Cream bags: wardrobe helpers or dirt-attracting troublemakers? - YouLookFab Forum

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Cream bags: wardrobe helpers or dirt-attracting troublemakers?

nancylee

Veteran

I've been wanting a cream crossbody bag ever since I read this archived post of Angie's:

http://youlookfab.com/2009/04/.....-body-bag/

I currently have a brown crossbody that is just the perfect size (about 10.5 x 10.5 inches) and shape for shopping in fall/winter, and I'd love to have a spring/summer version. But it seems a lot of YLFers see cream bags as difficult to keep clean. I'm wondering if you cream bag owners out there would weigh in and let me know how versatile and practical you think a cream crossbody would be for me.

Any links to some cute (not too big and not too small cream crossbody bags are also welcome! Thanks so much....

Dressing

15 replies

Latest reply was from Louise

Anonymous

I think a leather one would be easier to keep clean than a fabric version. And if it gets worn or tired looking in a few years, you could easily redo it with some Tarrago leather dye.

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005S.....=507366155

http://www.endless.com/dp/B006.....B006M04IW8

Alecia

Veteran

Leather's definitely the way to go. I think it'll be a workhorse. The second link Ana posted is incredible!

Jyoti

(website)

Veteran

I have a white (p)leather bag and used it during my 6 week stint in LA, and it held up marvelously! Can't speak to how well it would stand up to everyday, hardcore use because I don't use that bag too often!

Isabel

Veteran

Hi Nancy , it is nice to see you back one.

Personally, I could never do a cream or white bag. I am too tough on my bags to keep them clean. Even keeping the handles and strap clean from daily wear would be a hassle. But Angie somehome keeps hers pristine.

MNsara

Veteran

I was smitten with one of Angie's cream bags too! So I decided I needed to get a patent leather one specifically for ease of cleaning it.

I carried it last summer, and it did get a little denim rub on it (how much denim is in YOUR summer wardrobe?) that I haven't worked on yet, but I was able to keep the handle clean and get the occasional grubby spot off.

Remember that a crossbody is going to rub on your hip with every step you take. What would you be wearing it with?

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I have one cream bag that hasn't seen much use -- it actually picked up a bit of a mark from the handle of a dark leather handbag I had it stored next to! It's faint but it still bothers me.

I've also come to realize that I don't bother with cream much -- I'm more of a white fan, but that's just as hard to keep spotless!

Laurenlaurielala

Hello,

I have a light tan leather crossbody handbag that rubs on my jeans terribly. I was able to get most of it off with leather cleaner but I now tend to avoid wearing that bag when I am wearing jeans.

Often you can clean the leather, but the stitching is hard to get pristine again.

I think patent is a great idea though. That would make it much more hard wearing.

fashionista

Veteran

Cream handbags are real classics. And yes leather would be easier to clean and maintain.

ManidipaM

Veteran

Do you own cream or white shoes or belts? Do you manage to keep them neat? If yes, worry not!

Me, I used to be in the naysayer camp until two days ago --- when I finally figured out how to get the marks off my white bag that it has borne for the last four years! My biggest failure to clean up, oddly, was a yellow... had to be chucked over indigo and ink

Jamie

Veteran

All great advice here. I have 2 off-white bags and love them. I'm careful with them, switch them out often with my other non-white bags, and clean the occassional marks and dirt as soon as possible. Personally, I would probably not buy an off-white or white cross-body bag because some clothing dyes will transfer. If you have any indigo/dark denim, it can rub off on the bag. I have one pair of pretty expensive dark wash jeans that mark up everything. I've done the whole vinegar routine so many times, and it just didn't work too well. Those jeans would be the death of an off-white crossbody bag.

Chippy Mia

Color transfer is my only concern about white/cream bags especially crossbody. Just be careful what you wear with them. White patent leather can be harder to keep clean/pristine as it can yellow over time and stains cannot be removed. I had one cream leather satchel that has aged not so nicely so I gave it to a friend as she loves the style. She dyed it dark red. Wished I had thought of it. lol

Get a light color bag, it is a great summer accessory.

nancylee

Veteran

Hmm. Lots of good advice here. Thanks for sharing your own experiences with cream/white bags. It's color transfer that I'm most worried about since I often wear dark denim in the spring. It wouldn't be much of a problem for June/July/August since I never wear dark denim during those months (way too hot!), so it could work for summer. Maybe the key is to buy a less expensive cream bag and see how it holds up before investing in a more expensive one.

Ana, those bags you gave me the links for are GORGEOUS! I love them both.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

I have an off white bag I wore every day, a few years back. It is canvas, and washable, so no worries on keeping it clean.

Louise

Veteran

I have 3. 2 shoulder bags, white and cream pleather and a white leather crossbody. The pleather ones get far more use as they are easier to clean than leather x