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anitalilac · Jun 14th, 2009, 10:31 PM

Originally Posted by kings_20

Anyone have a turquoise sheen bag? How is the turquoise wearing?

Hi kings,

I have a MMS Midi in this leather but I haven't use it yet..It has been a rainy June so far and I just don't feel like wearing it just yet. But I'll definitely update you when I start wearing it for a few weeks...I don't baby my bags so we'll see how it turns out...

citychris · Jun 14th, 2009, 10:55 PM

I've noticed that the MMS style doesn't seem prone to wear on the corners, even in the glossy (sheen) leathers. I think it has something to do with the shape of the bags and the corners not being exposed or prominent.

Jenova · Jun 15th, 2009, 03:06 AM

Originally Posted by kicksarefortwids

sorry for my ignorance, but what is a stiffener??

The flat piece of cardboard or plastic that is built into the base of some of the bags.

kings_20 · Jun 15th, 2009, 08:27 PM

Originally Posted by anitalilac

Hi kings,

I have a MMS Midi in this leather but I haven't use it yet..It has been a rainy June so far and I just don't feel like wearing it just yet. But I'll definitely update you when I start wearing it for a few weeks...I don't baby my bags so we'll see how it turns out...

Thxs so much. Just PM me if you want. Thanks again. I have a LMMidi in this leather coming and I was curious as to how it wears.

Loquita · Jun 15th, 2009, 11:42 PM

Now that I have a bit of time I can hopefully give a helpful assessment of the way my bags have worn thus far. None of them were samples, though some arrived to me pre-loved. I only use LMB products on my bags, and with the exception of the pewter crash treat them all prior to wearing them for the first time.

Glossy Red Protect Me: Looks absolutely the same as the day I received it this past winter.

Hot Pink Protect Me: Ditto.

Fiamma Red Angel Purse: I think that out of the entire BE line, the glossy leather APs (which tend to come in my favorite colors) are perhaps the least hard-wearing item. My fiamma AP is gorgeous, but the corners showed wear very quickly (the darker leather underneath the dye began to show a bit), and it has a few other scuffs throughout. The leather also seems to appear dry rather quickly...in fact, this one piece is much drier than my fiamma LM Mini or PM. The PM and LM mini are also considerably glossier and have a "crackled" surface that the AP does not -- in fact, until recently I thought that red glossy and fiamma red were two different leathers, until Rose corrected me.

Turquoise Sheen Angel Purse: Some corner wear (again, it's an AP), in the form of a slightly darker turquoise base coming through...the look of the wear diminishes with moisturizer, though. This particular AP is the most hard-wearing of my three, in fact.

Pink Sheen Angel Purse: Similar to the fiamma AP in terms of how quickly it began to wear (though in all fairness I use an AP every day, and circulate them pretty evenly). This leather doesn't wear very prettily on the corners, though the surface color is stunning -- on my AP the corners have worn down to a dark gray leather, which diminishes a good amount (though doesn't go away entirely) with moisturizer.

Glossy Purple Love Me: The very best of the glossy leathers, in my opinion. The corners of this bag have become lighter, but the lightness goes away entirely once you moisturize. In this regard it behaves more like a BE matte leather. The "glossy" look of this leather mellows out with time and use, becoming incredibly soft/silky. I have worn this bag a lot, too.

Dark Grey Matte Love Me Mini: A lovely, silky leather...the corners of this bag have lightened up a bit, but this goes away with moisturizing. It definitely becomes more softer with use, even in the more structured Love Me Mini style.

Dark Grey Glossy Make Me Smile Midi: This has an "extra" glossy finish, and is very hard-wearing against rain. The corners on this bag remained intact through considerable use, although they did something a bit funny -- they turned a taupe color, but it didn't bother me because they blended in with the undertones on the rest of the bag. This leather does eventually break in, but it does take longer and I suspect that it always remains a bit more structured than other BE leathers.

Glossy Wine Make Me Smile Midi: I haven't used this bag as much as some of the others, but the corners on it (it came to me pre-loved) are still pristine. This leather is thinner then the purple glossy for example and becomes positively silky with use.

Fiamma Red Love Me Mini: This leather has more of a "crackled" surface, and it is thicker and more structured than the wine glossy. It wears much better than my fiamma AP, which makes me suspect that they are not from the same batch of leather. The corners on the bag show the tiniest bit of wear (a few have become a little bit darker) so far.

Pewter Crash Hug Me: This is the best style for the BE crash or metallic leathers in terms of wear. This is my newest bag and it arrived in like-new condition, and after wearing it many times already it still appears brand new. The lack of sharp corners on this style really helps with wear, it seems.

Burnt Orange Whisper to Me: Slightly glossy, this is a more structured leather. I have worn this bag on a regular basis since receiving it a few months ago, and it has softened up notably (though it is a more structured glossy leather). So far no noticeable wear whatsoever on the corners, or anywhere else.

lovebags2 · Jun 16th, 2009, 08:25 AM

Originally Posted by Jenova

I think the rigid bases make the bags look a bit square and lumpy and certainly wish they were made with thicker leather instead of the stiffener. To me they are the least attractive feature of BE bags.

Jenova,

I have to say that I've moved away from my BE's that have the rigid base because I find they do make the bag look more squarish or boxy (not as feminine). Also, they tend to be uncomfortable under my arm when wearing. And if I were to wear my choco LM then I no longer use it as a shoulder bag since the base protrudes out too far. I'll wear my LM more as a "tote" style. Now, that I"m more aware of what type of styles work for me (and which don't) and on what type of occasion I find myself more able to enjoy my BE's. For instance, I'd never choose my LM for running around the town on errands but I would pick my wtm.

These days I"m enjoying my WTM and HM styles. I"m hoping that in the future BE will make more bags without the base. I"m actually going to suggest this to Jackie soon!

P.S. I also think the mms is a great style without the base. It was just a little too small for me. Maybe the large would be the ticket!

lovebags2 · Jun 16th, 2009, 08:29 AM

Lo, Thanks for your wonderful review.

I can't wait to receive my pewter crash. I had a feeling that leather would wear well the minute I saw IRL. That's actually a huge part in why I decided to order.

Really, I think you can't go wrong in terms of wear with the cervo and some of the crash leather's.

And as for the matte's well some are just so pretty that you sacrifice some on durablity to receive the beauty of the leather. And if your aware of that before buying then it's all good in the end!

hipnycmom · Jun 16th, 2009, 08:37 AM

Lovebags, I totally agree with the above. I think it really helps to be aware before buying, therefore there is no disappointment if something starts to show wear in a different manner than expected.

Since it seems that doing away with the stiffer bottom is the preference of some (I have learned to embrace the stiffer bottom but have always preferred slouchy bottoms) then maybe it's possible to ask not to have it for bespoke bags?

lovebags2 · Jun 16th, 2009, 08:46 AM

Originally Posted by hipnycmom

Lovebags, I totally agree with the above. I think it really helps to be aware before buying, therefore there is no disappointment if something starts to show wear in a different manner than expected.

Since it seems that doing away with the stiffer bottom is the preference of some (I have learned to embrace the stiffer bottom but have always preferred slouchy bottoms) then maybe it's possible to ask not to have it for bespoke bags?

Yes, I think that's why these threads are especially useful since they can inform and prepare you "before" you make that purchase on which leather or style to try. I think or at least hope it will decrease some of the BE disappointments that have occured here. Here's hoping!

I have set realistic expecations of my matte's. I'm fully aware of what can happen with my taupe, tan or choco. And I"m fine with it since I'm in the know! I can't help it though. My tan WTM is SO gorgeous that even if it has a little wear it doesn't bother me. I wouldn't ever think of owning my BE collection without a good tan!

That said, it will be a pleasure to wear my pewter and not have to worry. I have a feeling that will be one stress free bag!

I think your suggestion is a perfect one to allow on BEC without a base. I would opt for that feature for all my bags now that I have hindsight in ordering. Great idea!

P.S. I just emailed Jackie about your idea re BEC and the base. I"ll report back soon with her input!

hipnycmom · Jun 16th, 2009, 09:45 AM

Originally Posted by lovebags2

P.S. I just emailed Jackie about your idea re BEC and the base. I"ll report back soon with her input!

Thanks! I would do it myself but have been bugging her TONS about other stuff

besides, I may have reached my quota for BEC suggestions LOL.

BE tan is truly a lovely color. I do wish they would come out with something similar in a treated leather/glossy. It rains pretty much year-round here so a matte may rarely see the outside of my closet.

bonniekir · Jun 16th, 2009, 11:44 AM

I prefer the LM to the TME just because the stiffer base. I don't like my bags to sag, and the way my bags at times can be stuffed, the TME won't stand a chance. IMO the WTM is a bag not suited to look stuffed or bulgy,but it's great to carry on a shopping trip.
But definately I prefer the harder base, regardless the wear this might inflict. The two LMs I have ( Dark grey matte and Cobalt) , have not shown corner wears yet, just gotten more softer( 3-4 mths of use).
The WTM midis( wine sheen, black matte, pewter, choco crash) show a bit wear at the base, but it's because I place them on the floor, so the round "thingies" get slightly scuffed. Had I not done this. I guess they would have looked perfect. The Hold mes are holding out pretty well inspite of being placed in shopping carts, dogs pawing them etc.,and only two of them show slight wear and marks the Plum crash and the Turquoise glossy.
Generally I don't fuss too much over my bags, so I don't stress at all about weather conditions and they seem to look good anyway. The ones not affected at all in rain or snow are the crash , sheen/ glossies, pearlised peb. and peb.luxe and of course the matte choco! This is an incredible leather. But the mattes are sprayed with a water protectant.

Mentha · Jun 16th, 2009, 12:02 PM

informative thread as this will certainly be a factor I will consider if and when I purchase a BE bag again.

Hold me Choco matte: got it in dec and it shows a considerable amount of wear at the corners, edges etc. similar to the crackling, lighter effect Elizat talked abt.
though I must admit that I have thrown around this bag a lot and used it a lot while traveling etc.

Cornflower Blue · Jun 16th, 2009, 12:41 PM

Originally Posted by Mentha

informative thread as this will certainly be a factor I will consider if and when I purchase a BE bag again.

Hold me Choco matte: got it in dec and it shows a considerable amount of wear at the corners, edges etc. similar to the crackling, lighter effect Elizat talked abt.
though I must admit that I have thrown around this bag a lot and used it a lot while traveling etc.

Interesting! Is your choc. matte, very dark indeed and extremely matte by any chance? The reason I ask is that I am completely convinced that for a short period of time last year, the choc. matte seemed to change in both colour and texture - eg. my choc matte LM Midi bought in July has a chestnutty/mahogany hue and is quite thick and chewy, wears well, and has a slight sheen to it (even though it's called matte!) and I believe previous bags were like this as well, and the bags now are also like this I think(?) BUT I bought an AP later on in the year and it was entirely different - very dark and very matte indeed and seemed like a completely leather, it was not the same leather as my LM Midi. I'm just wondering if your Hold Me is made out of it?

Or it could be that I've completely got the wrong end of the stick...!

Jenova · Jun 16th, 2009, 12:52 PM

Originally Posted by Cornflower Blue

Interesting! Is your choc. matte, very dark indeed and extremely matte by any chance? The reason I ask is that I am completely convinced that for a short period of time last year, the choc. matte seemed to change in both colour and texture - eg. my choc matte LM Midi bought in July has a chestnutty/mahogany hue and is quite thick and chewy, wears well, and has a slight sheen to it (even though it's called matte!) and I believe previous bags were like this as well, and the bags now are also like this I think(?) BUT I bought an AP later on in the year and it was entirely different - very dark and very matte indeed and seemed like a completely leather, it was not the same leather as my LM Midi. I'm just wondering if your Hold Me is made out of it?

Or it could be that I've completely got the wrong end of the stick...!

My TME Midi and AP (bought in the sale this Spring) are both quite dark brown but quite a warm colour at the same time. The are thick and soft and moist feeling, with a slight and very natural looking surface sheen. The AP has been rattling around in my bag for ages and only has a tiny bit of wear and scuffing. I suspect that this would all polish out if I tried. The bag has been used less but I don't think it will go downhill fast. I really rate the Chocolate Matte leather on these 2 items very highly.

Contessa · Jun 16th, 2009, 12:54 PM

My matte choco LMMidi looked better worn after months then when I initially got it. Hence my craving for an EM in this leather!

Jun 14th, 2009, 10:55 PM	#47
citychris Member Joined: Aug 2006 Posts: 3,182	I've noticed that the MMS style doesn't seem prone to wear on the corners, even in the glossy (sheen) leathers. I think it has something to do with the shape of the bags and the corners not being exposed or prominent.
citychris Member Joined: Aug 2006 Posts: 3,182

Jun 15th, 2009, 11:42 PM	#50
Loquita ♥ Cardinal Mini B Joined: May 2008 Location: Planet Cremesheen Posts: 10,972	Now that I have a bit of time I can hopefully give a helpful assessment of the way my bags have worn thus far. None of them were samples, though some arrived to me pre-loved. I only use LMB products on my bags, and with the exception of the pewter crash treat them all prior to wearing them for the first time. Glossy Red Protect Me: Looks absolutely the same as the day I received it this past winter. Hot Pink Protect Me: Ditto. Fiamma Red Angel Purse: I think that out of the entire BE line, the glossy leather APs (which tend to come in my favorite colors) are perhaps the least hard-wearing item. My fiamma AP is gorgeous, but the corners showed wear very quickly (the darker leather underneath the dye began to show a bit), and it has a few other scuffs throughout. The leather also seems to appear dry rather quickly...in fact, this one piece is much drier than my fiamma LM Mini or PM. The PM and LM mini are also considerably glossier and have a "crackled" surface that the AP does not -- in fact, until recently I thought that red glossy and fiamma red were two different leathers, until Rose corrected me. Turquoise Sheen Angel Purse: Some corner wear (again, it's an AP), in the form of a slightly darker turquoise base coming through...the look of the wear diminishes with moisturizer, though. This particular AP is the most hard-wearing of my three, in fact. Pink Sheen Angel Purse: Similar to the fiamma AP in terms of how quickly it began to wear (though in all fairness I use an AP every day, and circulate them pretty evenly). This leather doesn't wear very prettily on the corners, though the surface color is stunning -- on my AP the corners have worn down to a dark gray leather, which diminishes a good amount (though doesn't go away entirely) with moisturizer. Glossy Purple Love Me: The very best of the glossy leathers, in my opinion. The corners of this bag have become lighter, but the lightness goes away entirely once you moisturize. In this regard it behaves more like a BE matte leather. The "glossy" look of this leather mellows out with time and use, becoming incredibly soft/silky. I have worn this bag a lot, too. Dark Grey Matte Love Me Mini: A lovely, silky leather...the corners of this bag have lightened up a bit, but this goes away with moisturizing. It definitely becomes more softer with use, even in the more structured Love Me Mini style. Dark Grey Glossy Make Me Smile Midi: This has an "extra" glossy finish, and is very hard-wearing against rain. The corners on this bag remained intact through considerable use, although they did something a bit funny -- they turned a taupe color, but it didn't bother me because they blended in with the undertones on the rest of the bag. This leather does eventually break in, but it does take longer and I suspect that it always remains a bit more structured than other BE leathers. Glossy Wine Make Me Smile Midi: I haven't used this bag as much as some of the others, but the corners on it (it came to me pre-loved) are still pristine. This leather is thinner then the purple glossy for example and becomes positively silky with use. Fiamma Red Love Me Mini: This leather has more of a "crackled" surface, and it is thicker and more structured than the wine glossy. It wears much better than my fiamma AP, which makes me suspect that they are not from the same batch of leather. The corners on the bag show the tiniest bit of wear (a few have become a little bit darker) so far. Pewter Crash Hug Me: This is the best style for the BE crash or metallic leathers in terms of wear. This is my newest bag and it arrived in like-new condition, and after wearing it many times already it still appears brand new. The lack of sharp corners on this style really helps with wear, it seems. Burnt Orange Whisper to Me: Slightly glossy, this is a more structured leather. I have worn this bag on a regular basis since receiving it a few months ago, and it has softened up notably (though it is a more structured glossy leather). So far no noticeable wear whatsoever on the corners, or anywhere else.
	__________________ Lemming the following: RM Love Letter Satchel - ebony RM Mini B - fig, cardinal Mulberry Bays - black Join the Cardinal Mini B SO!!!: http://forum.purseblog.com/showthrea...errerid=127932 ... *(On a BAN)*

Jun 16th, 2009, 08:29 AM	#52
lovebags2 Member Joined: Oct 2007 Posts: 4,106	Lo, Thanks for your wonderful review. I can't wait to receive my pewter crash. I had a feeling that leather would wear well the minute I saw IRL. That's actually a huge part in why I decided to order. Really, I think you can't go wrong in terms of wear with the cervo and some of the crash leather's. And as for the matte's well some are just so pretty that you sacrifice some on durablity to receive the beauty of the leather. And if your aware of that before buying then it's all good in the end!
lovebags2 Member Joined: Oct 2007 Posts: 4,106

Jun 16th, 2009, 08:37 AM	#53
hipnycmom OP Member Joined: Feb 2007 Posts: 3,059	Lovebags, I totally agree with the above. I think it really helps to be aware before buying, therefore there is no disappointment if something starts to show wear in a different manner than expected. Since it seems that doing away with the stiffer bottom is the preference of some (I have learned to embrace the stiffer bottom but have always preferred slouchy bottoms) then maybe it's possible to ask not to have it for bespoke bags?
hipnycmom OP Member Joined: Feb 2007 Posts: 3,059	__________________ "Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful." - Regina Brett http://forum.purseblog.com/your-bag-...-192492-3.html

Jun 16th, 2009, 11:44 AM	#56
bonniekir Member Joined: Feb 2007 Posts: 1,744	I prefer the LM to the TME just because the stiffer base. I don't like my bags to sag, and the way my bags at times can be stuffed, the TME won't stand a chance. IMO the WTM is a bag not suited to look stuffed or bulgy,but it's great to carry on a shopping trip. But definately I prefer the harder base, regardless the wear this might inflict. The two LMs I have ( Dark grey matte and Cobalt) , have not shown corner wears yet, just gotten more softer( 3-4 mths of use). The WTM midis( wine sheen, black matte, pewter, choco crash) show a bit wear at the base, but it's because I place them on the floor, so the round "thingies" get slightly scuffed. Had I not done this. I guess they would have looked perfect. The Hold mes are holding out pretty well inspite of being placed in shopping carts, dogs pawing them etc.,and only two of them show slight wear and marks the Plum crash and the Turquoise glossy. Generally I don't fuss too much over my bags, so I don't stress at all about weather conditions and they seem to look good anyway. The ones not affected at all in rain or snow are the crash , sheen/ glossies, pearlised peb. and peb.luxe and of course the matte choco! This is an incredible leather. But the mattes are sprayed with a water protectant.
bonniekir Member Joined: Feb 2007 Posts: 1,744	__________________ -------------------------------------- Bonnie-looking for: HH corcovado Khaki and Nico xx in black and pewter - LM mini in Plum crash AND Rebecca Minkoff MAB the large size in Elephant Nikkis in Wine Darlings in Teal

Jun 16th, 2009, 12:02 PM	#57
Mentha Member Joined: Nov 2008 Posts: 283	informative thread as this will certainly be a factor I will consider if and when I purchase a BE bag again. Hold me Choco matte: got it in dec and it shows a considerable amount of wear at the corners, edges etc. similar to the crackling, lighter effect Elizat talked abt. though I must admit that I have thrown around this bag a lot and used it a lot while traveling etc.
Mentha Member Joined: Nov 2008 Posts: 283

Jun 16th, 2009, 12:54 PM	#60
Contessa What's your point? Joined: Sep 2007 Posts: 4,926	My matte choco LMMidi looked better worn after months then when I initially got it. Hence my craving for an EM in this leather!

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