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How do I care for my canvas bag?

When you buy a canvas bag, you probably have durability and versatility in mind. What you may not consider is how to clean the handbag when it gets soiled or stained. Most canvas bags are treated with a stain resistant spray or fabric guard coating. However, stains do happen, and after carrying your bag for a few months, soil from everyday wear will also appear. To get rid of accumulated soil, use a damp white cloth to gently rub the soiled area. Use a white cloth to be sure that no dyes come off onto your handbag. When the area dries, check for remaining soil and repeat if necessary. Stay away from detergents and other treatments unless water alone won't do the trick. For spot stains, try the damp white cloth method first. If this fails, use a small amount of mild detergent, such as Woolite or even a mild shampoo, to create a soapy area on the white cloth. Dab the canvas bag with this only in an inconspicuous area first. You want to test the color-fastness of the purse material. If all is well when the fabric dries, then use the detergent mixture on the stain.

How do I clean my fabric handbag?

Fabric handbags come in endless colors, materials and patterns, so caring for them may be difficult. You might have a chintz handbag for an evening out or a silk bag for a wedding reception. Perhaps you have a floral cotton bag for summer and a wool handbag for winter. Fortunately, whatever the material, there are ways to clean a fabric purse. With some fabrics, such as cotton and wool, you may be able to spot clean most soiled areas or stains. Use a white cloth that is moistened only with water. Let the area dry and check for results; then repeat as necessary. If stains do not come out on cotton, you can try a mild detergent for hand washing or even a shampoo to treat the stain. For other fabric purses, such as silk or chintz, you will need to consult a professional. Take your handbag to a reputable dry cleaner that does their work in house. This means that they do all their cleaning on the premises rather than sending items away to be cleaned. Most of these cleaners are more reliable. Most of them also provide bag cleaning for a fee.

How do I clean my leather handbag?

There is nothing like a leather handbag to make you feel put together. However, leather has its drawbacks. Most people do not know how to properly clean a leather bag without harming it, so here are some tips: · Wipe your leather bag with a white cloth moistened with water. Be very gentle and don't scrub. This should remove any surface soiling due to everyday wear. · For stains, you can try a leather cleaner. Always test a leather cleaner on an inconspicuous area of the bag first to be sure that it doesn't remove any color or texture quality from the surface. After testing, apply the leather cleaner with a soft cloth to the stain. · You can apply a leather conditioner after cleaning to restore the luster of the leather. Some leather goods manufacturers recommend against a leather conditioner however, as they say it can eventually dry the leather. So consult with your retailer before you take this step. · Never use detergents or solvents of any kind on your leather purse. If in doubt, take it to a reputable dry cleaner in your area.

How do I care for my straw handbag?

Straw handbags are a classic style for spring and summer. If you carry a straw handbag, you know the fun you can have with this lightweight and unique material. Woven from a variety of straw materials, these handbags vary in color from cream to dark chocolate brown. They can also be painted with a solid color or hand painted with a floral or scenic design. For everyday soiling on your straw purse, you can clean it by using a damp white cloth. If your bag is painted or coated with a varnish of some kind, test the damp cloth on an inconspicuous location first, such as the bottom of the bag. Be sure that when the moisture dries, the finish is unharmed before rubbing the other surfaces of the straw handbag with the cloth. For stains, you must be careful not to rub off any paint. Dab the stain with the moist cloth method first. If this fails to take out the stain, then try a mild detergent or shampoo on the cloth. Again, test it before you use it and always make sure you rinse the detergent off the bag with a clean moistened cloth before it dries.

How do I care for my fur handbag?

The fur handbag has made a dramatic comeback. These elegant and fun purses can be used for a special evening out or even for day-to-day wear, depending on the style of the bag. But caring for these bags is a little more complicated. A handbag that is made with genuine fur will need to be dry cleaned. If you try to wash a fur bag with soap and water, you could damage it and create an uneven appearance. Look for a dry cleaner that does all cleaning on the premises rather than sending items away. This cleaner should have the expertise to care for a fur bag. If your bag is faux-fur, then you should get care instructions in the lining or on the tag of the purse. Check these instructions carefully. They may indicate dry cleaning or perhaps hand washing in a mild detergent. Spot clean with a moist white cloth.

How do I care for my suede handbag?

Suede is a form of leather that has a different texture on the surface, but it is still leather. So your suede handbag needs to be treated with the same care with which you treat your other leather accessories. To clean a suede handbag, start by brushing off any debris. You will be surprised at what comes off simply by brushing gently with a soft cloth. Most spots that appear as stains on suede are actually dirt and debris caught in the nap of the material. After brushing off any debris, you will see what soiling is left. Use a specially formulated suede cleaner to clean these areas. As always, read any instructions that came with your purse before proceeding with this step. Some suede is treated with a coating that will not react well with a suede cleaner. You will need to dry clean these purses instead of cleaning them yourself.

How do I care for my beaded handbag?

For that special evening out, a beaded handbag is just the thing to make you feel glamorous. However, beaded handbags come with special challenges as well. Cleaning and caring for these bags requires some specific effort. First, store your beaded handbag away from any dust or extreme temperatures. It is best to store it in acid-free tissue paper in your closet. This will protect the purse but also allow air to circulate that prevents mildew. When cleaning your beaded handbag, read the care instructions that came with the bag. If none are available, take the bag to a professional dry cleaner who does all cleaning on the premises. Never try to clean a beaded handbag with soap and water. This will cause the fabric beneath the beading to shrink and the beaded surface to buckle and pucker. If you lose a bead, you can either sew on the replacement yourself using the small bag of replacement beads that came with the bag or take it to a tailor or dry cleaner to do the work. Don't let these loose beads stay off too long as this could cause more fraying and bead loss on other parts of the purse.

How do I care for my leather handbag?

When you purchase a fine leather handbag, you want to protect your investment. This means that you need to do some preventative care before there is any soiling or staining on the bag. Here are some tips for leather handbag care: · Immediately after buying your leather bag, apply a leather and suede protective coating. You can buy a spray that will work well for most leathers. Of course, always ask your retailer if the bag already has this protectant applied. If not, apply it yourself and then repeat every two to three months. · Some leather goods retailers recommend using a leather conditioner on the surface of your handbag periodically. This will provide moisture to the leather and keep it supple. However, do not use saddle soap, detergents or shoe cleaner on your leather bag. · Avoid stretching out your purse in one area by not carrying heavy items on one side of the bag repeatedly. Transfer the weight of heavy items, such as your coin purse or cosmetic case, to prevent sagging in the leather.

What are the different materials in which bags are available?

Handbags are available in a range of materials like genuine leather, synthetics, fabrics, plastics as well as straws.

Leather handbags are made from calfskin, cowhide, sheepskin, lambskin, etc. Leathers undergo a variety of treatments and finishes before they are crafted into bags. Antiqued leather possesses a smooth finish; glazed leather has a polished finish; suede has a velvet-like finish; and patents have a gloss finish. Embossing on the other hand, replicates grain or other patterns on the leather surface. A Higher quality finish renders the bag with ethereal beauty.

However, a cheaper substitute for a leather handbag would be a synthetic handbag. Synthetic materials include vinyl and polyurethane, which look much like leather. The advantage of synthetic bags is that they are light weight and wipe clean. Finishing techniques like embossing and patent are also applied to these bags. The fabrics used for making handbags include cotton, burlap, canvas, corduroy, velvet, peau do soie, faille, tapestry and rug material, silk, rayon and rayon blends, metallic fur and other novelty fabrics. Straw bags are mostly made using willows and rattans, which are hand woven into bags. These bags make good summer accessories.

Why is leather a preferred handbag material?

Scoring high on both fashion and function, leather is the preferred material for making handbags since time immemorial. Because leather is sturdy and durable, can withstand regular wear and tear, and yet retain its luster and looks, leather handbags rank high on the popularity chart. Each leather bag is exclusive because no two pieces of leather are similar; this makes each piece a unique work of art. Do you know that the basic leather is made from calf, sheep, lamb, reptile and even pig skin? Although pig skin may sound awful, it makes for leather which is soft looking and durable. Some prefer lambskin for its soft feel and brilliant looks, while others prefer the more durable cowhide. Cowhide is a type of grain leather, often used for making casual bags. Before being crafted into a bag, the leather undergoes a finishing process, which produces variety in color and appearance. The finished leather may be glazed, antiqued, suede, embossed or patent, with each having its own advantage in terms of looks and function. Whichever kind of leather, as long as it is leather, you know that you are opting for a quality material, which is sure to stay with you for long. So if you dislike the idea of changing bags too often, a leather handbag is perfect for you!

How to choose a leather bag that is ideal for you?

Though trends pertaining to style and color may vary from time to time, a fine leather handbag is never out of fashion. Yet, choosing an appropriate handbag can become a daunting task, especially when one is unclear on how to strike the right deal. The subsequent tips will help you make a better choice.

Consider a bag that balances your body type; whether tall or petite, thin or plump.
If you are tall and thin, avoid buying a tiny bag as it will make you look even taller, instead, buy a larger handbag, so as to balance your height, however, avoid a very large sized bag as it will weigh you down; for longer distance trips, you can use large backpacks; bright colors and patterns are good as long as it balances your entire looks; it is no longer necessary for your handbag to fully match every other accessory.
Smaller handbags in bright colors and patterns are more apt for shorter women. If you need a bigger sized satchel, then stick to its smallest size variation in neutral color. Beige, black, and brown shall help minimize the look of the handbag. Small sized backpacks are a good bet too.
Important enough is the place where the handbag hits the body; the bag will attract attention, it is therefore advisable to avoid a bag that may hit your trouble spots.
Strap length creates a difference for those having large hips or bosom; select a handbag that hits the body away from your trouble area; longer straps are good if you have a large chest.
For those carrying some extra pounds, consider a medium sized bag with medium sized straps
As a golden rule try choosing good brands

What are faux fur handbags?

For all those animal lovers, who feel that leather is not the bag, a faux fur bag is a good bet. Faux fur is made from synthetic materials which render these bags with a stylish fur effect. As such, these handbags are animal friendly. Faux fur is an imitation fur, and hence the name - ‘faux’ (pronounced as ‘foe’) is a French word meaning fake. These bags are extremely flashy and offer a chic look. With faux fur trimmed tops, jackets and boots in vogue, it is obvious that faux fur handbags cannot be left behind. These bags are available as hobos, totes, shoulder bags and clutch purses in attractive designs and shades. Some of these bags come with leather like handles and trim. There are others featuring luxurious linings and jeweled trimmings. You will also find faux fur totes with bamboo handles. Besides, designer inspired faux fur handbags are available in attractive styles. You can look for faux fur handbags online. Besides, foe fur handbags are available in select boutiques that feature these unique accessories.

What are toile handbags?

The word toile traces its roots to the French word, toile meaning ‘cloth’ or ‘canvas’, particularly used for painting. The word has been picked up from the French phrase ‘Toile De Jouy’ meaning cloth from ‘Jouy-en-Josas’ , a town in North-central France. ‘Toile de Jouy’ refers to a recurring pattern depicting a scene done in black, red, green, magenta or blue on a white or off-white background. ‘Toile De Joy’ originated in France in the 1800s and its use continues to the modern times. Toile prints are often seen in beddings, curtains, and most importantly, in fashion accessories like handbags. Toile handbags are available as plain or quilted totes, hobos, clutches, duffels, plain or laminated diaper bags, shoulder bags, overnight bags, etc. Some of these bags are often embellished with beads. Wooden handles are in vogue these days. Toile bags are available in fashionable colors like aqua and shades of brown. Tote them to the beach or to the lunch party, toile is yours!

What are vegan handbags?

Are you an animal lover with a soft corner for handbags? If so, you will certainly avoid wearing a leather hand bag. Not to worry; now you can opt for handbags made from vegan materials. These materials are synthetic microfibers, used as alternatives to traditional leather. With these bags, you will not have to sacrifice an ounce of style. There is a wide array of options to choose from – fabric purses, vintage bags, totes, clutches, hobos, and more. Besides, vegan bags are more economic when compared to their leather counterparts. You can look for attractive designs online. Try out the vegan bags with patch works; they are sure to offer a chic look. You can carry these bags almost anywhere, from formal to casual events.

What are some unusual materials in which you might find handbags?

These days many companies are coming forward with creations that use synthetic materials like vinyl, plastic, rubber, velvet and microfibers. In fact, this is outcome of a decade-long revolution in the fashion industry towards discovering new and alternative materials that can replace leather; and therefore fight animal abuse. Companies like Coach, Prada, Gucci, Kate Spade, and Kenneth Cole have been experimenting with vinyl, rubber, plastic and microfibers for creating trendy handbags. Besides, each material has its own benefit; for instance, vinyl offers a leather look, is lighter and wipes clean; equally popular are the wash proof plastic bag wallets; velvet is soft and renders a unique sheen. Designers are extensively using such materials to make the much sought after fashion bags.

What are the latest styles in denim handbags?

If you want to add denim to your style, you do not need to rely on jeans and jackets any longer; just consider wearing denim handbags. These bags work well with almost anything - khakis, whites, blacks, bright colors, or neutral shades. Companies like Prada, Gucci, Fendi, Louis Vuitton, Coach and Dooney and Bourke have their line of denim bags. Latest styles in denim bags include totes, hobos, messengers, clutches, backpacks, shoulder bags, travel bags, duffels, and more. For those who do not mind shedding that extra buck for top of the line accessories, designer denim handbags are a good bet. You can choose from a wide array of designs ranging from leather trim and leather handles, to wooden handles, to denim straps, to bags with monograms. Exclusive styles and designs are available online.

What are animal-skin inspired handbags?

If you want to add an exotic touch to your attire, then you must consider wearing a lavish animal-skin inspired purse. Offering natural looks, these animal-skin inspired handbags are made using synthetic materials, instead of using animal skins. Also, if you like the looks of an exotic skin purse, but do not want to spend that much, then an animal-skin inspired handbag is an affordable option. Such bags are available in various designs and styles like the alligator embossed Kelly, crocodile studded satchel purse, blackened brown alligator clutch purses, and others. Each of these bags makes use of man-made foe skin. As such, the animal-skin inspired bags are creations by companies who work towards a common cause; prevent animal abuse.

What are crochet handbags?

Crochet bags are characterized by the intricate designs on their fabrics. These bags are created by knitting yarn or a strong thread into a fabric using a crochet needle. This form of fabric making was prevalent in the nineteenth century, in Europe. Today, bags of almost all shapes and sizes can be made using this technique. The color of the bag depends on the color of the thread being used. Sometimes, two or more threads in different colors can be used. This would render different parts of the bag with a unique color. Crochet bags have a touch of class and emanate a subtle feminine charm. While these bags look delicate, they are surprisingly strong. However, it is advisable not to overload these bags by placing too many items inside.

The crochet works on these bags have innovative patterns ranging from flowery designs, to sceneries, to abstract art. Sometimes these bags are further embellished with beads, buttons, and even brass hardware such as buckles and rings. Crochet bags can either be hand-held, or slung on the shoulders. While not being typically formal bags, crochet bags can be carried to casual and semi-formal occasions. Considering the attention to detail required in their creation, crochet bags are true works of art.