February 17, 2010
“Mom! Look…that’s a Rimowa,” said my ten year old proudly, as he watched the hit TV show CSI Miami. Recognize that I .jpg) work for a luggage company and my kids frequently review the email blasts and print ads that I create for Irv’s Luggage huge selection of luggage, laptop cases, messenger bags and the like. But, even I was stunned, when the kid called out ‘Rimowa’. And, there it was… Lawrence Fishburne (who is actually from another CSI show and not the Miami version) is carrying an aluminum laptop case, which by its distinct markings is clearly a Rimowa. The distinctive ‘ribbing’ or ‘grooves’ of a Rimowa make it the business case or attaché that can be identified anywhere. This isn’t the first time that Rimowa has been spotted on the screen: Fred Clause, Hellboys, Live Free or Die Hard, Get Smart, Iron Man, Oceans 11, Made of Honor are just a few of Rimowa’s recent film adventures. We watch very little television; so spotting a Rimowa is a big adventure for the kid. These are distinctive looking cases and may seem unusual, but they consistently get very high customer reviews. Rimowa owners describe the attaché as ‘lightweight, classic styling and extremely durable’. .jpg) Here’s what Rimowa says about their styling… “The classic aluminum luggage in a retro design harks back to the early days of aviation. Polished corners and traditional leather handles give this luggage a character all its own, as well as inviting you on a flight into the past.” Rimowa's aluminum attachés feature a new age design, but are considered classic attachés and business and laptop cases. A distinctive, grooved aluminum exterior rigorously protects the interior contents. Each case has either a luxurious leather or nylon interior and includes an extensive array pockets for storing PDAs, cell phones, planners and the like. The exterior includes a combination lock console with double lock and automatic opener for uncompromising security.
‘Handcraft Meets High Tech’ is Rimowa’s slogan, and helps to shape the companies direction in the luggage industry. .jpg) Rimowa is a German company, who is among the leading luggage manufacturers in Europe. Rimowa uses innovation, explores the newest materials and is constantly investigating new technologies for its aluminum luggage and business case lines. Rimowa is committed to always searching for ways to make luggage lighter, more durable, and easier to handle to meet the ever .jpg) evolving demands of today’s travel. Rimowa has a large line of attachés, notebook or laptop cases and traditional business cases. Rimowa also has an extensive and distinctive luggage line: Salsa, Topas, Bolero and Tango make up Rimowa’s luggage collections. Interestingly, the colors for the Rimowa hard-sided luggage line include: midnight blue, gold, violet, black, gray and brown… all made from durable aluminum or titanium. This is luggage designed to endure the brutalities of travel! What’s scary to me is that my ten year old could actually identify a Rimowa verses the Zero Haliburton metal business cases or TZ Cases. Note that the Zero Haliburton case is largely known as the ‘Deal or No Deal’ case (and no, we don’t watch Deal or No Deal). Oh well, guess the kid is a little too well versed on luggage and business cases. It’s kind of sad that he can actually distinguish between Zero Haliburton and Rimowa at such a young age. Wish he could do the same for remembering how to figure out exponents and negative exponents. Then again, maybe CSI could do a math segment.
December 10, 2009
Time management, I typed time management into Google and Google returned two hundred thirty four million results.  So if you are in the need of some time management skills you should not have any trouble getting assistance. With so many options, finding the right fit can be very overwhelming, so I will help narrow your search. I will more than narrow it; I’m going to give you my first choice. There is a great company called Franklin Covey. Franklin Covey is based out of Utah and provides training to businesses and individuals all over the world and is considered one of the best organizations of its’ kind. As Franklin Covey themselves say, they "enable greatness". I don’t know about you but I definitely could use some of that enabling! Some of Franklin Covey’s systems are based on the writings of Benjamin Franklin; good old Ben is still spreading his wisdom, over 200 years after his death. Franklin Covey is also based on the self-help book, written by Stephen R. Covey, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People.  In addition to all the different training Franklin Covey provides with regards to self improvement, Franklin Covey has also designed some fabulous business accessories to help you along the way as you strive to reach your goals. One accessory I’m particularly fond of is a computer laptop wheeled business case; the Franklin Covey Rolling Computer Case SKU: HI 73669 in Red and Black. Sometimes the best way to begin your journey to a better, more organized version of yourself is to have the right equipment. This computer laptop wheeled briefcase is not only very sharp looking it also has all the features to keep you organized, of course, with Franklin Covey being the manufacturer. Some of the features of this splendid wheeled laptop briefcase include: sturdy restraint str  aps for clothing, a padded compartment that fits most 15.4" laptops, a PDA/Calculator pocket, a removable wristlet, a zipper pocket, a removable key fob, pen loops, card slots, locking, retractable handles, and an in-line wheels for smooth movement. Like I said Franklin Covey designed the briefcase and they certainly try to incorporate all their teaching into their products! As you begin your passage to a more “highly effective” you, I highly recommend this Franklin Covey Computer Laptop Wheeled Rolling Briefcase that is now on sale for $63.96 (MSRP: $100) at Irv's Luggage. Good Luck on your road to self improvement!
November 10, 2009
So what does every businesswoman really need? Most women who are working in a business capacity carry laptops, just like their male counterparts. Unfortunately, until recently the women’s laptop cases were mere copies of the male lapt op cases: black, wheeled, ballistic nylon, no place for lipstick. Pda, cell phone.
 Bramble and Brown has recently launched an incredible collection of women’s laptop cases for the business professional. The Bramble & Brown Greenwich Single Compartment Briefcase is the perfect example of business case meets style. This is a women’s laptop case that not only accommoda  tes a laptop up to 14”, and also has file pockets, but most importantly, this Bramble and Brown women’s laptop case is also stylish enough to double as a women’s handbag. Knomo is another brand that recognizes the importance of style in women’s briefcases. Knomo has recently launched the Knomo Berkeley collection, which like Bramble and Brown, is targeted for the fashion conscience executive woman. The Knomo Berkley collection is a beautiful leather laptop case for women and perfectly styled for an executive. Last, but not least is the Brera from Lodis Leather. It has beautiful styling, is feminine and holds up to a 15” laptop. I think it’s the fine leather and the numerous file pockets, plus all the handy little accessory pockets that make a difference. The Lodis Brera is another of the classic styling that women executives are searching for and a wonderful way to carry the business and personal essentials.
Thanks to Bramble and Brown, Lodis and Knomo for recognizing that it’s not just a man’s world anymore. Women executives now have a stylish alternative to the traditional man’s laptop case!
July 16, 2009
Ok, so I’m addicted to a silly TV game show…Deal or No Deal. There is a bit of intrigue, risk, misfortune and humor. What more could we ask for? The hubby’s favorite part is that there are beautiful models holding the c ases. Like lots of the male contestants on the show, I think the hubby has actually memorized the names of the 24 beauties…now, if he could only remember my name and maybe our anniversary. Guess that’s too much to ask.
My favorite part is when the audience actually boos the banker. How silly is that? Everyone over 4th grade math, realizes that the banker’s offer is a simple calculation combining the value of the remaining cases divided by the number of cases (aka: average value). Simple math. I give my 3rd grader an M&M each time he’s within $50 of the banker (he’s so good, I have to buy the large bag and thank goodness the show is only once a week or we’d need a Weight Watcher’s version of M &Ms).
Ok, so how is this relevant? If – unlike my husband you can get beyond the beauties- you might actually notice those shiny briefcases that hold the dollar amounts. Well, thanks to Deal or No Deal, metal business cases have made resurgence in the business world. Sales of hard-sided, aluminum business cases have been on the rise. And, with good reason.
There is something wonderfully solid about these cases…plus, they are undeniably distinctive and virtually indestructible. Zero Haliburton is the original American manufacturer of the metal business case; while other favorite brands include Rimowa and TZ Case.
The advantages of metal business cases are that they are remarkable strong and durable and extremely lightweight.  Most are made out of aluminum, although recent additions to the line are hard-sided polycarbonates. While these cases are virtually indestructible, more importantly they also provide wonderful protection for the case’s contents (think laptop, pda, Blackberry).
Zero Haliburton cases have “heat-tempered aluminum shell has the strength of steel at only one quarter the weight”. The styling is professional but understated. Metal business cases have all the enhancements of their leather cousins: pouches for cell phones or pdas; file organizers; business card pockets; padding and straps for laptops. The downside is that they do not expand.
Prices range from $139 for TZ Cases to the higher end brands, Zero Halliburton and Rimowa at $295 - $725. Colors include silver, gunmetal, ice blue, glacial blue, and black. My personal favorite, is the Zero Haliburton 4” Computer Attache in Gunmetal. It screams style and I like the color better than the silver ones. Maybe I’ll trade in the hubby on one.
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