One of the best perks of being the retired co-founders of Levenger is that we get a sneak peek of new and updated products for the holidays. After getting our hands on them, here’s a select few that we’re proud to say are our top picks for 2019.
Since I’m the traditional loudmouth, I’ll go first with my take on some of these Founder Favorites. Then Lori will share the products that spoke to her.
Impact On-The Go Backpack v. my cherished Bomber Jacket Backpack
A funny thing happened when I began evaluating the new Impact backpack. I put it beside my Bomber Jacket Backpack, which I’ve been using (and loving) for two years. I started transferring my stuff, item by item, into this new one. It took just a few transfers for me to realize that the new Impact has more going on--more pockets, more function, like the internal water bottle sleeve (which you can access outside the bag through a smart little trap door) and the cool looking orange honeycomb lining, which helps your gear stand out. The bag’s just a wee larger, too. When I was done transferring, I didn’t want to go back.
I’ll hasten to add that I am perfectly happy with my Bomber Jacket Backpack, and I’ve gotten many compliments on it. Although it’s more of a dress up bag, on a summer trip to Corsica, it became my daypack on long, hot hikes and it worked just fine. But compared with the new Impact Backpack, the Bomber Jacket pack is simpler in terms of compartments. Despite the increased compartments, the Impact is less money than the Bomber Jacket Briefcase. The reason is that the leather, while still being really nice full-grain black leather, is less expensive than our Bomber Jacket leather.
The Impact is going to be my new EDC (Everyday Carry), while I’m keeping my Bomber Jacket Backpack for those occasions when I want to be a bit more dressed up, and don’t need to carry the complete lineup of my work gear.
Wall Street Leather File Folder
You don’t need one of these. Nor does anyone else. A paper manila file folder costs 39 cents, so why spend $39 dollars for a leather one? Because...it’s just about as cool as Adam Driver, that’s why.
And as a gift? Well, ask Levenger to emboss your initials on the tab. When your loved one sees their initials embossed in gold on a pebbled leather inside surface, and their hands feel the smooth leather on the outside and run their fingers along the stitching on the bottom, well, damn, these are totally cool…
No one needs leather upholstery in their cars, or a cashmere sweater, or Dom Perignon but most of us sure like ‘em when we get them. If you’re like me, you’ll want a functional justification for this affordable luxury, so here it is: These hold a few important papers (a contract? a new license? a love letter?) just about perfectly--without them sliding out. Sometimes, presentation can be everything.
Luxe 5-Year Journal
First off, I’m a big fan of our venerable 5-Year Journal. I appreciate the constraint they impose. They give you five lines to say your daily piece. That, it turns out, is just right for many people, including me. When I finally flop into bed after a long day, five lines are about all I can muster before, capping my pen, laying the silk ribbon in the page, and setting this handsome tool back on my nightstand.
I keep one 5-Year Journal up at our summer cottage in Maine and record those long days full of warm times and cold water. While journaling is its own reward, you’re in store for an additional reward when you complete your first year and can see what was holding your attention exactly one year ago--then two, three, and four years ago as your prized journal matures.
I keep a second 5-Year Journal in our Florida home for our winter days.
I have to add that these journals are just the right size to use, neither too big nor too small. And the texture of their book cloth covers feels really good. All in all, our standard 5-Year Journals, in my opinion, are just about perfect.
But guess what?
Our product designers decided “just about” wasn’t enough. They commissioned another version clad in leather. As my grandmother used to say, “Oh, my word…” Check out the gold gilt edges, too, which not only look cool but will help protect the pages of your journal for your great grandchildren to read with wonder.
Catwoman has her black leather pants, Will Smith, his black leather vest in the “Wild, Wild West.” Now diarists have their Levenger Luxe 5-Year Journal, ready for the next--and best--five years of your life.
Read & Write Eyeglass Case in Bomber Jacket Leather
Oh, la la...I do love our Bomber Jacket leather. Touch it, and you’ll want to rub it. Smell it, and you’ll likely leave your nose there a moment longer and go, “Mmmm…” Those qualities make it the perfect leather for our Read & Write Eyeglass case, which you’ll likely handle many times a day.
In the two fully lined internal pen sleeves, you can keep two different pens sorted. I like to have a signature pen with me (blue ink, broad point) for writing short notes to others and, of course, my signature. And then I want my note taking pen (black ink, fine point). So, I keep both of those with me, flanking my sunglasses in the middle. The outside pocket comes stocked with a microfiber cleaning cloth (and I put in a few business cards, too). “Essential” is overused. I’ll just say I sure like having it with me.
The United States Constitution
An instant bestseller when it came out, and still good reading today, the United States Constitution, plus a few other American founding documents, is an absolute winner in a Christmas stocking. According to the paintings we saw in our history books, a bunch of old guys in white wigs came up with this, and are we are grateful they did. It’s been a handy owner’s manual for us Americans for almost 250 years. The leather cover is as durable as it is good looking, and, at just 2¾ x 3¾, it fits in your hand like a river stone.
Lori’s Holiday Picks
Carrie Convertible Clutch
This bag is so well constructed and made of such soft leather that I just want to hold it. It’s like a fine leather book tucked against me when used as a clutch. But when suitcases (or grocery bags) call my hands to duty, the adjustable strap swings into play—perching on my shoulder or comfortably hugging me as a cross-body.This bag is perfect for running a quick errand, or for a long-haul flight when it stays at my side while my larger bag is stored overhead. It holds my phone, credit cards, glasses and lipstick—all the essentials. It tucks like a pearl into the matching Signature Tote.
Charlotte Baguette
Tucked under your arm, as happily as a Parisian baguette, this bag is lusciously soft and serviceably compact. A cool, casual version of dressy—a go-anywhere bag, which transforms from work to evening in a snap. It’s versatile given its removable cross-body strap and shorter shoulder strap. Its exterior pocket with a hidden magnet holds your phone or keys securely, your credit cards tuck away safe in six slots, your makeup in a zip pocket. Day & night. I think you’ll love it as I do. Pairs perfectly with the Charlotte Tote.
The Signature Tote
The Signature Tote is my go-to tote: it gives one a large, structured base to hold files and notebooks upright and at the ready for easy access. The center pouch functions as a secure storage pocket that zips, but it also snaps out to use as a large clutch, leaving a gigantic open storage tote. This lets one stuff it full of gobs of reading material, or put in a small handbag, a jacket and change of shoes for a trip or local outing. It’s almost like having two-bags-in-one! The textured leather is both soft and strong. designed to reward you daily, and long term. This tote makes a wonderful gift because it’s a classic style that goes with almost everything, and likely fits most everything you need.
Palomino Blackwing Gift Set
OK, I admit it. I’m a pencil fanatic. Maybe it’s my perfectionism problem that leads me to endlessly erase and correct my scribbles. Anyhow, I’m also a frustrated artist (doodler, mainly), so I like that a pencil is more forgiving. Writing with the Palomino is like driving a fine car. For starters, its silky finish reminds me of the glistening paint on a BMW. Its hardware is machined beautifully, and tightly encases the replaceable eraser, which is a blade shape, allowing for a finer erasing area (key on my priceless doodles). And replacing the eraser let’s one use the pencil to the very end of its useful life. It comes with a handy sharpener, too. The beautiful, French made wooden gift box sits on a desk beckoning to be opened. Adding a name makes it a personalized gift, to be cherished and used for years to come. So, for those loved ones, or colleagues who love to write, draw, or doodle, the Palomino Blackwing is the pencil to have.
These are just the highlights of our favorites. Explore the full collection here.