filson x fjällräven

After going through a few phases with bags, I've pretty much come to the realization that I am not a fussy bag person.  In fact, I am perpetually bored every time I see a blog post about the latest Alexander Wang or Balenciaga bag.  Canvas and leather, these are my materials of choice, the exception being my Fjallraven Kanken, which is made from a super lightweight vinylon.  I've thought about adding fancier bags into the mix, but every time I set out to do something, about 80% of the time I reach for my Kanken and the other 20% I go for my Filson 257 Briefcase.  Now that I have a job I suspect I'll be using my Filson a lot more, but I brought my Kanken along with me anyways because I couldn't imagine traveling without it.

before I broke it in--the color is brick

"otter green"
(aside: every time I look at this picture I miss my white floors, which I could not bring with me to China, unlike this bag)

I recently bought my dad a Filson briefcase, but the more slim 256 model, and also the zippered tote for myself, both in tan.  In the past few years I've been quite picky about buying things that will last "a lifetime," and have definitely been more drawn to American brands with products made in the USA, from quality materials, etc. etc.  The LA Times published an interesting article on the appeal of "American heritage brands" a few years ago, and I have to agree with most of what they say.  

In any case, I'm excited to see how these bags hold up over the next 5-10 years.  The one other bag that I regularly carry is a Coach handbag that belonged to my mother (it was her first "luxury" purchase in the states) that has the best patina after 15+ years of wear.  I'm hoping these fare just as well :)