yes, I carry a handbag

Jack Spade ombré canvas tote

Do you have a problem with that?

Well, not a handbag. Not a hobo, or a clutch. A man-hand-bag. Manbag. Manpurse. Murse…whatever.

I have always liked bags, from my prep-approved suede-bottomed Jansport, to my world-traveling Louis Vuitton courier bag. They’re like mini living spaces. Designed outside and inside, with dimensions, ergonomics, treatments, linings, and trims…and a utility value for an intended function – beach, work, gym.

I drew back in the last couple of years, since men’s bag offerings have expanded and become far more mainstream. Now every Details spread shows a Bottega Veneta duffel, or an Hermès messenger. $4,000. NBD. Forget the ubiquitous Tumi briefcase…

Money shot, with Makr navy canvas tote

I couldn’t stay away though. Bags are too much fun, and so convenient. Throw all your flotsam in there, and you’re on your way. I am sometimes asked: but what do you carry in there? You can’t need that much on a daily basis. Oh, how wrong you are. Bags are like insurance – you never know when you’ll need that umbrella…or face wipes.

Right now in my bag, I have: keys, phone, wallet, business card case, second larger wallet with all manner of gift and insurance cards, pen(s), one medium notebook, one mini notebook, lotion, eyeglasses in case, sunglasses in case, iPad, a small bag containing eye drops and two different lip balms, earbuds, a lint roller, and my water bottle.

In other words, a small pharmacy.

I wouldn’t carry around such a load if I had to lug it more than the few steps home to car and car to work, but even truer urbanites have found the value in stylish matchels (man-satchels).

This post sprung forth from a recent purchase that I’m enjoying very much. A Jack Spade canvas tote to be precise (pictured above). Not one of his typical industrial ‘dipped’ bags, this example has an ombré effect, in a bright summer hue.

Jack Spade Ombre Tote in natural orange

I like it because (1) it is very big, but not to the point where I look like I’m spending the night at work, (2) it is bright and cheerful, not muted man-drab, and (3) it has two handles with a modest drop, as well as a thick shoulder strap, so it can be held by your side, across your chest like a messenger, or as I do, to draw curious glances, carried on the crook of my arm à la Carla Bruni.

Carla Bruni arm-crook handbag pose

Since flashing my first designer manbag, I have learned a thing or two about how to make the best use of bags (and how to buy them), especially for males…

1. Generally, go with dark colors (do as I say, not as I do here people). Dark colors disguise marks, scuffs, smudges, and dirt. And your bag will get dirty.
2. Leather is beautiful, but delicate.* Suede is essentially the worst thing a bag could be made of. Nylon and canvas are durable and masculine.
3. *Not all leather is equal. Smooth calfskin scuffs easily (think Coach), pebbled leather easily looks cheap, and untreated leather stains easily (think Louis Vuitton vachetta). I’d go with a sturdy, stiff saffiano, which is cross-hatched and glossier than normal leather.
4. Don’t wear a bag while you’re shopping. It’ll just get in the way.
5. You get what you pay for. A $1,000 bag will last longer than a $100 bag.
6. Caveat to #3…not every $1,000 bag is priced according to quality and careful construction: buyer beware of label inflation. Coach is now selling $800 men’s bags. Think about that one.
7. Be comfortable with what you buy. Otherwise, you will feel self-conscious walking into a room with a gigantic white and orange tote on your arm. Me, unfazed!
8. Don’t ever set your bag down on a bathroom floor (use a hook on a wall or door). This is why women’s handbags are covered in microscopic bits of fecal matter.
9. Trade bags out every so often. This will extend their useful life, and keep you entertained with what you’re carrying.

And, since I can’t go out and buy them all myself, a few ideas for the manly bag shopper:

Jack Spade Camo Backpack, $300, and matching dopp kit*, $110 on sale

Jack Spade camo backpack

*I do not recommend matching bags to other accessories

Serapian Evolution Portfolio, $300 (great color)

Serapian Evolution Portfolio

Makr Zip Carryall, $325 (understated and durable)

Makr Zip Carryall in black canvas

Prada Saffiano Messenger, $1700 (polished)

Prada Saffiano Messenger

Bally Perforated Messenger, $1150 (supple, more niche brand)

Bally Perforated Messenger at Saks

Bottega Veneta Marcopolo Tote, $900 (durable, timeless)

Bottega Veneta Marcopolo Tote at Saks

Côte&Ciel coated canvas Flat Carrier, $220 (I have a C&C phone sleeve and it has held up very well)

Cote&Ciel Flat Carrier

I’ve got my eyes peeled and my poor bank account ready for this little one. It is treated to function as a chalkboard, and easily erases with water! WHAT?!

So…boys…don’t be afraid to express your inner bag lady. There’s much to enjoy about carrying a carryall. Take your time, choose wisely, and get creative. It’s just another avenue to express your individuality and discerning taste.