Vintage Style Man Bags

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:

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!)

My trusty John Rocha leather satchel

Yes, I am on a budget, just like the other 99% of 'real' blokes out there. I don't have illusions of grandeur and don't pretend to have a spare thousand pounds to throw at the latest louis Vuitton messenger bag. If I have a thousand pounds, trust me, it's going on a holiday. A holiday where I shall pack my stuff in a functional and sensibly priced bag that does what it needs to do but still looks the part!

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. 

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.

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.

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.

Also available in brown, it's a bargain at just £25.00. Buy yours HERE

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!

THANKS FOR READING!

The New Montague Burton Range from Burton Menswear

That Dapper Chap introduces the latest 'Montague Burton' range from high street giant Burton menswear

Burton menswear gives a nod to their humble beginnings and introduces their new Montague Burton range for the coming season.

Casually pulling off smart. The Montague Burton ethos is one of looking good every day. Don't compromise on your style, dress the part for every occasion. This collection offers the very best of Burton in terms of both quality and aesthetic. It's not packed full of trends and fads, these are the pieces to build a solid foundation for your wardrobe from. Helping you perfect the art of relaxed formal.

With some great suits, shirts and shoes available you'll be spoiled for choice with what to take on that much needed holiday. take a look at what's on offer and if you fancy anything just click one of the links at the bottom of the post to go to the Montague Burton's page on the Burtons Menswear site. Enjoy!

- Coat £70 -

- Trousers £40 -

- Shoes £45 -

- Shirt £22 -

- Tie £6 -

- Trousers £25 -

- Shoes £38 -

- Shirts £20 -

- Shorts £20 -

- Sunglasses £12 -

- Shoes £30 -

- Jacket £68 -

- Shirt £18 -

- Shoes £85 -

- Shirt £35 -

- Tie £12 -

- Trousers £40 -

- Sunglasses £12 -

- Jacket £89 -

- trousers £40 -

- Waistcoat £35 -

- Tie £16 -

- Sunglasses £12 -

- Shirt £35 -

- Jacket £70 -

-Shirt £10 -

- Trousers £25 -

- Sunglasses £12 -

- Polo Shirt £28 -

- Shorts £25 -

- Sunglasses £12 -

- jacket £89 -

- Trousers £40 -

- Waistcoat £35 -

- Shirt £35 -

- Tie £10 -

- Sunglasses £12 -

- Jacket £89 -

- Shirt £35 -

- Trousers £40 -

- Tie £14 -

- Blazer £70 -

- Sunglasses £12 -

- Shirt £10 -

 -Jacket £40 -

 -Sunglasses £12 -

The Links

Get Suits HERE

Find shirts HERE

Buy trousers HERE

Get Shoes HERE

Buy ties HERE

Get shorts HERE

Find tops HERE

Find sunglasses HERE

What I Wore Today - The Hammond & Co Three Piece Suit

That Dapper Chap shares his daily look, this time he wears a navy three piece suit from Hammond & Co

The three piece 'Chiltern' suit by Hammond & Co at Debenhams

A few posts ago(HERE)I showed you a jacket and waistcoat from the Hammond & Co range from Debenhams by designer and business man Patrick Grant. After some deliberation (all of five seconds worth) I decided to go ahead and buy the matching trousers so that I had the entire three piece suit.

My suit grid flat lay as seen on my Instagram page

As my office was doing a 'wear it blue' charity day and my home down football team were competing in a local derby I decided to go all out blue. Pale blue shirt and bow tie, blue suede brogues and even an entirely blue watch.

The look without the suit jacket

The suit is a great fit and I haven't had to get any aspect of it adjusted. Hammond & Co are good in that they not only produce great quality clothing for us regular sized blokes but they also do the same range in a 'big & tall' option so the more heighty among us can look just as dapper! A little bit of me is jealous that they get to be tall and smart looking I have to say, it doesn't seem fair! But there it is!

A closer look at the floral bow tie

As it was 'Bow Tie Tuesday' I wore this beauty, a little gift from an Instagram friend from overseas. he clearly knows my style well as it was the perfect gift! He also send me a beautiful tie pin which I'll show off in a future post. 

The daily walk to work

Keep it fun by adding some interesting socks

The three Hammond & Co three piece suit 

The blue faced watch, keeping the 'blue' theme going

Extreme close up of the pattern on the bow tie

A close up of my lapel pin and pocket square

Wristwear helps add interest and personality

Now you see me, now you don't

WHERE IT'S ALL FROM

Blue Suede Brogues: Savile Row W1

Blue Polka Dot Socks: Rock My Socks

Navy 'Chiltern' Three Piece Suit: Hammond & Co at Debenhams

Pale Blue Shirt: H&M

Floral Jacquard Bow Tie: Fine & Dandy

'Jetstream' Leather Strap Watch: Harding Watches

Bracelets: home made

Blue silk Pocket Square: Bruno Magli

THANKS FOR READING!

Private White Collaborate with Grenson

That Dapper Chap tell us about an exciting collaboration between Private White and Grenson shoes. 

For the Spring/Summer’15 season, Private White V.C. unveils an exclusive collaboration range with Grenson Shoes.

Grenson is a traditional English shoemakers with a rich heritage and Private White V.C. are proud to collaborate with such a remarkable company. Despite the many years that Grenson has operated, the brand has modernised to produce some of the world’s best contemporary footwear, under the direction of owner, Tim Little.

Tim Little says of the collaboration "We are very proud of our factory and when we meet someone else who has a British factory, we feel a connection. The Private White V.C. factory has been in operation for over 100 years, so the chance to collaborate was irresistible"

The Private White V.C. X Grenson range, produced in collaboration with the shoemakers’ designers, features three exclusive styles.

All handmade ‘from skin to box’ at the Grenson factory in Northamptonshire, these shoes are made using the traditional Goodyear Welted construction; a world renowned hallmark of quality shoemaking and process which was pioneered by Grenson Shoes.

Featuring distinctive details like bespoke colours and trims, as well as handwritten detailing of the shoes in the lining of each pair.

Private White V.C. Managing Director, James Eden says;

“We have long been fans of Grenson Shoes. The company has an incredible history in shoemaking and their ethos of preserving time-honoured manufacturing skills while evolving to create cutting-edge styles which are relevant in today’s market mirrors ours.

The 'Wilde' canvas derby shoes in olive

The Wilde shoe is created in finest cotton canvas in a distinctive Olive green. The canvas is bound around the quarters in a copper shade petersham to finish the edges. This style features a full leather lining and sits on a solid rubber ribbed sole attached to a leather through. Finished with copper eyelets – a signature Private White V.C. touch.

Side view of the olive coloured 'Wilde' shoes

A closer look at the 'Wilde' shoes

Front view of the 'Wilde' shoes

Get yours HERE - £325 (GBP)

The 'Williams' suede derby shoes in snuff or mushroom

The Williams shoe is a whole cut Derby shape, made from the highest quality English suede which has been perforated throughout the design. This lightweight shoe carries a ‘skeleton’ lining which allows the holes to function as genuine ventilation. The Williams shoe has matching solid suede facings and sit on a lightweight rubber Vibram Gumlite sole. Available in two shades; Snuff and Mushroom

The 'snuff' coloured Williams shoe

The renson and Private White collaboration

Front view of the snuff coloured Williams shoes

The mushroom coloured williams shoe

Get yours HERE - £350 (GBP)

Background

The Private White V.C. clothing range is manufactured at its very own factory, nestled in the heart of Manchester. The factory is currently run and managed by World War I Victoria Cross recipient Private Jack White’s great grandchildren who all share his undying love, passion and dedication to both the British and local textiles industry.

The brand utilises the finest British materials and craftsmanship, sourcing fabrics from local mills and employing traditional manual production techniques. The collection is designed by Nick Ashley, former head of Dunhill menswear and son of interior designer, Laura Ashley.

www.privatewhitevc.com

Social Media: @privatewhitevc

Contact Information

Manchester Factory Store

Cottenham House

1 Cottenham Lane

Salford

Manchester

M3 7LJ

+44 (0)161 834 7521

factory@privatewhitevc.com

THANKS FOR READING!

Carven Pour Homme Eau De Toilette

That Dapper Chap gets a whiff of the Carven Pour Homme Eau De Toilette and shares his thoughts.

September 2015 saw French fashion giant Carven bring in perfumers Francis Kurkdjian and Patricia Choux to reintroduce the Carven Pour Homme fragrance. With it's immediate hit of violet you'd be mistaken for thinking that this could be a less than masculine fragrance but don't be fooled.

That Dapper Chap Meets Hammond & Co

That Dapper Chap takes a look at Hammond & Co clothing and creates some looks with pieces from the range.

In collaboration with Debenhams & all opinions are my own

As a dapper chap I have been an avid fan of the Hammond & Co range of menswear available at Debenhams for sometime now. Created by Patrick Grant, it's classic British style and heritage feel make it a range suitable for all gentlemen.

Patrick Grant

Hammond & Co. was founded by Robert Hammond around 1776, beginning life in the form of a celebrated London sporting tailor.

Tailors to King Edward VII, King George V, Queen Victoria, the King of Belgium, the Emperor of Austria, the King of Spain and the King of Portugal, other celebrated customers included Parisian couturier and founder of modern fashion, Paul Poiret, together with the United States of America's greatest ever military leader, General John J Pershing.

Patrick Grant, Savile Row tailor, TV personality and designer

The Hammond & Co range is now being designed by British designer and Savile Row Tailor Patrick Grant. Patrick is also well known for being a judge on TV's, The Great British Sewing Bee.

Today Patrick Grant continues to build upon Hammond & Co.'s standout heritage through the design of highly sought after collections that beautifully encompass quintessential British style.

My Look with Hammond & Co

After choosing a few items from the range, like a cat landing on my feet, I was fortunate enough to be contacted by Matt Brooke an incredibly talented photographer with a huge portfolio and wealth of experience, working with stars, famous models and brands across the globe. Was I going to turn down the opportunity to have a few shots taken? Not likely! 

Captured by photographer Matt Brooke