It is often said that a man should invest in a well-fitting suit and a good quality pair of dress shoes. These standard investment pieces are well understood; they both reward extra spending and are seen as the pinnacle of a man’s serious wardrobe. But are they really worth it? I’m not saying that you shouldn’t invest in a luxury suit and matching shoes, but if you’re strapped for cash, there are much more efficient ways of investing your money.

When you meet a man who you consider well dressed, what strikes you? Undoubtedly those things we’ve already mentioned – but not just that. If a man had only a nice suit you would think, “he has a nice suit”. The step between appreciation of what he is wearing and how he dresses is made when you consider all angles. It may sound obvious, but detail counts. A nice suit, a nice belt, a nice shirt. Then the next time you see him; nice watch, nice sunglasses, nice shorts… That gives the impression a lot of us want to give. That consistency is the basis of being well dressed.

So what are the top 3 items every man should invest in?

1. A classic leather belt

Perhaps because of the necessity of wearing one, belts are often overlooked as a fashion accessory. However, a belt is not just for holding trousers up, it pulls an outfit together to create a polished look.

As with most leather accessories, the more you spend, the better the quality leather you’ll get. High quality leather will both look better and last longer which gives you greater cost per wear value in the long run. This is especially important considering it’s an item that you wear every day as cheaper quality leather belts stretch a lot quicker and more vigorously with regular use.

To get the most wear out of your investment belt, stick to a classic style with smooth black or brown leather and a simple silver-coloured buckle. That way it can be worn with both formal and smart-casual outfits.

2. A timeless leather manbag

Like a luxurious belt, a good quality man bag also has the power to lift an average outfit out of the mundane. Man bags are also subject to intense scrutiny so it’s important to get it right.

Like shoes, man bags are noticed because of social convention. We look at shoes to avoid eye contact, and we look at bags for much the same reason. They are about as far from the person as possible and are probably the most detached thing you have on you. Therefore you can look at a man bag much in the same way as you would a pair of shoes – to size up someone without the mutual discomfort of staring at their face.

Next time you take public transport, notice how you and other people pay much more attention than is warranted to other people’s bags! Women spend money on handbags because they are good status indicators – we might learn something from them.

When choosing your man bag, it doesn’t matter whether you go for a briefcase, satchel, messenger, backpack, tote or holdall. What matters is that it is made from good quality leather in a simple style. Try to avoid huge logos or fussy designs. You’re going to spend a fair amount of money on this bag so you need to make sure that it still looks fashionable for the next five years at least!

3. A sophisticated leather wallet

The leather wallet is the ultimate classy item. If you’re at the bar or at a table after a meal and pull out a scuffed wallet with Velcro or gaudy logos, you’re not going to impress. A stylish gentleman will always pull out something refined and simple.

I am amazed how many people neglect the one item they carry around with them constantly? It makes absolute sense to spend on a wallet, in the same way you would spend on a watch. Both are small, functional items that you have on you most of the time and both can make what you wear ‘complete’.

As far as what you should look for in a wallet, I think a beautiful exterior is obvious. However, beyond plain leather or whatever design you’ve chosen, what makes an investment wallet? It’s not just the brand that counts. Look for fabric linings, strong stitching and robust fittings (zips, poppers etc.) Of course there is a strong element of personal choice involved here; just remember that this is a wallet and not a peacock tail.

Now check out our full range of quality men’s leather belts; man bags and leather wallets to complete your transition into a gentleman of style.

When you think of leather luggage, you might think first of an elegant little valise for a weekend holiday or perhaps a stylish doctor's bag. One of the hottest holdalls for spring isn't a hand-held bag at all, though; it's a functional leather backpack. This season's leather backpacks include everything from scholarly styles that seem perfectly at home on campus to sleek little sacks that fit the city life. Bright colour and innovations with shape were the big news on spring runways for menswear and women's clothing this year.

Alexander Wang showcased everything from wispy bits of fabric attached to models' backs to substantial black leather backpacks taken straight off the men's ready-to-wear racks. While a thin cloth rucksack only works for runway models, you can borrow the edgy look of the leather packs with a statement bag from Prime Hide. Top-quality leather, brushed metal findings and roomy front pockets give Prime Hide's leather backpacks the same rugged appeal as a well-worn leather jacket. They're as practical as they are stylish; fully adjustable straps fit your frame, while a drawstring keeps everything together.

 

Colour is everywhere for spring, and that includes high-style leather backpacks so fashion-forward, you won't mind giving up your briefcase or handbag for them. Italian designer Auchamo has fully embraced this trend with bags in traffic-stopping red and cool sage green as well as the more expected blacks, browns and tans. The freshest trend in accessorising is variety, so feel free to pair a luscious red leather backpack with a black or brown shoe. Matching is strictly optional, and that makes even the richest colours newly versatile. Go ahead and splurge on that dramatic red bag; it really does go with everything this season.

 

Designers love to toy with new shapes in accessories. Leather backpacks lend themselves especially well to aesthetic fancies; a shoe can only come in so many shapes, after all, while a leather pack is much more customisable. Prime Hide's collection translates this trend toward interesting silhouettes with boxy bags that make a smart foil for softer shapes in clothing.

Mywalit plays with both colour and shape in their fun squared-off leather backpacks. These messenger-style packs look gorgeously streamlined in soft black leather, but a dash of bold colour where the seams fold together sets them apart from more staid designs. Mywalit's leather backpacks capitalise on the trend toward sleek, city-ready looks that crackle with urban energy.

 

 

At the opposite end of the spectrum are rugged styles that would look at home on Indiana Jones or Lara Croft. While these explorers might be fictional, the bags they might choose aren't, and Rowallan has them. Full-grain leather and sturdy grommets surrounding doubled drawstrings make these handsome backpacks ready for anything. They may look vintage, but they're thoroughly up to date on the inside. A removable padded insert protects delicate electronics, while stylish buckles conceal practical magnetic closures.

Get your hands on the latest hands-free fashion in accessories with leather backpacks that make the most of colour and shape.

Nanette Lepore Spring/Summer 2012 via Vogue.co.uk

Last week the Pantone Color Institute announced 17-1463 TPX Tangerine Tango as the official colour of the year for 2012. Based on SS12 fashion collections, news stories and popular culture, Pantone believe that Tangerine Tango is the colour that consumers most want and need for 2012.

Executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, Leatrice Eiseman commented :“Reminiscent of the radiant shadings of a sunset, Tangerine Tango marries the vivaciousness and adrenaline rush of red with the friendliness and warmth of yellow, to form a high-visibility, magnetic hue that emanates heat and energy.”

So here are the bags and purses you need to get the ultimate Tangerine Tango look for 2012...

Kenneth Brownne Ladies' Orange Coloured Italian Leather Briefcase Satchel £108

Why not start the new year with this vibrant orange laptop case from Kenneth Brownne? Due to its associations with courage, ambition, enthusiasm, creativity, communication, success and opportunity, its no surprise that during these hard times Pantone has picked bright orange to set the tone for 2012, and there is no better place for this colour than in the workplace. If you surround yourself with this positive, high-energy colour, you're more likely to feel optimistic about the future, courageous enough to take every opportunity coming your way and creative enough to find the solution to any obstactles you may face.

The Kenneth Brownne Ladies' Italian Leather Briefcase Satchel is beautifully made from soft, high-shine Italian leather with a sleek and luxurious finish and fits a number of this season’s trends allowing you to look fashionable even in business wear. The bag is rectangular in shape with a clean, structured silhouette. It features a top handle so can be carried as a lady bag and also has a detachable shoulder strap allowing it to be carried as a satchel too. The buckles on the front add a traditional satchel aesthetic and are functional too; you can slip an umbrella or a newspaper in between them. All in all, this Kenneth Brownne business bag is perfect for career sucess in 2012.

Ladies' Orange Polka Dot Satchel from Zatchels £97

The satchel has been the official it-bag of 2011 and its popularity it set to continue in 2012. As for polka dots, after years of absence from the catwalks this fun print has enjoyed a fashion renaissance thanks to top designers Marc Jacobs and Stella McCartney and is now at the very forefront of fashion.This combination makes this Zatchels Polka Dot Satchel the ultimate fun fashion bag for 2012 and is ideal for brightening up dreary weekends.

Not just a thing of beauty, Zatchels satchels are handmade in the UK from durable, quality leather and feature 2 nickel silver buckles, a front pouch and cardholder as well as a 150cm adjustable shoulder strap.

CcHA London TanTang Alexa bag £159

For those of you looking for something a little more subtle the CcHA London TanTang Alexa bag is a great option. If a striking vibrant orange bag is just not your style, this bag is perfect for adding a flash of vibrant colour to your outfit while still looking classically stylish. The CcHA London TanTang Alexa bag is made from soft, smooth leather in a classic bowling bag shape and has a silky, champagne-coloured lining. The perfect size for all your must-have items, this stylish bag is functional as well as chic with five inside pockets of various sizes and a studded base to protect it from damage. The Alexa TanTang is the ideal bag for both work and play in 2012.

Soft Leather Matinee Purse in Jamaica from Mywalit £60

This explosion of bright colour from Mywalit is perfect for injecting some much needed energy and vibrancy into your everyday life. Having this unqiue and creative purse in your bag will help you stay optimistic and enthusiastic about the year ahead. As well as its mood-lifting colour combination of bright orange, sunshine yellow and lime green, this purse is great for everyday use in that it is made from soft yet extremely durable nappa leather in a really practical design. It is designed to hold and offer quick and easy access to both cards and coins. It opens up like a book to reveal 7 card slots and an ID window on one side and a large expanding accordion purse on the other. This purse also comes with a handy silver slide in pen.

These are just a few of stunning orange-coloured items we have at Just4Leather so don't forget to browse our online shop to find your perfect colour match for 2012.

Autumn and winter seasons are eclectic seasons for fashion and accessories, with trends ranging from fetish themes to 40s elegance. Above all, this season’s theme emphasizes taking chances with your personal style – so how can you use this knowledge to find the perfect leather accessories for the women in your life?

Before going out, every woman needs the perfect purse or bag. Stripes and bold patterns are in this season, so check out leather looks that complement those styles. From small purses with leather engraved embellishments in floral designs to those with grommets and other industrial details, there’s a wide range of styles available to help show off your sense of style and self. From zany puzzle designs from Spanish designer Lecerf to the turn-lock looks we love from Dominque there are enough options to let any lady personalize her look.

 

 

 

To stay cozy during winter months, follow this year’s trend toward androgyny and pick up a pair of Wombat Australian Sheepskin slippers. This unisex footwear piece will keep your toes and feet warm in a ski chalet, in front of the fireplace, or just padding around your home on a Sunday morning.

 

But of course, the real investment for any woman this winter will be the leather bag she chooses to add to her collection. From cross body bags to designer briefcases, business bags, iPad bags and more, leather is the perfect material to choose for a long-lasting accessory. Brands like Prime Hide offer brightly-colored pieces that compliment this season’s color trends reds, blues, blacks and browns in their color palate.
 

 

This season, there’s been a surge of interest in so-called “heritage” designers like Burberry Prorsum, Jaegar London and Mulberry. In response, designers like Ashwood, Chiarugi, Dominique, Fossil, Giudi, Kenneth Brownne and more have come up with ways to highlight these collections through leather – the most classic of materials – used in bags and accessories. 

If you’re still putting your wardrobe together for this autumn and have realized that there’s a gaping hole where leather accessories ought to be, check out the great styles and deals on Just4leather before you hit the high street. You won’t be disappointed by what we have to offer.

For great suggestions on how you can style your looks with leather accessories this season, check out some of our great tips.

What to wear with the latest autumn/winter 2011 fashion trends

The Hottest Autumn Accessories

Leather Accessories - Putting Together the Perfect Women's Wardrobe
 

 

Leather accessories are an integral part of every well-dressed woman's wardrobe. Leather is versatile enough to be used for hats, belts, bags, jackets and more. The essential basic pieces for most women are shoes, boots, purses and handbags.

Shoes and boots should be made of real leather. Leather is breathable and flexible, unlike many synthetic "leather-like" products. Quality leather footwear will last a long while if given proper care. Basic colours such as black, brown and tan will coordinate with all your clothes. Make basic colours more exciting by choosing a textured leather or even a great pair of sheepskin boots.

A handbag should be of high-quality leather and will last for many seasons. Consider all the things you need to carry, then plan to buy bags that have the compartments, pockets, and space you need. Choose a wallet or small purse for carrying cash, keys and cards. A larger purse can also hold cosmetics, a notebook, cell phone and other everyday essentials. While a purse should complement your shoes, it is not necessary for shoes and bag to match.

 

 

You might even choose one absolutely beautiful bag in your favourite colour and carry it with almost all your ensembles. Leather can be dyed in a wide variety of fashion colours, so consider a blue or red leather purse if those colours go well with your clothing.

For an overnight or weekend trip, a handsome leather holdall bag will fit in an airplane luggage bin and still hold what you need. If you must carry important papers about, a messenger bag is a good solution for carrying files and documents from home to office to meeting place. Or what about a leather backpack in beautiful leather are a stylish and modern alternative to the traditional handbag, and are healthier for back and shoulders and backpacks are the must have fashion accessories this season - in some funky colours from Black to tan, red and even green..!!

 

 

When thinking of hats, one might not think of leather; however, leather makes a lovely casual hat. At Just4eather we have a fine selection of leather hats from Australia and South Africa. Each of these hats is a conversation piece and might become an essential part of your weekend casual wardrobe.

Leather is practical and beautiful. Buy quality pieces for your wardrobe and always look well turned out.

 

Autumn’s leather accessories for men may finally put to rest the long-running debate over whether the manbag is, in fact, manly enough. With more and more men accepting it, it seems that the manbag is here to stay, which is not at all surprising. After all, modern men have to have somewhere to carry phones, iPad, keys, wallets and all the other assorted paraphernalia that have become standard daily gear. Additionally, the sturdy strap on the Prime Hide  crossbody manbag makes it easy to carry while keeping hands free for talking, texting or using the iPad.



Yet, if you remain unconvinced, myriad other leather accessories are joining the manbag this season, making fairly certain that virtually every man will find a bag that will become a favourite. Large or small, there is sure to be a bag for every man. Of course, we offer them all here at Just4leather....!!



The clutch, for instance, may just pick up the debate where the manbag left off. Smaller and with a single strap meant to be worn around the wrist, its resemblance to a woman’s purse was rather unmistakable as models in designer suits walked the autumn fashion runways with clutches in hand. Yet, their utility is undeniable.

Here at Just4Leather, the Hansson Texas Collection offers handsome clutches that complement a suit equally as well as a casual jumper and slacks. Crafted of fine bull hide leather, in black or brown, these clutch bags contain pockets that keep items organized while their good looks provide a modern, yet genteel image. This bag is for the man who likes being on the cutting edge of fashion.



On the other hand, if you cannot fathom yourself carry a diminutive clutch, perhaps the workbag is more in keeping with your style. Its appearance being at once elegant and professional, this capacious bag is perfect for carrying all your electronic gadgets along with business documents and other professional items. The handles, as opposed to a strap, lend it the look of the classic attaché case with contemporary style. If a suit and tie are your work uniform, this may just be the bag for you.


Of course, a leather travel bag offers a sophisticated option. In form much like the original canvas duffel, this travel bag is an urbane carryall for the gym or for travel. Its durability and classic craftsmanship enable this bag to last for decades. Indeed, it might easily become the must-have bag of the season for every man. Check out the latest Duffel from Ashwood - made from lovey soft textured leather - a very stylish option indeed...



What ever your choice - from Manbag, clutch, workbag or travel bag — there are some great styles this autumn at Just4leather  - choose the perfect bag to suit your personality ......

Ever thought that yellow and orange were just for spring and summer? Think again. The latest autumn/winter collection from D&G is bursting with bright sunshine colours.



[Images: Vogue]

If dressing from head to toe in yellow or orange is a bit too extreme for your taste, however, why not get the high-fashion designer look by carrying a yellow or orange handbag or purse?



This Miranda satchel from CcHa of London (£125) is a great nod to the vibrant yellow D&G catwalk creations as well as being one of 2011's hottest handbag styles. It's a practical yet stylish bag that will see you many different occasions.


There's no reason why your laptop bag shouldn't make a fashion statement too. This luxury orange leather business bag from Kenneth Brownne (£108) fits this upcoming season's trends perfectly and allows you to look fashionable even in businesswear.



This large yellow purse from the Anna & Robert rainbow collection (£36.99) is ideal for adding a bit of sunshine to your life. It is made from luxury Spanish leather and is a durable and functional purse, great for everyday use.



Again this luxury orange leather purse by Nuvola Pelle (£32.99) is a practical everyday purse that is bound to lift your spirits with its fun and vibrant colour.

Don't forget to browse are full ranges of stylish ladies' bags and purses.

With summer winding to a close, it will soon be time to trade the woven totes for soft, yet structured, leather handbags. From London to Paris, Milan to New York, ladies leather handbags made a strong appearance at nearly every Autumn/Winter 2011 fashion show around the world. With its casual, comfy, homey vibe, leather bags are one of the biggest fashion trends of the season.

This year, designers have been inspired by all things retro, particularly silhouettes, textures and textiles from the 1960s and ‘70s. A retro chic leather bag will look amazing with a pair of high-waist, flared trousers topped with a brightly coloured floral blouse. Polish off the look with a fitted trench coat, floppy hat and leather knee-high boots.

Clutch Purse
From Hilary Duff to Ashlee Simpson to Mary Kate Olson, the oversized envelope clutch is hot with young Hollywood starlets right now. This mini purse is the perfect accessory for when you need to step out with only a wallet, keys and makeup kit. Made from high quality hide leather, this marbleized clutch from Prime Hide features a trendy gold magnetic closing on the front flap, which conceals a spacious top section of three open compartments and one zippered pouch. A soft, detachable leather wrist strap allows you to keep this clutch nearby at all times.



Cross Body Bag
Despite designer’s new fascination with the little purse, oversized bags have really stolen the spotlight. With the long shoulder strap worn casually slung across the torso, and the handbag resting below the hip, the cross body bag is just right for highlighting high-waist pants. Look for an earth-tone leather handbag with rounded corners if you plan to take it along to the office, while a shiny patent leather purse in a bold colour will look great on a date night.



Business Bag
Designer business bags make a striking impression in your professional life. This stylish tote from Kenneth Brownne will give high-waist pants a sophisticated elegance that makes them appropriate for the workplace. A high-quality bag is essential to enrich the look of an outfit. Try this richly dyed burgundy Italian hide leather business bag, which is accented with a silver twisting lock clasp, detailed stitching and double loop handles. When you are commuting on the train or bus, attach the skinny shoulder strap, which is adjustable for a perfect fit, to the secured silver rings, then remove the strap to transition to a night out.

Warm, Burnt Colours
The most noticeable shift from summer to autumn will be in the colour palette. While the spring/summer collections popped with bold, cool colours, autumn trends turn toward warmer, burnt tones. So, aqua turns navy, beige becomes chocolate and lavender morphs into eggplant, like this elegant purple hide leather purse from Prime Hide Leather UK. The designer ladies purse is outfitted with a popper opening and two additional expanding poppers that make room for more than 20 cards slots, note holders and pouch pockets. The roomy purse also includes a quick-access zippered pouch.




The purse will also look great with this season’s hottest colours – yellow, orange and ochre, which are prominent in both menswear and women’s fashion. The preview runways were filled with contrasting bright colours, although black added a nice balance to the loud tones.

Rich, Natural Textures
Crumpled, distressed and grainy textures will make a strong appearance this autumn. Natural fibers, such as cotton and leather, also played an unmistakable role in the Paris and Milan shows, both for men and women. Expect these earthy textiles to be incorporated into everything from trousers and shoes to bags and jackets.



You can accent this rich look with a super chic cross body bag from Giudi’s Autumn 2011 line or with a classic leather bush hat. Around since the mid-17th century, this large brim hat was particularly popular with military men. This timeless hat is especially popular in Australia, where it is revered as a national symbol, and Africa, where it is a worn on safari. The trendy braided band is removable due to the side poppers on either side.




Playful Patterns
Although they debuted this summer, the Autumn 2011 Collections are filled with playful patterns, such as plaids, polka dots, retro stripes and animal prints. Plaid, especially, receives a sophisticated, elegant update in men’s and women’s designs, like this distressed leather messenger bag from Ashwood. The black, tan and red checked pattern is inconspicuously hidden behind a full flap opening, while the roomy bag offers a small zippered pouch and a mobile pouch. The bag is also accented with a trendy striped fabric strap and contrasting stitching.





For something that shows off your lighthearted side, try Lecerf’s puzzle design purse. Made from soft Spanish leather, the unique puzzle purse features a back zippered pocket and a popper opening that reveals ample room to hold all your cards, coins and notes.