OK, let me try this for the fourth time. First of all, I would like to apologize to the readers of this blog and particularly to CrabAppleNYC.com author Sam. The fifth and final post of his Retrofitting The Man series was posted almost two weeks ago and I am just getting around to posting a review today. I really do not have a solid excuse other than the typical ones – work has been busy (65+ hours last week alone) and I still need to keep up on the responsibilities that being a husband and father bestow upon you. That’s one top of the fact that I have written this article four times now with the first three being wiped out by three, independent computer crashes. I am about ready to throw the damn thing through the window. But, enough whining…
Sam has presented suggestions for shoes, pants, shirts and suits during the first four parts of his series on Retrofitting The Man. In his final blog post in the series, Sam gives advice on a laptop computer bag, provides a fairly comical Photoshop montage and suggestions a few maintenance tips for the new wardrobe.
The Bag
I’m the first to admit that I carry a black, beat up Targus bag (this guy to be specific). This bag was provided by my employer when they gave me my laptop and has been my ‘daily driver’ for lugging my beefy 17″ HP Mobil Workstation back and forth to work.
It’s made many flights as well. Despite looking its age, the bag has performed flawlessly. I have, however, felt that many bags I’ve seen executive men carrying in airports are much nicer than this one.
That’s why Sam’s suggestion of a Filson 257 Briefcase Computer Bag was so well received. The bag is made out of heavy canvas with just enough leather accent to make it look refined. It wears very well judging from all the reviews and looks to have copious amounts of space.
I have not, however, found concrete evidence that my 17″ behemoth will fit inside it.
Bottom line is that I am not looking for a new bag at the moment, but when I decide to take the plunge and add a more professional laptop carrier to my wardrobe, I will definitely look at this bag.
I have to admit, however, that the $260 price tag does make this bag a bit of a ‘down the road’ purchase for the time being. Then again, I could always spend more money – like $519 on this all-leather, 100-year guaranteed beauty.
Maintenance & Miscellaneous
First, be sure to check out the original post on CrabAppleNYC.com. The photo montage that Sam put together is quite comical. Basically, it has my (rather large) head Photoshopped on top of guys who are modelling some of the attire Sam has recommended over the course of this series. Just remember that those scrawny dudes aren’t built like me, so the outfits will fit me differently.
More importantly, Sam provided some product suggestions on shoe shine kits and cedar shoe trees as well as some maintenance tips for proper care of my new wardrobe. He also made some suggestions on websites I should watch for deals.
Overall Impression
As usual, the overall impression of his post was very positive. I liked a lot of the suggestions he made and specifically appreciate the suggestions he made toward the end with regards to maintenance and proper care.
I want to give Sam a hearty thanks for this entire series. I really feel like I have learned a good deal about not only men’s style, but about product quality and how to buy good clothes and shoes that are going to have a classic look and, more importantly, last beyond one wear. Just so you know, I have taken some of his suggestions to action already, but I will write about that in future posts.
Make sure to leave us a comment and let us know what you think about this series. If you are interested, you can find my reviews of Sam’s suggestions at the following locations:
It was my pleasure. Happy hunting!