Manday Monday: Bally Madan Portfolio Case

Some men are still leery about using a man bag. Who can blame them? In the macho Philippine setting, man bags, especially for more mature men, is still considered taboo. The only exception would be the ubiquitous clutch bag.

However, some men are constantly searching for the middle ground. Profoundly averse to the clutch bag, these man still will not sling a messenger bag across their shoulders.

This leaves the problem unsolved. Where do you put your little comb, Blackberry, PDA, cell phone, wallet, pens and keys, as well as other knicknacks, that have become an essential part of a man's everyday life?

One solution could be a leather portfolio case. With a portfolio case, the essentials are kept secure in one location other than in a man's pockets. The design is very discreet. And since the case is in leather, the portfolio case is very professional looking and can be carried around to meetings and other business gatherings.

On a recent trip to Shangri-la Mall, I happened to see a very spiffy looking portfolio case at Bally. After some research, I discovered that the case in question was the Bally Madan Portfolio Case.



Made from Italian leather, this portfolio case is a perfect way to tote around the professional man's essentials. I like the fact that no one really needs to know that you are actually carrying a man bag with you.

So, Monk, what do you think? Checking the price at the local Bally store and will update.

UPDATE: Yikes! Just called the Bally store in Shangri-la Mall. The portfolio case is PhP42,500. At current exchange rates, that's about USD900. Amazon is only selling the portfolio case for USD525.

Photo courtesy of Amazon.

Manday Monday: Koffski

For our Manday Monday feature, I bring you a man bag for the confident man who idolizes Derek Zoolander: the Koffski. A German creation, the Koffski is bagwear for men.



The concept behind the Koffski is quite sound. The bag comes with compartments for your phone, wallet, keys and even a pen.

You can wear the Koffski slung across your shoulder...



Or as a belt bag.


The website describes the Koffski man as:

"The Koffski user is elegant and resolute, exuding an air of confidence. Women will just love him.

He tends to reduce things to their essentials. He prefers to be independent. He always knows where to look when his mobile rings. Whether he is on business or spending an evening in a nightclub, the Koffski user always has his ideal companion close at hand. Very close."

The website could have been talking about my friend, Monk. Cough. Cough.

Somehow, I have a feeling bringing this along to the Metro Manila malls will get you frisked. It looks suspiciously like a gun holster.

In any case, if interested in acquiring this bag, head here.

Update: Here are some pictures of the cute male model:

All photos from the Koffski website.

Manday Monday - Dos and Donts in Wearing a Manbag

It's Monday. Time for another Manbag post. For the man about town, here are some dos and donts in wearing a manbag.

Dos

1. Do use your manbag when trying to promote hot Brazilian girlfriend's bag line, Muxo.

Matthew McConaughey
Source

2. Do use a man bag when trying to save the world.
Jack Bauer in 24
Source
Indiana Jones
Source

3. Do distract people from your clutch bag with broad shoulders and brooding eyes.

Cristiano Ronaldo
Source

Donts

1. Do not wear a manbag that looks suspiciously like your grandmother's bag.

Joey in Friends.
Source

2. Do not use a purple bag. Ever. Even if you are a rap star. Even if it's Hermes and croc.

Pharell
Source

3. Do not leave home with your wife's purse.

Terence Howard
Source

I hope this little post helps the men out there in deciding how and where to use their man bags. Next week's feature will be on how to choose the right man bag for you.

Manday Monday

Monday is Manday here at BagLove and we again feature bags for the males out there. Up next for consideration are bags ftom Salvatore Ferragamo.

Full details after the jump!


We present for consideration Salvatore Ferragamo 'Toronto Cafe' Crossbody Messenger Bag:


I like the fact that the bag is not too big and bulky. Here are the details from Nordstrom -
Sleek leather messenger bag is designed to wear across the body with a woven adjustable strap detailed with the Ferragamo logo. Top zip closure.
Logo-stamped hardware.
Front pocket.
Interior zip pocket.
Brown canvas lining.
Leather.
Dimensions: 13.5"W x 14.5"H x 1.5"D. Strap drop adjusts from 12" to 25".

The bigger cousin is the Salvatore Ferragamo 'Toronto Cafe' Messenger Bag :




Again, here are the details from Nordstrom _

Traditional messenger bag in fine, rich leather features an exterior zip pocket at the front flap. A bright canvas lining finishes the look. Woven adjustable strap.
Logo-stamped hardware.
Small stamped logo at side.
Document pocket and large main compartment with interior zip pocket.
Leather.
Dimensions: 13.5"W x 10.5"H x 3.5"D. Strap drop adjusts from 13" to 25".

BP, for your consideration. Comments are welcome always. I'm trying to find out if the said bags are available at the local Ferragamo stores. Will update you readers. In the meantime, the bags can be ordered online at Nordstrom.

All photos from Nordstrom.

Manday Monday - LV Siwa Trotteur and Camera Bag

Friend and lawyer BP sent me a text message asking me to feature man bags. He wants a bag "for a man who needs to keep his stuff in order especially when girlfriend or wife is not around or prefers teenie weenie bags but is adverse to carrying a clutch bag".

A daunting task and one I have been remiss in fulfilling. As such, in honor of BP, I present what will now be a regular post - Manday Monday!

For our first feature, for BP's consideration, we present the Louis Vuitton Trotteur bag in Siwa Leather...



This bag is from the 2008 Pre-Fall collection. According to Deluxe Duck, Siwa is an oasis in the middle of the Sahara leather. I love the classic look and feel of the bag. No screaming logos. Gorgeous leather. And I think the model bears a striking resemblance to BP (he wishes!). The line will come in 4 colors.

The Trotteur measures 2.8" x 8.3" x 9.8" and can be carried on the shoulder or across the body with its adjustable shoulder strap. Need a bigger bag? Check out the Camera Bag. Equally lovely!

Photos from Deluxe Duck.