March 1, 2006

Winner Takes All

Mike & Chris Bags

You’ve always enjoyed competition.

Actually, scratch that. You’ve always enjoyed eliminating competition. Like when you were debate team captain, soccer MVP, and honoree in the bake-sale fundraising hall of fame.

Exhausted from tooting your own horn? Don’t forget that behind every score is a good assist. So when you win that best-dressed award at work, don’t forget to give a nod to Mike & Chris; the duo known for their fleece hoodies has expanded their line with awesome oversize shoulder bags.

The Alex, Baxter, and Berkley styles are available in lambskin (the Berkley also comes in canvas), in colors like cognac, eggshell, elephant, and jade. Alex, the more structured messenger bag, can be slung over your arm (thus freeing your hands for quick pats on your own back). The crescent-shaped Baxter and Berkley are accented with Indonesian- and African-print linings, brass hardware, and adjustable straps.

With these guys on your team, you’ll be a blue-ribbon winner.

As if you’d settle for anything less.

Available at Cantaloup, 1036 Lexington Avenue, at 74th Street (212-249-3566); Big Drop, 174 Spring Street, between West Broadway and Thompson Streets (212-966-4299); Henri Bendel, 712 Fifth Avenue, at 56th Street (212-247-1100).