Good Things #5 | Backpacks, Branding + More

It's been a while since I've done a round-up post of all "Good Things" so I thought I'd bring it back and show a little love to the things I'm enjoying at the moment from around the web.

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Converse 1970's 3-Panel - I've been on board the Converse 1970's gravy train for a while now, and for good reason. They're superior in comfort, have a bunch of original features and the materials used feel a little more considered + durable. END have just got the Converse 3-Panel 1970 version in Red, White + Blue. I was thinking USA but Nik seems to think they're a homage to the Tour de France.

3D Printed Bowls - These bowls by Digital Natives have been created using a 3-D printer, actually being created a couple of years ago, which just goes so show how advanced the technology was. Imagine what we'll be creating in five years time?

Lost Toon's City - This branding project for a nostalgic theme park concept entitled, "Lost Toon's City", inspired by the golden age of animation. Can't stop looking at the project, it's so well done and right up my alley.

Fjallraven Rucksack No.21 - Over the years I've gone through a ton of backpacks, which I put down to inferior fabrics and skipping corners construction techniques. Any bag I buy needs to be able to take a weight, be made from water resistant fabric and have oodles of compartments. It's best to turn to the outdoor folks (even though you're in the city) with experience in the field, like Fjallraven. The Fjallraven Rucksack No.21 ticks all the boxes, plus it comes with space for your laptop, removable seat pad + pretty much any weather condition.

Designs of the Year 2014 - We're heading back to London in a couple of weeks, and one thing I'm really looking forward to is visiting Designs of the Year 2014 exhibition at the Design Museum. Pictured here is the LEGO Calendar, which helps colleagues organised their week, working both on and offline with iCloud technology.

Beavertown Gamma Ray Beer - Yep you guess it, I was drawn to this stuff because of the design. I'm glad we tried it though as Beavertown's Gamma Ray was an absolute treat. Their other beers look just as mental too, with crazy illustrations over the cans. If Gamma Ray is anything to go by then they're all be worth the money.

Mamnick Lite Socks - I've been getting into cycling more and more of late, so I think it's about time I actually looked the part. This new release by Mamnick could be the first step, literally.

What's floating your boat currently? 

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Eastpak | Backpacks for Commuters

Wearing - Easkpak Floid Backpack c/o size?, Albam Sweatshirt, Carhartt Trousers, Levi's T-Shirt,  Northern Goods Co. Key Clip, Helmet, Timex Weekender Watch, Vintage Leather Gloves.

Just a quick post today as I'm feeling pretty under the weather and I've got a mountain of photos to edit, from the last couple of weeks. After several repairs to the left strap of my Dicota backpack, due to tares from everyday use (we're talking use every single day, for a while it carried two laptops and an slr!), I've landed upon this sturdy bit of kit by Eastpak. It's got room for a laptop, is super lightweight and has umpteen pockets + compartments.

I've only taken it for a spin a couple of times so I can't pass full judgement just yet, but I'll be putting it to the test over the next few months. Its first big challenge will be on our trip to Orlando next month! Do you rate Eastpak products or any other products for commuters?

Thank you for reading.

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Property Of...AW 13 Collection

A new season marks the new release of a bunch of new products. Property Of...is a brand I've been quietly following for some time now, if memory serves me correctly I first came across their products on Lineage of Influence a couple of years back. Since 2006 Property Of...have been producing hardwearing, well designed, functional goods, selling via their cafe in Amsterdam and online to much success. 

You want it, they've probably made it. This AW they've brought back some of their more classic styles and jazzed them up a bit, both the Hector and Tommy Backpacks have been reworked in new colours and materials. My personal favourite, The Bryan Body Bag (image 1+2) is a new addition to the family, constructed in lightweight nylon and ripstop fabric. It's the perfect shape for cyclists and commuters. Big enough to get a iPad, books and your every day necessities but compact enough just to sling over your shoulder.

All pieces throughout the collection would definitely work for both male and female, the orange waxed cotton Thomas camera bag and small leather goods being the perfect example. Their prices are extremely affordable too, considering the amount of thought that's gone into each piece. So to sum up, Property Of...do bags and they do them exceptionally well. 

See the full Property Of...collection here.

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Topo Designs Travel Bag

After a conversation with Ryan from Simple Threads (one of the best menswear blogs out there in my opinion) on Twitter regarding backpacks and why they make your top/shirt ride up when wearing them, he pointed me in the direction of Topo Designs. He highly regards their bags and swears they're the only brand he's come across that doesn't inadvertently make you show your boxers off to the world.

Above is Topo's signature Travel Bag in navy, red and yellow which is the perfect backpack for everyday use as much as it is for a big old adventure hiking up some mountain range. Their aim was to create something that could take a hammering from traveling and everyday life but also compact and lightweight enough to be classed as a carry-on. But that's not all, there's an added bonus; the Travel Bag has been cleverly designed so you can attach their Trip Pack onto the front (see last image). The unique hooking system allows both bags to be carried at once, with easy dissemble when needed. Perfect.

All Topo Designs products are made in Denver, Colorado. For more on the Topo visit their store here. 

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A Lesson On Looking Awkward

Wearing - Gap polka dot shirt, Topman green shorts, New Balance 420s, Penfield backpack, 

Rayban sunglasses, Muji watch, Paul Smith ring

It's something you can't teach, it just comes natural. I don't knows what my hands are doing, I think they've got a mind of their own. I've got out of the habit of featuring myself on here so lets call this a bit of a refresh, just so you all know who you're speaking to. I've been messing around with the look of this place over the weekend, none of it is permanent as I'm planning on changing the whole thing. If you see anything weird going on just so just roll with it for now.

So it's an "alright" to old friends and a "howdy" to some new ones.

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Don't forget to enter the URBANARA tartan picnic blanket giveaway here

All Packed Up

Images © Hollie Reid, 2011

Outfit - GAP jacket and chinos, Uniqlo check shirt, Ralph Lauren t-shirt, Penfield backpack

This week has been busy, good but busy. I've had two photos hoots for my final campaign which I mentioned a couple of posts ago and I've been knuckling down with work. Thanks for everyone's well wishes, everything went great guns so the process of editing and putting into context start now.....well soonish.

I trying not too spend much money of late, most of what I do buy is uni related or food, of course. But a couple of days ago I decided to treat myself to a new backpack, I've been chatting about it on Twitter and I plumped for the bright red Penfield number. I have a few bags but they're all mega boring colours so I went for the total opposite with bright red, what do you think?

The little details on it really make it, with leather bottom and trim, yellow pull toggle and nylon coating around the inside to project your gear from the elements. I'm getting a real taste for backpacks, I've even got my eye on this Jansport one a bit further down the line. Plans for the weekend?

If you haven't entered the Gene Meyer sock comp there's still plenty of time.

New Found Treasures Part 4

It's been a while since my last "New Found Treasures" post, but we're slowly getting to the last of them now. For all that aren't too sure what I'm harping on about, I'm showing everything I bought within the time I moved down to London(I wasn't there ages though). So this time, it's the backpack.


I picked this little number up in French Connection in Brighton. Not a shop I go in loads but my friend Nic saw something in the window, as the sale was on. I managed to pick this up for £13.50, which I consider a massive bargain as I know there are similar ones around these days for up too £130(COS for example). I realise it's bursting open in this picture but I was carrying a lot that day.


Anyone else got a backpack thing going on?


This image was taken by my friend Kate, who also blogs at anyweargirl.com which is pretty cool.