Going shopping

• You actually only need a bag for every day, evenings, occasions and weekends. Think about that and when you last went through your bag collection.
•  Invest in a good leather bag in a classic colour that suits you and your clothes, and it will last for years.
• Don’t spend a fortune on fashionable bags that’ll only last for one or two seasons.
• Shop around – you don’t have to buy the first bag you see.
• Keep your eye on second hand and vintage stores as they usually sell gently worn designer bags that you can get for a steal.
• Buy bags with a zip and check if the compartments fit your belongings.
• Test the bag – is it comfortable to carry?
• If you’re buying an evening bag, go for a satin or velvet clutch.

How to care for your bags

• Don’t dry a wet bag with a hairdryer or put it next to the heater; rather stuff it with tissue paper and keep it in a dark, aerated cupboard.
• If you get grease marks on a leather bag, lighter fluid should get them out.
• Give your leather bags some shine with a spray of furniture polish.
• Use a little hairspray on pen marks and then simply wipe it away; and carry pens with lids in your bags.
• Your delicate bags should be given to professionals to clean.
• Remove small stains on suede bags using a hard rubber in circular motions.
• Most dry cleaners stock maintenance and cleaning products for bags.
• Store your bags upright on a shelf and preferably in dust bags.
• To clean a faux leather bag, mix a little water with dishwashing liquid and gently wipe with a microfibre cloth. Leave to air dry completely.
• Never put a synthetic – or leather bag – into the washing machine.

* Source: The Goddess Guide