Do you like your bags to remain pristine?

[MademoiselleD]

I dislike using brand new bags and tend to feel more comfortable carrying them once they have been used and softened up for a while..it just gives them more character and makes them feel like "mine" I also love vintage bags for the same reason

 

[bakeacookie]

To look pristine yes. I dislike scratches, discolorations, dents, dings, and dirt.

For it to look loved, softer leather, canvas, yes. That makes it mine, not just a bag that sits around like I own a store in my closet.

I don't baby my bags, I just take very good care of them. I worked hard to buy them so I want them to look good for as long as possible.

 

[slowlikehoney]

I like a well-aged bag, especially slouchy leather. I hate to see a visibly dirty bag, though.

 

[vintagefinds]

Yes, I like my bags to look pristine, and it extends the life of the bag. I'll carry a bag that looks worn, but not abused. I also think some bags, even some bag colors, lend better to a worn look than others.

 

[Prettyvogue]

I prefer the pristine look for structured bags. Being broken in is fine for slouchy bags but the one thing I cannot stand is when the handbag color fades or wears off. Stains are a no no.

 

[BPC]

I mostly only use Bal moto bags so no, I don't like them to look pristine.

Tow of my favorite Bals are a 2005 Chocolate and a 2004 Pumpkin.
They're both very worn but their leather is still gorgeous.
The Chocolate developed the most beautiful vintage look (I think), while the Pumpkin is just one big puddle of soft leather.

Here's a still in almost new condition Atlantique. It's a beautiful bag but I can count the amount of times I've used it. I just don't love it. It lacks character, doesn't have that worn in look I love. The pic was taken a year or two ago but it looks exactly the same today..lol..

I know most here would stick their noses up at a bag that looks like my first two pics, but that beautiful aged leather is exactly what makes it for me.

 

[UpUpnAway]

I like used looking bags, but not abused looking bags. I prefer to have bags NOT in perfect, pristine condition.

I also notice when a woman carries a bag versus the bag carrying them (meaning they are so careful or distracted out in public bc they are scared that something will happen to the bag; they aren't able to just... Use and enjoy).

I think in terms of attitude, really being able to use and enjoy a bag is quite luxurious in itself.

 

[ReiChan1]

It really depends on the bag!

If it's a structure bag like a Celine Micro Luggage, then I prefer to keep is nice and structured like it usually is. Those are made to be boxy and perfect, not to look wrinkly! Then it just looks sad and ready to retire, in my opinion.

However, on the other side, if the leather is soft and smooshy, then I'd definitely rather it be used. Bal bags come to mind! The slouch in those bags make them look more lived-in and loved rather than babied. However, nobody wants to see a Balenciaga bag with a giant shred in the leather! (Like I have seen before. Love is not the same as abuse.)

 

[ladysarah]

I like used looking bags, but not abused looking bags. I prefer to have bags NOT in perfect, pristine condition.

I also notice when a woman carries a bag versus the bag carrying them (meaning they are so careful or distracted out in public bc they are scared that something will happen to the bag; they aren't able to just... Use and enjoy).

I think in terms of attitude, really being able to use and enjoy a bag is quite luxurious in itself.

I prefer when a bag looks like it's a natural part of my ensemble. It looks like I carried it before and I am not afraid of it so to speak. It looks weird when someone wears brand new things and carries them with the terror of "spoiling" them.

 

[Mariapia]

I mostly only use Bal moto bags so no, I don't like them to look pristine.



Tow of my favorite Bals are a 2005 Chocolate and a 2004 Pumpkin.

They're both very worn but their leather is still gorgeous.

The Chocolate developed the most beautiful vintage look (I think), while the Pumpkin is just one big puddle of soft leather.



Here's a still in almost new condition Atlantique. It's a beautiful bag but I can count the amount of times I've used it. I just don't love it. It lacks character, doesn't have that worn in look I love. The pic was taken a year or two ago but it looks exactly the same today..lol..



I know most here would stick their noses up at a bag that looks like my first two pics, but that beautiful aged leather is exactly what makes it for me.

I totally agree, BPC!
The first two bags are goat skin leather, aren't they?
It makes such a difference !
I own a 2005 Bal in red and I love it too!

 

[user448751]

It depends on the bag. My everyday bags get used and I don't mind that they are "broken in", in fact I get pleasure out of seeing a well-used bag. I keep them clean though. Nothing attractive about dirt, imo.

My clutches, I prefer them to stay pristine.

 

[jellyv]

I mostly only use Bal moto bags so no, I don't like them to look pristine.

Tow of my favorite Bals are a 2005 Chocolate and a 2004 Pumpkin.
They're both very worn but their leather is still gorgeous.

You said it!

For me, different aesthetics for different types of bags. It's like patina--some bags improve because of it, others aren't really meant to. Those beautiful Balenciagas are a great example of how normal wear makes the leather even more beautiful. An Epi Alma, in contrast, really doesn't look better if the Epi acquires wrinkles or relaxes in structure, so pristine is how it looks best.

 

[BerlinArtGirl]

It really depends on the bag!

If it's a structure bag like a Celine Micro Luggage, then I prefer to keep is nice and structured like it usually is. Those are made to be boxy and perfect, not to look wrinkly! Then it just looks sad and ready to retire, in my opinion.

However, on the other side, if the leather is soft and smooshy, then I'd definitely rather it be used. Bal bags come to mind! The slouch in those bags make them look more lived-in and loved rather than babied. However, nobody wants to see a Balenciaga bag with a giant shred in the leather! (Like I have seen before. Love is not the same as abuse.)

I agree 100 %! I hate it when my structured bags slouch. That is why I for example never bought a Celine Phantom although I love the bag, it tends to slouch after a while and I would be devastated after spending all that money on it...

 

[so_me]

I actually prefer to purchase pre-owned bags. This way I am not afraid to use it, because it is already broken in. I don't like trashed bags...just subtle nuances of wear.
New bags scare me...lol

 

[AbsoluteUnknown]

Given that I know most of you love your bags even more than I love mine, I didn't know that I'm so much the outlier on this one.

I like my bags to stay as new and pristine looking as a possible. I don't want to carry a bag that looks "worn". For me, it would be like wearing scuffed shoes or a faded dress which would seem like I didn't take care of me / my things.

I change my bags daily because I like them to coordinate with my outfits. So, every bag of mine gets used and used many, many times. I don't "baby" my bags. I don't have them stored in a shrine. Sometimes they are placed under an airplane seat. Sometimes they get placed on a floor. I don't use dust bags because I like to see them in my closet. In fact, I cracked up when I saw the handbag raincoats because I couldn't imagine working that hard to protect a bag. (No offense to those who do! I just don't want another thing to manage.) The only storage care I give is to stuff my bags when they are in my closet so they keep their shape. The only regular care I give is to keep my leather bags conditioned.

That all being said, my bags never get beaten up, scratched up or "worn in". I have children, I work and I have a busy life. So, I'm not being silly on this but I'm really puzzled on how handbags are getting so much visible wear. 😳

When I wear my bags, they look just about as nice as they did when I purchased them. When I'm done with my bags and resell them years later, I get top dollar for them because they look great - a few that I bought resale even look better because I cleaned up small stains in the lining or conditioned or refurbished the outside.

So, bottom line for me, I keep my bags like everything else I own whether it be my furniture, clothes, car, etc. Everything is USED and everything is kept in pristine condition. I'm the one who eats meals in her formal dining room with the kids and hubby and the dog under the table using her best china and crystal sets. 😜My nice things are there to make me happy daily and life is to be lived out loud. My things don't serve a purpose in a closet. And, I can't be happy with them if they aren't in great condition.

I second that!