Designer Handbag Care and Maintenance

When you buy designer bags, it's only natural to want to maintain their beauty. Here are some tips on how to keep your gorgeous bags in tip-top shape.

My 3 most favorite bags: Chanel M/L 2.55 in black caviar, Chanel small classic double flap in navy lambskin, Square Chanel in lambskin leather (slightly larger than the mini) - I'm a sucker for this type of bag size, dark bags, and Chanel classics. Both lambskin bags are 20+ years old, and I bought all of them pre-owned.

Rule 1: Good storage

Proper storage is the most important rule to follow if you want your bags to stay stunning, and it's so easy to accomplish.

1. Stuff the bag with some tissue paper or old clothing. Do NOT use plastic. This will help keep the form of the bag, AND control the moisture level inside the bag.
2. Stand the bag upright on a flat even surface.
3. Put in a dustbag. This is to protect the bag from extended exposure to sunlight, dust and moisture. If the bag is stored in a dark closet, a dustbag is less important, as moisture on the outside of the bag is an uncommon issue. If your bag doesn't have a dustbag, sub it with a cotton pillowcase; it'll serve the same purpose! 🙂

Rule 2: Stain-Proof

I like to spray my bags with Vectra. It makes the bag more stain-resistant. You only need to do about 10 pumps for an entire bag, and then wait for the solution to dry on the bag before using. The spray gives a very fine mist. It has very low to no odor and has not changed the color or darkness of any of my bags. I do NOT use this on patent leather.

Vectra 16 for clothing, bags, and shoes is also great for white and very light-colored Herve Leger clothing. Light-colored clothes are more prone to staining and a fine mist of this product seems to help.