Wedding Blog
I’m probably dating myself, but does anyone remember when Banana Republic used to sell safari wear? Absolutely everything was white cotton, linen or khaki, and looked like it belonged in the rucksack of a photojournalist. (”Rucksack”? Talk about dating myself.) In those days, their catolog was illustrated with watercolor and pen sketches, and the “cargo” of cargo pants didn’t refer to Blackberrys or iPods.
Always a sucker for marketing, I wanted to date a photojournalist because of those early BR images. The excitement, the danger…the frequent flyer miles. For all my romanticizing, the closest I ever got was an English major named Marcus with a zoom lens and a Filson duffle bag.
Myself, I’ve nowhere near decided what to get my FI as a wedding gift. With a year until takeoff, I’m shelving that decision for a good six months. But I can sit back and offer emphatic suggestions to my co-brides. And Emphatic Suggestion #1 is, you guessed it, Filson luggage.
Much as I’m tempted to make cracks about the Filson outlasting the marriage, I’ll refrain. What I will say is, I watched that bag survive the tropics, the Pacific Rim, and the baggage carousel of the Indianapolis airport. None of which is a small feat, I assure you. And if you’re like me, you want to get your FI something lasting, something that he’ll use and love for years to come.
Luggage may not seem like the coolest or most romantic present, but Filson pieces are stylish and iconic–the accessories of writers, artists, and yes, photojournalists. Even celebrity babies are hip to the brand. Oh, and you know how when you travel, you tend to add an average of 40% more shoes than necessary? Super roomy and sturdy Filson can handle it–even if your extra 40% is stilettos.
From the website:
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Share this post: The Case For (Extremely) Durable Goods
Some of the “vintage” BR logos are back on tshirts!!!
http://www.bananarepublic.com/browse/product.do?cid=13846&pid=485675
I also remember a very distinct smell to the stores– I always figured it was how monkey poo smelled. They’ve come a long way baby!
My FI (Marcus, the chem major) LOVES Filson. I can’t get him any of it since he has it all, but I will second the extremely durable part. But you didn’t mention the lifetime guarantee on their products - so even if it gets some wear - you just take it back and they’ll fix it. We did this for a zipper pull, they were super quick and didn’t ask a single question - well, they asked if we needed anything else fixed, but that doesn’t count. And their logo is appropriate for weddings as well - “Might as well have the best!”
I was just thinking about the old Banana Republic store the other day. I loved it as a kid, such a feeling of adventure. The only brand that evokes that similar feeling for me is the J. Peterman Company.
Funny — I too remember the smell most distinctly of all. I loved the old BR. I had a couple cool safari-themed t-shirts from there.
That luggage is sharp.
I remember the old BR…the difficult choice between the t-shirt with the map of Asia, Africa, or the entire world. You get my drift.
Those bags are awesome.
Ok, since I’ve got you guys reminiscing; does anyone remember the NYC flagship with the massive tree in the entrance?
No, but I remember when the Burger King in the mall had trees and fake rocks and a photomural of a waterfall…
I wish I still had my BR “ghurka” shorts. I LOVED those shorts. They had two straps on the waist that crossed in front and then buckled at the sides, so you could adjust the waist depending on how fat you felt that day. And, yes, I remember the NYC flagship. I also remember the one in King of Prussia that had a jeep crashing through the front. Or did most of them have that?
Pencils: I loved their shorts! I once bought two of the same shirt from BR because I loved it so much. It doesn’t seem so weird until you consider I was 15. Who does that at 15??
I loved the old-style BR too-we had one here and going to it(it was a long ways from my house for a teenager who didn’t drive) was always a favorite thing. And ghurka shorts totally rocked!
Yes, safari-style gear!
On closer examination, Filson seems to have something against interior pockets. Fie!
LZB, I saw those t-shirts this weekend and just about died! Oh how I remember my carefully-chosen outfit for the first day of 7th grade, featuring the “lion” t-shirt and a white miniskirt (it was the 80s, okay?)… Hopefully they’ll bring back the jungle music at least!
Well, I married a photojournalist, yet neither of us have ever heard tell of the wondrous bags of which you speak.
I certainly remember the old Banana Republic. I had 3 pair of Ghurka shorts, one that lasted almost 8 years of constant wear.
I used to shop at the store in Stanford Shopping Center, California… one of the originals
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Mrs. Lovebug, Tucson
Age and Occupation in 06: 31, Writer
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 27, Professional Game Show Contestant
Engagement Date: February 18, 2007
Wedding Date: April 19, 2008
Venue: Historic Inn
About Me: Likes: blogging, wikis, semi-colons, cuddling, fragrant flowers, syntax, and spooning. Dislikes: typos, dangling modifiers, flypaper, citronella candles, and run-ons. If I had my druthers, I'd exchange simple vows in a candlelit library. But I lost my druthers long ago...anyone seen them?
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