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Briefcase schmiefcase, who wants to lug around a bag that looks like it holds the nuclear codes? Well, maybe some people do, but for those of us that would rather look effortless, there’s the Document Tote. It will do the job of carrying our 15″ or 13″ laptop all in a very succinct sort of package- there’s no straps or exterior pockets, just two interior pockets for the usual accessories. Made of vegan leather, you have your pick of black, cream, or caramel.
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This folio beats the pants off of any other folio. It’s made of vegan leather (score!) and has a roomy zippered compartment that perfectly fits a 13″ laptop or iPad. One outside pocket gives you space for other necessities while still keeping its tailored, slim profile. Lack of decoration suits all genders; choose between gray, navy or cream. And, best of all, looking smart with this folio under your arm won’t cost a fortune.
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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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Well, isn’t this a nice surprise. It’s a Minimalist Folio that costs under $50. The fact that it’s made from polyurethane could be good or bad, depending on your aversion or preference to leather, but I think we’ll all agree that this kind of price point is very welcome. The medium size easily holds a tablet and notebook, while the large will fit a 13″ laptop. A small pouch holds the smaller essentials and two peg-in-hole fastenings keep the coverlet closed. Choose between Blush, Navy and Pewter.
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Need a no-nonsense, utilitarian briefcase? This bag by Industry Portage features an exterior padded pocket for your tablet, interior pen slots and pockets for organizing smaller items like business cards, and adequate space to carry a decent stack of documents (let’s hope you won’t need to do that though). Rugged canvas and suede handles reinforce the no-frills approach; there’s no doubt it’s durable enough for your everyday commute or for those longer journeys. Also available in red.
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Commuters, your prayers have been answered. IGNOBLE brings us the Lorna backpack/briefcase, an urban commuter bag that’s perfect for lugging your laptop back and forth from the office. Like the other IGNOBLE bags, it is free of unnecessary adornment, making it a perfect choice for those that value function and simplicity in their wardrobes. An easy shoulder strap restraint system allows the bag to quickly convert from a backpack into a soft, side-carry briefcase.
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I’ve finally found the perfect bag for both day-to-day commuting and air travel.

Here are a few of the things I love about it:
1. Interior side pocket fits both my MacBook Air & Kindle perfectly.
2. Exterior side pocket allows for easy and secure access to wallet, keys, phone.
3. Comes with a waterproof cover(!)
4. It’s a perfect carry-on sized bag.
5. Side handle makes it easy to pull in and out from under airplane seats
6. Bag interior lined with soft material to keep all your gadgets scratch-free.
7. Configureable interior compartments with velcro dividers–perfect for keeping things in order.
8. It’s perfectly unisex.

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Designed by Makio Hasuike, this briefcase unzips around the perimeter so it can lay fully flat (see image below) and allow several points of access. If you like the look, I suggest you check out the other bag designs at Makio Hasuike’s website or visit MH WAY, where it is also available to purchase for € 105.

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At 14″x10″, this leather portfolio is too big to be a wallet and way too small to be a briefcase (hence the ‘portfolio’), but I think several of your smaller belongings would feel right at home in snazzy lime leather or a more refined white, black or gold.

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How long have you been waiting for the SIWA (pronounced shiwa) collection by Naoto Fukasawa to hit the stores? It feels like forever, doesn’t it? The briefcase stands out the most to me, but only because I need/want one and I’m partial to the details. I’ll do a separate post on the pouches.

All pieces are produced by the Onao paper company in Japan and are highly water-resistant and capable of carrying heavy loads (tested for up to 10 kgs/ 22 lbs).

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While I’m patiently waiting for the new stuff to hit stores, I’m also keeping my eyes peeled for snap-up worthy sales. These utilitarian soft bags have no visible tags or brands that I can see, and for those of us that dislike unnecessary visual clutter (i.e. brands) upon ourselves, that’s simply a godsend.

Messenger Bag Small (11″ W 14″), $220.00 Now: $110.00
Messenger Bag Medium (H 13″ W 16″), $245.00 Now: $122.50
Soft-Top Briefcase (), $420.00 Now: $210.00

The utilitarian design of this carry case makes me wish I had an important binder to carry around.

Designed as a carry case for the Aluminum Binder, the Wool Felt Binder Case (2007) may also be used on its own as a briefcase, document carrier, portfolio bag or even handbag. The 100% fine wool felt is a quarter-inch thick for maximum protection and exceptional style. With frequent use, the felt will become finer and softer. The hook-and-loop fasteners are durable enough for travel or courier. The landscape format fits European size A3 paper (16.5″x11.75″), while the smaller configuration accommodates A4 or U.S. letter size. Made in Australia.

A3: H 13.75″ W 22.5″ D 2″: $180.00 Now: $153.00
A4: H 13.75″ W 13.75″ D 2″: $150.00 Now: $100.50
(sale through March 18, 2009)

Buy it here.

Barnes & Noble recently expanded their inventory to include home items and other miscellany, and look what had me looking twice- this elegant messenger bag made from natural recycled leather for $56 buckaroos. This same style is also available in the orientation of a regular briefcase for $59.00: Buy it here.

Hand crafted in Fabriano, Italy, this handsome Messenger Bag boasts a simple yet striking design. With a retractable handle/shoulder strap and enough room for folders, magazines, portfolios, etc., it’s the perfect combination of functionality and style. Plus it’s made from natural recycled leather, a rugged, environmentally friendly material that is used for furniture and other heavy-duty applications. Easy to care for and extremely resistant to stains, wear, and tear.

by San Lorenzo International, Inc.
Also available in Cognac.
12.5″ x 10.5″ x 2″

$55.95, Buy it here.

“A stylish new way to organize yourself and transport necessary documents. The Valise can be used as a filing system or an attractive briefcase.” Might not make the best everyday briefcase, but is a great way to transport files around an office.

Design Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec, 2003.
Injection molded ABS. Made in Italy by Magis.
14.5″ L x 12.3″ w x 3.3″ d

I want one.

“Seeking to develop applications for wood, industrial designer Takumi Shimamura delivers this unique briefcase made of ecological thinned Japanese cedar. Designed to accommodate laptops, the bag has sturdy canvas edges, a handle with leather covering, double zippers, and inner pockets. Water repellent finish. Handmade by Japanese craftsmen. Clean with a damp cloth.”