let me know what you think...

we all know that accesories are crucial to an overall execution of a look. today's post is about just that. and no, i'm not going to talk about EVERY accesory, that's doing too much,.....but just one in particular. any guesses??...

watches?.....jewelery?.......no

cuff links?.......nice, but no

neck-ties?....ascots?.....bow ties?.....no

shoes?.....naw, too easy.....

--wait--

did i hear bags? You in the back!!....You're absolutely right! i will tackle the sticky subject of the........MAN-BAG!!! (duhn-duhn-duuuuuuhn *dramatic music*)

we have all seen them, the guys walking down the street (or even in pictures) with that thing we so affectionately call a murse [man-purse]. these sometimes questionable receptacles are becoming increasingly popular in the world of men's fashion. we use them for travel, for sustinance shopping, for making a statement, and any and every other reason we can possibly think of.

some of you out there might think that bags for men are a bit *clears throat*..............you know, but i am a firm believer that if executed properly and with appropriate use, that a man wear a bag with no qualms.

:::my disclaimer:::

• to those of you who are in school, the carrying around of books is essential (i hope) and a bag is necessary, so i am sorry this post is not for you.
• to those of you who carry a brief case to work and/or meetings, sorry once again, this post is not directed at you either.
• and before i go any further, let me make something very clear. i in NO WAY, SHAPE, OR FORM, condone women's purses on men. handbags are for WOMEN, and there are options for men. if you see hilary duff, paris hilton, jada pinkett-smith, or anyone else with your exact bag on--and you have a penis--then it's time to let that go.
  

now let's take a look at these two bags for a minute......

can anyone tell me which one is the purse?
you guessed it, the one below this caption is the culprit.

thought there are similarities, i believe the differences are also plain to see. the construction, or shape of the women's bag is much more soft, rounded, and simply more feminine looking. the men's duffle is more rigid and masculine in its design. i advise the guys to stay away from the latter of the two. and this is spoken with your best interest at heart. now granted, it will not always be this easy to discern one from the other, but when i doubt, ask. a friend, a significant other, or easier still, the person that is employed where you are making the purchase. for the most part, these people will not lead you in the wrong direction.


still skeptical?
think of it this way....you are on the way to a very important meeting with a client. this meeting could make or brake your up and coming PR career. you are carrying on your person, your PDA phone, your laptop, your notepad, some contracts, a portfolio, car keys, sunglasses, your mp3 player, and anything else you can think of. when you walk up to you lunch date with this client, you are fumbling over yourself because you think that bags are not acceptable on men.....
why not carry and expertly crafted messenger or duffle? as in my previous post, perception is...what?......LIFE..........right? you may very well have the best clothes money can buy, a fresh cut, and everything else, but if you look like you do not know what you are doing or unprofessional, then your once in a lifetime chance is gone with the wind. so please help me to understand why one would not go the one extra step that can make a world of difference and present yourself to the client in the best light possible; organized, a forward-thinker, innovative, creative, well-put together, and punctual (i thought i'd throw that one in there).


and if you are still leary, a bag with handles is not the only answer. there are an array of bags that are just as effective and just as cool, if you will. messengers; one long strap that cuts across the chest, duffles and totes; usually two smaller handles carried by hand, and back-packs, briefcases, laptop carriers; no explanation needed, are all suitable for your particular needs.

nor does one need to carry a bag around with you at all times, just don't be afraid to use one if you need it. i know MANY men who carry some sort of bag for their everyday supplies.

AND you never know what opportunity will present itself. you may need to get someone's contact information or quickly write down information (technology does seem to have a knack for malfunction at the perfect times), a new idea or inspiration might come to you and you CERTAINLY do not want to forget that, one might ask to see your resume, your portfolio, or ask for a demo CD. you can't possibly carry all of those things in a pocket, so be prepared...you never know.



here are some other examples of bags and these bags' practical yet fashionable uses for men.....

how's this for a client meeting?...


a weekend out; traveling, sight-seeing, or even with a lady

and notice the use of the word "lady," for this is not attire to be worn with some random schmandom breezy.....

shopping?.....

or how about a day at the boardwalk or on the beach.....




some qualities of the purse do still remain, but the usefulness of today's man-bag is vast, but the statement that one makes with one is classic......or even better, timeless.

as i sign off, just this one last plea for you all. do not be afraid to step outside of the box.
spoken from experience.....the outside feels better than you can imagine.


stay up

deuces.........britt.tish.MAN(ny)