Forestbound

Forestbound is the nom de guerre of Alice Saunders, a Boston local who crafts some damn good looking bags and totes from salvaged vintage textiles. Think canvas from 1930′s laundry bags and WWII era military tents, or an envelope-style carry pocket repurposed from a 1950′s hiking pack. Some are reinforced with individually sourced leather pieces, and everything comes complete with heavy-duty hardware that Alice herself hunts down throughout New England. So basically, you don’t have to worry about a lack of authenticity here.

And as you can see from this collection of images, you don’t have to worry about aesthetics, either. From the expertly executed staging to the self-evident appeal of the bags themselves, it’s a win all over.

Her Etsy shop is currently well stocked with a selection of everyday bags and weekenders with an impressive mix of old school inspiration and modern execution (like pockets for your phone/iPod/assorted gadgetry), and in a couple of weeks she’ll be presenting a new line of offerings at The Shiny Squirrel‘s pop-up event at the Ace Hotel in NYC. I’m looking forward to seeing them in person, and I’ve got to admit that I won’t be shocked if I walk away with one in hand.

And a heads up to the NY folk out there: LAYERxlayer and Symmetry Goods (two labels that recently hit my radar and piqued my interest) will be showing at the same event, along with a bunch of other solid brands. Seems like it’s gonna be well worth a visit, so give me a shout if you’re looking for something to do Feb 21-23.

—Jonathan

(Images courtesy of Forestbound and The Shiny Squirrel)

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Eye Candy: Steve Mono Bags and Accessories

Steve Mono‘s bags and accessories just hit my radar recently thanks to this post from Nico over at The Bengal Stripe. Made in Spain from vegetable tanned leather and some textiles as well, the line is comprised of clean and modern takes on classic shapes.

Totes, briefcases, and postal bags feature pretty heavily, with other small accessories like glasses cases and belts also making a showing. Leather options are available in a number of colors including black, chocolate, whiskey, blue, and mustard. When it comes to textiles, there are even a few waterproof fabrics on offer.

Pricing hits around $75-$100 for the smaller accessories, and climbs to $500-$600 for the leather bags. Textile bags and other pieces like wallets and dop kits fall somewhere in the middle. Not cheap, but considering the more expensive pieces are clearly the sort of thing to be approached with an “investment piece” mentality, not out of line.

Available direct from Steve Mono via email (stevemono@stevemono.com), or you can get some of the collection from Opening Ceremony.

—Jonathan Evans

(Images courtesy of Steve Mono)

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(capsule) NY: Ally Capellino

British bag and accessory designer Ally Capellino‘s SS 2011 collection was actually featured here a little while ago. But now that I’ve got my own shots from (capsule) NY, it’s time to take another peek.

I said on the last go around that Capellino really hit the mark with designing pieces that are “timeless, but never boring,” and I’m very pleased to note that this proved entirely true upon in-person inspection of the goods. I’m also happy to report that the veggie tanned leather line was very nice in person. Sturdy leather with a fantastic hand (dare I say “buttery” once more?), it’s the kind of stuff that will develop even more character and personality as it ages.

Picture time:

Natural leather accessories…

And a few more…

Some of the standbys on the right. Veggie tanned natural leather pieces on the right…

The updated Richard. Mentioned this last time, and I still like it…

I took a good few shots of the new veggie tanned natural leather line, especially. It’s a really solid set of pieces, and the leather is really damn nice. I just couldn’t help myself:

Still more pictures:

A special edition denim rucksack for (capsule)…

I was a big fan of this particular card case…

That about sums it up…

—Jonathan

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Objects of Affection: Billykirk Bike Bag

My affection for my own (leather) Billykirk bag is well documented, so I won’t go into any further details on how much I dig the brand here. I’ll just say that if I didn’t already have my own Billykirk piece, I’d be seriously considering this guy.

The Bike Bag is comprised primarily of canvas (waxed on the navy colorway, untreated on the natural version), with leather accents and a webbed cotton handle. It looks have two front pockets, one side pocket, and a zipped interior pocket in addition to the main compartment. A dual buckle closure keeps everything nice and snug inside.

The front pockets both feature a large box pleat, which means massive capacity when needed. Always nice to have the option.

Despite my affection for all things waxcloth, the natural colorway is actually my favorite in this case. It’s the olive drab canvas accents combined with that deep brown leather, and the way they’re both set off by the natural base color. I’m defenseless against their combined charms.

That said, the navy is a very solid option. Especially for anyone that doesn’t like the slightly grungy look that the natural version will inevitably acquire pretty much immediately. And like I mentioned, you do have the pretty awesome bonus of waxcloth thrown into the mix.

Either option will run you $290, and you can get them both online at Stel’s.

—Jonathan

(Images courtesy of Stel’s)

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Eye Candy: Billykirk Leather Bag (Round 2)

After far too long, I’ve finally got some decent shots of the Billykirk bag I scored on Gilt for you to take a look at.

All in all, I’m damn happy with it. The leather is top notch and the construction is definitely solid. And though it’s not a very large bag from the looks of it, the box pleating makes for a surprising capacity.

I might be even happier with a couple of extra interior pockets just to ease organization of my (probably unnecessarily large) load of day to day stuff, but I also realize that it’s designed as a military-inspired satchel and it’s definitely spot on in that aim. In fact, it might even help me pare down my list of crap I carry. So it’s likely a blessing that there’s only the one main pocket and one interior zipper pocket.

I know I already mentioned it, but I honestly cannot stress enough how wonderful the leather is on this bag. It’s soft, sturdy, and even with minimal wear, I can tell it will take on a fantastic patina over the years. And given the substantial feel of it, I have no doubt this bag will last for quite a long time. I’m really looking forward to seeing how it develops as it ages, and I’ll do my very best to document that journey.

I figure I’ll bypass any detailed descriptions of the construction/design, as you’re about to see it all for yourself anyway. So now, I’ll quit prattling on and get on to the damn photos already:

There you have it, kids. Hope you dig.

—Jonathan

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Eye Candy: Ally Capellino S/S 2011 Preview

Some preview shots of UK-based bag and accessories designer Ally Capellino’s Spring/Summer 2011 collection for you, via Selectism.

Capellino aims to make pieces that are “timeless, but never boring,” and it’s pretty clear that she’s done just that with this round of bags, wallets, and belts. The goods are well designed, and seem like they only get better as you wear them in and get a few scars on ‘em.

These pictures make me wish I could have been at (capsule) Paris, just to get my hands on a couple of those leather pieces above. That messenger, especially, looks like it toes the line between substance and softness pretty expertly.

More pics:

The blue/brown briefcase you see there is another one of my favorites from this bunch. It looks to be an update of the Richard from the current season, but the metal latch on the front has been removed. That one small shift takes it from looking a little stuffy (if you ask me) to a more casual vibe, and I’m a much bigger fan for it.

It really is all about the details sometimes.

—Jonathan

(Images courtesy of Selectism)

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Eye Candy: Property Of… Sam Cycle Bag

The Sam Cycle Bag by Property Of… is a pretty solid option if you’re looking for a waxcloth messenger bag. I just grabbed me one of these in black, but I’m quite partial to the tan color here, as well.

Still waiting on it to ship, but I’ll update when it comes in.

For now, more shots:

The version you see here is available at Blackbird for $285. Click on over if you want one for yourself.

—Jonathan

(Images courtesy of Blackbird)

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Objects of Affection: Chester Wallace Bags

Chester Wallace bags are named for designer Patrick Long’s grandfather, and they’re also designed to be perfectly sized to carry a six pack of beer. Aside from both of those awesome tidbits, they’re really good looking bags that can function as a tote (seen here) or be folded over midway down the bag where the strap connects to serve as a messenger.

Crafted in a wide variety of canvases and denim (of the waxed and non-waxed variety), each bag’s bottom section is sealed with waterproof nylon. A pretty damn cool feature if that sixer is getting heavy and you want to set the bag down on a wet day. Yes, that’s a highly specific hypothetical situation I’m referencing there. But I’m sure you can find your own uses for some waterproofing as well.

More shots:

They’re available through Blackbird by emailing leo@blackbirdballard.com, or you can score one  from Project No.8. They’ll run you $165 from the latter, and probably something similar from the former.

Get on it and grab yourself a booze satchel right quick.

—Jonathan

(Images courtesy of Blackbird and Project No.8)

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Objects of Affection: Property of… Simon Cycle Bag

Among the best I’ve personally encountered if you’re in the market for a large, simple messenger. The Simon Cycle Bag by Property Of… features heavy duty black canvas, leather trim, and a thick nylon strap to keep it comfortable on your shoulder.

Other key details: padded neoprene laptop sleeve to protect your computer or computer-like machine, waterproof zips, and velcro-closure flap.

I think my favorite thing about the Simon is that it doesn’t go out on a limb in the least. In fact, it’s so simple that it’d probably be pretty easy to look right past it. But a staple piece like a messenger bag that’s solidly constructed from quality materials and free of unnecessary embellishment is an invaluable find in my book.

Another look:

Available online from Penelope’s for $158.

—Jonathan

(Images courtesy of Penelope’s)

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Eye Candy: Billykirk Leather Bag

Just grabbed this leather Billykirk shell/work-style messenger bag from Gilt. I have no idea if it was ever actually on the general market (I’d never seen it before the Gilt sale), but I don’t really mind either way. I trust the Billykirk folks to put out a solid product, and I’m looking forward to receiving mine.

I’ll post up actual photos and my thoughts on the piece when it arrives. For now, consider this a preview.

Another shot:

Here’s hoping it holds up in person.

That’s all, kids (quick one today).

—Jonathan

(Images courtesy of Gilt Man)

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