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designer bag

Fashion

How to look after a designer bag

4th October, 2023

Investing in a designer bag is such a special thing and given the amount of money spent, you want to keep that bag in pristine condition! I think it’s always worth the time and effort to ensure a special bag is well cared for as the quality of a designer bag generally means you will have it for years to come. If you give it the proper TLC, you’ll definitely guarantee it’s going to be around for decades. On the other hand, neglecting it will mean that you’ll likely end up with a bag that will quickly look worn out and tired.

So, how do you look after a designer bag? Here are a few things you should definitely include in your care routine.

Use the dust bag

Don’t let that dust bag just well, gather dust. It’s there for a reason. Consider the dust bag as your bag’s protective armour. When your bag is not in use, be sure to store it in the dust bag so you can protect it from dust, but also dirt, moisture, and potentially any insects. All of these things can severely damage your bag.

Stuff the inside to retain shape

Bags quickly lose shape if you just toss them in the cupboard and forget about them. To avoid your bag from becoming crushed and misshapen, stuff it with tissue paper before storing (this is why you should keep the paper that comes with it when you buy it). This will help keep its structure and avoid it from sagging when it’s not in use.

Keep bag away from direct sunlight

Don’t store your bag in direct sunlight for prolonged periods of time. The sun can be very harsh and can actually cause the leather to fade. Keep it in a cool, dark place – in the dust bag!

Don’t hang it by the handles

It’s tempting to throw a bag you use often on a door knob to keep it within easy reach but please don’t do this. Hanging a bag by its handles can cause the handles to stretch. If your bag has a metal chain or other strap, tuck it into the bag when it is being stored to avoid any discolouration or the strap being crushed or stretched.

Avoid loose items inside

Try to avoid just throwing things loosely in your bag where possible. You will leave your bag susceptible to things like leaks, ink stains, scratches and dirt when you have an assortment of belongings just moving around inside like a random pen or your keys. Invest in a bag organiser if you really want to keep the inside of your bag in pristine condition.

Don’t put it on the ground

This is a hard thing to do I know, but if your bag doesn’t have the little metal feet at the bottom try not to leave it sitting on the ground. This is the perfect way for dirt, stains and scratches to happen to expensive leather. I know it’s only at the bottom, but I’m of the frame of mind that if you’ve invested in something beautiful, it’s worth the effort to keep it that way.

Fashion

How to buy a designer bag that you’ll love for years to come

10th April, 2022
Kate Waterhouse carrying Chanel designer handbag

My Chanel bag has been with me for years and is still going strong

I’ve spoken in the past about the importance of cost per wear for me and there’s no area that I apply it more to than my handbags. I am all about quality over quantity. I will often hold out for a designer bag as I know that it will withstand everyday wear and tear as they’re so well crafted. Also, I’ll often go for classic styles so they have longevity. Case in point: I’ve had the above Chanel handbag for years and it’s still going strong.

If you’re going to splurge on a designer bag it’s important to make sure you get it right. After all you are spending not an insignificant amount of money so it’s the type of fashion purchase that needs some planning behind it first. Here are some things to consider before buying:

Think of your lifestyle 

What kind of lifestyle do you have? For me I have to carry everything from Sophia and Grace’s snacks to my phone and wallet so I need something that’s quite roomy for everyday wear. However as I do have to attend various events and race days through the year, I can opt for a smaller bag that’s more event appropriate for those occasions.

It’s crucial to tailor your bag to suit your lifestyle and needs. If it doesn’t then you’re never going to use it as often as you’d like and that’s a lot of money that’s wasted.

Consider the brand

If you’re going to have a bag that you use every single day you want a classic style. I think you can justify splurging on a bag if it’s something that can be used every single day. Everyone has their own favourites but if I was going to splurge on a designer bag I would definitely go for Céline, Balenciaga, Jil Sander or Chanel because they do classic, timeless styles.

Check out it’s extra features

Little details can mean you get double the wear out of a designer bag. For example it may seem a small detail but consider the handles on your bag. I like two handles on a bag—smaller handles so I can just carry it on my arm and a longer strap so I can carry it on my shoulder. Having the option to do both expands the use of a bag. Also some bags now come with detachable pouches that can be used to carry things like cosmetics but can be used as separately as a clutch. Win-win!

Kate Waterhouse street style designer bag Gucci

When it comes to designer bags aim for classic and timeless to ensure maximum cost per wear

Opt for simplicity

A statement bag with lots of embellishment is great but if you’re going to have just one designer bag that you’re going to carry all the time make sure to keep it quite pared back and stick to neutral colours. A subdued colour palette makes it easier to work back with your wardrobe. Minimal amounts of detailing also makes it less likely to look overly on trend. Also keep in mind that plain leather generally won’t date as easily as patent leather.

Avoid ‘it’ bags

When it comes to designer bags I like to have something that no one else has. For this very reason if there is an ‘it’ bag I tend to steer clear of it. However I might get inspired by a brand and choose something that is within that collection. If you can afford to have a new designer bag each season then definitely go for the ‘it’ bag. If however, you are buying a designer bag that’s intended to see you through season after season I’d steer clear of the bag of the moment and opt for something that’s not as common so it doesn’t date as easily.

Choose an ongoing style

I will always ask a shop assistant if they’re continuing a particular type of bag the following season because some are just one-offs and I think that can really date a bag. When choosing a bag opt for one that’s a signature style to the brand because then it is recurring every season rather than being the bag of a particular year, which everyone will know is a couple of years old.

An example of a signature style is something like Chanel’s 2.55 black quilted leather handbag or the Hermes Birkin. It’s a bag that’s done every season which means it won’t date and it’s great quality so it lasts year after year. I’ve had my Chanel bag for 10 years and I still wear it all the time so the cost per wear is great!

Tell me—what designer bag do you have your eye on?

Photography: Sophia Athas