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Leather

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Alfredo Haberli's Everyday Bag

It's a perfect fusion of understated style, practical details and hard wearing materials. The cow napa leather has a silky sheen and is very resistant to wear and stretch; the green stitching provides subtle detail and designates the interior pockets from the outside; and the handle provides an easy way to lift the bag without spilling its contents. The adjustable and comfy strap has a natural twist which rests easily on the shoulder. And the turquoise blue lining means no more black holes. A serious piece of design from the master.

$250.00 at A+R store.

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Macally Bookshell Leather Cover for MacBook

Found via byja.com this two piece snap-on protective leather shell from macally is 'specially' designed for your MacBook. Suede inner lining to prevent scratches to your MacBook while still providing access to all ports and CD/DVD slot. Has ventilated rear to minimize heat built-up. Available in designer red or executive black. $30.00US.

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For customizable leather shoulder bag

I own modular bags - bags made with future purchases in mind. Bags that connect together and allow for future additions for specific purposes. None of these bags look good, they are techie and completely without a refined style. The For bag is one of the first I have seen of this caliber that let you have fun changing your bag for specific uses.

'For' comes in three parts that zip together horizontally. Available in three colours, enabling customization and separate use of the top section as a smaller handbag. Full leather body and shoulder straps, nickel and stainless steel hardware.

$495.00 AUD from Ecsotype.

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Chelsea Cargo Sling

The nicest bag I will likely never own. The chelsea cargo sling is reminiscent of the custom leather bags that were so popular with many of my friends in the 80s. Reminiscent in terms of craftmanship and quality but certainly not in style and price. If you look at it as a long term investment the $770.00US price might gain a new perspective.

Handcrafted from genuine Italian leather. Metal zip closure, antiqued hardware and adjustable buckle strap. Interior features include zip compartment, multi-functional slip pockets, pen loop and key clip. Lined with our vibrant Japanese-motif cotton print. Protective cotton dustcover for storage.

You can purchase this beautiful bag direct from Begeren for $770.00US.

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Vaja Classic Jacket for Mac Book and Pro

I missed this one in my email awhile back. The recently announced Vaja Classic Jacket for Mac Book and Mac Book Pro features a sturdy zip closure, exclusive Vaja fabric lining, sterling 925 silver Vaja logo and optional text/ graphic personalization. Made with full grain Argentinean cowhide Vaja makes some of the most beautiful cases around. A great compliment to your Mac Book (and Vaio). Prices start at $130.00US before customization.

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Coach Legacy Leather messenger bag

Geoff sent his recommendation for this Coach messenger bag. From what I can see online it is indeed "sweet". Coach's Legacy Leather messenger bag measures 163/8(L)x12(H)x6(W) and features an inside zip pocket, cellphone/multi-function pocket, front and out open pockets, and a 53" adjustable strap. The leather looks superb. A bag of this quality will set you back $498.00 US direct from Coach.

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Artisan Leather Messenger Bag

Dark brown leather and with solid antiqued-brass hardware make this a messenger that will only get better with age. It's big enough to allow for use as an over-nighter or if your standard heavy mixture of books and gear. The adjustable hardware allow you customise the bag for whatever use you can think of. It's truly a beautiful messenger. $195.00US a J. Crew.

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Tricia Guild's Embossed Passport Wallet

You can mark this down as an essential item to purchase prior to your next bought of travel. If you travel allot your passport can take a real beating and with the importance that such a document takes in your travels it make sense to protect it as well as you can. Why not do it with style? Made of embossed, chocolate-colored leather, and lined with striped Italian silk, Tricia Guild's Embossed Passport Wallet has all that. It's also fitted with a clear PVC ID window and has multiple pockets to accommodate your tickets, passport, cards, and what ever else you need at hand. $38.00US at MoMA store.

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Bally Leather Duffle

Though Carl Bally was originally enthralled with the concept of mass producing his products - he thought the idea of mass producing thousands of high quality shoes a sign of progress and modernity. But that was 150 years ago. The focus of the Bally line today is very much on topflight quality with detailed stitching and top-notch materials, as evidenced by the company's footwear, accessories, and clothing. The Bally Acapul is a beautiful travel bag. In dark brown and made with calf skin, it generally retails for $1195.00US. Bally site.

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Gucci Duffle Bag

I seldom write much about products such as this and tend to favour more sporty or utilitarian designs. Though I do love leather bags, this is likely less to do with choice than with the simple fact that I don't see myself having the money to spend on a bag from Gucci. This is a beautiful bag, perfect for that weekend getaway in Monaco. This duffel comes with double handles and zip-top closure with lock (and the Gucci logo everywhere). 20.5 x 8.7 x 14.6 inches. The chocolate guccissima leather with silver hardware will cost $2150.00US. If you like this bag you might want to check out the Medico bag as well.

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Onela Flight Duffle 

Many of us can only afford naugahyde rip-offs of the Onela Flight Duffle but that doesn't mean we can't look and dream. Those of you who can go out buy this bag - please don't gloat. From the catalogue, "Rich natural vegetable tanned aniline cowhide. 3 external pockets and 4 internal pockets. Shoulder strap. Zipper closure. 55x23x36 cm. It's available in chocolate and white for $375.00US from Alpha.

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Begeren Tribeca Laptop Bag

Linda Ly sent me an email some time ago introducing her new line of bags, Begeren, which she plans on having available this summer. Linda worked as a freelance graphic artist for over 6 years before turning her design talents to handbags. Her artistic background and a love of fashion have produced a line of bags which she thinks will appeal to the no fuss woman who want a marriage of fashion and function. Us guys are not left out as her Tribeca laptop bag looks absolutely beautiful. It reminds of a time when myself and many of my musician friends would go and have one of a kind bags created for our gear. This bag has that a unique look (the suede and brass hardware look amazing together) and I trust quality to match. The Tribeca laptop bag includes a padded, removable sleeve insert that can fit a 15" laptop. It has ample compartments for cords, mouse, CDs, iPod and all the other gadgets we seem designed to carry. The Tribeca Laptop Bag is $1,375.00US and can pr-ordered on the begeren site. Delivery is set for July 1.

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Leather Laptop Cover

Hand made in Argentina from Mostaza top-grain leather, this laptop cover easily qualifies as one of the best ways to protect your iBook from scratches. Yes, it's only available for the iBook which is really the only fault you will likely have with this product (I want one for my Powerbook). Qara, which means leather in Quechuahas, makes a full line of beautifully designed leather products that will last for generations. $65.00US from Qara.

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Apple Leather Case for iPod

I'm still staying away from home living off the food of the local breakfast shop - the "laoban" must be 75 years old. The food kind of sucks but the atmosphere is great. It would appear that Apple had a rather uninteresting "special event" where one of the products they announced may be of some interest to those looking for a new iPod case. Apple has introduced a leather iPod case for both the 5th generation iPods and the iPod nano. Made of fine Italian leather with an extremely soft and durable lining. They incorporate a clever black ribbon that pulls out your iPod quickly and easily when you want to use it. I think I prefer cases that allow you to access controls in the case. At $99.00US they suffer from Apples high profit margins. Available from Apple.

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