Since I started investing in luxury handbags a few years ago, I’ve treated the pieces in my collection like delicate newborn babies. When you’ve spent hundreds (or let’s be honest, thousands) on a new designer bag, it’s important to give it the TLC it deserves. Here are 8 tricks on how to properly store and care for your expensive handbags so you can wear them for years to come (and win points with your future granddaughter!)
1. When in Doubt, Leave it Out
Although it may be tempting to carry around everything but the kitchen sink (who knows what lip colour you’ll be in the mood for later?), try to narrow it down to just the necessities. Overstuffing can cause your bag’s materials and handles to stretch, permanently altering its shape.
2. Keep Things Separate
Even with a small purse, put any products that may cause spillage or leave stains (such as hand sanitizer or lipstick) in a separate ziplock or makeup bag. Since the lining in one of my Chanel bags is light pink, this tip is a must for me!
3. Don’t Place it On the Floor
https://www.instagram.com/p/BR_bAKpDDYj/?hl=en&taken-by=somethingnavy
Not only is this bad feng shui (ever heard of the saying “a purse on the floor is money out the door”?) but it is a guaranteed way for your bag to get dirty and damaged.
4. Clean Hands Only
Just returned from an outdoor run or put on some moisturizing hand lotion? Make sure to wash your hands before handling your bag as the transfer of dirt and oils can stain it easily.
5. Water Safety
If your bag is leather, try to avoid using it on rainy or snowy days as water can cause the bag to swell and lose its shape. If you get water on it accidentally, quickly blot it with a towel and then allow it to air dry naturally.
6. Store With Care
https://www.instagram.com/p/BWvOJ8-n4oa/?hl=en&taken-by=lydiaemillen
The same way you would tuck a baby safely into its crib at night, you should always place your purse in its dust bag for extra protection when not in use. It is also best to put back in the original stuffing to help retain the bag’s shape, and if there are metal straps, pull them inside the bag (if possible) to prevent indentation marks.
7. Give it a Rest
As tempting as it may be to use your expensive purchase day after day, try to keep alternating it with the other bags in your closet. The bag’s materials need a chance to breathe, and it will remain in better condition if it is not used on a daily basis.
8. Seek Professional Help
For damage such as stains, rips or broken zippers, take your bag immediately to a professional for repair. Most shoe repair professionals also work on handbags, and some brands do in-house repairs on their own bags. Remember that the sooner you seek help, the sooner the experts can work their magic and save your precious baby bag.
Do you have any tricks on how to store and care for luxury handbags? We’d love to hear from you!
Featured image: Instagram/@somethingnavy
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It seems like everyone is working freelance these days, including me. There’s a lot about freelancing that is awesome (like not having to beg for vacation days), but saying goodbye to the security of full-time is risky and always a little scary, no matter how much you believe in yourself. The first couple months are the most stressful, but, as someone who’s made it past the hump, it gets easier. Whether you’ve just made the leap yourself or are amping up to do it soon, here’s a list of things to help you win at freelancing that I’ve learned along the way.
1. Create a Portfolio
Image: Format
Having an online portfolio will increase your visibility, establish your brand (have fun with the design you choose, it says a lot about you) and is a great way to showcase what you got to potential employers and partners. Really, there’s much more to lose by not having one. Websites like Format make it easy to create an awesome customized portfolio, and they offer 24/7 friendly and easy support.
2. Go For Coffee With People You Admire
I truly believe that the fastest way to being the best is to learn from the best. Surely you have people in the industry you admire and my advice, whether you know them or not, is to reach out, introduce yourself and ask to treat them to a coffee. Most of the time they’ll happily agree, although you might have to wait a couple months for it to actually happen (successful people are busy) and you’ll leave with a new connection, inspiration and a wealth of new insight on your passion.
3. Join a Coworking Space
Image: Sharedesk.net
Perhaps the worst thing about the initial stages of freelance is that you are office-less. Working from home gets really weird fast (being alone for that long in a small box in the sky will make anyone crazy) and posting up at coffee shops is only doable for so long (you’ll get sick of asking for the Wifi password fast.) The best thing I ever did was join a coworking space. Of course, you might have to wait a couple months to secure a steady income before you can commit to it, but it’s worth every penny. It’s great for networking, socializing and, if for nothing else, being around other freelancers will really inspire you.
4. Call Up Old Connections
Image: Huffington Post
Sometimes the simplest thing is the hardest, and for me, it was this: people need to know you’re freelance to hire you as a freelancer. You need to get the word out. Call up old friends, bosses and co-workers and tell them your exciting news. Most business will come from referral so this is potentially the most crucial part of being successful. Set a night to sit down with a glass of wine and start dialling.
5. Get Up, Get Dressed, Get Out
Image: Century Initiative
It’s easy to be your own boss — sometimes too easy. When you’re in charge of your own working schedule, it’s tempting to sleep in and stay in comfy clothes all day. This advice needs no explanation; Get up, get dressed, get out.
Do you agree with these tips on how to become a successful freelancer? Share with us in the comments sections!
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