Things to Consider Before Purchasing a Leather Bag
When we first see a bag, the first thing we see is...the bag. Sometimes, it's love at first sight. Or it isn't. But beyond the look is the feel, the smell, the functionality and the quality. While variety is sometimes the spice of life, when it comes to buying leather bags - it is better to have a handful of great go-to options than to have a wide assortment of essentially throwaways. So, if you still want to love your purchase after the first night, what are the things to consider before purchasing a leather bag?
Here are some important criteria we've identified in selecting a handbag:
- Intended Use
- Size
- Features
- Material
- Tanning
- Craftsmanship
- Longevity
- Design
- Portfolio
- Maintenance
- Confidence
- Value
Intended Use, Size and Features
Will your bag be used for work, play, or school? The occasion should influence whether you go for darker or lighter colors as well as flashy or more conservative style.
Will you need to carry a laptop, change of clothing or baby diapers? What you need to haul will impact the size of the bag you'll acquire.
Will you need items to be organized and easy to reach? Or do you just need a catch-all big enough to include a change of clothes, books and a water bottle? A hobo or a tote might be similar in size, but the former will have enclosures and zippers while a tote often is just one large compartment.
Material, Tanning, Craftsmanship and Longevity
The best bags are made with top grain leather and undergo vegetable tanning for their color. The leading countries for leather and style are Italy and France. Bags made in Italy are particularly noted for their meticulous craftsmanship and superb stitching. Handmade bags are sought after in comparison to machine made bags due to the finer craftsmanship. Unique artisan elements make a hand-stitched bag a little more individual. In evaluating the overall quality of a bag, carefully examine the inside lining as well as the hardware, clasps, straps, zippers and handles. The finest bags have the potential to become heirlooms. As a result, the style has to be timeless and there can be no fraying of the surface or rusting of the hardware. A bag says a lot about you - be chic and not shabby.
Design and Portfolio
When it comes to design, each girl has her own aesthetic. Classic silhouette or a fashion forward statement? Muted or vibrant color? Flat surfaced or studded? Tonal or colorful strap?
Either way, besides the individual style of a given bag, consider your overall portfolio of bags. In other words, if you already have a great crossbody bag, maybe you need a wristlet or mini bag to have a subtly elegant item for an evening affair. Once your collection is complete, across multiple categories, then it may be time to start doubling up in bag selections for the type of events you frequent the most.
Maintenance, Confidence and Value
A full grain leather bag comes from organic material. A high-quality bag will last decades with simple care. Wash off spills or foreign items as soon as reasonably possible. Moisturize your buttery soft leather handbag one to two times a year. Top quality leather bags develop their own beautiful patina as they age. Invest in a bag hook to have your bag hang in the air instead of sitting on the floor when you are at say, a restaurant or bar. Serious brands will stand behind their product and offer you a reasonable amount of time to return your bag if it hasn't been damaged due to your negligence. A guarantee allows you to buy with confidence and give you a week to a month to live with the bag to make sure the size, feel, and look match or exceed your expectations. This trial period should cement the value proposition of your bag. Expensive bags aren't always the highest quality and inexpensive bags aren't always cheap. The most expensive bags are the low-quality ones that you must replace sooner than expected.
Do not make the mistake of confusing price and quality. Price may reflect overhead costs such as large executive pay, expensive advertising campaigns, toney showrooms, or inefficient distribution chains instead of quality. The direct-to-consumer model made more likely as a result of e-commerce has certainly had an impact on the pricing structure of multiple industries. So how is a girl to decide and filter through a myriad of details? We suggest you start with trusting your own senses and instincts. Take your time to look and feel the leather bags you are considering. For an online evaluation, be aware of the return policy. Supplement your process with the wisdom of the crowd. Carefully evaluate reviews and the use cases. Is either the reputation or expertise of the brand trustworthy and consistent?
At the end of the day, start with the intended purpose of your bag. Then make sure that the quality exists in the style that you love. Your bag is as much of an outward expression of your style as anything - especially considering that it might be put to daily use or be the go-to accessory for your most important events. Have a variety of bags for the multitude of functions that is your reality. Pick sizes and colors suitable to the occasion and styles that fit your personality.
Bolsa Nova’s Promise to You
At Bolsa Nova Handbags our designs have been influenced by our lived experience - working woman, mother, work, play, school - passion for style and respect of value. Our buttery soft, genuine Italian leather, artisan handbags are meticulously produced and presented for your consideration. If you are not satisfied with your purchase, you have 30 days to return undamaged items to us, without any restrictions.