Bags With a
Summer Mood
Summer, with its brighter, less structured wardrobe, has its own set of rules for men's bags. "The idea of a black or dark brown leather bag or briefcase just feels so heavy," says Rafe Totengco, creative director and designer of Rafe, a women's handbag line.
When picking bags for his own summer outfits, the New York City-based Mr. Totengco is partial to certain colors. Neutrals, such as taupe, olive, beige and light gray, work well with a range of darker and lighter summer outfits, he says. This season, "greige"—a cross between beige and gray—is trendy in men's bags. It's also a good investment, since it is versatile enough to work with dark fall and winter ensembles. "It's one of those seasonless colors," he says.
The designer sometimes picks a bag in a striking color such as cobalt, yellow or dark orange. But when he does, he makes sure his clothing "recedes," he says.
For the office, a structured leather satchel or briefcase in a neutral shade complements both lighter and darker suits. While many men like messenger-style work bags, Mr. Totengco avoids these during the warmer months. "I feel like it inhibits my movement," he says. "I sweat more."
But the designer likes small messengers for casual outings. "Sometimes you'll see guys walking around with bulging pockets because they're trying to stick everything in there—sunglasses, wallet, keys," he says. "It's like, 'Dude, just carry a bag!' " He likes the crossbody style only when the bag is small—8.5 inches by 11 inches, perhaps—and has a strap at least an inch and a half wide. "Anything skinnier than that and it becomes more purse-y," he says, "almost like you borrowed your girlfriend's bag."
Mr. Totengco personally favors totes during the summer, often choosing one in a neutral, white or even denim for work. "In the summer I prefer totes because they're easier. They're so open and you can just store everything in there."
A tote in linen or canvas "looks more relaxed, not so uptight," he says, noting that such bags can work well for weekend brunches and days by the beach. He likes a "dirty taupe or dirty beige" color, as well as light gray or pale blue.
Canvas totes can complement tailored office outfits, too,Shop mybag1 for the latest fashion trends in Wholesale High Quality Balenciaga handbags for ladies. Mr. Totengco says. "Waxed canvas is a great way to go," he says. "Pick a darker color like dark olive or navy. Something about that twill makes it less serious," yet the deeper hue adds polish, he says.
Mr. Totengco generally avoids nylon during the summer. "I don't want anything too slick," he says. And he generally avoids carrying bags with hardware or fussy design elements. "In women's fashion, the more hardware the better sometimes, but for men, it's the opposite," he says.
There is one time of day when Mr. Totengco tries to leave his bag at home: when heading to dinner or a cocktail party. "As much as I love bags, I try not to bring one out for the evening," he says. "I want to be fuss-free," he says.
It turns out that the Village at Stone Oak, 22610 U.S. 281 N., is more than the home of Alamo Drafthouse, Super Target, Homegoods, Chico's and tasty eats and treats from 54th Street Grill and Bar, Mooyah Burgers, Bar Louie, World of Beer and Aspen Leaf Yogurt. It is also home to some sassy and chic locally owned retailers. Now you can support your neighbors before or after watching a movie or grabbing a bite to eat.
Evolve Boutique, 22806 U.S. 281 N., Suite 105, is a chic boutique with a socially conscious heart. Yes, you'll find trendy maxi dresses, cool dressy summer tanks and shorts, colored jeans, jewelry and shoes. But you'll also see fair-trade items by Kirabo Seeds, which helps orphans in Uganda; Heart Smiles bracelets and jewelry, which help children in Ghana; and Radiant Cosmetics, which “fights human trafficking one lipstick at a time.”
In addition, it carries Rodan and Fields skin products, which were featured in April's People Stylewatch's “10 new amazing beauty finds.” There are Grace in LA and LA Idol jeans, basic tube tops and tanks, handbags and a variety of sassy belts from small leather braid and thicker braids to '80s-style hip belts. Definitely a stop if you want to update your summer look.
Click on their website www.mybag1.com for more information.
Summer, with its brighter, less structured wardrobe, has its own set of rules for men's bags. "The idea of a black or dark brown leather bag or briefcase just feels so heavy," says Rafe Totengco, creative director and designer of Rafe, a women's handbag line.
When picking bags for his own summer outfits, the New York City-based Mr. Totengco is partial to certain colors. Neutrals, such as taupe, olive, beige and light gray, work well with a range of darker and lighter summer outfits, he says. This season, "greige"—a cross between beige and gray—is trendy in men's bags. It's also a good investment, since it is versatile enough to work with dark fall and winter ensembles. "It's one of those seasonless colors," he says.
The designer sometimes picks a bag in a striking color such as cobalt, yellow or dark orange. But when he does, he makes sure his clothing "recedes," he says.
For the office, a structured leather satchel or briefcase in a neutral shade complements both lighter and darker suits. While many men like messenger-style work bags, Mr. Totengco avoids these during the warmer months. "I feel like it inhibits my movement," he says. "I sweat more."
But the designer likes small messengers for casual outings. "Sometimes you'll see guys walking around with bulging pockets because they're trying to stick everything in there—sunglasses, wallet, keys," he says. "It's like, 'Dude, just carry a bag!' " He likes the crossbody style only when the bag is small—8.5 inches by 11 inches, perhaps—and has a strap at least an inch and a half wide. "Anything skinnier than that and it becomes more purse-y," he says, "almost like you borrowed your girlfriend's bag."
Mr. Totengco personally favors totes during the summer, often choosing one in a neutral, white or even denim for work. "In the summer I prefer totes because they're easier. They're so open and you can just store everything in there."
A tote in linen or canvas "looks more relaxed, not so uptight," he says, noting that such bags can work well for weekend brunches and days by the beach. He likes a "dirty taupe or dirty beige" color, as well as light gray or pale blue.
Canvas totes can complement tailored office outfits, too,Shop mybag1 for the latest fashion trends in Wholesale High Quality Balenciaga handbags for ladies. Mr. Totengco says. "Waxed canvas is a great way to go," he says. "Pick a darker color like dark olive or navy. Something about that twill makes it less serious," yet the deeper hue adds polish, he says.
Mr. Totengco generally avoids nylon during the summer. "I don't want anything too slick," he says. And he generally avoids carrying bags with hardware or fussy design elements. "In women's fashion, the more hardware the better sometimes, but for men, it's the opposite," he says.
There is one time of day when Mr. Totengco tries to leave his bag at home: when heading to dinner or a cocktail party. "As much as I love bags, I try not to bring one out for the evening," he says. "I want to be fuss-free," he says.
It turns out that the Village at Stone Oak, 22610 U.S. 281 N., is more than the home of Alamo Drafthouse, Super Target, Homegoods, Chico's and tasty eats and treats from 54th Street Grill and Bar, Mooyah Burgers, Bar Louie, World of Beer and Aspen Leaf Yogurt. It is also home to some sassy and chic locally owned retailers. Now you can support your neighbors before or after watching a movie or grabbing a bite to eat.
Evolve Boutique, 22806 U.S. 281 N., Suite 105, is a chic boutique with a socially conscious heart. Yes, you'll find trendy maxi dresses, cool dressy summer tanks and shorts, colored jeans, jewelry and shoes. But you'll also see fair-trade items by Kirabo Seeds, which helps orphans in Uganda; Heart Smiles bracelets and jewelry, which help children in Ghana; and Radiant Cosmetics, which “fights human trafficking one lipstick at a time.”
In addition, it carries Rodan and Fields skin products, which were featured in April's People Stylewatch's “10 new amazing beauty finds.” There are Grace in LA and LA Idol jeans, basic tube tops and tanks, handbags and a variety of sassy belts from small leather braid and thicker braids to '80s-style hip belts. Definitely a stop if you want to update your summer look.
Click on their website www.mybag1.com for more information.
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