So my wife got me a handbag for Christmas….

[Grok]

Black is neutral. It can go with most any color.

Very true, but brown shoes?

Yes, black socks go well with brown shores.

[Mouse]

Black is neutral. It can go with most any color.

Very true, but brown shoes?

Yes, black socks go well with brown shores.

Not sure on the socks, but I agree, black stockings/tights I can rock with brown shoes.

[Grok]

White can also be neutral. With a traditional trouser suit, white shirts can go with most any color of jacket or tie.

[Grok]

Brown, black, white...these neutrals are typically compromises. However, these neutrals have the virtue of versatility. They go well with a variety of colors.

If you decide to move away from the neutrals, you will have to think more about matching colors. Which suggests splurging for a special rig.

[Mouse]

So by starting with a Blue handbag, I really messed up….

[Grok]

I wouldn't say that, Mouse. I did mention that the neutrals tend to be compromises.

If a particular color appeals to you, why not?

[Mouse]

Very true, but brown shoes?

Yes, black socks go well with brown shores.

Not sure on the socks, but I agree, black stockings/tights I can rock with brown shoes.

Tried the black socks, brown shoes routine....Thought to be fair the shoes are half black so I am not sure it counts?

[Grok]

Yes, this combination works, Mouse.

[Mouse]

So, as a number of sensible guys have pointed out, Black and Brown are the two bag colours you should start with, not just pick your favourite colour.
I have now ordered a brown bag to bring my collection up to three. I will post more when it turns up.

So as you may have seen in my pictures area http://www.skirtcafe.org/forums/viewtop ... 10#p262210 I now have a brown bag to go with brown shoes. I realised when I got it, that brown is a very varied colour, so matching to your shoes is going to be an approximation. However I am working on the assumption that leather comes in all colours of brown, so they are matching in a brown leather type of way. You will notice that the bags are all similar. This is by design, if you are being kind, or totally boring if you are being mean or truthful. I really like the design of this handbag and I am able to work the bag the same way, having my three major items always living in the same pocket, irrespective of colour. I therefore have a fighting chance of finding my items in a timely way when out. The bags I think are good value at around £25 - £43 depending on where you get them from. I think my bag collection is now complete for the time being. I have been surprised by how well I have taken to using a handbag and how freeing it is, as to which skirt you wear. I also now realise how useful a bag can be for those items you would not usually keep in your pocket, but which can be useful at times. Also the ability to carry a few small items that you have just picked up from the builders merchant, without compromising your look. So my rash request last Christmas has been in hindsight a smart move in my skirt wearing journey.

All bags are real leather and made by J. Wilson of London

[Uncle Al]

All bags are real leather and made by J. Wilson of London

The two bags that have lasted the longest for me, were made by J. Wilson.
Each bag was the same style, one black, the other dark brown.
Each bag lasted about 15 - 20 years before the lining(non-leather) wore out.
The bags started to get holes where my keys were kept.

I would've gotten a 3rd bag but, sadly, the model/style is no longer made

You really can't go wrong with a leather product from J. Wilson

Uncle Al

[crfriend]

Each bag lasted about 15 - 20 years before the lining(non-leather) wore out.
The bags started to get holes where my keys were kept.

If you know the right people, it should be possible to get a new liner sewn for the intact outer leather bag.

[Mouse]

So as part of getting to grips with hand bags, I thought about what women have in their handbags, in addition to the normal wallet, keys and phone. I realised that women carry a vast host of items for maintenance during the day, that we men would never think to have in our pockets.

So in my handbag, I now carry some headache tablets, tablets to settle my stomach, current nail polish etc. You may all laugh, but I was in the middle of a great party on Saturday night, with a headache threatening to spoil my night. Suddenly I remembered what I had in my handbag... Minutes later I was feeling much better, with my headache gone. The night continued, with me vowing not to make anymore jokes about what women have in their handbags and a new appreciation of having a handbag to hand.

I think I now get why women's trousers and skirts are so bereft of useful pockets. They have all worked out, that what they need is a handbag full of useful things for the day, that just don't fit into a set of pockets.

[Seb]

I've always carried some headache pills in the coin pocket of my wallet.

[Spirou003]

I guess that your handbag is quite equivalent to my bagpack. The same function, but in a different form. Nothing to laugh at.