There are loads of men’s crossbody bags in many sizes at every price point.
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Dear Answer Angel Ellen: My husband, while intelligent and successful, is the most disorganized person I know. His brother, equally disorganized, and at the suggestion of his wife, now carries a “murse” — a purse for men.
On a recent trip to Ireland, every single day my husband struggled finding his reading glasses, his sunglasses, his passport, car keys, notepad, etc. Men have it so easy as they really don’t have many things to take with them. My question is, can men wear a small crossbody bag? It needs to be small, as the small backpack he tried to use in Ireland was still way too big for the everyday items he needed to carry.
— Regina J.
Dear Regina: Yes, men can wear them! And they are definitely back in a big way for men (and women too). There are loads of men’s crossbody bags in many sizes at every price point from, say $29.99 for a microfiber Carhartt (carhartt.com, amazon.com) to leather models for $2,500 and even more.
It seems everybody is getting into the men’s bag racket including Prada, Valentino Garavani ($3600!), Gucci, Burberry, Balenciaga and on and on. There are loads of styles, including unisex, which would work for everyone so you should have no trouble finding one that would suit your husband at a price that suits you.
Old habits die hard though, so don’t be surprised if your husband wants nothing to do with a “murse.” But if you avoid that term and show him photos of the wide array of choices online and in stores — and how they look terrific on those handsome male models — maybe he’ll go for it.
While we are on the topic of solutions for the stuff we carry around…
Dear Answer Angel Ellen: A little while ago, you wrote about a purse-size backpack that you purchased after stopping a woman on the street and asking about hers. I too have been looking for a purse-size backpack for quite some time, unsuccessfully. Would you share some information about the one you bought? I would love to look into it for myself.
— Halina H.
Dear Halina: I’m always happy to help! It’s my job. The item you’re looking for is the Travelon Anti-theft Signature Slim Backpack (amazon.com, $57.53; travelonbags.com, $75). Since this is designed for travel, it has all sorts of anti-theft features like lock zipper pockets, slash-resistant straps and body and RFID blocking, all of which I didn’t really care much about.
I’ve discovered that there are too many pockets for me so I have trouble finding which place I put stuff. But if you are better organized than I am (who isn’t?) it might be just what you want. It holds my iPad fine if I don’t cram the backpack with too many other things that I really don’t need.
I wrote about it to illustrate what you can learn by stopping someone on the street and asking where they bought what they are wearing. I still firmly urge shoppers to do that. And don’t get me wrong. I like this bag a lot. I’m just ridiculously fussy. Target has the “mini puff dome” backpack in black in store or online for $25, which might be a good alternative for you.
Dear Answer Angel Ellen: I am looking for fun, colorful frames for my next pair of prescription eyeglasses. I am unhappy with the quality of the frames I have purchased in the past from Warby Parker and Eyebobs. I am currently wearing a pair I purchased at Costco. The quality is great, but would like something more colorful. Any suggestions?
— Patti S.D.
Dear Patti: I’m with you. I love colorful eyeglasses and find that the choices at most stores are uninspiring and no fun at all. I get it that eyeglass chain stores are focusing on the majority of shoppers who want traditional colors and styles, which explains why what you (and I) are looking for isn’t to be found in most eyewear shops. And it is very difficult to assess quality from online photos and descriptions. I want to try my specs on in real life, in a store. I still wear my favorite glasses — bejeweled turquoise — that are at least 10 years old, purchased at the brick-and-mortar store For Eyes, which has more than 100 locations around the country.
One good option is to order returnable frames only online and if you like the quality, fit and style, get your prescription filled locally. Let’s hear from readers who have found high style, colorful specs in-store or, at least can vouch for high quality and awesome selection and a decent return policy from online offerings.
Angelic Readers
Pamela J. writes, “For your reader Barbara B. who was looking for bar soap that doesn’t get mushy or goopy, she should try the ‘shea butter cleansing bar’ from Bath & Body Works ( bathandbodyworks.com, $8.95). It comes in 18 different scents—some, like Leather & Brandy, are designed for men. My personal favorite is the Japanese Cherry Blossom scent which is beautiful and subtle.”
