Essential | Samsonite Black Label trunk

Trunk | Samsonite Black Label

At first glance, you might mistake this for Globetrotter luggage. Though you would be hard pressed to find that it is in fact not made by Globetrotter, but by luggage maker Samsonite. Want to know how? With the efforst of Chloe Sevigny, Samsonite has launched their 'Black label trunk collection.' Although not new, it is something I just can't get my mind off of. The collection features a number of classic pieces that are extremely luxurious and would suit the likes of any royal family traveling. After looking at this, you won't be looking at Samsonite the same way. I know it has completely changed the way I look at the company.

Essential | Ghurka Bag

Ghurka Express Bag | Ghurka

After having stumbled upon the forgotten leather boots and belts of a Ghurka Commanding Officer at an estate sale and surprised at how well they stood up to decades of punishing treatments.  Marley Hodson returned to America from England inspired to create a product that would rival the durability of the Ghurka's items.  Hodgson, armed with an idea and inspired to create released his first line in 1975.  

The bag above is the handsome Ghurka Express bag, an essential bag to add to your already growing collection of travel bags.  The Express bag is actually from the original line of bags he created in 1975.  

Essential | Travel Gear by Globe-Trotter

Globe-Trotter makes nothing but truly amazing and timeless pieces. Each piece of luggage is handcrafted/handmade using the finest of materials and expertly constructed by artisans who have dedicated their lives to creating these fine products.   This limited edition piece you see above is the Centenary line, produced to commemorate their 100 year anniversary--this limited series would be a great gift for your loved one, being that it's Valentines day.  The gift that keeps on giving--luggage.

Travel Nessesity | Grass Court Duffle

I recently came across this small company out of Hanover, NH (Grass Court Collection) while surfing the web for classic duffle bags.  Grass Court Collection, specializes in "distinguished lawn-tennis & yacht club apparel," made for the discriminating sports executives. While the description didn't sound remotely like what I was looking for, I found the site interesting, and continued to peruse, eventually stumbling upon what I had set out to find - a basic canvas duffle with no frills.  Jackpot! What really enticed me is the fact that the bags are hand stitched in New Hampshire and come with a triple stitched brown leatherette bottom, medium brown buck leather equestrian handles and a heavy duty white carrying strap.  I put the order in and will update the build quality.  

*Update: Bag came today and I am pleasantly surprised.  The craftsmanship is bar none and exceeds any prior expectations I may have had.  The rich leather compliments the blue canvas so well, and I am sure with age, the bag will look even better.  Something I hope to pass on. 

Travel Necessity: Porter Bag

A little obsession of mine as of late are travel bags.  It might be that utilitarian side of me coming out, but Ive found that in traveling, the standard rolling case is just too much, and it screams tourist. Also, with recent changes in the airline industry, checking a bag is just too much money to fork over, considering it use to be free.  

Compromise seems to be the key ingredient in traveling these days, however with some of the latest ergonomically designed bags, one mustn't need to give up much.  While, standard luggage we all know so well (I know everyone has one) is overly bulky and designed poorly.  The Porter Monocle bag (baby Boston bag)  is anything but that.  Its traditional travel bag/tote design built no larger than an L.L. Bean Boat medium tote is somewhat deceiving in size.  But rest assure, this bag may appear small, but can fit a lot.  From the shoe compartment to the newspaper holder, this bag has it all.  It is simply an ingenious design that is both ergonomically correct and practical.  A must have for a traveler.

Winter Must Have

As we enter that time of year, I find myself taking inventory of things I still want and need. These are mere necessities that every gentlemen should at one point in their lives go out and purchase.

Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical Watch | Hamilton

Barbour Hardy Pea Coat | Barbour

Moleskin | Moleskin

Filson Small Duffle | Filson

L.L. Bean 6" Duck Boot | L.L. Bean

J.Crew Spencer Cable Sweater | J.Crew