Italian Leather blog

July 16, 2009

Buying Document Bags – What do you need to know?

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: , , — admin @ 10:47 am

Document Bags Overview

A document bag is one in which (surprise!) you keep important documents. Of course, almost every bag is suitable for carrying papers. But when it’s important for you to keep them safe and if your lifestyle is such that it constitutes a constant need for keeping your papers around you, a special bag is called for. One that caters to your needs. In this article, we take a look at some of the essential features you must look out for.

Features of Document Bags

Protection

This is one of the two most important considerations when selecting a document bag. It must ensure that your papers are kept as safe as possible. This includes protection from hazards such as fire and water. Of course, you won’t get a watertight bag that is still flexible, but it must at least ensure that your documents will not suffer from a heavy downpour. Messenger bags such as those used by delivery boys are particularly vulnerable to this sort of danger.

As far as fires go, some bags come with fiberglass constructions that can keep your documents nice and safe even if a major fire breaks out. Such bags can withstand temperatures of upto a 1000 degrees!

The Document Bag

The Document Bag

Size

The other most important feature of your bag is the size. This is not a set rule since a great deal depends on the type of documents you’re carrying. Think A4 size papers if you’re unsure of what to buy. They must fit in comfortably. In fact surprisingly, many bags will fail this test. You don’t want to cramp your papers in – that would defeat the purpose of a specialized document bag.

Lockable vs Accessible

Ideally, for the paranoid, a foolproof locking system would not be out of place. However, sometimes you need quick access to your papers that can be hampered by such protection. The choice is yours as to which is more important. If you go for accessibility, try and get a bag that closes using velcro instead of a zip. It’s easier to use and ensures that your papers won’t get accidentally caught in the zipper.

Finally, you may want to get a bag which you can sling over your shoulder as a shoulder bag for convenience. Or for an extra dash of style, go for one with a carry handle.

Summary

There are lots of choices when deciding to buy a sturdy document bag. Ensure that you buy a good leather one that will serve you for years on end!

June 26, 2009

Using a Netbook Bag

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: , — admin @ 11:20 am

Introducing the Netbook Bag

The next step in computational devices is already underway and the trend is clear – netbooks are going to eat up a chunk of the market. They’re small (but not too small) and are perfectly poised to satisfy almost all of your needs on the go. However, this introduces a new problem. Which netbook bag to use? Netbook bags are somewhat different from the regular multipurpose laptop cases that we’ve looked at recently, in that they not only need to be smaller, they need to mould themselves to the unique ways in which netbooks are used. Let’s look at the characteristics of the typical netbook bag.

Leather Netbook Bag

Leather Netbook Bag

Characteristics

Smaller Netbook Bag size

Though you can fit your netbook into a regular size latpop bag, this is not ideal for several reasons. For one, the netbook will not fit snugly into the case and will move around. This can cause it to get damaged as you sling your bag all over the place. In addition, there will be a lot of wasted space since you can’t keep anything else inside that will scrach your precious netbook

Place for accessories

Netbook users will carry many more accessories than their regular laptop toting counterparts. This is because of the age group difference as well as the fact that some accessories make it easier to use – such as a regular mouse, as well as an external hard drive for example.

Other accessories include and iPod, headphones, a charger (and perhaps a backup charger too) as well as a USB cable. In addition, these accessories will need to be held in place by straps or a cover that prevent them from moving around and getting all tangled up.

Various Styles of Netbook Bags

Netbook bags come in many different styles. Since style is very important for the age group that is typically a carrier of the Netbook, this includes color and they way it is carried as well. Some travelers, may want to have bags that are checkpoint friendly in nature for easy clearance at airports.

Shoulder bags are by far the most popular type of bags amongst the Netbook carrying crowd. A final aspect to look at is the material. A leather netbook bag is perfect in terms of softness, reliability and style. You can find several designs and types of bags on this website. Just find one that suits you!

Summary

The Netbook bag is slated to be a top fashion accessory in the coming years. Buy one now and be a trend setter!

June 18, 2009

Leather for Book Binding

Filed under: Gifts — Tags: , — admin @ 11:05 am

Book Binding with Leather

Books have always been a close part of a gentleman’s repertoire who view them as not merely vehicles for instruction, but as part of their daily life. Many different techniques have evolved to care for them, and the most precious books are honored with leather covers. Leather as a book binding material has always been reserved for those books which have a special meaning to a person, and few gifts are more appreciated than a beautifully leather bound book.

Over the years, the art of book binding with leather has evolved into a highly skilled process. Different patterns and means of embellishing books were developed along with the usage of various supplemental materials like gold on the edges. Parisian book binding has historically been the most prized form of book binding and connoisseurs hold that it has never been surpassed.

Advantages of Book Binding

The unique properties of leather make it ideal for bookbinding. Leather is truly one of the best protectors that never goes out of fashion. Durability, and it’s suppleness have long made it a choice for those who wish to give their precious books that additional touch.

Image Credit: ~Brenda-Starr~

Leather book binding

Leather book binding

Apart from some protection against the natural environment and temperature, leather also protects the book from the hardships it may face when it’s in your hands. Water spilling over it, or a fall to the floor can all spoil a book.

Leather books also make for great displays. Almost everyone has at one time or another seen a bible that looks as if it’s come down from the old Roman cathedrals themselves, and has wished to hold it and cherish it. Such is the power of splendidly bound books. They can turn anyone into a bibliophile.

Caring for leather bound books

Before leather bound books are shipped to you, they are treated with a solution that keeps them soft and supple for many months. During this time, it’s merely necessary to wipe them gently with a soft cloth. Ensure that your leather books aren’t tarnished by direct exposure to the rays of the sun as they might discolor. Other enemies of leather bound books are high temperatures and humidity. Little can be done to prevent what some people call “red rot” which is the slow but inevitable deterioration of leather. Oil application has not been found to be efficacious.

Summary

In conclusion, binding your books in exquisite leather can be one of the best gifts you make to yourself, and your book. With proper care, your treasure trove will last for decades of faithful service.

May 29, 2009

Using a Checkpoint Friendly Laptop Bag

Filed under: Leather Briefcases — Tags: , — admin @ 10:44 am

The Checkpoint Friendly Laptop Bag – an overview

Starting last year, manufacturers have begun to produce the checkpoint friendly laptop bag which reduces hassle for a large number of travelers in airports. This article tries to describe what these bags are and what makes them checkpoint friendly.

Airport Screening Delays

Air travel has been a commodity experience for quite some time now. However, airport restrictions and procedures relating to screening have only become stricter over time. From removing shoes to being unable to carry liquids and creams. Frequent business travelers tire of this and seek the most efficient way to get through these procedures to save time.

Laptops and Screening

Current regulations for those carrying laptops require that they be removed from their cases and laid onto the scanner’s conveyor belt. This is done to ensure that a clear view of the laptop is obtained without obstruction. While this procedure makes sense, it’s an increased burden for passengers who sometimes have to dig through their luggage, retrieve their laptop, and finally store it away again. Saying that this is inconvenient is an understatement.

Enter the Checkpoint Friendly Laptop Bag

In 2008, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) approached the manufacturers of laptop bags and asked them to design bags that meet certain criteria which would allow passengers to leave the laptop within their bag without compromising the security scanner. The five criteria included specifications such as no zippers inside or outside the bag and no pockets either. Manufacturers responded fairly enthusiastically to the idea and created the checkpoint friendly bags according to the specifications.

Laptop bag styles

The primary feature of checkpoint friendly laptop bags is that they must have a section within them that is dedicated for the laptop only. In addition, the bag must be constructed such that it enables that particular section to be exposed and laid flat on the conveyor belt, thus giving an unobstructed view of the laptop.

The other main feature is that there must be nothing between the laptop section and the scanner – no pockets, zips, or any other item other than the laptop. There are three primary styles of laptop bags. They are:

  1. The Butterfly Style
  2. The Trifold Style
  3. The Sleeve Style

The three styles are show below:

Checkpoint Friendly Laptop Bag

Checkpoint Friendly Laptop Bag

Summary

With the advent of checkpoint friendly laptop bags, passengers don’t need to inconvenience themselves anymore by fumbling in their cases. These bags are a welcome addition to the range of laptop bag choices available on the market.

May 22, 2009

The Leather Travel Shoulder Bag

Filed under: Leather Briefcases — Tags: , , , — admin @ 10:34 am

Traveling casually

We’ve seen in earlier posts what to look for when carrying a briefcase on your travel trips. However, those were only for formal trips where it was important to convey an air of sophistication and importance. For those sort of trips, we saw that the briefcase styles must be sober and yet strong. The overall image was one of a careful business person. A leather travel shoulder bag however, creates an entirely different impression.

What if you want to convey a more rugged look? What if you’re not the serious sophisticated kind of guy, but a more fashion savvy and modern type? Carrying a slick leather briefcase just doesn’t cut it. It stands out like a sore thumb. In such cases, you need something that suits your style and is yet properly functional and suited to your needs.

The leather travel shoulder bag

A leather travel shoulder bag is one that you sling over either of your shoulders instead of carrying in your hand. It’s more informal and is amenable to a wide range of styles – each of which conveys a different impression. Such is the power of leather, that it can portray several completely different types of people!

The Leather travel shoulder bag

The Leather travel shoulder bag

For example, a leather travel shoulder bag that is distressed goes well with the rugged jeans look. The sort of wolverine type. There is a prevailing impression that shoulder bags are girly, but that certainly isn’t so. Hugh Jackman himself has been spotted carrying one, and so it certainly can’t be all bad! They can even come in double strap styles which allow them to be slung over both shoulders. However, that look isn’t for the macho types. It’s for a more college going hip sort of guy.

Features to look for

Basically, since leather travel shoulder bags come in so many different sizes, you have to look out for what purpose you want to use it for. For frequent travelers and students, you might want to carry a laptop. However, if it’s a netbook type of laptop, then it needn’t be very large. In any case, the type of image conveyed doesn’t really go well with a business laptop, so my guess is that would be less of a consideration.

However, other factors like proper cushioning and plenty of pockets still hold. Adjustable straps that can go all the way without hitting the shoulder pad are important. Unlike a briefcase however, they need not be detachable.

Summary

It’s good to have different sorts of accessories to carry around. A leather travel shoulder bag is certainly useful when you just want to chill out and not take yourself too seriously!

May 14, 2009

Leather Cell Phone Accessories

Filed under: Gifts — Tags: — admin @ 10:35 am

All about Leather Cell Phone accessories

Overview of the importance of the cell phone while conveying your image, as well as an understanding of which leather cell phone accessories to use.

What your phone says about you

Cell phones being as ubiquitous as they are, have come to represent a person’s personality – and predictably so. This is evinced by the fact that teenagers and other “hippy” types carry around brightly colored phones and the more serious people’s phones are somewhat sober. The same goes for leather cell phone accessories. Are you aware of what your phone says about you? If you’re reading this article, you probably are.

Good choices of phone that go with beautiful leather accessories are those that are slick and darkly colored – matching the color of the leather. Business phones like the Blackberry are examples of this type. The iPhone would have been a good choice, but it’s overall image is that of being trendy rather than professional.

Types of leather cell phone accessories

There are just two or three standard types of leather accessories for cell phones on the market. Let us take a look at them.

Leather Cell phone cases

Cell phone cases are certainly the most visible of all accessories. Moreover, they are absolutely necessary, and so while you will inevitable make a choice, you might as well make one that is stylish and representative of your personality and image. Cell phone cases come in two types – hip cases and those that you carry around in your pocket.

Hip cases are generally not recommended for those seeking sophistication. They give a sort of swashbuckling impression reminiscent of the cowboy – and while this is appropriate for certain types of people, not many can carry it off without seeming too aggressive and unsophisticated. Also, the exposed nature of the case makes it vulnerable to damage and scratches. And that certainly isn’t a good idea.

Pocket cases are the ones to go for – preferably one that’s kept in your breast pocket. Slick and elegant, they’re ideal for conveying just the right image you want. They can be brown or black or in between depending on your taste, but not any other color.

Cell phone chargers

These are also nifty accessories. Car chargers and regular cords don’t leave much for customization. But there are certain chargers on the market that can charge all your devices at once, and these can be very elegant. No one’s going to see it though, so it’s mainly for your own personal enjoyment – but the real man never does anything solely for others anyway!

Summary

Leather cell phone accessories are a simple, but effective way to convey the right impression. It’s also easy to go wrong, and therefore it’s worth a bit of money to make sure you come across in the way you want to come across – stylish and sophisticated.

May 13, 2009

What’s the current trend in 2009 for mens leather wallets

Filed under: Leather Wallets — Tags: , , — admin @ 11:36 am

Even Wallets have fashion trends!

Even something as timeless and classic as the wallet undergoes seasonal trends. These are not necessarily going to stay, but they do make you fashionable and trendy. Every once in a while, a trend becomes more than a passing fad and makes its way into the basic design of the wallet. Who knows which ones will pass away and which ones will stick around? Certainly in 2009, there are some trends that have the potential to change the look of the wallet forever. So what are they? Let see…

2009 trends for the leather wallet

Multifunction wallets

These days, its all about convergence. As devices are invented to make all our services come together, the same logic is being applied to our accessories – including wallets. Say hello to wallets that come with bottle openers and attached key chains. What the functions are varies distinctly from person to person. One may choose to have a digital photograph pane in the side of his wallet, whereas another will find a built in calculator more appropriate.

In addition, you can have wallets that have attached USB drives, or a mixture of all of the above. There really is no limit to what we can come up with when we think hard enough. Is this here to stay? Partly at least, I’m sure!

PDA Cases cum Wallets

There’s been a recent blending between wallets and cases that are meant to hold things other than money – like PDAs for example. Whether the PDA case has become the wallet, or vice versa, is a moot point. Designers are realizing that the “straight” wallet can be adapted to fit a phone/PDA into it, allowing a wallet to be used for both purposes.

Some of these cases are really worthy of being called a tour de force of fashion.

Leather Clips

As a rebel sort of trend, some people prefer simplicity. They are eschewing wallets entirely in favor of trendy money clips. These are usually made of high quality Italian leather and are particularly amenable to be branded by high end fashion houses. They can be very expensive!

Non Fold Wallets

The famous designer Castello recently unveiled a wallet that doesn’t fold and is a sort of board for credit cards, bank notes, and even cheques. It’s a bold design and is surely one of the latest trends in 2009.

Embossed with coat of Arms

Taking the wallet to the highest level of personalization, some people have had their wallets laser engraved with their personal design choice that resembles a coat of arms. This isn’t as narcissistic as you think. It’s merely an expression of one’s individuality. And an extremely stylish one at that – especially if you design your own unique emblem!

Pass or fail?

Personally I think that the wallet/PDA case combine is definitely going to stay, as well as the occasional multi function innovation. That’s not to say that the others aren’t trendy – they are very much so. But will they stand the test of time? I’m not very sure that they will.

May 12, 2009

Facts about Italian leather and fine leather accessories

Filed under: Gifts,Leather Wallets — Tags: , — admin @ 12:42 pm

“Awesome Italian leather”

There is much confusion about what Italian leather is, and why it is called the best in the world. While it is true that many types of the finest leather are created in Italy, there are other countries that produce exceptional leather as well.

What exactly Italian leather is, is also a matter of debate. Many factors can lead to a piece of leather being called Italian. Hides that are processed in Italy (though they originated elsewhere) can be called Italian leather. Also, some firms that are registered in Italy, call their products Italian leather though there may be no connection between the final product and Italy!

Great leather is largely determined by the quality of the rawhide – and that in turn depends on the health and the quality of the animal from whom the hide was taken. Most leather comes from cows, but much of the fine Italian leather is actually Ostrich hide.

Regardless of what the definition is, Italian leather has come to be synonymous with quality. So what are the qualities of this magical leather that is superior to all others?

Full Grain Leather

The skin of an animal is made up of several layers. The outermost layer of the hide is the strongest and the most beautiful. You can clearly see the grain of the skin and it is therefore called Full grain leather.

The best leather is always made of Full grain leather and it also the longest lasting. With proper treatment, it can be tough or soft depending on the use. As it ages, it acquires a lovely sheen that adds value to the object. It can be used in high end furniture and carefully crafted leather accessories.

No Markings

The best quality leather has no blemishes. Several factors such as injury can create marks on an animal’s skin that don’t affect it’s integrity, but takes away from it’s status as a perfect product. The finest Italian leather is always blemish free.

Accessories

These characteristics make Italian leather suitable for high end purposes. Let’s take a look at some of the applications they can be put to:

Wallets and Purses

Wallets and purses are ideally suited to fine Italian leather. This is because they are luxury items that can be taken care of, thus ensuring that the leather remains unblemished. They can be viewed as status symbols and only the finest Italian leather is worthy of being the best.

Shoes

Designer shoes that come from the best fashion houses are all made of genuine Italian leather. Once more, they are meant to be taken care of, otherwise they can get tarnished and spoiled.

High End Furniture

The best furniture can come covered with Italian leather to add to it’s luster and luxuriousness. You sometimes find antique furniture that is coated with quality leather and they are highly prized. Furniture is easier to take care of than shoes with regard to scratches, and so they are ideally suited for being adorned with Italian leather.

Can an American man carry a small leather shoulder bag?

Filed under: Leather Briefcases — Tags: — admin @ 12:41 pm

The “Feminine” shoulder bag

Women have always got the better deal when it comes to choice of accessories. Take handbags for example. There are a wide variety of bags that women can choose to keep all their little gadgets and nick knacks in and look sexy. Large, small, leather, strapless – the list is endless. Why should this be so? What do men do if they have to carry around a medium sized assortment of items?

Traditionally, the man carries a briefcase or a large shoulder bag for these items. But both of these are overkill, and a briefcase doesn’t fit nicely over a shoulder for everyday wear. It’s too formal as well. What about for casual wear?

A growing number of fashion designers are realizing that men need to have options with regard to these sort of accessories too. To cope with the demand, several really cool man-bags or shoulder bags for men have come out that maintain that masculine image and yet include the functionality. Let’s take a look at some of them.

Single Strap bags

Celebrities like Jack Bauer (the protagonist of the wildly popular TV show “24″) have helped the single strap shoulder bag gain widespread acceptance. The most important design consideration – and understandably so – is that they should not look like a woman’s purse. This is achieved by making it hang lower than regular purses and including a more rectangular sort of design with a brute focus on functionality over aesthetics.

The size of these man bags make it very easy to carry around a small collection of items without committing too much into a large sized briefcase. They’re perfect for two types of men – students and travelers. Students, because they always need to carry their books with them, and frequent travelers, because some of them travel light and just need to have the basics.

And of course, secret agents :) .

Double Strap leather shoulder bags

These are a little more difficult to carry off well with men, but there are some that do an exceptionally good job. Most useful for students – once more for the same reason noted above – they’re easier to cart around and don’t get in your way when you walk.

As with shoulder bags, care is taken to make sure that they’re not feminine, by making them hang lower and stitching them in unique shapes that don’t make them look like the sort carried by women.

Celebrities carrying leather shoulder bags

The leather shoulder bag for men is carried off by several masculine celebs like Seal, and Hugh Jackman (Jackman’s bag got a 66% approval rating by fans). Even Ryan Reynolds comes out of the man bag pictures looking like a total badass! And of course, Kiefer Sutherland as Jack Bauer.
So in summarizing, we should note that men’s leather shoulder bags are coming into vogue. While they can certainly be pulled off, they require careful choice and selection to ensure that they don’t detract from your macho image!

May 11, 2009

Why not to use the “Distressed Look” for leather wallets

Filed under: Leather Wallets — Tags: , — admin @ 10:13 am

The “Distressed” Look – Leather wallets

One of the relatively new fads in the fashion world, is having your accessories look as if they’ve been used for a while. There are several ways to achieve this. One of them,is simply purchasing products that have been manufactured to look like that. This style is mostly used for jeans, but has recently come to be used for lots of other items including leather wallets.

The distressed look for leather wallets means that it looks as if the wallet has been in use for a long time and has undergone many trials and bears the marks of having been abused. While this sort of look is perfectly fine for apparel like jackets and jeans, it fails miserably when it’s applied to leather wallets for reasons that are explained below. If you’re thinking of buying a leather wallet with a distressed look, drop the idea now.

Features of the distressed look in leather wallets

Wallets that have the distressed look are recognizable by several features including frayed edges, and small scraps of leather peeling off the sides. In addition, they will be discolored and will have a rough feel to them. The scale of these aberrations depends on the magnitude of the “Distressed look”.

But perhaps the most obvious feature of these types of products, is the “bumped” and “warped” contours that accompany them. Imagine soaking your hand in water for a long time – then translate the final look onto leather. You’ll get a general idea of what a warped leather wallet looks like.

Distressed Look leather wallet – impressions

Leather wallets that have a distressed look convey an extremely poor impression to the onlooker. Unlike regular leather apparel that looks “cool”, a normal, properly maintained leather wallet doesn’t have to look shabby. This is because a caring owner will ensure that the wallet retains it’s shape and look. After all, a wallet is something that you keep your money in. What does a shabby wallet say about the way you handle your money?

In addition, a distressed leather wallet simply doesn’t go well in all situations, especially those that require formal wear. You will be conveying a very bad image to a prospective employer.

Additional considerations

You must always assume that leather wallets that have a distressed look are not made from pure leather. This is because under normal conditions, a good leather wallet will become softer and will wear it’s age gracefully. There isn’t any shortcut technique to achieve this and you would do well not to believe anyone who claims the contrary.

Distressed leather wallets have a poor texture and are probably flimsy as well. Don’t invest good money in one – get a real good quality leather wallet instead. You’ll find it serves you better in the long term.

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