Papa's got a brand new bag

Photo: Face.hunter!

HIS? HERS? MINE? YOURS?
A fair while ago most Aussie men wouldn't be seen dead carrying a handbag. But now every other youthful BUT hairy arm is grasping a tote or satchel. The scene in Sydney is swinging, man. Swinging with manbags. Choosing:


Do's:
1. Follow function, not fashion – (on rare occasions). A good bag should have a clasp or a buckle and remember you ARE buying it for a purpose.
2. Ensure there are enough compartments to take keys, coins, phones and iPods. You don't want things banging around the bottom of your bag, yet.
3. Think about the weight of the bag. If the leather is thick and heavy, then, when the bag is full of stuff, it will be too much of a burden – of course. Men's bags are also usually bigger, just make sure they are practical.
4. Look in unusual places.
5. Explore the unusual. Pochettes are returning this coming season, the ones that have the appearance of an exercise book for a back-to-school look - the European looking ones, think Prada?

Photo: The Sartorialist

Don'ts:
1. Don't assume that all bags are solely pour les femmes. A canvas tote will look suitably masculine, especially with a navy trim. Marc by Marc Jacobs is currently selling canvas totes with the slogan "Give 'Em Hell, Al" over an image of our fearless hero, Al Gore.
2. Don't overstuff the bag. The sharp edges of a too-big book can destroy the shape of a bag, turning it from street wise to slumber party rucksack.
3. Don't stick to the style of your night trash adolescence. Valextra Premiere in brown is a much more modernist choice for the descent into adulthood.
4. Don't worry about matching shoes to the bag. There's nothing wrong this summer with carrying a tan leather valise with mustard patent sandals.
5. Don't worry if you can't stomach the male bag; just ensure your clothing has the right pockets to carry your load. Hate bags? Remember to hate trousers without good pockets even more. It's a philosophy some other designers should follow.

so with these words, i part you for another day at the office........ (not that i work at an office or anything, i just wanted to say that ok?)