Quite Continental

I’ve not returned from Buenos Aires just yet, but I thought I would do a brief post from the Southern Hemisphere on what’s turned out to be my favorite travelling companion from the past few weeks.  In October, I posted about my trip to the Rose Bowl Flea in California to visit The San Fernando Valley Mercantile Co. and meet founder Warren Schummer.  Aside from having a lovely visit, I also put in an order for one of their handsome 16″ tool bags.  I was very pleased to receive it before I jetted off for South America and it’s been absolutely great on the trip.

Large enough to fit a MacBook Air, several guidebooks, a Louis Vuitton Pochette, Kate Spade Lacey wallet, a Nikon D60 (and its bag and cords), a few other bits and bobs, and somehow still fit under the seat in front of me, this bag is made for travel.  With a firm board bottom and metal feet, it also keeps its shape beautifully when not quite so fully stuffed.  I especially liked the detachable shoulder strap, which I usually wore cross-body to keep my hands free.  It definitely came in handy while rambling around the antiques market of San Telmo in Buenos Aires, where the photos were taken.

The leather was quite blond when I received it, but after only a few weeks it’s already aging nicely.  I’m definitely looking forward to years of use from this handsome bag — and of course, many more trips around the world with it.  If you’d like your own bag from this very limited run, all completely handmade in Southern California, head here.

You’ll notice two small alterations on my bag, courtesy of Warren: the addition of a small snap at the top to keep it securely closed and — and! — my monogram just below that.  If you ask him very very nicely, he might be able to fix yours up as well.

Don’t forget to also check out the rest of The SFV Mercantile shop here, as well as the store blog, and Warren’s awesome Vintage Workwear blog.

All photographs courtesy of Erin Rickards, who is a great photographer and even greater friend, but sadly is without a website.  She did just start Instagramming, though.  If you’d like to follow her there, her username is @ericka22.