Pastel handbag question - YouLookFab Forum

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Pastel handbag question

kellygirl

Veteran

How hard do you think it will be to keep a pastel pink or mint green handbag clean? I have my eye on a Coach or a Rebecca Minkoff but I'm wondering about the grime factor. I had a faux leather in white that was a nightmare. It was a combination of denim rubbing off on the side and the handles being difficult to keep bright and white. Thoughts before I pull the trigger? Thanks in advance.

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29 replies

Latest reply was from kerry

catgirl

Veteran

For me it would be impossible. I am really hard on my bags. I know some people say they are not that careful and don't have a problem but I don't think it's possible to overestimate the filth factor where I live - just getting in and out of the car is a dirt hazard. What do you think?

kellygirl

Veteran

I'm kind of in your camp. I thought maybe leather might be different or that higher end bags might repel grime, perhaps? Wishful thinking on my part? I am attracted to the idea of a pastel bag for spring/summer but the neatnik in me wonders if worrying about keeping it clean would drive me over the edge. The other option is a silver metallic but that might be too OTT for my style these days. I have such problems with handbags!

ramya

Veteran

KG I have been stroking and petting a pastel peach clutch with studs and crossbody strap. But I don't know if to buy them for the same reason.

Sylvie

Veteran

It depends on the leather. I have a bright yellow leather Coach bag from the Legacy line which is holding up well. I also have a white RM bag which I wiped down carefully and treated with leather protectant spray (Danier) before using. So far, I've been able to remove marks, but I am *very* gentle with it.

Between the two, I'd say you have a better shot at keeping Coach leather clean.

rute

Veteran

I have a cream leather bag and it's a nightmare! The only way to keep it clean is to stay away from jeans, wear it with light clothes. Jeans stain and I have try to clean it with no sucess.

Jjsloane

Veteran

I'm a bit of a slob with most things, but my bags seem to do ok. I have some leather wipes I use (purchased from Wilson's). I got a white bag at consigment because I didn't want to invest to have it ruined, but it's actually fared ok. Of course in the winter it is away from my clothes (jeans mostly) and I never set it on the ground.

kkards

Veteran

hmmm, i've had 2 leather cream bags, and i think they held up fine. now i will say, they both had short handles and were worn over my shoulder.

Laura

(website)

Veteran

How about going with a Zara handbag so if it stains you won't be heartbroken? They have pale blue and blush pink in stores right now.

Marina

I should admit that light-colored leather handbags are not my prerogative. Alike to you I am always afraid to spoil it with some spot, taints, etc. However, the friend of mine is really keen on light outfits, and bags as well. Before taking it, she works out the bag's leather with waterproofing liquids (one can buy it in any decent shoe store). They do no harm for clothing, don't worry!

Anonymous

I have a white/black color-blocked bag that stays clean looking because the black is on the bottom and handles, the places most likely to show grime. You might look for something like that in a pastel...maybe with tan instead of black.

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Lisa

Veteran

I personally would not invest in a light color handbag. For years I would purchase a "spring/summer" yellow bag and at the end of the seasons it was also grimy. I wear a lot of denim and the dye is bound to rub off onto the bag. If I was going to invest in a light bag I would choose a patent leather because it seems to be more durable than the softer leather versions. But a cheaper fun bag may be a better choice, plus it will wear out faster, which means you can purchase a new fun bag faster. I haven't purchased a new handbag in years because none of my bags seem to wear out.

El Cee

Veteran

As much as I love the look of a pastel or white bag, I find it very tough to keep them clean and spot free. I have had some limited success with bags that have a pebbled, sueded or patent finish (instead of smooth leather). I agree with Laura that trying out the concept with a less expensive alternative may be a good option.

kkards

Veteran

now that el cee as called it out, both of mine were a pebbled leather, and that may have contributed to why they lasted

kellygirl

Veteran

Thanks for talking me through this. The more I think about it, the more I realize that my lifestyle is not very well suited to a pastel handbag. I think I was temporarily overcome by spring fever I'm not sure I even want a faux one after remembering how much I had to scrub my white one with a white eraser. I'm going to start thinking about a pastel belt instead! Thanks again!

Mia

Veteran

I have been having the same debate with myself. Lower price point to "test drive the trend" might be the answer. The Zara bag is not leather so just spray it down I guess?

unfrumped

Veteran

I don't carry mine as regularly, but one I use is sort of oyster-pearl colored, slightly pebbled, and slightly shiny (not true patent). So all 3 of those elements add some grime-resistance/camoflage.

Caro in Oz

Veteran

I have a pale blue bag - I wouldn't feel comfortable using it as an everyday bag as I feel I have to take more care with it.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Not hard at all. Things don't get dirty when you are careful. That's the truth. I have white everything - keep the stuff for years - and the items still look pristine. I am a very neat and tidy person though, which helps. I don't make a mess unless I am doing an outfit creation session - and that's a temporary mess.

Mona

Veteran

Joy has brought up a good point, Kelly. The handles and bottom get the most dirty. I have a cream faux leather bag from Aldo and the handles started showing grime after a few uses. Have you looked at blue and pink bags from Zara that Angie has pinned on pinterest? Those look like they will not show dirt and grime as much as the colour is faded.

deb

Veteran

I worried about that when I purchase my white Brahmin. I have had no issues so I say go ahead and get it.

Ariadne

Veteran

I have a mint green RM en route to me (a OOAK sample via ebay for a steal, yay), so I can let you know! I am NOT a neat and tidy person (or, rather, my children and my environment/lifestyle aren't) so it will be put through its paces.

Deborah

Veteran

I just make sure I wipe down my light coloured bags at the end of the day after I have used them:). I am a daily bag changer though and this does help keep my bags looking good.

abc

Veteran

I think it is a combination of your lifestyle / daily activities (ie driving vs public transit) and how tidy of a person you are (as Angie mentioned)

If you decide nay on the bag, please keep us posted on the belt research

rae

(website)

Veteran

It does depend on the leather (I am a messy person, unlike Angie... DH and I go on all sorts of dusty/smoky/outdoorsy field trips). I used to have a pastel peach bag in a soft pebbled nubuck... forget it, the handles definitely got dirty. But my Ted Baker bag is white patent and never gets a mark. The white on the Brahmin seems similarly bulletproof. You have to find something nice and glossy. Or the saffiano texture is nice, too. I feel like the more structured bags use this kind of leather.

MsMary

Veteran

I'm not all that careful or all that clean, and my white satchel still looks pretty darned good after almost a year.

ramya

Veteran

I ended up getting my nude bag. It's a clutch with straps. My logic was it was inexpensive enough to experiment:)

emmafair8

Member

I have a pastel blue Rebecca Minkoff purse and my dark jeans rubbed off on it. I just used a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, got it wet and it wiped right off!

Helena

Veteran

I have to admit I would probably not splurge on a pastel for the reason that it might take a beating. But if you are the careful sort, it sounds like you will do fine with one. I might go for a clutch or smaller purse which is more likely to stay off of floors or get knocked around. I'm sure it will be gorgeous whatever you choose!

kerry

Veteran

Life is short, pastel fun bags are perfect for spring/summer. Buy the colour that makes you smile and damn the dirt! I AM not a neat and careful person but I carried an ivory leather Coach bag for years. Is it pristine? No, but i think it looks pretty good for NO maintenance. I just bought a blush leather jacket and got these leather wipes for spot cleaning. Something like that might help with maintenance.