Shoe style guide

Gorgeous leather luggage for a spring break or office visits

Beautiful leather luggage is an often-overlooked element for a trip away but when you get it right, it is oh-so satisfying. As the owner of a Herring Bovey holdall, I am grateful to be able to call on it when I head away for a weekend. It’s understated and smart, has all the space I need and it’s easy to carry. It never lets me down and I hope I hold up the other end of the bargain by being smart enough to match its sumptuous appeal.

Seriously though, have you ever been embarrassed by your luggage? We tend to shove our travel bags in the loft or garage after each trip so it is only when you get them out again that you may berate yourself for not investing in new luggage sooner. It only gets worse when you see all the bags going around the carousel at the airport or stacked in the luggage rack on the train and realise you have been found wanting.

To be clear, I am referring to luggage for short trips here. This also permeates down to the bags you use for work. Do you sling a battered rucksack over your shoulders, or do you covet the super-cool briefcase favoured by your peers?

Boringdon holdall

Top three leather holdalls for weekends away

Herring loves good luggage, and we have some quality travel pieces that I would like to share with you this spring.

  1. We have reimagined the Bovey with the Thurlestone holdall. It’s a little smaller but has an upgraded carrying strap while gold-coloured zips provide a luxury feel. There are large gussets both ends of the bag, so it opens wide without falling open and there is a generous external zip pocket. We have also added a clever loop to the back of the back that allows you to slip it over the handle of a wheeled case. Inside, there are pen holders, a large zip pocket and our Herring lining.
  2. The Boringdon is our newest holdall and was the subject of one of our In The Spotlight Journal features: The Clever Holdall. But in short, we think it’s our most versatile bag design to date. The outer structure of this dark chestnut or black calf bag is in fact an in-built suit/outfit carrier, complete with internal hanger hook. There’s even a separate shoe compartment on the end of the Boringdon to keep your footwear away from your clothes. There are several pouches for valuables and small items rather than these rolling around loose. And then, there is the inner compartment for everything else. It’s perfect.
  3. The Herring Bovey in brandy calf is still our all-time bestselling piece of luggage! Its exterior wears in nicely, no matter how vigorously it is handled. It has a shoulder strap and two handles to make it easy to carry and it comes with a luggage tag. You will find two large pockets with Velcro fastening flaps and a large zip pocket inside. And, on the bottom, there are some brass studs to prevent the bottom from wearing excessively.

Shop leather luggage for spring

Thurlestone
Boringdon
Bovey

Top three leather briefcases for work

I am not talking about the rigid briefcases of yesteryear made from black leather with metal snappy clips and combination locks to keep them closed…although they were kind of cool! These days, briefcases are softer in structure and usually come with a shoulder strap so you can wear them like a messenger bag and leave your hands free for carrying your coffee and your phone.    

  1. The Aldgate is another bestseller with a nod to the school satchel care of its double outside pockets. Made from black calf, it has plenty of compartments and pockets to keep your working life in order.
  2. The Archway is a similar design but has been crafted from a rich brandy-coloured leather that ages beautifully.
  3. The Harwich is a more modern briefcase style in a soft full-grain leather with a single front zip pocket.

Shop briefcases for spring

Aldgate
Archway
Harwich
Aldgate briefcase

Best luggage to be proud of

Like I said, Herring loves excellent leather luggage. These items are bags to be proud of and are almost too good to be stored in the loft. I recommend you enjoy the confidence that comes with a beautiful briefcase or holdall. After a hard day’s work, book that spring trip knowing your luggage is ready to accompany you.

Related reading

Caroline Moore

Caz is our resident wordsmith having trained as a newspaper journalist before moving to the 'dark side' of PR. Since joining Herring, she's become an expert spotter of a chap who needs new shoes or needs to invest in some polish!

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