More seriously, it depends a bit on what and how much you carry? Do you carry a laptop a lot? Reading material? A tablet or iPad?
I have a Victorinox bag that works nicely, and a few years back I was looking at briefcases and I waited for Numi to leave an opinion. Numi said Tumi, as I expected, but he also mentioned Victorinox.
I decided to hold off on a more expensive breifcase, but when I saw a nice Victorinox bag at Filene’s Basement, I jumped on it and have been pretty happy with it. I did see some nice cases while I was looking around, though, particularly at a leather shop on Madison Avenue… I forget where, but I walked in as I was waiting for the bus, somewhere around 50th st. Gorgeous stuff, but expensive as heck (what else does one expect on Madison Ave, though).
Do you travel to client meetings and such? If not, it seems like not many people will notice your briefcase as a fashion accessory and you should choose something utilitarian.
I’ve had it with all these satchles, backpacks, etc… just different forms of wimpy man purses. Nothing is more baller than a rigid, inflexible, bulky briefcase. Bonus if you get it in silver to make it look like your carrying something really high profile or dangerous.
And a blinking led. Remember someone stole your lunch the other day, CvM? Nobody will ever mess with your stuff again if your silver briefcase has a blinking led.
I’m a gen-Y and like briefcases, but I don’t use one because I feel like you have to “earn” it. I’m a junior, but will probably carry one when I get to the senior level or something.
Just to carry a magazine, ipad, portfolio, calculator/pens/etc. I’ve got a messenger bag but it feels too casual friday for me.
I’m a function over form kind of guy, so I use my laptop case as my briefcase if I’m bringing my laptop. If I’m sans laptop, I have a nice soft sided leather briefcase. As often as not though, I’ll just go with a zippered portfolio.
^ I think you nailed, bchad. We need a last-minute emergency intervention from numi and other AF fashion experts. We can’t send one of us out there in front of the press in less than a top attire.