How to Choose a Bag
Creating the right image or a new look is all about clever accessorising - choosing and using the right product - in particular the right choice of handbag. Choice is obviously a personal thing, but there are a few tips that can help you get it right. Our Italian designed handbags are available in many styles and colours.
Before making a choice, consider the use of the bag - is it for a special occasion or for a particular outfit? Think also about your lifestyle and the type of requirements you need from a bag - a large or oversized practical tote or carryall for a busy life; an elegant clutch bag for a special occasion, or a hobo style bag for a classic chic look.
Body shape can also make a difference in the style you select.
Here are a few suggestions:
Plus size women – avoid small bags. Longer straps and a little larger and wider than average handbag is a good choice.
Smaller framed women – handbags that are shorter and fit against the body are best.
Tall and slender women – any style of handbag is ideal.
Hour glass figured women – select a medium sized bag that accentuates your waist by hitting just above it.
Caring for Your Bag
Many of the bags featured on Handbagsfromitaly.co.uk, carry a care tag providing basic details on how to look after your bag. Below are some general hints and tips on use and care of your purchase. Your priority is to keep your bag looking good and enjoy using it.
Storage
Most leather bags are not treated, as this allows the bag to age with character. However, proper care of your bag will give many years of beauty and extend its life.
All bags benefit from being kept dust free. Store your bag in the dust bag cover provided. If the bag is not supplied with a cover, use an old plain white cotton pillow case instead. Avoid storing long term in plastic bags.
When storing, use either bubble wrap or scrunched up acid free tissue paper inside your bag, this will help keep its shape and prevent creasing.
If your bag has a large buckle, heavy metal fastening or chain handle, store these inside the bag if possible, as this will avoid scratching the outside leather when the bag is not in use. If it is not possible to do this, wrap the buckle or chain in some tissue paper.
When using your bag for work, if storing it in a filing cabinet or desk drawer, make sure that the storage area is free of splinters and sharp edges as these can damage or scratch your bag. If possible keep a spare dust bag cover or pillow case at work to put your bag in.
Similarly, when at home, pop your bag into a dust bag cover to prevent it getting scuffed, marked or spills on it.
If you change your bag regularly, a purpose made handbag liner will enable you to change your handbag contents quickly. It will also help avoid marking of the interior of your bag.
To keep the handbag interior in good condition, take care with spillages. Use a small makeup bag for your essential items.
If you carry a pen in your bag, ensure that lids are securely fastened. Avoid ink pens and consider using a pencil.
Before storing your bag after use, empty all contents from your bag, open all pockets and zip pouches and gently shake upside down to remove lose dirt, dust etc.
To keep your bag smelling fresh inside, place a lightly fragranced tumble dryer sheet inside the bag.
To remove stale smells from inside a bag, make a cotton pouch filled with bicarbonate of soda:
Use a piece of cotton cloth 6 x 6 inches and place 2-3 tbsp of bicarbonate of soda in the middle of the cloth. Draw the cloth edges together in the centre and secure tightly together with string or an elastic band. Place the pouch inside the bag and leave for 24 – 48 hours. The bicarbonate of soda will absorb the smells.
For long term storage, undo strap buckles so that impressions are not created. This also allows for strap lengths to be altered if required, without leaving unsightly impression marks on the straps.
Cleaning
Use a damp soft white cloth to gently wipe down your bag. Do not use household cleaners, soaps or solvents on the leather.
For cleaning leather, seek advice on a good quality leather cream. However, do carry out a spot test on the leather somewhere unobtrusive first, as cleaners and cream can change the colour of the leather slightly.
If using a cream, apply it evenly across the whole surface in one go rather than in patches or sections. Due to the porous nature of leather, the cream will be absorbed at different speeds and could leave a mottled marking on the leather.
If leather becomes discoloured, a leather spray may be able to restore the colour. Please seek the advice of the leather spray manufacturers or supplier, prior to use and take care to match the colour as closely as possible.
For patent leather use a piece of cheescloth dampened with a little white vinegar and rub. Wipe clean with a clean piece of cloth.
A suede brush may help remove some stains from a bag. In addition, it may be possible to have suede bags dry cleaned- again seek advice from a reputable dry cleaning company.
General Use and Care
Avoid handling your bag after applying foundation, body or hand creams.
Avoid putting your bag on the floor, coffee tables or bars where spillages can easily occur.
Likewise when at the hairdressers ask your stylist to store your bag securely rather than leaving it on the floor, where hair products or chemicals could leave marks on your bag.
Avoid using your bag as a resting place for note taking, as pen marks can occur and indentations left from the pen nib.
If you get caught in the rain - run for cover. Dab (don't wipe) the moisture away with a dry cotton cloth.
Keep fasteners and zips running smoothly by running a piece of natural beeswax over the open teeth.
Don’t overfill your handbag or evening bag, as this can put stress on seams, fastenings and straps and spoil the shape.
Choosing a Belt
Our range of belts vary slightly in length; however most are suitable to fit 10 - 14 Uk size, dependent on the style of the belt. The length of the belt is given in the product data. The Puntotres range comes in standard sizes of 85, 90 and 95 cm dependent on styling.
Most belts are normally measured from where the belt leather folds at the buckle end to the middle hole at the tip end. To check your sizing, it is recommended that you take an existing belt that fits you correctly and measure this in the same way, or alternatively, measure your waist (or the area where you want to wear your belt) and then add 5cm to the size.
If you require advice on any aspect of our range, please contact our customer care department by email.
This information has been obtained from a variety of sources. To the best of our knowledge it is correct. However, Leapfrog Leisure & Promotions Limited does not accept liability or responsibility regarding its accuracy or any adverse occurrences, damage or injury resulting from the use of this information.