That Dapper Chap answers a question about man bags, sent by a blog reader, and features some of his favorites available right now.
A couple of days ago I received an email from a blog reader asking me if I had done any product reviews on man bags, I won't go into detail about he asked, I'll let you read his email below:
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| Yours truly, never without a man bag |
Hi Craig,
Greetings from across the pond. I love your style, enjoy reading your blog and your reviews. I recently returned from a trip to Europe and noticed everyone (ok well mostly everyone) had a manbag. I love man bags, have you reviewed any or are there any that fit in with your vintage style? I love that in your reviews you mention you are on a budget, as I've read several fashion blogs and always felt I needed to spend top dollar on everything (and they never mention themselves on a budget) and I have to live on one! . Keep up the great work and looking forward to reading more of your reviews!
Cheers,
Chris
Hi Chris, thank you for your email, while I haven't yet carried out any product reviews on any man bags, I am a fan. As our lives get busier and technology dictates our need to be available and interacting socially every minute of the day, we all need somewhere to keep our phones, laptop, iPad, MP3 player and our lunch (we still eat right? They haven't replaced food with technology I hope!)
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| My trusty John Rocha leather satchel |
You don't have to spend a huge amount of money to look good. This is something I've always been passionate about and something I hope I prove every day via my Instagram account.
If you're looking for a bag with a vintage or heritage look a satchel is great. Used by school children the world over you'll see images of children being evacuated during the war with their satchel in tow.
If you're looking for a bag with a vintage or heritage look a satchel is great. Used by school children the world over you'll see images of children being evacuated during the war with their satchel in tow.
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| A great vintage look, maybe loose the wellington boots if you want to recreate this look for yourself! |
Originating in Roman times the Satchel has made a welcome return and I now own a few, one being an original old school satchel which I bought via Ebay complete with the owners name and childish scribbled on the inside.
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| My battered vintage school satchel |
The bag needs to not only look good but it must be functional and offer some versatility. Choosing one with a shoulder strap and a grab handle means that you can wear it across your body for extra safety or when you're carrying other things, and the grab handle allows you to do just that and 'grab' the thing when you need to dash off the tube after almost missing your stop (yes, I have done that)
You'll need pockets too to keep things organised, so bare all this in mind when you're choosing. It has to work for you.
So, all that said I have picked out a few of my favourite satchels and man bags that are currently available and keeping that budget in mind I've kept them all around or under £200.
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| Me with my black leather satchel |
The ASOS Black Faux Leather Satchel
Starting at the very lowest price range I think this contrast satchel in black & brown faux leather looks the part.
Leather-look fabric
Distressed finish
Two tone design
Fold over front
Pin buckle strap
Removable, adjustable strap
Grab handle
Zipped inner pocket
70% Polyurethane, 30% Polyvinylchloride
H: 25.5cm/10" W: 37cm/15" D: 13cm/5"
The Next Brown Satchel
Next up and a little further up the budget price range we have another faux leather example from Next. It's very traditional in design and will fit a vintage style perfectly. It even has a small panel to write your name if you get lost! At just £40 you can buy yours HERE
Buckle fastening
Removable strap
Front pocket
Inside zip pocket for small items
100% polyurethane.
Lining 100% polyester.
25 x 39.5 x 14 cm.
The Next Leather Briefcase
So, moving slightly up the scale we now have a genuine leather example. Again from Next, it's from their Signature range. This tan leather briefcase is good value at £125 and can be found HERE
Adjustable and removable shoulder strap
Designed with two main compartments
Stationary section
Front pocket.
Tan Leather
36 x 46 x 8 cm approx.
The Ted Baker KANTOO Bag
This is the most expensive bag I've featured but I love it so much I would consider paying the £215 price tag.
From its tonal leather down to its buckle detailing, this smart satchel with a coloured tag and geometric print lining is a style to hold in high regard this season. Get yours HERE
Two-tone leather
Top handle
Shoulder strap
Buckle detailing
Printed lining
Internal and external zip pockets
Contrast luggage tag
Ted Baker branded
Shell: 100% Bovine Leather
Lining: 100% Polyester
H29.2cm x W38.1cm x D9cm
The River Island Blue Satchel
Back down the price scale I really like this blue faux leather bag from River Island. A steal at £35.00, it's a really styling addition to your armoury. Available HERE it looks like it cost ten times more than it does.
Leather-look outer
Matte, textured finish
Flap top with pin buckle straps
Front pouch pocket
Grab handle
Adjustable cross body strap
Internal zip pocket
100% Polyurethane
H: 28cm/11" W: 35cm/14"
The River Island Brown Satchel
Next up we have the River Island brown satchel, again, not leather but it has a great heritage feel. get yours HERE for a snip at £35.00
Textured, leather-look outer
Flap top opening
Twin pin buckle straps
Front pouch pocket
Adjustable shoulder strap
Internal zip pocket
Do not wash
100% Polyurethane
The Hammond & Co Briefcase
Last but not least, I am in love with this Hammond & Co satchel by Patrick Grant. This designer brown leather clasp briefcase is available at Debenhams for £155 HERE
One internal popper pocket
Three internal pouches
One internal zip pocket
Grab handle
Clasp fastening
Outer: 100% leather
Lining: 100% polyester
HWD: 28 x 38 x 7cm
So, Chris, thanks once again for your question. I hope I've inspired you to go and buy that man bag. If you do decide to go ahead and purchase one, drop me a line and let me know. Also don't be shy, post a picture to Instagram and #thatdapperchap and @that_dapper_chap so I can see it!
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