This reversible tote by Chloe is a representation of unique design and versatility. The exterior is made of soft leather while the interior is a cotton flower lining, spacious enough to carry all your travel basics.
A Handmade leather handbag is a joy forever! Smart, chic and immensely durable, it is always wonderful to own and beautiful to look at. One of the things that are important to keep in mind is that a handmade leather handbag needs a lot of tender loving care in order to maintain its good looks through the coming years. Here are a few tips to consider in regards to the care of your handmade leather handbag:
Understanding Leather
There are a few basics to understanding leather and before you can even begin to get into how to care for your leather goods including that wonderful handmade leather satchel handbag you own, you need to understand how leather should be treated in general. Leather is tough and durable and will last a very long time, however its physical appearance can easily get scuffed and torn if treated roughly. Leather needs to be kept from drying so that it does not crack and yet it should be kept from extended contact with moisture as wet leather tends to swell and lose its shape and also attracts damaging mildew.
Care & Maintenance of your Handmade Leather Handbag
Firs and foremost your handmade leather handbag should be stored in the proper environment. This means when not in use, the ideal storage conditions should be a place that is reasonably dry and one that is well protected from dirt, the dust and moisture. Avoid storing your handmade leather handbag in a plastic bag or covering it with any kind of material that is nonporous; doing so will promote mildew growth.
Use a cloth dampened with a bit of water, to remove blood or some sort of food stain. This must be done immediately as stains that dry on leather will often leave a permanent mark. A simple dabbing off can be sufficient enough in most cases but if does not get rid of the mark then a simple natural organic bag cleaning product will do.
Use a simple blackboard chalk when wanting to remove an oil or grease stain from your handmade leather handbag or any other leather accessories you have. Sprinkle atop the stain and leave on for twenty-four hours before removing.
Polishing of all your leather goods is absolutely essential if the good looks are to be maintained. With a dampened cheesecloth, rub a good quality leather conditioning cream into your handmade leather handbag and your leather satchel handbag as well as any of your other leather accessory. This will make your leather goods stronger and last longer.
By following these simple instructions, your handmade leather handbag and other leather goods will last decades. By understanding the basics of leather and how to care for it, you can keep all your leather possessions looking as fabulous as the day you first bought them.
addthis_url = 'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.myhandbagsblog.com%2Fmy-handbags%2Fhow-to-care-for-your-handmade-leather-handbag'; addthis_title = 'How+To+Care+For+Your+Handmade+Leather+Handbag'; addthis_pub = '';
Yet again, another lucky day for all of you in the NYC area. Wednesday, April 29th head on over to Henri Bendel to meet the amazing Adriana Castro and enjoy a fabulous trunk show! Adriana will be there to greet customers and also to help customers custom make their bags. You can choose from signature styles, colors, skins; crocodile, lizard, python to name a few skins…and finishes; glazed, matte, metallic, stone wash…
And of course, if you can attend, make sure to come back and tell us all about it!
I am officially jealous of this cake. Jealous of the receiver, jealous of the people that could actually create and design this, jealous of all who helped eat it. This is indeed a cool cake. Looks like this was given as a gift for a 21st birthday. And while so many people equate lots of shots on their 21st, a designer handbag cake would have been up my ally so much more. This is a Gucci Cake complete with a Gucci Boston Bag on top of a Gucci Box. Even the little cookie would have made my day. I can not imagine the price for a cake like this, novelty enough that it would end up being totally ridiculous, but isn’t it amazing? I am now rethinking our wedding cake. Why did we go traditional when I could have had a full fledged designer handbag cake for all of our guests. My birthday is coming in September though. Instead of Gucci, I would prefer more of a Chanel or Hermes. Just sayin’. [Image via Flickr]
Marc Jacobs for Louis Vuitton payed homage to his departed friend Stephen Sprouse, who passed in 2004, with the release of the limited edition (yeah it totally glows in the dark!) Graffiti line which made it’s big splash at Vuitton boutiques worldwide at the beginning of this year. The line features the classic Louis Vuitton design that has been revised in the fluorescent Monogram Graffiti canvas inspired by late American artist Stephen Sprouse.
The Bags Basics: The Louis Vuitton signature monogram canvas material is designed in the new fluorescent neon colored graffiti. This bag also features natural cowhide leather, which darkens over time into that lovely aged golden color, and is accessorized with the traditional shiny golden brass hardware, and the zip top closure with padlock. The spacious interior is dressed in fine textile lining with an interior patch pocket, ideal for your cellphone. Measurements of the 30 Speedy are 11.8″ Length x 8.3″ Height. The size is really amazing, it’s perfect size for your daily mission. To give you an idea of what you can stuff in a 30, check out what fellow blogger Marissa can fit in her Louis Vuitton Multicolore Speedy 30.
A celebrity favorite: “Queen of Pop” Madonna recently picked up the Sunset Orange. Paris the Heiress has been spotted everywhere around town with her Fuchsia. English supermodel, Agyness Deyn just added the neon green to her collection.
Now for the price. You can find the Louis Vuitton Speedy Graffiti, along with all the other Louis Vuitton products over at eLuxury. The Graffiti Speedy retails for $1,180. Plus don’t forget to pick up a black light!
If on the otherhand you’re looking for the real “original” Stephen Sprouse vintage Limited Edition piece, which the newer neon graffiti’s are inspired after, check out ebay. Of course remember to get it authenticated first. Right now there are two pieces available in “excellent condition” from highly rated “Power Sellers” and “My Poupette” recommended LV resellers
lvlady99 (4576 with 100%) has one with a buy it now of $1,499. Check it out pictured above.
and nepherisis (1255 with 100%) has one with a buy it now of $1,300
The Chat: Graffiti Speedy
As I have mentioned before, I love surprises, yet I have a very hard time keeping secrets to myself. (Remember the Linea Pelle giveaway teaser?) Well, this past weekend I traveled up to DC and surprised a group of my friends. The looks on their faces were priceless. Now, flying to DC from South Florida this time of year, there is a good chance the weather is pretty similar. DC, like South Florida, was gorgeous last weekend. I had a great, bright, handbag to tote with me, but I couldn’t help but think about how I wishes I brought along a bright, bold clutch.
When I saw the Marni Violet Suede Frame Bag, initially I thought this bag would fit what I was looking for. You can carry it by the handle, or use the foldover to its fullest and carry the bag as a clutch. I am a huge fan of suede, but is suede a bad idea in the heat? I would hate to have a lovely adult beverage in hand then go to pick up this bag only to have the suede bleed on my hand. Gross! So, perhaps it wouldn’t be the bag of choice while outside, but it certainly would be gorgeous in hand as you check out a show. The push lock closure and pleating help give a little bit of structure to the otherwise slouchy-esque bag. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $1090.
Starting today, Tuesday April 23rd at 9: am PST / noon if you’re on the East Coast Gilt Groupe is throwing a huge designer handbag sample sale.
The theme: “Fabulous Gifts for Mom” but of course you can indulge in this sale as well.
The designers:
Cole Haan Accessories
Donna Karan
Gryson
Kara Ross
Lambertson Truex
Lauren Merkin
Lorelei
Stephanie Johnson
Tory Burch
Oh, how I wish the Salvatore Ferragamo Gathered Shoulder Bag came in a different color. I can’t do tan, it wouldn’t go with anything that I wear, but the bag itself is just SO beautiful. The gently gathered folds of soft, smooth leather look so completely touchable and drool-worthy that I may consider trying to find an outfit that this bag would go with. And then I would wear that outfit until the end of time, just so I could wear this bag every day.
Because not only does it look absolutely luxurious and beautiful, but it also seems like it would be a functional, useful bag to have that would wear well and become softer and more supple with time. An awesome, soft bag that will stand the test of time and might actually improve…how could you got wrong? If brown is a neutral you find yourself reaching for often, then definitely consider adding this bag to your wardrobe. Buy through Saks for $1490.
As most of you know, we are rounding out a fabulous month of Linea Pelle giveaways. Each week, a new bag, a new look, a new chance to win. And today, Creative Director Andrew Cotton provides a guest post and some fun insight into what’s new with Linea Pelle. (Oh, and don’t forget to register for this week’s giveaway, if you haven’t already!) Enjoy!
Show everyone how all that working out this winter paid off from your buff arms in a hot new tank to your toned calves in a sexy pair of heels. Treat yourself to a spray tan for a healthy glow! OR grab a tube of Clarins or even Jergen’s Glow. Either way please swear off all those dangerous uva/uvb rays! Promise me!
This season, you’ll want to start sporting new fresh looks for Spring going in to Summer, so grab your flirty skirts & comfortable tanks & tees and of course your favorite new Linea Pelle Dylan, Alyssa or Janis handbag & start workin it! You don’t have to spend a fortune to update your look!
Grab a hot new handbag, pull your hair back (or get those curls professionally straightened!) and strut your stuff! Throw on some studded bracelets to mix with your jewelry. Toss on cozy lightweight cashmere and think clean, chic, simple. Whatever you do, keep it comfortable! Go for layers, a little leather here, zipper details there, graphic stripes or prints, mix it up! Your favorite jeans & a new kick ass pair of heels & remember color! color! color! Honestly you can’t really go wrong, it’s all good! Be bold, be beautiful, be yourself! I’m on my way to New York to tape an EXTRA! Segment, be on the lookout. (And no, Mario Lopez & his 12 pack of abdomens will not be there.)
Then, there’s also a great PR event w/editors from all the best mags, like Elle, Bazaar, Vogue, Marie Claire, Town & Country, Lucky, Self, People Style Watch, Teen Vogue, O!, MTV, Inside Edition and more, to show all the new Fall 2009 Collections of Dylan & Jacklin and other hot new styles coming for Fall and Resort, so wish me luck & see you soon!
