A Find: A Customizable Carry-all

Are you as sick of lugging around that bulky, standard-issue laptop case as I am of seeing them everywhere I turn? Invest in a fun-yet-functional design-it-yourself bag from the Strambo Self-Made Bag shop at YOOX if you’re itching to stand out from the daily commuter crowd. Choose the bag shape you like best, then trick it out with different add-on “kits” that allow you to get as whimsical (or subdued) as you want. I’m head over heels for the “Weekend Lover” with the transparent “Ellipsis” kit. Its sleek shape and understated navy design make it a smart choice if you’re in the 9-to-5 set, but the funky pattern and the artsy DIY aspect of it may unleash the weekend warrior in you, too.

With all the style and customizing options, the Strambo online shop can be addictive. Be sure to check out the designer info on the bag you choose so you can get a feel for her design inspiration. You can score the bag, the customizing kit, and a set of bag-building instructions for between $100 and $250 dollars, depending on the shape that suits your fancy. Find it at YOOX.com.