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Do you want a special sort of backpack? This one by The Unseen Emporium transforms from black to vivid colors in response to fluctuations in air pressure. A little reptilian, no? Of course, a bit of magic is involved- or science, if you prefer the truer explanation- and will have others doing double takes as they catch your bag changing color.
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You know what’s fun? Colorful, recycled, polyethylene totes that are very sturdy, because you can lug them around everywhere and not worry about messing them up. Take it to the beach, the grocery store, your local garden nursery, attach it to your bike, use it for kids toys, fill it with ice to cool down drinks, etc… it’s a multipurpose tote that won’t crumple no matter what you throw in it. You’ll be happy to know that the green totes are made of sugar cane, which is super environmentally friendly (and a little more expensive).
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I don’t need any more weekend bags, but I sure am tempted by this one from Everlane. At $98, it’s just enough of an ‘affordable’ choice that it has me thinking my luggage needs an overhaul, and the reverse denim version with leather details is mighty easy on the eyes. There’s several other color options too.
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Sure, we’ve featured more than a few simple backpacks, but there’s something especially nice about the one from Joshu+Vela. With no external pocket, it refuses to be cluttered, and, with its robust materials, will most likely refuse to break down after years of use. It does have one interior pocket along with an interior iPad Sleeve, so you won’t be entirely bereft of organization. Choose between waxed twill canvas (olive, black, navy, natural, or safari tan) and black leather (super sleek, but more expensive, of course). There’s a small version of the backpack too, which is perfect for daily commutes.
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Issey Miyake has joined forces with Iittala and all you’re going to see is this Tote Bag. Don’t worry, you’ll see the rest. For now, though, just take a look at the lightweight, wrinkle-resistant bag, and marvel how it will fold itself up rather compactly, and how it expands into a cool, origami-ish tote when you fill it with your shopping.
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Fold those Benjamins with this bold, oversized money clip designed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for San Lorenzo. One continuous piece of sterling silver metal twists around to give you an efficient clip for organizing your shorter stacks. Would it be a good gift for a discerning someone who doesn’t mind flashing their cash every now and then? Most certainly.
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A durable tote that converts to messenger, shoulder bag, and backpack sounds like a good idea, doesn’t it? The XFR Tote expands and collapses, so it’s ideal for a shopping tote. It’s also made from the highest grade 600D Double-Sided Tarpaulin with bound internal edges- that means solid construction that won’t disintegrate after a heavy grocery shop. Small loops near the handles enable you to clip in additional straps for changing your carrying style.
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You don’t really need all that stuff in your current wallet, do you? Grovemade’s Minimalist Wallet will force you to pare down to the essentials. Made from lightweight anodized aluminum and a hidden steel faceplate, the wallet holds around five cards (plus a bill or two). Vegetable-tanned leather ups the ante in the style department, and you’ll look a lot more organized and put together when you’re not searching through a dozens of cards and receipts for the right payment.
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Well done, you, for using your bike as transportation. As a sort of present to yourself, you might consider adding this Helmet Bag to your wardrobe, as it can comfortably fit a helmet, or any other round-ish or odd-shaped item, along with your daily work papers and devices.

The front pleats are oh-so-smart as they allow for expansion- a smart detail that’s sure to come in handy. Let’s also mention that those pleats are entirely acceptable style-wise, unlike other pleats on some other garments (specifically, pleated khaki trousers- those are not, I repeat, NOT acceptable). Not a cyclist? Consider how your bento box or lunch pail might fit comfortably within this bag as well.
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A smart backpack? That sounds like a godsend to anyone who has ever had their phone, tablet, or laptop die away from home. CO.ALITION Smart Backpacks have an integrated power and a wireless hard drive built into their packs, so you can charge all of your devices and back up your important data (or watch movies) wherever you go. There’s enough options to make your head spin, so check it out and consider funding their project to receive one of your very own.
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Maybe you like your books and magazines rumpled with their corners bent from being stuffed haphazardly in your bag, but for the rest of us there’s the Booksleeve by BFGF. Made of hand-painted cotton canvas, each pouch has simple illustrations by Lilian Martinez that are sure to catch the interest of anyone interesting whenever you pull it from your bag. Who’s that person, they’ll ask themselves, and where did they get that booksleeve?
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Yes, you carry around emotional baggage, but at least you’re honest about it. As The School of Life says, “Everyone has it; the trick is to carry it elegantly.” Put your issues out in the open (along with your educational approach to mental health) with this heavy-duty canvas tote. No one will accuse you of hiding your less-than-appealing hang-ups, that’s for sure. Also, if the tote resonates with you, do check out their Psycho Box, which includes the tote along with a ‘How to Stay Sane’ guide, Nietzsche & Freud Notebooks, and Psychoanalytic Pencils.
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Simple/minimal sleeve/briefcase? Yes/please. This one is pretty skinny, so it will fit your essentials and not weigh you down. Stash all your cords and accessories in the front pocket and keep your laptop/tablet and a few files or notebooks in the main compartment. Who says you can’t be a minimalist? Tell me their name, because I will punch them in the face for you, I promise. Available in black or beige.
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Another aluminum lunch box? Can we be so lucky? Apparently so. This handy little lunch box is from black + blum, and, just as expected, it looks to improve upon those sub-par lunch carriers that have left your lunch squashed in the past. It’s aluminum (or, aluminium, if you prefer) with a naturally antibacterial, sustainable bamboo lid that provides a surface for ingredient assembly if needed. Available in silver, lime, or pink.
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Not happy with your backpack/bag? Here’s yet another minimal option for your consideration, and this one is delightfully simple in its design. The Welded backpack from Aether* is lightweight, has an interior laptop pocket, padded straps, and weatherproof zippers. Maybe you’ll use it for hauling your computer back and forth from the office, or maybe you’ll take it with you on your next day hike or weekend trip. Either way, you’ll look quietly cool and you’ll be comfortable.
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