Check out Prada Spring 2008 collection at http://www.men.style.com.

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Check out Gucci Spring 2008 collection at http://www.men.style.com.

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She asserts that it's only fair that you play an active role looking after the baby since she's doing her part bringing home the dough too. If it's all about what's fair, then why do you have to end up carrying her diaper bag? It's time you get your own. Since this is probably gonna be your first diaper bag (woohoo!), we thought we'll help by pointing you in the right direction.

A few things to look out for when you're selecting a diaper bag:

1. The interior of the bag should be lined with a waterproof material. Never buy one that's lined with suede. If there's any spillage, the suede will stink.

2. Choose one with double handles. And make sure the handles are long enough to be slung across your shoulder.

3. Opt for one with an open top or a magnetic closure instead of a zip closure. When your baby starts bawling and your wife starts screaming, the last thing you need is to struggle to open your diaper bag.

Here are a few recommendations:

(See picture above) From left clockwise: Louis Vuitton Damier Canvas Couguar, Kate Spade Crown Twill Swiss Military Tote, Gucci Tote, Lambertson Truex Bradley Tote, Prada Large Nylon Tote.

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Alright...maybe I was making a big fuss when I said Alexander McQueen's Novak was for the faint-hearted. If we're really talking about bags that are pushing the envelope of men's fashion, we should be talking about DRESSCAMP from Japan. DRESSCAMPY creations are visually stunning. People who see you in it will be visually stunned too. I'm not sure if I'm ready for that.

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Clockwise from left: Bottega Veneta, Louis Vuitton, Alexander McQueen, Valentino, Bottega Veneta, Louis Vuitton, Valentino, Bottega Veneta, Paul Smith. Center: Burbury Prorsum

Pictures courtesy of Men.Style.com

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Got a copy of Esquire's latest style guide - The Big Black Book, courtesy of Hearst Magazine. Although it looks and feels like a magazine, it does live up to what it promises: a style manual for successful men. And the editorial team managed to do it succinctly and stylishly (duh!).

As it's meant to stay on your coffee table for a fairly long time rather than end up in your waste bin after one month, the style tips it offer are truly timeless. Here's what it got to say about the Wallet:

Paypal and automatic bill pay have rid the culture of the checkbook-length billfolds men used to carry in their breast pockets. The era of the hamburger-shaped lump of leather with its plastic-sleeved photo album passed the instant Nokia put a camera in a mobile phone. We live in a time of stripping away encumbrances. The surest way to preserve the line of a great suit and keep from weighing down the pockets of a great pair of trousers is with a slim wallet for the few essential cards and a money clip for the cash. Wallets are the guardians of life's essential details: driver's license, credit cards. These items need protection from the elements and from one's proclivity for misplacing them - slim, neat, leather-clad protection.

Click here to purchase The Big Black Book online.

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It's not easy for a man to get away with carrying a zipper wallet without threatening his masculinity. That's why few men carry one. And that's why few brands make them. And even among those brands that make them, even fewer make them well.

When choosing a zipper wallet, pay special attention to the zipper and the compartments. Choose a metal zipper, one that's made of brass or aluminum. Not only is it durable, it also has excellent sliding performance that allows it to negotiate the turns well. And that's very important because the last thing you want is to struggle to open your wallet.

Also, to avoid looking like you're carrying a ladies' wallet, always go for a simple design. Simple to me means that there should be no additional compartments other than the compartment that the zipper opens up to. I don't use a coin case so I always have a preference for zipper wallets that just have credit card slots.

Some of my favorite zipper wallets are:

Among the recent additions to Montblanc's leather collection is a men's zipper wallet that's already flying off the shelf. And it's really no surprise, given that this well-constructed wallet is priced attractively at $235.00.

And it's not just about the price. This zipper wallet is actually what a regular guy can imagine himself using. And let's face it. Most of us are regular guys. We may be attracted to a funky Jean Paul Gaultier or an attention-grabbing Commes des Garcon. But many of us end up paying for a wallet that we can imagine ourselves using every single day. And therein lies the appeal of the Montblanc Meisterstuck zipper wallet.

Buy the Montblanc Meisterstuck zipper wallet at Mensfolio.com for $199.00.

Bonia 8CC square zip-around wallet

Zipper wallets that are squarish tend to look more masculine and that is the appeal of this zip-around wallet by Bonia. The fullgrain calfskin also ages well over time and the brown stitching adds an interesting detail.

Buy it online for $80 at Mensfolio.com.

Bottega Veneta Ziparound Wallet

I have been raving about the ziparound wallet by Bottega Veneta in my Christmas wish list and I'm gonna rave about it again.

Bottega's trademark intrecciato is an ideal material for making a zipper wallet because the soft nappa leather reduces the rigidity caused by having a zipper round the wallet. And what better time than now to be seen carrying one of the hottest brands in the luxury market?

Buy it online for $420 at Bottega Veneta.

Mulberry Zip Round Wallet

If you're seriously concerned that your masculinity will be undermined when others spot you carrying a "ladies' wallet", you should really consider this zip round wallet by Mulberry. Its Darwin leather has such a rugged and natural feel that I can even picture a cowboy carrying this.

The wallet opens to reveal four credit card slots and a coin compartment. It is available in black or oak. I would definitely go for Oak if I were you.

Buy it online for 150 quids at Mulberry.

dunhillon Cricket Wallet With Zip

dunhillon Cricket is my favorite collection by dunhill. The signature cream double stitch is inspired by the original dunhillon cricket ball. The leather is soft and supple, and as I've mentioned earlier, is ideal for making zipper wallets.

What I find interesting is that the interior coin compartment also has a zip closure, making this an "all-zip" wallet. I like the idea but it also makes retrieving the coins more difficult than a conventional coin compartment with a snap closure.

dunhillon Cricket used to be available only in red. However in recent years dunhill has expanded the collection and it's now available in black and tan too.

Buy it online for $290 at dunhill.

Louis Vuitton Zip Wallet

The zip wallet by Louis Vuitton is fashioned in such a way that the zipper is hidden from view. Taiga isn't exactly my favorite leather by Louis Vuitton but I do like the fact that the wallet is scratch-resistant. And as with all Louis Vuitton products, this zip wallet is extremely well-made and has a very defined and masculine shape.

Buy it online for $485 at eLUXURY.

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Clockwise from left: Gucci, Mont Blanc, Porsche Design, Offermann, Tumi, Prada, Goldpfeil. Center: Valextra

Every style guru will insist that you carry only the bare essentials in your wallet because every man's wallet should be slim and sleek. Often, a money clip is suggested as a stylish alternative. Many guys who took that suggestion and ended up with a money clip found themselves fumbling with stray credit cards and IDs.

A popular hybrid is available for those who are trying to strike that fine balance between style and functionality. It's a wallet with a money clip, or in short, a money clip wallet.

A money clip wallet looks like a typical billfold wallet except that it's thinner. It's thinner because it doesn't have any bill compartment and it doesn't have any side pocket. Other than the money clip that runs through the center of the wallet, it usually has credit card slots on both sides of the wallet.

There are three things you should look out for when you're buying a money clip wallet.

1. The Money Clip

Not all money clips are made the same. Fiddle around with the money clip. Open and close the money clip a few times. It should snap open easily and more importantly the grip should be tight when it snaps back into position. It has a lot to do with the spring mechanism.

If this sounds like rocket science to you, bring along 15 to 20 notes with you when you're making your purchase. Try out the money clip and make sure it holds the notes in place. The notes should be secured tightly if it's a good money clip.

Also check to see if the money clip is fixed to the wallet or if it's detachable. Always go for one with a non-detachable money clip. You'll feel a lot more secure.

2. The Leather

With a metal clip as the spine of the wallet, a money clip wallet is understandably stiffer than a typical billfold wallet. That's why it's a good idea to choose one made of leather that's soft and supple.

3. The Size

A money clip wallet is meant to be slim and sleek so it's usually smaller than a regular wallet. Some are designed specially for U.S. dollars, such as the one by Mont Blanc, and bills such as the euro may be too big for your wallet. So make sure you get one that fits the currency you use.

Remember, you'll only look stylish if you carry the right money clip wallet. You wouldn't want to be fumbling with your notes because of a lousy money clip. You wouldn't want your notes to be sticking out because your money clip wallet is too small. So make your choice wisely.

Click here to view our selection of Money Clip Wallets.

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Quite a few friends, mostly female, have asked me why most men's wallets do not have a compartment for coins when it's so common to find one in a ladies' wallet. They made this observation when they're choosing a wallet as a gift for a guy.

The reason is simple: Coins make a wallet bulky. And unlike women, we don't carry a handbag wherever we go. Since we don't have a handbag to keep our wallet, we usually tuck it in the front pocket of our shirt or the front/back pocket of our pants.

If the wallet's too bulky, we'll have a hard time trying to put it into our pockets. And it's a nightmare trying to take it out. It's especially embarassing when I'm trying to beat my friend to pay for drinks or dinner. I'll be shouting "Let me! Let me!" while I'm fumbling to extract my stuffed wallet from my back pocket. (And mine isn't filled with coins. It's simply stuffed with lots of receipts).

Other than making a wallet bulky, coins also make a wallet heavy. Putting a bulky and heavy wallet in the front or back pocket is just not very comfortable.

So if you're buying a wallet as a gift for a guy, go for one without a coin compartment. But if you know that he likes one with a coin compartment, there's still a decent selection out there.

Here's a few recommendations:

Cerruti 1881 wallet w/coin compartment
Mont Blanc lambskin wallet w/coin compartment
dunhill Sidecar Amber wallet w/coin compartment
Pierre Cardin wallet w/coin compartment

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In its May issue, GQ dictated 10 Commandments Of Style for today's man. Unsurprisingly there's one about the sin of carrying an overstuffed wallet.

Commandment #6 states: "Thou Shalt Put Your Wallet On A Diet."

Following Commandment #6 requires you to ditch your wallet (and all your receipts and other unnecessary crap in it) and buy a slim leather credit card holder for your cards and a money clip for your cash.

With all due respect, I don't think it's necessary to buy a credit card holder and a money clip. All you need to do is get a slim credit card holder with a center bill slot or get a money clip wallet with credit card slots.

Personally I prefer a slim credit card holder (I prefer calling it a skinny card case) over a money clip wallet. I've had three skinny card cases. My first was one by Braun Buffel in brown cowhide. My second was one in chestnut color ostrich skin. The current one I'm using is a gift from my friend Shirley. I use it whenever I go clubbing because I'm free of the burden of a bulky wallet.

When buying a slim card holder, you should always pick one with a center slot for your folded bills. Then it won't be necessary for you to carry a money clip at the same time. In terms of style, my heart goes to Dior Homme Black Tie card holder (see left). It's uber-cool. However the glossy leather gets scratched easily. And scratches on a slim card holder are very visible because of the small surface area.

I like the skinny card case by Lanvin (see right) because it's made from tumbled cowhide which is scratch-resistant. Also the leather is supple which is important because all the card slots tend to be very "tight" when the card holder is filled up. The only drawback is its price. At USD123, it's one of the most expensive slim card holders around. But hey, it's a Lanvin.

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If you're thinking of investing in a good wallet and are wondering where you should put your money, we have a few recommendations. These wallets that we are about to recommend are considered timeless classics, each having an interesting story behind its success.

Must de Cartier by Cartier

Well-known for its jewelry and fine watches, Cartier is one of the top luxury brands in the world and its products are associated with very, very high price tags.

1974 was the year Cartier made a comeback in the world of leather goods with the Must de Cartier line. The color burgundy, with a slight raspberry hue, was chosen as a logical continuation to the Cartier red for this must-have collection of fine leather goods. Burgundy soon became the new black.

The influential Bordeaux color, the iconic double ‘C’ logo, and the distinctive gold hardware make the Must de Cartier line a timeless classic.

But to be honest, Must de Cartier is not for the weak-hearted. Not every guy feels comfortable carrying a burgundy wallet with gold adornments.

Pocone Nylon by Prada

It was in 1978 when Miuccia Prada took over the dusty luggage business from her grandfather. Under her helm, Prada became a luxury powerhouse with far-reaching influence in the world of fashion.

The world took notice when Prada made a handbag out of black waterproof Pocone nylon. Fitted with its distinctive triangular logo plate, nylon never looked so good. Miuccia Prada single-handedly made nylon luxurious.

Of course, I’m not expecting you to carry the popular nylon handbag. Prada does make nice nylon wallets trimmed with cowhide for men. Although it’s now available in many different colors, black is always a classic.

Meisterstuck by Mont Blanc

Mont Blanc turned 100 in 2006 and there are many reasons to celebrate. The success of the legendary Meisterstuck fountain pen launched in 1924 helped Mont Blanc become the de-facto market leader of fine writing instruments.

Today, Mont Blanc is more than just a maker of fine writing instruments. The company has launched its leather goods, its fine watches, eyewear, fragrance and even jewelry.

Mont Blanc’s foray into leather goods started in 1935 when it acquired a producer of leather ware in Germany. Riding on the success of its Meisterstuck fountain pen, Mont Blanc launched the Meisterstuck leather collection.

Using black calfskin fitted with its signature “star” logo, Mont Blanc creates a masculine line of fine leather goods that is an instant hit with its predominantly male clientele.

Woven Leather by Bottega Veneta

Once a second-tier brand in the Gucci Group’s stable, Bottega Veneta has become the group’s rising star. With its ultra-exclusive and elitist appeal, Bottega Veneta is poised to become the next Hermes.

Recreating the brand’s popular woven bags from the 1970s, Bottega Veneta beats the trend of logomania with its handcrafted leather goods made from the finest napa leather.

And consistent with the brand’s slogan “When your own initials are enough”, you won’t be able to see any logo on the leather goods. But the beautifully woven leather, which ages very well with use, should be enough to announce that you’re carrying a Bottega.

Line D by S.T. Dupont

S.T. Dupont is so well known for its lighters that it’s easy for us to forget that Simon Tissot-Dupont founded the company in 1847 making leather briefcases for diplomats and businessmen.

The classic Line D collection of fine leather goods was launched in 1985 and featured the Dupont “D” logo in gold on black calfskin. In recent years, they also offer Line D fitted with the trendier palladium hardware. But whether it’s in gold or palladium, Line D still looks as timeless as ever.

Burberry Check by Burberry

When we think of Burberry, we invariably think of the red, camel, black and white check that has become synonymous with the brand. It’s hard to imagine that the Burberry Check actually has a humble beginning. It was introduced in 1920 as a lining to the iconic Burberry trench coat.

Burberry is enjoying a revival in recent years - all thanks to its creative director Christopher Bailey’s modern interpretation of the classic check, CEO Rose Marie Bravo’s dynamism, and Kate Moss’ star power. You just can’t go wrong with such rich Brit heritage.

Monogrammed Canvas by Louis Vuitton

With more than 100 years of history, Louis Vuitton monogrammed canvas must be the classic of all classics. And no matter what Louis Vuitton does to the monogrammed canvas, it still sells like hot cakes.

They splattered the canvas with graffiti. They planted red cherries on the canvas. They painstakingly sewed the motifs on denim. And they got Takeshi Murakami who reinterpreted the motif in brilliant rainbow colors. It seems like you can’t go wrong with the monogrammed canvas.

Unfortunately they don’t have a good selection of men’s wallets in monogrammed canvas so your choices are rather limited.

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If you're hunting for a wallet in New York City, you may want to read Aja Mangum's Guide to Men's Wallets for the best stores around town.

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Accessories often account for the lion's share of a luxury brand's revenue and profits. Brands such as Dior and Fendi may offer ready-to-wear, shoes, watches and even furnitures. But it's the leather goods - handbags and wallets - that account for the bulk of their revenue.

And within the leather goods category, many brands have found success creating monogram collections that strike a cord with their customers. Louis Vuitton's iconic monogrammed canvas has more than a hundred years' history. Its fiercest competitor, Gucci, has its interlocking Gs.

In this entry, we look at the different brands of monogram wallets for men.

Louis Vuitton Monogrammed Canvas

First created in 1896, Louis Vuitton's monogrammed canvas started a wave of logomania that's still very much alive today. The motif is easily recognizable which makes the wallet somewhat ostentatious for a guy. And because it's so widely copied, people may be wondering if you're carrying the real stuff.

The monogrammed canvas is lined with cross-grained leather. The wallet is very durable, scratch-resistant and water resistant. That means you don't need to take special care of your wallet. Don't go overboard by carrying matching monogrammed canvas key case or messenger bag.

Gucci GG fabric

Who would have thought that two interlocking G can look so good? Gucci's GG fabric is as popular and widely copied as Louis Vuitton's monogrammed canvas. Gucci has a wider range of men's wallets in GG fabric as compared to Louis Vuitton. LV's monogrammed canvas wallets for men are limited and tend to look rather feminine.

In terms of craftsmanship and quality, Louis Vuitton's monogrammed canvas is the clear winner. Gucci's GG fabric wallets do not last as long. And the GG fabric is not water resistant so coffee stains cannot be removed.

dunhill d-eight

I've always been a huge fan of dunhill because of its rich heritage and also because one of my favorite designers, Bill Amberg, now oversees dunhill's leather collections. Unlike Gucci, which has two interlocking Gs, dunhill d-eight has two interlocking Ds. But it hasn't quite enjoyed the same level of success as Gucci. The incredibly light canvas is trimmed with tumbled cowhide leather.

As compared to the monogrammed canvas and GG fabric, d-eight is a lot more subtle. That's dunhill. Great subtle products.

To view our selection of dunhill d-eight, click on the hyperlinks below:

dunhill d-eight key case
dunhill d-eight business card case
dunhill d-eight 8CC wallet w/coin compartment & I.D. window
dunhill d-eight 4CC wallet w/coin compartment
dunhill d-eight 6CC wallet w/2 I.D. windows
dunhill d-eight 8CC wallet

Dior Homme classic

Hedi Slimane is one of the most influential designers for menswear. With him as the creative director, Dior Homme has become one of the most sought-after luxury brands among the fashion-conscious. Dior Homme presents the iconic Dior logo in coated canvas and trimmed with black leather,

Regretably the average guy may only remember Dior as a "woman's brand" and there's a likelihood that your guy friends may tease you about carrying a girly wallet. Luckily the black Dior logo is printed on black coated canvas so it's actually quite understated. I'm a huge fan.

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Thanks to such influential designers as Hedi Slimane and Alexandre Plokhov, everybody's trying to pull off the punk rock look. A chain wallet appears to be the perfect accessory to complete the look.

Well, I must confess that I've never owned a chain wallet and probably never will. However Suzan Colón of Cargo Magazine wrote a really convincing article on how to look like a rock star with some of the best chain wallets available in the market. But they don't come cheap. Like the one in woven napa leather by Bottega Veneta (first from left) will set you back about USD740.

Read Chain Gang: This Season's Wallets Are The Missing Link Between Practicality And Style.

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A fat overstuffed wallet is a no-no for the style guy. At least that's what Glenn O'Brien at GQ says. Read 500 Pressing Fashion Dilemmas Solved.

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