Do you carry lots of stuff or just essentials? Do you mind carrying a heavy handbag or does that not bother you? Which one out of the three would be your favourite?
Showing posts with label leather. Show all posts
Showing posts with label leather. Show all posts
Thursday, November 10, 2016
Three Of a Kind
Last week I promised you a comparison between Mulberry's Roxanne, Rosemary and Blenheim. Whilst the Roxanne is quite big and a bit heavy, the Blenheim is pretty small and does not not always fit all my bits and bobs. I found the Rosemary to be a perfect size for myself - but then I am usually very happy to sit in the middle...
Do you carry lots of stuff or just essentials? Do you mind carrying a heavy handbag or does that not bother you? Which one out of the three would be your favourite?
Do you carry lots of stuff or just essentials? Do you mind carrying a heavy handbag or does that not bother you? Which one out of the three would be your favourite?
Thursday, June 30, 2016
Pretty Polly
***UPDATE***
Since publishing this post, I submitted photos for this Polly for authentication and was told that it was, in fact, fake. Now, I have owned my fair share of Mulberrys (and handled even more) and I usually can say with some degree of confidence when a bag is a fake - just by seeing pictures. I have never handled a fake Mulberry that I didn't straight away identify as such. Just goes to show: always pay by Paypal, £5 well spent and you never stop learning!
I will leave the rest of the post as is, as all the features of the bag will be exactly the same in a genuine model!
I keep coming back to the Polly Pushlock range. There is just something about the style that makes me think 'grown up chique' and 'quirky' at the same time. Besides that, the shiny grain leather is lovely and the various styles are actually really practical for different occasions.
This one is the tote in Midnight and could be a perfect work bag, if you aren't in desperate need for a long strap.
It's instantly recognisable by its quirky feature pushlock!
...so let's have a look what fits in!
The lovely people at Independent Fashion Bloggers chose my post to be featured in July 14th Links à la Mode. Please do check out some of the other fab reads below!
Since publishing this post, I submitted photos for this Polly for authentication and was told that it was, in fact, fake. Now, I have owned my fair share of Mulberrys (and handled even more) and I usually can say with some degree of confidence when a bag is a fake - just by seeing pictures. I have never handled a fake Mulberry that I didn't straight away identify as such. Just goes to show: always pay by Paypal, £5 well spent and you never stop learning!
I will leave the rest of the post as is, as all the features of the bag will be exactly the same in a genuine model!
I keep coming back to the Polly Pushlock range. There is just something about the style that makes me think 'grown up chique' and 'quirky' at the same time. Besides that, the shiny grain leather is lovely and the various styles are actually really practical for different occasions.
This one is the tote in Midnight and could be a perfect work bag, if you aren't in desperate need for a long strap.
It's instantly recognisable by its quirky feature pushlock!
...so let's have a look what fits in!
The lovely people at Independent Fashion Bloggers chose my post to be featured in July 14th Links à la Mode. Please do check out some of the other fab reads below!
- Aesthetic Distance: The Power of the Color Red
- Attire Club: The Guide to Wearing a Hawaiian Shirt
- Cat Eyes & Skinny Jeans: Currently Crushing…
- Elements of Ellis: Easy Minimalist Nail Tutorial
- Everyday Starlet: The Art of Makeup by Kevin Aucoin Review
- The Fashionista Momma: Floral Printed Skirt
- Fashionopolis: Plus Size Fashion | Alto Moda by Pantaloons
- Happy.Pretty.Sweet.: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Competing in Pageants
- Have Clothes, Will Travel: My First Crop Top
- Layers of Chic: Maxi Dress Perfection
- Les Assorties: Coverstory | Catering to the Plus Size Audience
- Life in the Fash Lane: Cream of the Crop Tops
- Ms. FABulous: Paris Perfume Workshop | How to Blend Your Own Perfume
- Sassy Ethnic Bohemian: Stripes + Red = Magic
- Style with Nihan: Print Shorts and Off the Shoulder Bodysuit
- The Sugar Ribbon: How to Style Fringe
- This Season’s Gold: On the Wedges | A Statement in Ruffled Chambray
- Trendee Toad: Confessions of a First Time Fashion Model
- We Are Ready Made: Juicy Couture
- Wish and Wear: Pretty Polly
Thursday, May 19, 2016
The Nest - Shian's Bag Spa
Ever wondered what you could do to make your bag look and feel as beautiful as possible when selling it? Shian of the legendary NaughtiPidgins Nest was kind of enough to share her secrets with us, so look no further!
Shian, what are your top tips on preparing a bag for re-sale?
"I am often asked about care and maintenance of bags and tend to refer folks over to my Leather Guide, for information on particular leather types and finishes. However, I thought it might be useful to provide some guidance on how to prepare a bag for resale, whether you are thinking of selling at the Nest or anywhere else.
When you buy a preloved bag, irrespective of how much wear its received, everyone wants it to be clean, tidy and odour free. There are just a few simple steps you can take when you a recycling your bag, to ensure that its in the best condition possible and your buyer is delighted.
Step one
Gather your tools. You'll need
Step two
Whether your bag is suede lined, self lined or fabric lined, the interior need to to be brushed out. If it has a fabric lining and can be turned out, gently pull the lining out so you can brush, making sure to turn out the corners where all the dust and bits collect. Do the same with any zip or slip pockets and make sure any hairs and fluff that often get stuck between the stitching is removed. On unlined bags or ones where the inside stays 'in' the bag, turn it upside down and brush out gently, again making sure to get right into the corners, nooks and crannies. Don't forget any hidden areas, like the base of a Bayswaters flap, where it joins the bag, as spaces like this collect bits more than anywhere!
Step three
After you've brushed, on to a really thorough cleaning of the seams and harder to reach places. For this, just wrap some cellotape, sticky side outwards, round your index finger and run it along the seams. It will pick up the last of the fluff and hairs and after renewing the cellotape several times, you'll be surprised how much debris you collect.
Step four
For lined bags, you can then wipe the material with a moistened baby wipe to remove any light marks or stains. Don't scrub as you may damage the fabric but clean as best as possible and ensure its all dry before putting the bag away. For unlined or suede lined bags, you can use a lanolin free leather wipe but again, don't scrub as the pile will be damaged and possible look worse than the stain did!
Step five
For the exterior of the bag, your cleaning technique will again be dictated by the finish. A lambskin or very fine nap leather bag will require a much gentler approach that something like Natural or Darwin and I'd always recommend using some light cotton gloves for the more delicate hides to prevent any oil or grease transfer from your hands. For quilted bags or those with intricate stitching, sequins or beads, use the soft-bristled toothbrush to gently dust the outside. Do the same with any chain and leather intertwined straps and around hardware and closures.
Step six
Then, gently wipe over the exterior of the bag with the lanolin free cleaning wipes, taking care to sweep lightly over the surface so that no areas darken or 'soak' the moisture into the hide. Patent or demi-sheen finishes will require buffing to remove any residual smears and hardware can also be buffed, taking care to ensure there are no 'bits' on your cloth that will scratch the metalware.
Step seven
For more used bags, you can sometimes improve on areas of wear and or dryness, by the use of moisturising products. Dependant on the nature of the leather and the severity of the wear, a light spritz with a Leather Shine spray and buff with a lint free cloth can bring back a lovely lustre to the hide, especially on smooth leather bags. Very dry areas such as corners, can benefit from a more intense application and a leather balm, warmed in your hands and then massaged evenly into the hide, which can help replenish some of the lost moisture and oils........ but please remember, if you are looking to 'restore' your bag prior to sale, then its best left to the professionals.
I am always happy to recommend some really good companies, so just get in touch as I'd be delighted to assist."
Toothbrush and cellotape - who would have thought?!
Thanks for reading and happy cleaning!
This post was chosen by Independent Fashion Bloggers as one featured in their Links à la Mode for that week. Do have a look at the other brilliant posts below.
Shian, what are your top tips on preparing a bag for re-sale?
"I am often asked about care and maintenance of bags and tend to refer folks over to my Leather Guide, for information on particular leather types and finishes. However, I thought it might be useful to provide some guidance on how to prepare a bag for resale, whether you are thinking of selling at the Nest or anywhere else.
When you buy a preloved bag, irrespective of how much wear its received, everyone wants it to be clean, tidy and odour free. There are just a few simple steps you can take when you a recycling your bag, to ensure that its in the best condition possible and your buyer is delighted.
Step one
Gather your tools. You'll need
- a stiff washing up brush
- a soft-bristle toothbrush
- some lanolin free leather cleaning wipes
- some baby wipes
- a duster
- cellotape
- a can of leather shine spray and
- a small pot of leather balm (I recommend Lord Sheraton)
Step two
Whether your bag is suede lined, self lined or fabric lined, the interior need to to be brushed out. If it has a fabric lining and can be turned out, gently pull the lining out so you can brush, making sure to turn out the corners where all the dust and bits collect. Do the same with any zip or slip pockets and make sure any hairs and fluff that often get stuck between the stitching is removed. On unlined bags or ones where the inside stays 'in' the bag, turn it upside down and brush out gently, again making sure to get right into the corners, nooks and crannies. Don't forget any hidden areas, like the base of a Bayswaters flap, where it joins the bag, as spaces like this collect bits more than anywhere!
Step three
After you've brushed, on to a really thorough cleaning of the seams and harder to reach places. For this, just wrap some cellotape, sticky side outwards, round your index finger and run it along the seams. It will pick up the last of the fluff and hairs and after renewing the cellotape several times, you'll be surprised how much debris you collect.
Step four
For lined bags, you can then wipe the material with a moistened baby wipe to remove any light marks or stains. Don't scrub as you may damage the fabric but clean as best as possible and ensure its all dry before putting the bag away. For unlined or suede lined bags, you can use a lanolin free leather wipe but again, don't scrub as the pile will be damaged and possible look worse than the stain did!
Step five
For the exterior of the bag, your cleaning technique will again be dictated by the finish. A lambskin or very fine nap leather bag will require a much gentler approach that something like Natural or Darwin and I'd always recommend using some light cotton gloves for the more delicate hides to prevent any oil or grease transfer from your hands. For quilted bags or those with intricate stitching, sequins or beads, use the soft-bristled toothbrush to gently dust the outside. Do the same with any chain and leather intertwined straps and around hardware and closures.
Step six
Then, gently wipe over the exterior of the bag with the lanolin free cleaning wipes, taking care to sweep lightly over the surface so that no areas darken or 'soak' the moisture into the hide. Patent or demi-sheen finishes will require buffing to remove any residual smears and hardware can also be buffed, taking care to ensure there are no 'bits' on your cloth that will scratch the metalware.
Step seven
For more used bags, you can sometimes improve on areas of wear and or dryness, by the use of moisturising products. Dependant on the nature of the leather and the severity of the wear, a light spritz with a Leather Shine spray and buff with a lint free cloth can bring back a lovely lustre to the hide, especially on smooth leather bags. Very dry areas such as corners, can benefit from a more intense application and a leather balm, warmed in your hands and then massaged evenly into the hide, which can help replenish some of the lost moisture and oils........ but please remember, if you are looking to 'restore' your bag prior to sale, then its best left to the professionals.
I am always happy to recommend some really good companies, so just get in touch as I'd be delighted to assist."
Toothbrush and cellotape - who would have thought?!
Thanks for reading and happy cleaning!
This post was chosen by Independent Fashion Bloggers as one featured in their Links à la Mode for that week. Do have a look at the other brilliant posts below.
- Aesthetic Distance: White Light, White Heat | My Creative Process
- A Glamorous Revelation: 3 Recipes Created and Cooked by Bloggers
- Al Balsam Life: Minimalism in Spring
- Attire Club: AC Mood Board | Peking Opera
- Cat Eyes & Skinny Jeans: {Beauty Board} The Scoop on Strobing
- Distinguished Diva: African Festival Athens 2016
- Elements of Ellis: Acid Wash Dress
- Everyday Starlet: The Best & Worst Foundation Brushes
- Happy.Pretty.Sweet: Awesome Printed Leggings You Need Right Now
- I’m a Norbyah: Style Minute | Culottes
- Les Assorties’: MakeFashion | Wearable Technology Meets High Fashion
- Love.Laugh.Explore: How to Vegas {For the Party Animal}
- Minnie Muse: Peonies Please
- Mis Papelicos: 10 Things You Didn’t About True “Fashionistas”
- Modavracha: Tips to Create Your Own Fashion Brand
- Ms. FABulous: Fabric Printing in Rajasthan
- MySelf Expressed: Wishlist | Dries Van Noten Dress
- Oceanblue Style: Black and White
- We Are Ready Made: Postcard From Heaven
- Wish and Wear: The Nest | Shian’s Bag Spa
Thursday, January 28, 2016
One Pouch For All
You might have figured that I like to organise the contents of my bags, which is why I'm such a big fan of Samorga inserts or the Mulberry Multizip Pouch. It doesn't always have to be that complex though and sometimes a simple zipped pouch to keep a few small bits and bobs together is all you need.
The Mulberry Mitzy Pouch is a really good size: big enough to hold more than a few coins but small enough to fit into smaller sized bags without taking up too much room.
The Mulberry Mitzy Pouch is a really good size: big enough to hold more than a few coins but small enough to fit into smaller sized bags without taking up too much room.
Thursday, December 17, 2015
How to Care For Mulberry Printed Leather
Many of you clearly know that I have a bit of a thing for Mulberry printed leather and I received lots of questions about how to maintain it. Spending a few hundred pounds on a bag means you will want to protect your investment and I totally understand how you might be nervous about this initially. Smearing a load of stuff on it can be a bit unnerving but as long as you follow Mulberry's recommendation as to which product to use, you'll be absolutely fine. If you are unsure at all, check with them!
Mulberry tend to recommend Collonil Leather Gel for cleaning and protecting the leather. You can even buy it directly from Mulberry, though at £8 for 50ml, it is fairly expensive compared to £14.90 for 230ml. I will link to all items used in my video below.
Shopping List
Collonil Leather Gel, £14.90 for 230ml with free delivery
Collonil Waterstop Spray, £6.37 with free delivery
Collonil Suede Brush, £6 with free delivery
Shoe Brush Set, £1.51 with free delivery
Mulberry tend to recommend Collonil Leather Gel for cleaning and protecting the leather. You can even buy it directly from Mulberry, though at £8 for 50ml, it is fairly expensive compared to £14.90 for 230ml. I will link to all items used in my video below.
Shopping List
Collonil Leather Gel, £14.90 for 230ml with free delivery
Collonil Waterstop Spray, £6.37 with free delivery
Collonil Suede Brush, £6 with free delivery
Shoe Brush Set, £1.51 with free delivery
Monday, December 14, 2015
Covet Monday - On The Hunt For My Nomad
As you might know, I moved from my Personal Filofax into a Field Note sized Naked Cow Fauxdori around 2 months ago. More recently than that, I changed my "system" and now loosely follow a Bullet Journal style, in which I am about to finish my first insert.
I still really like the size and it was perfect to start off as it is not only utterly portable but also completely undaunting for somebody who hasn't really written much of a diary or journal before. No big scary expanse of paper. I now think though that I'd like a larger format to house my longer term collection and also to add an insert for my to dos and work notes as I am about to start a new job. I know, I'm really just justifying acquiring a regular size cover but given that it's a big birthday soon and Mr G. wants to get me something special, I think that's quite alright?
I was dithering between the Gillio Giramondo, a Pelledori (both of which I discovered a while ago) and a Van der Spek Nomad. The fact that you can fully customize this cover finally pushed me towards the Nomad and I am now in the process of selecting a suitable leather with the help of Petra Van der Spek.
As I am such a sucker for printed leather, my hope is to find a piece of black croco. Fingers crossed and watch this space!
I still really like the size and it was perfect to start off as it is not only utterly portable but also completely undaunting for somebody who hasn't really written much of a diary or journal before. No big scary expanse of paper. I now think though that I'd like a larger format to house my longer term collection and also to add an insert for my to dos and work notes as I am about to start a new job. I know, I'm really just justifying acquiring a regular size cover but given that it's a big birthday soon and Mr G. wants to get me something special, I think that's quite alright?
I was dithering between the Gillio Giramondo, a Pelledori (both of which I discovered a while ago) and a Van der Spek Nomad. The fact that you can fully customize this cover finally pushed me towards the Nomad and I am now in the process of selecting a suitable leather with the help of Petra Van der Spek.
Thursday, October 29, 2015
Zip Up And Go
My Multizip pouch has got to be my most used Mulberry item: zips give easy access to four smaller and one bigger compartments.
I use it every day during my working week to carry pens, washi, stickers, page flags, cables, tampons, lipcream and various bits of paper. When I fly with little M, it will hold our passports, mobile phones (yes, he has an old iPhone to play on - just on flights though!), tablets, headphones and other bits and bobs.
I could go on but will instead let you watch me load it up for various occasions!
By the way, in regards to care for the leather, I just sprayed it with Collonil before I started using it and though it's not being babied, there are no stains or scrapes on it.
I use it every day during my working week to carry pens, washi, stickers, page flags, cables, tampons, lipcream and various bits of paper. When I fly with little M, it will hold our passports, mobile phones (yes, he has an old iPhone to play on - just on flights though!), tablets, headphones and other bits and bobs.
I could go on but will instead let you watch me load it up for various occasions!
By the way, in regards to care for the leather, I just sprayed it with Collonil before I started using it and though it's not being babied, there are no stains or scrapes on it.
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