I had a posh mark issue happening and I have come across a few comments about leather goods from the brand outlets feeling cheap or plastic..y. the wallet I bought apparently was purchased at an outlet, and I honestly thought it was fake. Ive never purchsed from an outlet. Anyone have issues with this?
Kate Spade Kate Spade outlet-leather quality?
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I've also noticed that Coach, Kate Spade as well as MK have all recently made many bags and accessaries using leather that look and feel like plastic.
It depends on the leather type. They are pretty much all leather, unless they are obviously nylon or some other material, but the previously-named-saffiano, currently-named-cross-grain leather does have essentially plastic glued into the leather.
At the outlet, I’ve purchased jewelry, wallets, and 2 purses. I found the quality to be on par with the purses purchased through Kate Spade. Granted, my outlet purchases were small bags - a small nylon bag (forget name) and the Grove Street Millie. Both bags were beautifully made and my Grove Street quickly became my everyday bag. I protected the bags with Apple Guard and conditioned the leather. I also have purchased at Tory Burch outlet knowing the bags are specific for the store. My two TB outlet bags are also nicely made and are comparable to a clutch I purchased on Tory Burch online. Today, a random lady on the elevator complained of the inferior quality of her Coach shoes purchased at outlet. Based on my experience, it may depend on the store.
If I'm correct, aren't the stores doing the saffiano/crossgrain leather because it's the cheapest way to mass produce the items and they can use less quality leather which is then coated? Don't get me wrong, I have products in saffiano/cross grain leather, and like them (weather resistant and seemingly stain repellent to a degree), but nice soft leather seems to be becoming more sparse 
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.Based on my experience with other outlets I would assume Kate Spade products that are in outlets may well be made using inferior leather.
I've overheard staff at the Mulberry outlet say the leather is different for bags sold there. The Longchamp wallet I bought at an outlet looked horrible after a very short time. I've had staff try to switch out the display product for an inferior product both at Bally and Tod's outlets.
I've overheard staff at the Mulberry outlet say the leather is different for bags sold there. The Longchamp wallet I bought at an outlet looked horrible after a very short time. I've had staff try to switch out the display product for an inferior product both at Bally and Tod's outlets.
If I'm correct, aren't the stores doing the saffiano/crossgrain leather because it's the cheapest way to mass produce the items and they can use less quality leather which is then coated? Don't get me wrong, I have products in saffiano/cross grain leather, and like them (weather resistant and seemingly stain repellent to a degree), but nice soft leather seems to be becoming more sparse
i like leather but not super super soft leathe. I’m careful but not that careful so try to avoid the leather similar to the lambskin Chanel classic flap.
My work tote is a KS in the crosshatch leather bought from the site, and have a KS crossbody in the softer leather from the outlet. Both bags have upheld their quality up with Tory Burch. Granted I haven’t used either in over 1.5 years because I haven’t gone to the office or traveled…I should check on the bags 
Given the cost point difference, carrying KS and TB is stress free compared to my coveted (and invested) LV bags.
Given the cost point difference, carrying KS and TB is stress free compared to my coveted (and invested) LV bags.
My work tote is a KS in the crosshatch leather bought from the site, and have a KS crossbody in the softer leather from the outlet. Both bags have upheld their quality up with Tory Burch. Granted I haven’t used either in over 1.5 years because I haven’t gone to the office or traveled…I should check on the bags
Given the cost point difference, carrying KS and TB is stress free compared to my coveted (and invested) LV bags.
OMG really that’s so good to know. Thank you so much for this post.
I just got myself a KS bag from the outlet which I loved but it took me a long time deciding to go for it, I know the quality Is not the same as retail KS and I’m fine with it but It’s great that it’s still good quality
I think it comes down to maintenance. I periodically clean and lotion my leather bags, protect any light colored leather with AppleGuard, and Scotchguard any fabric bags.
i've got two bags from the Kate Spade outlet. One is pebbled leather. i've used protector cream and wiped it down a few times. There is general wear and tear to the piping and hardwear - scuffing but after 5 years of frequent use that's to be expected. Other than that the leather is still in great condition! I have been really pleased with my purchases for the price I paid at outlet.
It depends on the specific item. For the most part, I tend to buy from retail KS, especially if they are having their sales. There are some items at the outlet that I will purchase, but it may be the style moreso. I have also found retail bags sent to the outlet and have purchased those at good discounts. I have had a tendency to purchase totes for work from KS just because they make going to work a little bit fun and/or colorful, and smaller/purse size leather backpacks.
so I buy apple guard and I can buy light colored bags, ive seen many light colored bags that loved but afraid to buy due to color transfer but damn. That apple guard looks like magic.Shea Whitney she said uses apple guard so her luis Vuitton bags with Vegeta wouldnt loose it’s original tone with rain but wow.
appleguard also works to Clean light colored bags.
where can I get the appleguard ?
Good question about the quality. This link is to the coach screed which is a Very long but informative deep dive into how what passes for leather nowadays is nothing like what it used to be. Modern leather handbags can be made from a part of leather that used to be thrown away, and is then painted and plasticized.
I don’t know if Kate Spade does the same, but it’s good to be aware that the “genuine leather” of today is sometimes not the same as the full grain leather of yesterday.
I don’t know if Kate Spade does the same, but it’s good to be aware that the “genuine leather” of today is sometimes not the same as the full grain leather of yesterday.