Articles – Well Spent

Introducing: NorthernGRADE Chicago

October 10, 2012

For as long as there’s been a NorthernGRADE, I’ve been a fan of it. Launched back in 2010 by Pierrepont Hicks and J.W. Hulme, the Minnesota-based event has grown from an intimate gathering of American-made-o-philes to a full-on menswear mecca. And now, it’s coming to Chicago. I’ve had the great privilege and pleasure of working directly with PPH to co-produce the Chicago premiere of the pop-up, and if I do say so myself, it’s shaping up to be quite an event.

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Tembea School Bags

October 4, 2012

Okay, seriously, the strap set-up on these Tembea School Bags is genius. Pull it one way and you’ve got a tote, pull it the other and, boom, a backpack. So, basically, you’re getting two bags in one. Which actually takes a bit of the sting out of the price, if you think about it. That they look fantastic, are handcrafted in Japan and will last forever helps too. Read More »

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Stanley & Sons Bank Bag

September 20, 2012

By Nick Grant

Dear Mom and Dad, why did you make me wear that janky Jansport backpack to school everyday? I mean, if you really are the loving parents you claim to be, why didn’t you get me something more stylish and durable, like this Stanley & Sons Bank Bag. With its 24 oz. waxed canvas body, veg-tanned leather details and hand-hammered rivet construction, do you know how enviable I would have been? Read More »

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Instead of Rent: September, 2012

September 5, 2012

The moderately and (very) immoderately priced goods that I’d rather spend it on this month.

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Post Riposte: Weekender Bags

August 29, 2012

Reader Ted recently wrote:

Hey Brad, I was wondering if you can do a search on weekender bags? Thanks!

I sure can Ted. My top picks are after the jump.

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Archival Clothing Waxed Roll Tops

August 13, 2012

Remember those crazy-awesome Roll Top bags from Archival Clothing that premiered here a few months back? Well, they’re now available in waxed canvas. I’ll give you a second to calm down. The construction is the same (made in Oregon). The details are the same (British mil-spec webbing straps, solid brass hardware, Chromexcel accents). Read More »

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Instead of Rent: August, 2012

August 8, 2012

The moderately and (very) immoderately priced goods that I’d rather spend it on this month.

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The Friday Find: Mismo Leather Goods at Opumo

August 3, 2012

What’s on sale RIGHT NOW.

Mismo – noun – a high-end Danish accessories label. Leather Goods – noun – small, portable wares made from cowhide or other animal skins. Sale – noun – a reduction in price. Get some – phrase – a colloquialism, meaning to procure an item or items for one’s self. Read More »

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Parrott Canvas Tradesman’s Totes

July 26, 2012

And now, the manliest beach totes ever made. The Tradesman’s Totes from Parrott Canvas are handcrafted in North Carolina out of heavy-duty 22 oz. cotton duck and Martexin waxed canvas. As handsome as they are sturdy, the bags feature copper rivets at key stress points, a single exterior pocket and brawny nylon thread throughout. Read More »

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Ernest Alexander Alex Backpacks

July 19, 2012

By Nick Grant

Not every occasion calls for some grown up man-bag, which is why this simple yet stylish backpack from Ernest Alexander is a great one to add to your portage collection. Made from lightweight nylon, the Alex keeps the look minimal, while providing plenty of pockets for your everyday essentials. Pick it up on sale now for $80. Suck it, tote bags. Read More »

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Instead of Rent: July, 2012

July 11, 2012

The moderately and (very) immoderately priced goods that I’d rather spend it on this month.

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Topo Designs Sling Bags

July 10, 2012

If you didn’t already know, Topo Designs’ bags are some of the best bangs for you buck out there. So finding them on sale, well, it’s almost like finding a free seventh beer in a six pack (ie, you’re getting more than you paid for). Terrible metaphors aside, Need Supply has three colorways of the co.’s super awesome Colorado-made Sling Bags, and they’re all 18% off. Drink up. Read More »

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Hickoree’s Summer Sale

July 9, 2012

I was going to make Hickoree’s Summer Sale this week’s Friday Find, but then I realized there wouldn’t be anything left by then, so you’re getting the heads-up today. Don’t say I never did anything for ya. Tons of brands, plenty of sizes, and markdowns as high as 70%. Looks like the weekend’s come early. Read More »

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Indigo & Cotton Summer Sale

July 3, 2012

Kicking off the second day of our Fourth of July sale round-up is the massive Summer Sale happening at the South Carolina boutique Indigo & Cotton. Tons of great brands are included, like Gitman Vintage, Jed & Marne, Sierra Designs, The Hill-Side and Quoddy, and markdowns range from 25% – 50% off. Read More »

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Bexar Goods Co. 25% Off Sale

July 2, 2012

It’s gonna be an abbreviated week thanks to the holiday (thank you holiday). But, before I take off, I thought ya’ll might like to know about a few Independence Day themed sales that are currently underway. First up, the Texas-based bag, belt and bracelet maker Bexar Goods Co. has taken 25% off its entire online inventory. Read More »

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Pointer Tote Bags

June 25, 2012

Did you know that Pointer, the brand behind those super affordable and tough-as-nails Chore Jackets, also makes totes? Well, they do, and they’re pretty great. Made in the same Tennessee factory, out of the same American materials, to the same high level of quality, and priced just as reasonably. Nothing but good news there. Read More »

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The Friday Find: Duluth Pack at Barneys

June 15, 2012

What’s on sale RIGHT NOW.

What’s better than getting something that’ll last a lifetime? Why, getting it a discount, of course. Four bags. All painstakingly handcrafted in Minnesota. All guaranteed for life. All exclusive to Barneys. And all 35% off. Get ‘em before they’re gone. Read More »

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Seven Questions: Stanley & Sons

June 13, 2012

It’s been a little over a year since I last caught up with Stanley & Sons founder / maker Chris Grodzki. In that time, he’s moved into a larger workspace, taken on a full-time sewer, participated in a handful of high-profile collaborations and relaunched his website, all while continuing to put out some of the most beautiful and hardwearing bags and aprons money can buy.

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