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
