton. And, also notably, home to Emil Erwin Handcrafted Goods. Take a look at their incredible self-titled bag, for instance— Tennessee’s rich history is written all over it. The deep, warm notes of the Horween leather, tanned uniquely in a mahogany color, looks fitting of any true country boy. But the black straps with the steel and copper hardware give the necessary edge to this work of art, calling up notions of the Man In Black himself. A true fusion of tastes, the luggage incarnation of Tennessee’s unique consciousness. That’s “American At It’s Best,” all right. Get it here.
