Where can I find a hip leather binder for a young professional?

March 6, 2016 11:48 PM

So I think I finally grew out of my knapsack. Rushing to/from meetings, the knapsack gives off a distinctly student vibe, which, coupled with my boyish charm, isn't the look I'm going for in my new prestigious university job. Also, I'm in my mid 30s.

I'm looking for a thin leather binder in which I can slide my iPad (no need to have it fastened to one side of the binder like most of the ones I see on Amazon), have a legal pad and keep a couple business cards, maybe a charging cable, etc.

Any fashion-conscious experts out there have any tips? Most binders I see look like trapper keepers for someone's grandpa.

Thanks

posted by mateuslee to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (9 answers total)

The term you're looking for is "padfolio." (Pad+Portfolio). Though "portfolio" alone also brings results but can include artist type portfolios.

I'm assuming you want one that zips. This is the top result and it zips, has a legal pad, and an Ipad pocket. $18.
posted by Crystalinne at 12:14 AM on March 7, 2016

MochiThings has some stuff like this
posted by jrobin276 at 1:57 AM on March 7, 2016

I like Scaramanga's satchels a lot and they've got some nice looking tablet slip cases - they're all hand-made and the leather is really lovely. They're not cheap and they're based in Scotland so depending on your location that may make shipping prohibitive. Also, they're a bit more "fashion" than "professional", depending on the look you're going for.
posted by parm at 2:22 AM on March 7, 2016

I highly recommend, and use, Hard Graft.
posted by cribcage at 4:53 AM on March 7, 2016

If you want prestige then don't settle for second or third best. Buy something that will wear well and last. I'd suggest Tumi or Mandarina Duck and Piquadro makes some sexy bags. All of these are in the several hundred dollar price range but are high quality and it sounds like you deserve it.
posted by JJ86 at 7:02 AM on March 7, 2016

The Filson Tablet Briefcase might fit the bill.

http://www.filson.com/tablet-briefcase.html
posted by paulcole at 8:25 AM on March 7, 2016

Is leather still hip? A couple years ago, my org gave its staff these (surprisingly cheap) Clava synthetic padfolios. Mine's still going strong.
posted by late afternoon dreaming hotel at 8:48 AM on March 7, 2016

I have a pleather (plastic leather) three-ring binder that zips all around. In addition to the built in pockets for pens and business cards, you can use any storage sheet with three-hole punch. The newer zip ring binders should have pockets for smart phone.

The office-supplies-mega store should have a good selection. They have corny names like ring-folio or Zip-Around 3-Ring Business Law Binder-- retractable handles and shoulder straps.
posted by ohshenandoah at 11:46 AM on March 7, 2016

You don't mention a price. I have the, roughly $100, leatherology padfolio. http://www.leatherology.com/leather-portfolios/
posted by fieldtrip at 10:33 PM on March 7, 2016