Bags in my dream are giving me a rough treatment
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Originally uploaded by: Ras x Olaf
How do you choose a man’s bag?
Don’t laugh but I like bags, anything big that fits everything in one. I mean who want’s a bag if you don’t really need it? I’ve had many bags, the ones that I used to carry all day was the very popular, black Gaultier nylon bag. It makes me look like I was heading for school with it. Then I had another brown nylon backpack from Prada, it was for the heck of the brand that I’d wish I didn’t have to carry it, so afraid I will rip them off. Now the style is outdated but still looks nice, I never used it anymore. Remember I got a knockoff bag from LV and said “it’s my perfect bag”? I don’t know where I’ve put it.
I mean really this is no joke, finding a man’s bag that are worthy of carrying on a daily basis can be a bit of work, and everytime I think of buying one, I always have second thoughts about why I want it. I like bags without getting tired of it, say, if you have a pair of converse shoes, you’ll wear them all the time even if it looks really worn out, it’s still wearable. In Hong Kong, there’s a lot going on with people carrying a huge bag, most of them goes for the labels. One dude got his big LV traveller bag and he slings it around his shoulder. Can you tell me what’s inside? It maybe an iPod or a nintendo. Do they carry a big speakers in it too? It makes them look like they are trying too hard. I believe men are prepared to pay as much as women do, but I don’t think one should buy something that is instantly recognisable.
So here’s my pick. I know these are super expensive but these are the bags I can only dream that probably will give me a really rough treatment.
COACH - Weekend Travel Bag
BALENCIAGA - Leather duffel
JACK SPADE - Soft nylon duffel
FILSON - Rugged duffel
MIU MIU - Camel duffel
*Photos swiped from http://www.men.style.com
I guess carrying a big bag is so British. Do you see the new face of Dunhill for their bags, it’s Jude Law. It looks very classic but at the same time, stylish (and expensive). How about David Beckham’s? There are many who takes much more interests in these huges accessories - you can practically put anything inside. Recently, been seeing a lot of men’s bag in a square shape with a flap at the front and a long strap crossing the body and, more commonly, the black nylon laptop case. But more and more there are a lot of men realized, as many women did many many times, that a good bag can really make an impact and transform an outfit.
I really don’t mind carrying a bag but it really depends on why I’m carrying one. If I don’t need to carry it, why lug my stuff around, right? But if I needed to carry something like my MacBook, a cellphone (I don’t want these stuff looking bulky in my pair of khakis) and I don’t think a rucksack won’t do either, a leather briefcase is too formal. I want something substantial yet stylish without having fear of being labeled.
Don’t Speak
by: Leela James
hey, right up my alley.
plus, balenciaga is known for the quality of its products (and good resale value by the way) so you won’t go wrong. just think of it as a good investment 
from your choices up there, i’d immediately pick the Balenciaga. its leather so its sturdy and water resistant, but at the same time its distressed so its very low maintenance and the style is something that’s classic so your grandkids could still probably use it if you take good care of it
my next choice would probably be the jack spade (mainly because of the neutral color so it could go with anything you wear) or the coach (because the color is actually funky cute) because they are relatively cheaper but will still serve their purpose. but i am not much into unstructured bags, so unless you are always carrying a barrel or something in there, it’s going to be difficult to maintain the bag’s shape.
just remember that when you’re looking for your man bag, you should be clear about what do you want to use it for. second, what kind of material is best for you. third, choose a sturdy bag that, no matter what you do with it, doesn’t easily break, or else bye-bye dollars. labels are not important, as long as you love your bag and it does the job
Meeya, I thought so too - I must admit, I can’t afford any of them (maybe someday, why not?) but I suppose the bags from “Urband Outfitters” I saw in GQ is something right for my wallet, it’s well-priced around US sixty bucks. Yet convince me if it’s safe to purchase online or go straight to the mall without really worrying anything?
That Balenciaga bag is really elegant, nonetheless utterly extravagant (and goodness, that’s probably around HK$13K, NO WAY!) although I tried this Mulberry bag at my favourite brand shop, it looks perfect, around US$600 pero mahal pa rin eh. On Coach: yeah, being green is never really that easy to carry around to match with your clothes. I had one from Pringle, similar to that kaso nawawala na sa style.
Ok then, I’ll stick with my US$30 look-alike Balenciaga bag I bought from a friend’s shop. I didn’t know you’re a shopping guru?
My first choice is Jack Spade since it has this sporty look. My second choice is Balenciaga being that is Balenciaga. lol! Usually i prefer bags that has sporty looks or those mail type bags
Charles, you like those nylons? It looks similar to the “Agne’s b” brand if you’re familiar, their bags are cheap (but has good quality and their styles are simply all “black”) but I don’t know if Jack Spade is in HK. Do you think he’s a brother of Kate Spade (for ladies handbags)? Hahaha.
And hey, H&M is opening next week in HK, how’s that?
im planning to buy myself a new bag. gusto ko yung pede pang sports at pang outing. heheh. medyo tight ang budget. ganda nung mga bags pero malamang di ko ma afford yan… wehehe. any suggestions>?
are we planning a trip? or will u be using the bag on your everyday basis?
I’m a big fan of Coach (i really can’t afford it but its the most affordable “brand” of all that I am willing to spurge on) however from the picks you’ve listed; I like the “Jack Spade” the best for its soft nylon.
green’s a little hard to match with my clothes (lol)
Airwind, it doesn’t mean I can afford them too, anoh? Try adidas, I went to the sport shops last week and they actually have nice ones although I’d prefer Nike for this (similiar to the Jack Spade style) they also have the one-fits-all that looks really stylish, di ka mapapagkamalang mag babakasyon sa kung saan, pero carrying a bag sa Manila eh diba delikado? Pero kung gusto mo medyo maganda ganda, check on the Les Sportsac - ayos ang travellers/daily carrier bags nila dun.
Hi C, I know you would pick on COACH but I don’t get it, COACH shops around here are only for ladies. I’m not going on a trip, I just like carrying a bag, the bigger the trendier. I really don’t mind if they are “brandless” for as long as it’s a good quality leather and stylish, I’d go for it.
Make it a COACH for you and a COACH handbag for me! Haha.. I was browsing through COACH only this morning.. what a coincidence, you had to write about bags.
2nd choice would be jack spade. Looks sporty.
Really? I think everyone’s looking forward for the Spring wearing no extra garments except having to own an extra-super-jumbo-large size leather bag big enough for my tiny Ipod Shuffle. Hahaha.
hahaha, googled male bags and your blog turned up. the balenciaga has always been a dream. pero ang mahal talaga. there are cheap immitations of the balenciaga in a leather shop in bangkok’s famed MBK so you might want to check it out if you or a friend travelling there. Bought one for less then a hundred us dollars. Unfortunately, a friend ran off with it when he went to work abroad. And yes, bags are a necessity in these insane times of multitasking.
http://pingmag.jp/2007/03/07/style-report-tokyo-mens-handbags/
maybe this can help…
Hi outofwater, there are actually a lot of imitation bags across the border in Shenzhen, you can find many designer handbags, travellers bag, etc, been there bought some for pasalubong pero talagang ndi maganda kapag concious ka sa brands - wearing these logo bags are absolutely a big NO in the city, you’ll not feel comfortable at all. I have never been to Bangkok to buy the fakes but I’m sure they are similar from Shenzhen. However there are few nice shops from The Island Beverly near Sogo that sells cheap and leather-looking bags under HK$200 (it’s the same as what I got from a friend’s shop) pero madaling pagsawaan. Thanks for visiting btw.
inthesity, thanks for the link. Nice photos of men with bags. Obviously Japan is a very stylish place esp in Tokyo and HK people (mostly the youngs) copy their style. No wonder a lot of boys in their “out of bed” looking hairs wear those kinds of feminine bags around here. But I would never pick on the RED. Hahaha.
Hey K.
Well, I am not looking at any at those bags right now, even though I like bags as well. I go more for utility than comfort.
Recently I bought a few bags. A National Geographic Medium shoulderbag for my Nikon D200 and a National Geographic large backpack for my trip to Thailand.
The big backpack is really cool, but you can not use it everyday. I do own another bag that I brought with me, but it is getting a bit old. So I have been looking into getting a new bag as well.
Unlike you, I am looking at smaller backpacks, because I will be carrying it around on the scooter as well, and when you have a few heavy things in it, like books or a laptop, a shoulder bag totally sucks; it gets heavy and hurts your shoulder.
So after looking at a few bags and seeing them, I decided to get the Oakley Kitchen Sink. It a great looking bag, with lots of features and will enable to carry around a lot of stuff. It’s a lot cheaper than the bags you are looking at, but it isn’t really as stylish. It will not match an outfit.
But it’s about 6300NTD and has a lot of features.
Range, everytime you tell me something about these brands, like Oakley, (it’s a good day-to-day backpack which by the way a lot of fake ones are sold here, from CAT, Timberland, EASTPAK) I would go to these shop and check it out myself. Look, there’s actually this new Northface traveller-backpack-luggage in one bag. It’s good both for travelling and hiking but you know I don’t want that. Well I know what’s a good bag for me now, I’ll stick with my old ones.
This may seem out-of-topic but I recently had a talk with my physical therapist. He says they are encountering more and more people who have bad back and neck problems and one of the causes that he pointed out was big bags both for men and women. One culprit that he specifically mentioned were notebook bags/cases.
Anyway, I like the camel duffel.
Hi bugsy I believed you - it feels like you’re all bruised and wanted to end your day with a massage therapist. Isn’t it the same thing when you’re wearing heels for the whole day, your legs are cramped and bristled because admit it, women likes to look beautiful in their leather Prada shoes even if its killing you.
Hey, K, what’s up? The duffel bags look quite nice
If only they were in black… 
Visit Randomly Relevant sometime!
K, i like bags, too but i don’t like spending too much money for it. amongst those bags you posted, I like the casual duffel the most because i am casual myself. i don’t like to dress up except when i get invited in the wedding.
K, anong tugon mo? see u in a while.
Ed, yes they are adorable piece of expensive accessories. I’ve finally decided to keep my old bags for now but I still want one of those comes payday. NO, I’m taking it back.
Belle, dai akong tugon, salamat. Enjoy your Catanduanes trip. Daan ka na lang dun sa lugawan ng sister ko, sa may Plaza Rizal. Don’t forget to take lotsa photos esp the pride of Catanduanes, the beautiful beaches and your own cottage.
Yeah K, they aren’t really fashionable I have to say. (the bags I told you about). However, the National Geographic shoulder bag is cool. I like the color and the look.
But it is an “explorer” type bag for photographic gear.
For now, it’s more about comfort and utility for me.
honey, honey, honey! you have just given me a nudge to really purchase a new travel bag! i have one main reason for buying a new one: I HATE THE FACT THAT I CAN’T DISTINGUISH MY BAG FROM ALL THE BAGS WHEN IT COMES OUT ON THE DAMN LUGGAGE AIRPORT CAROUSEL! I definitely love the COACH and MIUMIU bag. (dreams on)
missed ya, k! thanks for this post.
Range, comfort plus quality equals classic. If ever I got one of those bags (in the pictures) I’m going dead broke.
JC, since you always travel while working around in Pinas, I suggest you should buy the .. the… LV travellers bag. It’s leather and HANEPS pero careful, masyadong maganda sa mata ng iba at mawala lang.
tito K! we’re leaving India and will now anchor our ship in Singapore come April!
I’m not really a bag person but from the list, I like the FILSON rugged duffel. I like the color and the design. Btw, how much does it cost?
Gracie, you mean you’re on a trip for holiday or is that for good? Aba magkalapit na tayo nyan. It’s not easy to move, kaya kailangan mo ng malalaking luggage bags. I’m sure mapupuno lang ng mga wadrobes nyo pa lang.
Jaypee, I’m afraid I can’t tell you the price cuz right now, I’m having a fight with my calculator and my credit card. Hahaha.