Easy to get carried away by this season's manly creations

For the past couple of years, I have been telling myself to stop looking at bags for the very simple reason that I hoard them. A few years ago I would buy a new bag almost every month and lug it around everywhere no matter how heavy or cumbersome it was. Now I have a closet full of bags that I hardly use beckoning to be carried in my arms again.

But despite my seasonal pronouncements that I will no longer buy bags (and I say that with real conviction), I still find myself lingering at the lust-inducing displays at Bottega Veneta. I am unable to resist the call and smell of supple leather, especially if it's an exotic skin. I am always left with a hole in my wallet whenever I get too close to a Bottega Veneta store.

Before the autumn deliveries started arriving, I once again reminded myself to forget about bags. But old habits die hard and my palms are getting sweaty just thinking of the new unstructured leather briefcase from Bottega Veneta (5). It comes in a rich moss green colour, which hits the military trend spot on. The handles feature a hint of that iconic intrecciato (weaving) technique the Italian house is known for. There is also a shoulder strap if you're looking for a more 'manly' way of carrying it. I figure I could wear it with my old khakis from Prada or a camel blazer from Dolce & Gabbana and still carry off the military look. It will be more cost-effective than buying an army-inspired coat from Burberry Prorsum. They say the mark of a real addict is using any justification to indulge in their addiction. Is that what I just did?

The great thing about this season's bags is that they are stripped clean of superfluous details such as hardware, unnecessary pockets, and even logos. Autumn's bags are more about the quality of the material, craftsmanship, and function. Even Louis Vuitton is pushing a man's bag that is free of its ubiquitous monogram. Its must-have bag this season, the Shako Sac Voyage, is solid and simple. It's a bag that relays the message that the carrier is a no-nonsense kind of guy. It is in the shape of a duffel bag and made from a combination of chocolate brown leather for the piping and handles, and grey cotton canvas for the body with a very discreet V near where the opening zipper is. This bag has all the hallmarks of becoming a true classic.

Even Gucci is showing bags that don't possess the double G logo. I especially like the suede satchel in chocolate brown with canvas racing stripes on the bottom (1). The bag has a retro feel to it, as if you found it in your grandfather's attic. It would go great with all the camel looks this season.

Hermes, the master of discreet luxury, has a handsome carry-all in brown calfskin suede and leather handles (2). The bag is weightless and will become even more handsome with age.