I never really understood why men are expected to be satisfied with a tiny, folding rectangle of leather for carrying their stuff. Because by stuff, I mean the bare necessities: cash, credit, business cards, and handkerchief (which most guys don’t even own, these days). You can’t stick hand sanitizer in a wallet, nor papers you may need for work, Chapstick, a snack, lunch, light groceries, leftovers from that catered HR meeting you had this morning…
Food-stashing dilemmas aside, the era of the bagless man is officially over. Wondering how to protect both your daily necessities and your masculinity? The answer is most certainly not a murse, and unless you’re already partner or an MD, a briefcase is a bit much. [If you are in the position to carry a briefcase--and make sure you are, or you'll come off poncey--check out my current favorite, a soft leather number by Coach)
Knapsacks were all the rage last year, but they've been replaced by their sportier, hipster-ier cousin: the messenger bag. Designers are dropping beautiful pieces that are hardly recognizable as descendants of the nylon shoulder candy of bike messengers.
Let's start with some Jack Spade goodness, shall we?
Really classic; really beautiful. For the man who can't wait to have a briefcase, but knows he just ain't there yet. Hold on, buddy. Your time will come.
Perfect for students, hipsters, graphic designers, artists, writers, or any of the other chaps clogging the local coffee shop. Two suggestions: get this bag; go home and use your own WiFi.
Waterproof, abrasion resistant, equipped with a hidden magnetic document sleeve--whatever that means. The real perk here is that despite its awesomely vintage appearance, this bag will never die.
Next, some offerings from Land’s End. These are definitely more affordable, and just as good lookin’, albeit more casual.
In "Cypress Brown". Keep all your ish in here, no problem. Use it as your carry on when you travel.
If you're not afraid of a white bag (I spill coffee on myself pretty much every day), this is a must. There's just something about that color combination of cream, chestnut, and copper. Plus, this puppy's on sale! Score.
But, should you feel that your uber refined style palette should eschew all but the upper echelons of messenger bag design…Allow me to return you to the King of Class.
in "Fawn" and by Coach. "Hand burnished leather from a world-famous German tannery"? 'Nuff said.
