men and bags

bags have become a necessary tool and style accessory. no longer seen as solely a woman’s item, men’s bags are masculine, attractive and ideal additions to any contemporary wardrobe. if you would like to dabble in the wide world of men’s bags but don’t quite know which one would suit your needs best, stick with a classic type of men's bag and you can’t go wrong.

the following are five types of men's bags that can be easily mixed and matched with your business and casual wardrobes. 

1) briefcase

image from philsadvice

briefcases are probably the oldest form of 'acceptable' handbags for men. modern-day briefcases, however, have evolved a great deal since the days of the sharp-cornered case. they’re no longer boxy; in fact, that’s about the only traditional element discarded in the modern briefcase. the classic shape (without the sharp corners), buckles, leather exterior and practical interior compartments help make this bag a timeless addition to any working-man’s wardrobe.

2) messenger bag

picture from balsum

aptly named, the messenger bag is designed after the bags traditionally carried throughout history by - whom else? - messengers. often made from canvas and swung across the shoulder, messenger bags have taken on a whole new meaning in urban fashion. from students with canvas bags to urban hipsters with modern leather bags, the messenger’s laid-back style will always have a classic casual flair but today’s leather messenger tote also exudes a hint of uptown sophistication.

3) holdall

any traveling man needs a holdall for those weekend jaunts or three-day business trips. big, bulky luggage has transformed into sleek, stylish holdalls (or carryalls). its design is inspired by the duffel bag but its predominantly leather exterior and more refined appearance attribute a classic look to this practical tote.

4) tote

Tote from Gucci

a tote is the modern approach to the classic briefcase. resembling an artisan’s bag, the tote is the utmost in casual business attire. its basic design and usual soft leather exterior allots it a classic status while its long handles give it a contemporary edge. if purchased in a chocolate brown or black, this bag can add a touch of laid-back masculinity to any casual work wear.

5) newsboy bag

Newsboy Bag

like the advent of the newsboy cap, the newsboy bag is a classic style that has become synonymous with men’s casual wear. it’s similar to the messenger bag’s style but its traditional canvas exterior makes it a little less formal than the latter. this bag style is perfect for the student on the go, as it makes a fashion statement and exudes more masculinity and style savvy than a knapsack.

are you bag-ging for more? do visit askmen.com.

Pharrell Williams & Kayne West

fash'on... BAM!

five styles of stampede

a shoe is a shoe which is a shoe that is a shoe. one of my guilty pleasures, you can check out a portion of my collection here. if the salesperson tells me that a pair of shoes was a new arrival and was a designer's work, there is a pretty high chance of making that sale. the only thing i can be thankful for is that i am not born a girl, but if i was, my shoe storage will need to be massive. 

there is an extensive list of shoes and i have to hold myself back from sharing each one with you. hence, here are the five types of shoes that one ought to know... (yes, they are arranged in terms of comfort level...)

1) slip-ons

Kayne West and his custom loafers

slip-ons are typically low, laces-less. the style most commonly seen will be a loafer. loafers are comfortable shoes and can be worn 'fashionably' by both men and women, with jeans, short, pants and dresses. very comfortable and do not harm the feet.

2) ballet flats

Kate Moss sporting black ballet flats

ballet flats or dolly shoes are derived from a woman's soft ballet slipper, with a very thin heel or the appearance of no heel at all. the essence of the ballet flat has existed since at least the 16th century, in which men wore a similar shoe, then known as pompes.

3) court shoes

regular black ladies court shoes

pumps in america, court shoes in british english. both refer to shoes with a low-cut front and usually without a fastening. they are usually worn by women but are still traditional menswear in some formal situations when they are call opera slippers or patent pumps.

4) oxford shoe

Sienna Miller, Rihanna, Taylor Swift in Oxford shoes

it is a style of laced shoe characterised by shoelace eyelet tabs that are stitched underneath the vamp, a construction method that is also sometimes referred to as closed lacing. oxfords are traditionally constructed of leather and were historically plain, formal shoes but are now available in a range of styles and materials that complement both casual and formal forms of dress.

5) high-heeled footwear

Stuart Weitzman's Rita Hayworth heels

high-heeled footwear, high heels or simply heels are footwear that raises the heel of the wearer's significantly higher than the toes. when the heel and toes are raised in equal amount, as in a platform shoe, it is technically not considered to be a high heel.heels can come is different shapes including stiletto, block, tapered, blade and wedge. finally a low heel is considered less than 2.5 inches, while heels between 2.5 and 3.5 inches are considered mid heels. anything above that will be a high heel.

now you know! the next time you want to walk all over someone, do remember to stampede in style. 

fash'on... BAM!