The 12 Days Of Christmas

My work—my life—often feels like a big pile of papers that have slipped out of whatever order I originally put them in. That’s why I can’t resist this snappy, decidedly disciplined Coach briefcase. It contains all that confusion and profusion, almost mercilessly. It recalls an age of less overflow. Coach has offered it for a few years, but this holiday season it’s also available in a shade of green that puts me in mind of desk blotters and pool-table felt—not an everyday color, to be sure, but as a freelancer, I’m not carrying a briefcase that often anyway. That said, the more I admire the discreet brass hardware and suede-lined secondary compartments, though, the readier I am to rethink that. The briefcase bit, I mean.

Coach textured leather attaché, $598, available at www.coach.com.

—Darrell Hartman