I just wrote in another post about the trends that always seem to resurface each year for the fall/winter season. One of those trends is perfect for the holiday season, but may be limited to a very narrow window of time. I’m talking about sequins! They can be a lot of fun! But you also have to be careful because you don’t want to look like a disco ball disaster either. That is the trick with most trends though, finding a good middle ground. That is why I am loving the Maison Scotch Sequin Shopper!
Why is this sequined tote so awesome? Well, for starters, it is made of super soft lambskin leather rather than thin and flimsy fabric. The sequins are two-tone, black on one side and silver on the other. This creates a great texture, whichever way the sequins happen to be flipped. Also notice that the sequins are only adorning the front side of the bag. While that may sound “cheap” at first, it is actually a really good idea.
Pictured Above: Versace Mini Quilted Patent Leather Satchel
I love patent leather handbags. In fact, I would say I’m pretty much obsessed with patent leather. Something about patent leather is just so edgy, but yet sexy to me. Regular leather can be so boring sometimes, and I see patent leather as the “more” fun version of leather.
What really catches my eye about patent leather is the shininess of it. I always thought regular leather can be so dull looking, then you have patent leather that has that shiny sparkle to it.
I currently have two patent leather handbags, that I take very good care of. I will admit though, patent leather is really high maintenance.
The best way to take care of a patent leather handbag, is to simply not use them as everyday bag. I say this for two reasons: Patent Leather loses it shine after a while when used everyday and it also scratches very easily. One little scratch on the leather and it’s there forever. If you aren’t the type of person that is extra careful with your handbags, then it’s probably not in your best interest to get a patent leather handbag.
On the other hand, patent leather is very easy to clean. If you ever spill soda, or get food on the bag you can easily clean it! Soda or food would normally stain a canvas or light leather handbag. With patent leather, you can easily clean the leather with a wash cloth, water, and some soap.
Patent leather has it’s pro’s and con’s, but it looks amazing on a handbag. If you don’t have a patent leather handbag I suggest buying one and I promise you’ll never regret it!
The Chat: patent tips!
August 4, 2008
post written by Bag Bliss blogger: Alicia
A Review on Kiwi Leather Lotion
One of the best parts of designer handbags and accessories is the luxurious leathers they come in. And of course with high quality leather, comes high maitenance. But the good news is that there are plenty of great leather products out there that will help prevent any damage to your bags, including Kiwi Leather Lotion. For specific product information, here is the official description of what this formula is all about:
KIWI Leather Lotion is formulated to gently clean as it replenishes the oils for all finished leathers. After use, KIWI Leather Lotion leaves behind a soft lustre. KIWI Leather Lotion keeps leather articles looking new longer, and helps prevent leather from dying and cracking.
So, does Kiwi’s product really live up to what it says? Well, the other day I picked up a bottle from my local Wal-Mart. I decided that I would give it a try on the cow hide of my LV Speedy, with the intention of conditioning and darkening the leather handles and trim. At first I was a bit nervous to try it because there is no going back if it were to mess up my bag. With that said, I decided to test a spot on the inside of my bag because it really wouldn’t matter if something “went wrong” since no one sees the interior. I put a small drop on a peper towel, and worked it gently into the leather. The tester came out so well, that I felt confident enough to do ALL of the leather. So I did.
And what were the results? The leather is amazing after using this. It darkened to a nice honey shade, and any little cracks or wrinkles are completely hydrated now. I was able to acheive what I wanted, which was a darker patina and conditioned leather. And I couldn’t be more satisfied with this product. I am even going to use it on my other leather bags because I know they will turn out great!
Find Kiwi Leather Lotion at Kiwicare.com or at your local Wal-Mart.
[ Continue the chat in The Bag Forum: A Review on Kiwi Leather Lotion ]
May 6, 2008
post written by Bag Bliss blogger: Alicia
Wilsons Leather & Suede Protector
Along with the excitement after purchasing a brand spankin’ new designer bag comes worry and the fear of getting it dirty, especially when you’ve spent a bundle. And although we should just use our bags and enjoy them without carrying those anxieties on dirtying them, many of us just can’t. So our beautiful bags end up staying in their boxes and dustbags unable to come out and play.
Well, recently I purchased the Louis Vuitton Lockit Horizontal. As soon as I got it, I was so worried about all of that white vachetta because there is a lot of it! And what especially stressed me out was the leather bottom. My first thought was “how in the world am I going to keep all of that leather clean???” I mean, after spending all of that money there was no way I was going to let dirt, stains, and water get on the surface of the delicate vachetta scattered all over my new baby.’
So, I finally decided to try Wilsons Leather and Suede Protector, after hearing about it from tBFer and blogger, Deysa. Anyways, I bought the biggest can they had for 10 bucks at my local Wilsons store. The employee at the store told me to spray it twice with 20 minutes in between each spray. And he said that would be good for about 6 months. So I followed through with exactly what he said. The end result left me amazed. I sprayed my bag a lot and the vachetta turned dark for about 5 seconds and it dried so quickly back to its original white-looking state. And the other night, I brought my Lockit out for the first time and I accidentally got a few drops of water on the handles. But there were no water marks to be found!!! I am totally impressed with this product and for $10, its worth every penny! So there is no need to worry anymore with Wilsons Leather & Suede Protector.
See it here: Wilsons Leather & Suede Protector
April 27, 2008
post written by Bag Bliss blogger: BrS
Apple Gardé Rain and Stain Repellent
It’s raining, it’s pouring, the old man is snoring…
So ladies, have you been experiencing some April showers lately? I sure have! In fact, it has been raining all day today. And this is the 4th time in the past 2 weeks. What I hate most is that these aren’t just quick-passing showers. It will rain for hours on end! Oh my poor bag! I don’t want you to get all wet!
But wait, there is still more bad news. Just because April is coming to a close doesn’t mean we aren’t going to be having any more rainy days. Nope, summer is coming soon and we have all those summer thunderstorms to look forward to too! And since water can be a handbag’s number one enemy, we need to find some way to keep our bags out of harms way when an unforeseen downpour strikes. Now I have heard of some people carrying a plastic bag with them to put their handbag in if they are caught outside in the rain. But this seems so inconvenient to me… not to mention it would look awfully silly!
So what is my suggestion then, you ask? Well it just so happens that I stumbled across this product from Apple Gardé called the Rain and Stain Repellent. It can be used to protect all kinds of leather including suede and nubuck. It says that it is also safe for use on fabrics and exotic skins. However, there is no information about whether this is a safe product for naked leathers (perhaps you ladies can give me some feedback about this if you’ve ever tried it on your vachetta) so I’m not going to give it the go ahead on that quite yet. I hear though that this is a great product for Balenciaga bags.
So breath a little easier girls! No longer will you have to fear a passing thunderstorm because this product will protect your bag from dreadful water spots! You can find it here: LeatherStuff.com. It’s only $7 for a 5.5 oz can!
March 23, 2008
post written by Bag Bliss blogger: Deysa
Hollywood Purse Hooks
How annoying is it when you go to a restaurant and you have no other option but to place your handbag on your lap or on the floor because there are no available seats next to you? It’s even more aggravating when you know that the floors are dirty, or when dining out, you jeopardize spilling food on your little one. I’m pretty sure it’s a problem that most of us bagnistas have experienced. Well guess what I recently discovered? Meet Hollywood Purse Hooks, the answer to this common dilemma!
Hollywood Purse Hooks is an As Seen On TV product, (oh how those infomercials talk the consumer into buying their product). As I watched their presentation on TV, (and as a person with this constant problem), I knew I had to purchase this item, and oh now handy it has come! This product comes with two purse hooks (a silver plated hook and a gold plated hook) adorned with a large gemstone for decorative purposes. A navy blue velvet carrying case is also included. Each hook is capable of holding up to 35lbs. of weight, and can also be used to hold clothes, umbrellas, belts and more. If you’re interested in the Hollywood Purse Hooks, you can BIN or Bid on them here: eBay
March 17, 2008
post written by Bag Bliss blogger: BrS
Great Handbag Care Product: Lovin My Bags Antibacterial Leather Cleaner
The other day, I came across this interesting article over at Health Desk. The article was about the bottoms of our handbags and how they can threaten our health. Yep, turns out our handbags are very dirty… dirtier than we could probably ever imagine. Now I am not one of those people that sits my handbag on the floor next to the toilet in a public restroom, but I have seen many women that do. Yuck! I get queasy just thinking about it. However, I have been know to set my bag down on a chair in a restaurant (or, if a chair wasn’t available, the floor of a restaurant). Well, according to this article, nearly every handbag selected for the study tested high in some sort of bacteria. The types of bacteria they found included salmonella, e. coli, pseudomonas, and staphylococcus. The researchers said that lifestyle did play a role, with people who frequented night-clubs being the dirtiest. Apparently there are a lot of gross things like vomit that a bag could unwittingly come into contact with when inside a nightclub.
So what’s a girl to do? No matter how careful we thing we are being, there is no way of knowing what our handbag is coming in contact with. Yep, for all you know some lady changed her kid’s diaper on the waiting room couch! I guess whatever you do, don’t place your handbag on your kitchen counter when you get home from a long day of shopping!
Plus, experts say it’s a good idea to wipe down your handbag on a regular basis. But why on Earth would we want to do that? After all, water is public enemy number one when it comes to us handbag fanatics!
The solution? Lovin My Bags Antibacterial Leather Lotion! It’s a non-darkening, pH-balanced leather cleaner with the added benefit of a germ fighting anti-microbial ingredient!
Check it out at: Lovin My Bags Store
Source article: Women’s Handbags High in Bacteria | Health Desk
February 27, 2008
post written by Bag Bliss blogger: BrS
Great Handbag Care Product: Lovin My Bags “For Handles Only”
Not too long ago, I came across this wonderful product from Lovin My Bags called For Handles Only. This cream is an oil inhibiting product that prevents naked leather from darkening. Now I realize that I lot of people actually like their handles to patina, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try this product. From what I have experienced, it does not completely prevent your handles from darkening. Instead, it allows them to darken much more slowly and evenly. No more yucky black spots where your fingers always grasp the handles! Definitely a must-have for anyone who loves Louis Vuitton! The only down side to this product is that it can only be used for prevention and maintenance applications. If your leather has already darkened, this product won’t be able to help you.
For Handles Only is $14.95 for a 2 oz. jar or $26.95 for a 4 oz. jar.
Other products found at Lovin My Bags include:
Luxury Cleanser (For Balenciaga)
Luxury Cleanser Plus (For untreated leathers)
Feel Soft Moisturizer
New Shine Restore
Check them all out here: Lovin My Bags
The Work Bag:
The Beach Tote:
The Weekend Bag:
The Evening Clutch:
