Italian Leather blog

May 11, 2009

What features to look for in leather duffel bags

Filed under: Leather Briefcases — Tags: — admin @ 10:11 am

The leather Duffel bag

Modern duffel bags are quite different from what they used to be. When the term first came into popular use, they were cylindrical “hold all” type of bags most commonly carried by soldiers. The word duffel came from a German town which used to manufacture the cloth. These days however, the leather duffel bag is any bag which is used to hold a large number of items for easy carrying – from clothes to gym equipment.There are many factors that go into choosing a leather duffel bag. We look at some of them below in the hope that you will be able to find one that is versatile and long lasting.

Shape and Size

Depending on your uses, you get duffel bags in all shapes and sizes. You often see travelers on airplanes trying to squeeze their luggage into overhead compartments. This is because they haven’t taken care to choose the right bag for their needs. Leather duffel bags have the inherent advantage of being able to mold themselves according to the shape in which they need to be stored. But that is restricted by the size of the framework.They can come in small to large sizes. Small duffel bags can be below 4000 cubic inches, whereas the large ones can be over 9000. Most people will need something in between. 9000 cubic inches is really a lot. Ensure that you are able to easily and gracefully carry it in your hands by the straps. To an extent, the size of the bag is determined by your height.

Wheels and Framework

Leather duffel bags can have optional wheels on their base. They’re not for everyone and are suitable only for some purposes. Obviously if you’re only going to use it for small distances like from the car to the gym, wheels are unnecessary. But if you plan to use it for your trips, then you will feel the need for them.

Long airport halls can wear out your arms very quickly and you frequently need to switch from one hand to the other. You will bless yourself for choosing a bag with wheels! Some bags also have an opt in framework that you can attach whenever you need to. They cost a bit more, but they greatly enhance the bags usability as they can be utilized in a variety of situations, giving you much better returns on your investment.

Straps

These will be handy for anyone and for all purposes. Leather duffel bags come with detachable straps so that you can have them on only when needed. As with briefcases, the straps need to be comfortable with a generous pad that allows cushioning on the shoulder. This provides yet another way to carry the bag when wheels will not be very appropriate.

Summary

Leather duffel bags have a wide variety of characteristics that can be used for several purposes. Try and find one that suits your needs best and you will have an item that lasts you for life.

May 7, 2009

What features to look for in a fine leather briefcase

Filed under: Leather Briefcases — Tags: — admin @ 11:46 am
Fine leather briefcases have undergone several changes over the years as a demanding public changed its needs, its budget, and its sense of style. From the old days of Kennedy carrying a large strong briefcase for all his papers, briefcases nowadays have grown even more functional with spaces for laptops and more convenient slots for PDA’s etc.

Also, many briefcases today can be carried either by men or women – a reflection of the gender neutral attitude of society. Nevertheless, if you’re a man and are buying a fine leather briefcase, you might want one that is distinctly masculine. So what do you look for in such a case? Let’s find out.

Leather Briefcase Size

It might seem obvious, but as with wallets, the size of the briefcase is the primary factor. For this you need to critically evaluate your needs. Do you carry around a phone, and a camera separately? Do you carry a laptop? How many folders and papers are required on your person? For example, lawyers constantly need to have dozens and dozens of papers around them for quick reference. Their needs will be very different from someone who has all their papers on a computer.

Also take into consideration how organized you are. If you’re the kind of person who prepares for each day, then you can get by with less space as you remove stuff you don’t need. If you find your briefcase getting overstuffed, then a bigger one is the right choice for you.

Straps

For frequent travelers, a good set of straps for the briefcase is essential. When walking down the long corridors of an airport from terminal to terminal, a heavy briefcase can easily become a huge burden. A pair of straps to dangle it from your shoulder is essential. Ensure that the straps are strong and have a good padding.

Sometimes, the padding piece hits against the buckle when the strap is really short – making it impossible to position it over your shoulder. Test all this out before you make a choice. Take care to see that the pad is nice and roomy and is properly cushioned. If you have shoulder pain, this point is a very important factor.

Laptop space

Most fine leather briefcases come with a dedicated laptop area. Ensure that there is still plenty of room for other things besides the laptop. Some manufacturers make the mistake of taking up all the space for it, and this is a huge no-no from the point of view of usability.

Also make sure that there is sufficient padding for the laptop in case it falls down.  Fine leather briefcases almost always have some padding, but you can’t be too careful.

Leather quality

Whole grain leather is the best for briefcases – both for style as well as longevity. As good leather ages, it becomes softer. You want your briefcase to be like a good friend – adapting to your needs more and more as time goes by. Get the best quality leather, and you won’t regret it.

Have fun shopping for your fine leather briefcase! Hope it lasts as long for you as Kennedy’s did.

Man’s fine leather wallet – 5 Things to look for

Filed under: Leather Wallets — Tags: — admin @ 11:43 am
There are a bewildering variety of leather wallets on the markets these days coming in all shapes, sizes, and designs. In addition, every single fashion brand of note has it’s own range of wallets for the designer crazy people.So what does one look for in a man’s fine leather wallet? There are several important considerations. Let us look at five of them one by one.

Size

All things being equal, this is the single most important factor you need to look at. It will depend entirely on your needs. There are two places that a man is going to keep his wallet – trouser pockets and the breast pocket. If you’re never going to wear a suit, then you need to pick up a wallet with a small enough size to fit into your trousers.Also, think about how much change you’re going to need. The bulk of the wallet is taken up by small change. You can have a much smaller wallet if you’re not going to carry it around. The number of credit cards you have as well as the ID you always carry with you are all factors to be taken into consideration when deciding the size.

Brand

This is a very personal subject. Many feel that the wallet should be for the purposes of utility and not fashion. And even if they are for fashion, then the brand doesn’t mean anything. However, it’s so much more fun to have a branded leather wallet! For the truly fashion conscious, a branded wallet makes a very great difference and who’s to deny that the good brands are really very stylish indeed?Aesthetics apart, it’s also true that good brands will have the best quality – at a premium price. You can be sure that the wallet will last for a long time and will withstand a good deal of stress. If you’re a person who thinks of the long term, there can be little doubt that a branded wallet is something to look out for.

Type of leather

True full grain leather is the highest quality of leather and only grows better with time. It gets softer compared to other leather types that get harder. However, it’s also more expensive and so you can go for a compromise between the two if your budget doesn’t allow it. Depending on your personal preference there are many types of leather made from the hide of various animals. Crocodile or Alligator leather for example is a very distinctive type. You can pull it off only if it suits your personality.

Color

The leather color is the most personal aspect of the wallet. You can’t go wrong with traditional colors such as brown and black, but many people are experimenting with more daring colors to suit their wardrobe and lifestyle.

Bifold or Trifold

Depending on your needs, you can get a wallet that folds into half or three parts. Most wallets for the trouser pockets will be bi fold. But if you need a little extra space to keep your checkbook, you can get wallets that will fold into three which can be kept in your breastpocket.

Overall, there are many choices for fine leather wallets. Ensure that you take a good look at what’s available before making your choice – it might stay with you for life.

April 24, 2009

Leather Desk Accessories

Filed under: Leather Stationary — Tags: — admin @ 10:32 am

Resurgence of Leather Desk Accessories

With the increasing modernization of the workplace, office desks are losing more and more of their character. Pen and paper have been replaced by the computers, as have letters, notes, and penstands. In the past, a person’s desk was a reflection of himself or herself with a unique identity. You could get an idea of their tastes, their work habits, and even understand something about their handwriting.

These days however, only certain leather desk accessories can convey that impression. After all, how much character can you stamp onto a computer or a laptop? In most cases, laptops are company provided anyway and leave no room for individuality. Imagine your boss showing a visitor around and saying “This is where (your name) sits”. What will your desk convey? If you’re like most people, the answer is simple – nothing.

But all hope is not lost. There are still certain leather desk accessories that are distinctive and useful. We look at some of them below. They are available in many different styles, and so you can customize your workplace desk to suit your taste and sense of style.

Leather desk accessories

Leather desk accessories

Types of leather desk accessories

Pad Covers

We all still need to take a few notes now and then. If your computer is booting up and you’re on the phone, you need a quick paper pad to jot down stuff. Pad covers will help you do this. Genuine leather pad covers can be used to encase your papers which can be regularly replaced. Different sizes, colors, and styles of leather can be chosen.a

Card cases

When someone hands you a business card, do you just stuff it into your wallet like everyone else? What if you have a large collection? Most people have some sort of card holder for this – usually with unattractive exteriors and plastic holders. Stylish business card cases made of pure leather can convey a distinct impression of elegance and class. A pleasant change from an otherwise boring accessory.

Eyeglass cases

If you wear reading glasses, buy a sleek leather eyeglass case to store them in. Easy to carry around and more appealing than merely stuffing them into your pocket, this accessory can go a long way towards creating that first impression of sophistication. Particularly useful for business persons.

Summary

Leather desk accessories have the potential to create a distinguished image amongst your colleages and superiors. This translates into the way people look at you and interact with you. It’s best not to overdo it of course, because then it looks as if you’re trying to create an impression. But you need to start somewhere, and the above items can give you that much needed push!

April 16, 2009

Leather accessories – 5 gift ideas for Fathers Day

Filed under: Gifts — admin @ 12:03 pm
One doesn’t usually think it necessary to get a gift for their father on Father’s day. Indeed, he may not even notice if you don’t. However, it’s a very touching gesture to let him know that you appreciate all the work he’s done in bringing you up and being an influence in your life. You’d never get a better opportunity to do this than on Father’s day.

Leather accessories are easily one of the best gifts to give your dad since you can be sure he would appreciate it. There are several choices of gifts and depending on what type of man your father is, you can choose the most appropriate gift. So here are a few ideas.

A Leather wallet

As cliched as it might sound, these never go out of fashion. It’s also one of those gifts that combine utility with beauty. You can be sure that his thoughts are never too far away from you if he’s carrying around your gift.

The type of wallet will vary depending on his taste and even his age. Older people like to keep their papers more organized and appreciate a more elongated wallet with greater room, like a pocket case. You can get one of those wallets with a dedicated plastic placeholder for a nice sized photograph as well.

A Leather golf bag

If your dad is the golfing sort, it’s hard to go wrong with a high quality leather golf bag for Father’s day. People who play golf are more apt to enjoy the finer things in life. A sleek leather golf bag to keep his clubs and other accessories in will make his play that much more enjoyable. He’ll also be able to brag to his buddies about his son’s gift!

Leather Watch box

A leather watch box is a little case which has indentations for safely storing a watch when not in use. They also have placeholders for other tiny accessories such as cuff links and rings. A very dinky box to have around. It allows a man to keep his important and precious belongings safe. It’s also very easy to travel with.

Leather Flask

Ideal for a long walk, or a train journey, a little curved leather bound flask will store a convenient amount of any liquid such as water, liquor, or a reviving swig of juice. Easy to transport, stylish and elegant, a leather flask is an excellent gift for the right person.

Leather Pen Holder

If your father likes to carry around his pens in different colors or with different types of nibs, then a sleek pen holder is an ideal and thoughtful gift for him. It will ensure that he is able to carry them safely without misplacing them. These cases are designed for easy access as well and so they are perfect for dedicated pen lovers.
These 5 gift ideas are just a small set of what you can actually give. With leather, there is no such thing as too much choice. So go and get set for Father’s day, and let your father know how much you care.

April 10, 2009

Different styles of men’s leather wallets – Advantages

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

Leather Wallets and styles

Wallets have always got the short treatment when it comes to fashion, and for good reason. They’re one accessory whose sole purpose is one of utility. We have seen in an earlier article how brand names can make a wallet more trendy, but in general, you find that people don’t shop for wallets keeping the latest trends in mind.However, there are different styles of wallets, each of which has it’s own advantages and disadvantages. The wallet is such a piece of equipment, that an advantage in one area is always balanced out by a disadvantage in another. This is why it is so important to carefully choose a leather wallet that suits you. Let’s take a look at some of the basic wallet styles and what each has to offer.

Long leather Wallets

These are handy for storing a large number of papers and documents. They’re usually kept in the breast pocket of the apparel for the simple reason that they’re usually too large. They have the space to conveniently hold all your identity cards and credit/debit cards. In addition, they also keep the banknotes straight and crisp without having to fold them like traditional wallets. This lends an air of sophistication to the possessor of this style of wallet.

They can also be used to hold checks without folding them which can be extremely useful.

Long leather wallets are undoubtedly very stylish if you can get around carrying them properly. Since not many people use them, they always stand out and combined with other attire, they make a very nice addition to the costume.

Short leather wallets

These are the types of wallets that you see everywhere. Convenience is their middle name, which is why they’re so common in the first place. Their size makes them easy to carry around in the front or back pockets of your trousers, and still leave space for other things.

They have sufficient room however, to hold your credit cards, a few business cards and banknotes – though you might have trouble fitting in some of the larger ones. Though they’re not as roomy as their long counterparts, they are more than enough for most people. They don’t do a very good job of carrying change though, as they’re prone to bulge out. Fashion conscious people need to always ensure that they don’t carry too many coins.

Flip down leather wallets

Some wallets have a flap that lets itself down in order to display an ID card. This makes it easy to quickly show it when necessary without fumbling to find your ID in your wallet. Best for frequent travelers, it’s not something that everyone will want to have since it uses up a dedicated slot in the wallet that could be used for something else. It also adds a bit of bulk.

Leather Wallet shopping

Most men already have a preferred style of wallet that they use even though it might not suit their needs anymore. If you’re buying a wallet for yourself, this might be a good time to change it to more aptly suit your needs. If you’re buying it for someone else, take a look at what they really need and if it’s different from what they use, convince them that they need to change and then buy the wallet for them – they’ll thank you for it later.

10 Leather Accessories Gift Ideas – For the man who loves leather

Filed under: Gifts — Tags: — admin @ 10:08 am
Giving gifts is always difficult, especially when you don’t know the person well. Sometimes however, even knowing a person doesn’t mean you know what they would appreciate. In these situations, find out what the man in question appreciates. If he likes leather, then here are some great gift ideas to make him jump with joy!

A leather diary

A genuine leather diary is a very tasteful gift to give to a leather lover. Along with the beautiful soft cover and the feel of the pages, a diary encourages a man to be communicative with himself. If you know that the person has a soft spot for the delicate things in life – pens, watches and reading, you can’t go wrong with a leather diary.

A leather passport holder

During times of travel, it’s nice to have all your stuff neatly arranged in a stylish leather case. For those tricky situations where you need to show your ID and keep your tickets from falling out, a leather passport holder shows how much thought has gone into the gift.

A leather luggage tag – with a coat of arms

To pander to a man’s ego, show him that you feel he’s special. You can custom engrave leather luggage tags with a stylish coat of arms to make him feel distinguished. Not many people will have their own laser engraved luggage tags!

A leather coaster set

A beautiful set of leather coasters – perhaps with a display case for them included lends a nice touch to the home of a man and shows his taste – customize them with a message for even better personalization.

Leather flowers

This might seem a bit odd, but leather flowers are actually very unique looking – a far cry from the plastic ones you find. They surprise the person who touches them with their velvety texture.

A leather wine holder

To enable a man to show off his wine collection with aplomb, gift him a leather wine holder that will enchant his guests and make him feel truly special.

Leather photo display

A stud glass photo display case with a leather base allows a man to showcase what’s important to him in a prominent place without seeming overly sentimental.

Leather Map

To complete the sophisticated image, nothing is more enchanting that a genuine leather map of the old world. Specially if there are other nautical items around!

Leather Bracelet

To add a dash of personalization for the unconventional man, a leather bracelet with a head of sterling silver always gets the desired effect. Stylish and extremely masculine, this is sure to remind him of you.

Leather Recipe holder

For a man who likes to make his own food, give him an easy and enchanting way to keep his recipes all together in one place. With a slick leather recipe holder, he will never be afraid of messing it up or losing his precious recipe cards.

January 29, 2009

Leather Checkbook Wallets

Filed under: Uncategorized — admin @ 12:40 pm

The leather wallet has come a long way since it’s inception. Since the 1950′s, when the modern leather design came into existence, it has undergone several variations to accommodate the growing needs of people who want to carry personal items with them.

Leather checkbook wallets

Leather checkbook wallets are the latest manifestation of this evolution and are now masterpieces of design work combining space utilization with stylish design. These modern accessories feature optimized spaces for the storate of credit cards, currency, coins, checkbooks, and ID cards. They come in many sizes and shapes – each suiting the unique needs of the individuals who carry them.

Buying a leather checkbook wallet requires thought as to what you want out of it and how much space you are willing to allocate to it. It requires a thorough analysis of your lifestyle as well as your sense of style to find one that fits you to a ‘T’.

How to choose a Leather Checkbook Wallet

There are three factors to consider when choosing a checkbook wallet for your needs. Size and shape, features, and the material. The combination of these three will result in a piece that is uniquely yours and suited to your taste and the image you want to project.

Choosing the right size is critical. If you don’t plan to carry the leather checkbook wallet in your breastpocket, you are constrained to choose one that is smaller and will consequently have certain restrictions such as the necessity to fold the checks as well as the currency notes in half.

Also of interest is whether or not the wallet eases the display of your frequently used ID card. It’s always a pain to take it out and show it to people and this increases the wear and tear on it too. With a transparent display, it is possible to easliy flash it at the person who is performing the verification and thus obviate the need for too much handling.

When it comes to the material that is to be used, we (of course) recommend leather. But even within that, we can have Venetian leather, Karelia leather, Country lux leather checkbook wallets. Venetian leather is prized for it’s softness and full grain, Karelia leather for its durability and Country lux leather for its richness. Each of these suits a different personality. Find out which one is yours!

Caring for your Checkbook wallet

Remember not to abuse your leather checkbook wallet. Though they are durable and resilient, you will find that if you overload them with say coins, over a period of time it will lose it’s shape and elasticity and become saggy. Every now and then you can use a leather care lotion to restore the sheen and protect it’s individuality.

After a while, you will find that the leather ages beautifully and will come to retain your stamps on it. Little marks and scuffs that only you know the significance of, and which bring back memories of times gone by. This is the best part of owning a quality leather product – the personal touch!

Modern man’s leather accessories

Filed under: Uncategorized — admin @ 12:36 pm
The modern day man has a wide range of accessories to carry about him. Each type of situation requires him to carry with him a set of items that are not only of functional value, but also define him, his tastes and his personality. This is so widely recognized that many people strive in different ways to differentiate themselves from the crowd. The refined gentleman however, has always known that nothing is better than fine leather accessories.
There are many different types of leather, each suited for a different purpose. The careful selection and coordination of leather accessories is a hall mark of a man who has both good taste and good sense. From shoulder bags to wallets, leather accessories serve to accentuate a man’s image and allow him to carry off the air of refinement that is so coveted.
Style statements apart, there are few materials as suitable for various types of cases as leather. With its excellent abrasion resistance, its resistance to humidity as well as its durability, where else can you find a material so perfect? Leather accessories have the sanction of the ages as it is refined animal hide and has been used to protect our ancestors from the weather and keep their precious items safe. The famous leather pouches that we read about in fiction serve to remind us of it’s incalculable utility. The image of the cowboy in leather chaps is engraved in American imagination. The chaps were originally used to protect the legs of the cowboy as he was riding on a horse through brushy areas. This image is a testament to the durable qualities of leather.
Leather can take on different qualities and forms based on how it is treated. Aniline leather is the highest quality leather that has not been colored. This means that it is more supple and has better breathability. It is also called full grain or top grain leather. When the leather has the natural epidermis of the original skin on it, this type of leather is the result.
However, equally important is the level of craftsmanship that goes into creating a high quality leather accessory. This is where superior brand names matter. Not only do they use the best kind of leather for their products, they also ensure that it has been “worked” correctly. This includes coloring, painting, carving and stamping. Dr. Koffer leather for example makes use of the best leather as well as the highest craftsmanship to produce superlative accessories in leather that are a testament to their work.
Leather often comes across as a subtle and subdued statement instead of a flashy image that comes across as crass and overly attention drawing. The understated elegance of great quality leather accessories will always remain no matter what the time period. Great quality leather ages beautifully and increases in style as the years go by. A beautiful and timeless investment.
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