It’s in the (man) bag!

It's in the (man) bag

By James Emmerson

 

 

I'll admit it, I feel slightly naked in public without mine… For me it's like the security blanket I clenched so tightly to as a child. Knowing everything I need for my busy day is just a reach away and there's no 'damn! I wish I’d brought that note pad or personal organizer with me' feeling.

 

So what exactly is a man bag?

 

On a simple level it’s just a bag, carried by a man. But the forward thinking man of today is looking for so much more than that from his accessories. The man bag has become a status symbol, even a power symbol in some places (Central London to be exact.) In my opinion and in those of so many men I’ve asked – the choice of bag isn’t just determined by the size of the contents anymore, it’s about style and distinction.

 

If you haven’t been living under a rock for the last five years (or maybe the West Country maybe) you’ll notice that men everywhere are rarely seen without their man-purses or “murses” as my flat mate so elegantly puts it. The 21st century is truly in full swing, our sexualities are merging ever closer together and we as men are becoming more comfortable experimenting with fashion…

 

But it’s not all acceptances for the modern man’s bag – my flat mate Richard slaughters me every time he sees me running out the door with mine. But what is the big deal? Bags to me are a little like shoes, there are so many different styles to choose from. Depending on your look or personal needs there is a style to suit all occasions.

 

If you have looked in your girlfriends/sisters/fag hag’s handbag recently you would have noticed a whole world of personal aides and daily necessities to get her through the day:

Keys

Sunglasses

Phone

Stamps

Novel

iPod

Personal organizer

Make-up

These items have become an essential part of any woman’s daily routine. But as the 21^st century man is taking more and more pride in his appearance, couldn’t any of these items (if not all) equally apply to both woman and men?

The truth is that men and woman are carrying around with them a lot more than they were say 10 years ago. Life has become more hectic and consumer based. Our modern lives are meaning we can’t just stuff our wallets and phones in our pockets anymore…

So if you’re still having trouble grasping the whole concept of the man bag, I’ve put in some vigorous shopping time to show you some of the best buys from the high street and the hottest trends this season.

Check out these 5 trends that can easily transcend from your formal work wardrobe to your night life party gear.

 

1.       The Modern Man’s Briefcase:

Expertly modeled by my good friend Max – this Brics Briefcase is the perfect addition to any working man’s wardrobe and costs around £260. Max, a London Financier claims “its perfect for carrying paperwork and my Apple laptop to and from the office, as well as being effortlessly stylish”.

 

Wear it with –

The neutral brown tones look amazing with stone grey trousers and brown leather shoes – a real winner for that office or client meeting.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.       The Messenger:

The practical man’s bag – and without a doubt the most sensible choice for our more fashion-wary shoppers. This classic design and stressed leather effect from John Lewis (£129) will not only last you through to AW09 – but a lot of autumns to come.

 

Wear it with – a more casual outfit. Don’t try and dress this bag up too much, a Starbucks and a hoodie would work well!

 

 

 

 

3.       The Weekender:

My absolute favorite of this week’s choices… This bag is even more beautiful in reality than it is in picture. At £515 from one of Italy’s best loved designers Dolce and Gabbana – this bag really earns its price tag with faultless construction and tones of space for all your weekend necessities.

 

Wear it with – Rolled up jeans. Flip-flops. Geometric tees.

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.       The Shopper:

On the Chic:

This Diesel Gold Washed Leather Shopper (£340) from the amazing ASOS.com perfectly embraces another huge trend this year – tie-dye! Absolutely spot on for the Sunday grocery shop and just big enough for all your organic vegetables/frozen ready meals and ice cream.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On the Cheap:

If like some people you think that £340 may be a little too much to fork out on a bag – ASOS.com also offer a cheaper alternative from Bill Amberg at £83. The nautical theme is another huge influence on the catwalks this year and will help you achieve that chic look, even on the cheap.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.       The Newsboy Bag

This is a classic menswear style and probably the first ‘man bag’ of it’s kind. Always a safe choice for those of us who are slightly less adventurous with our style, you really can’t go wrong this Newsboy Boy from Topman at £20.

 

Wear it with – Casual wear. Baggy jeans. ‘Sunday clothes’.

 

 

 

 

 

If you have any questions about this article or you’d like more information about the products of styles mentioned, email me at jamesoemmerson@gmail.com