Hasta La Ideas

Two new pieces of simplified travel gear from Eugene, Oregon’s heritage-inspired workshop

Working out of Eugene, Oregon—108 miles south of Portland—Archival Clothing has drawn some serious attention in the world of menswear since their debut just a few years ago. Focused on producing domestically made goods they consider to be the “best in category,” Archival Clothing makes impeccable adaptations of vintage rucksacks, handmade leather goods and quality garments. Archival carries on with supremely simple goods for both men and women, releasing two new products just in time for the busiest travel season of the year. We were lucky enough to get a sneak peek at the new duck canvas duffel bag and waxed canvas dopp kit.

In an effort to support what remains of U.S.-based manufacturing, Archival selected American-made 18-oz duck cotton, Horween leather, YKK zippers and finely woven thread as the bag’s foundation. Brass hardware sourced from the UK, combined with waxed cotton tape and riveted stress points hold the bag together. All details aside, the bag’s color is what sold us—vibrant cobalt blue and striking red accents make for a perfect contrast to the dark winter days to come, while the ultra-tough nylon truck tarp bottom is perfect for combatting the harsh conditions inherent in traveling. Plus, the duffel meets TSA carry-on size limits.

With purpose at the forefront of its design, the slimmed-down dopp kit that weighs just four ounces and folds to pocket size when empty. Constructed entirely of American-made materials as well, the 10-oz waxed canvas body is both waterproof and durable. We like the bright red, whose color only gets better with wear.

Both additions to their collection of bags and garments are available now in the Archival Clothing online store. The duffel is available in navy or cobalt blue and sells for $205, while the dopp kit comes in red, dark brown and navy, and sells for $60.

New England antiques reconstructed into rugged totes

Deep in the antique stores and flea markets around the Eastern Seaboard, Alice Saunders scouts materials to create Forestbound, her line of hand-made totes, purses and carry-alls. She makes each bag out of salvaged items that imbue them with a sense of history, interpreted by Saunders’ own distinctive aesthetic.

“I’m about to finish up my spring special collection, which is based around a blacksmith’s leather apron from the 1930s,” says Boston-based Saunders. “All of the bags will incorporate straps or buckles constructed out of this particular apron, and the styles are inspired by what I envision a blacksmith from that era would have used.” In addition to her personal spring collection, Saunders is also currently working on a small collection of four bags for Terrain, Anthropologie’s home and garden shop.

The bags are ruggedly woodsy, her style influenced by an outdoorsy New England childhood as well as a sense of nostalgia. “I think a lot about canvas and leather bags that would have been used eighty years ago, and how I can recreate that in a way that’s practical for everyday use,” she explains.

Anthropologie’s interest in her bags, as well as an upcoming collaboration with Brooklyn’s Digby & Iona, would probably make most people consider expanding operations. But Saunders is determined to keep her business small. “Creating a bag based around that day’s finds is the whole reason I’m so passionate about what I do. I’m definitely going to try my best to always find my own materials and be responsible for all of the construction.”

In addition to larger collections for Anthropologie and other retailers, Saunders also sells her bags online. Prices vary depending on size and material, but start around $26 for a utility pouch to $300 for a leather carryall.

Twist and shout with ’50s-inspired sneakers from the Keds Century Collection

Just launched as the latest era in the Keds’ Century Collection, the 1950s-inspired Champion Soda Pop satin sneakers play tribute to the twist-and-shout days of early rock n’ roll .

Bold shades of blue, green and black with polka dots and bright laces add a punch of colorful fun to this season’s autumn neutrals.

The limited edition Champion Soda Pop sneakers sell for $45 on Keds’ Original Sneaker site, where you’ll also be able to find entertaining information on the history of the brand and other monumental moments from the ’50s.