OK people PRO's/CON's of WHITE bags....
- Thread starter Minamiz
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These responses have been so encouraging and wise 
I am making a transition from diaper bag to "real" bag and have completely lost site of what it is I need in a bag including color.
My 3 yr old barely needs anything anymore but my 11 month old is still stuff heavy. And to think I'll be braving a white leather Gucci is frightening but life is full of risks, no?
Oh and I have OCD so that should help
I like the "ironic con" that they're boring.....but all black can be boring too and ubiquitous. Interesting
I am making a transition from diaper bag to "real" bag and have completely lost site of what it is I need in a bag including color.
My 3 yr old barely needs anything anymore but my 11 month old is still stuff heavy. And to think I'll be braving a white leather Gucci is frightening but life is full of risks, no?
Oh and I have OCD so that should help
I like the "ironic con" that they're boring.....but all black can be boring too and ubiquitous. Interesting
These responses have been so encouraging and wise
I am making a transition from diaper bag to "real" bag and have completely lost site of what it is I need in a bag including color.
My 3 yr old barely needs anything anymore but my 11 month old is still stuff heavy. And to think I'll be braving a white leather Gucci is frightening but life is full of risks, no?
Oh and I have OCD so that should help
I like the "ironic con" that they're boring.....but all black can be boring too and ubiquitous. Interesting
I just went through the same transition. I have 2 kids and--One 5 and one 2. I decided it was time for a ME bag instead of a diaper bag. I bit the bullet and went with damier azur from Louis Vuitton (light blue and cream pattern). I have never seen the Gucci you bought beofre, but now that I have I am lusting after it.
^Too funny! This Gucci was the furthest thing from my mind -- it's white, it's a Gucci way $$, but then I saw this quirky pic in the Sartorialist and figured what the hell I like challenges....
http://forum.purseblog.com/the-wardrobe/id-this-entire-outfit-sartorialist-566539.html
Then the unthinkable happened & a few great TPFers egged me on and I found several white ones and a red one and then a seller was willing to let this bag go for an unbelievable deal so viola'.
Now I need the navy and some other colors that were in production..........
http://forum.purseblog.com/the-wardrobe/id-this-entire-outfit-sartorialist-566539.html
Then the unthinkable happened & a few great TPFers egged me on and I found several white ones and a red one and then a seller was willing to let this bag go for an unbelievable deal so viola'.
Now I need the navy and some other colors that were in production..........
White bags are amazing on an outfit but I would find it difficult to keep it which and from all the possible color transfer of jeans.
Since cleaning bags is part of what I do here, I can offer some advice.OR
I've never owned one before and am actually scared to think of the maintenance, color transfer potential, etc......
The one I'm in love w/ is a gucci from 2006. I actually started looking for a black one but found a couple in white......
I'd love to hear any and all thoughts on the matter.... TIA
!. Choose high quality smooth or pebbled leather, I feel pebbled is more forgiving. Calf/steer is the best choice. Lamb feels great, but it's thin, darkens when it's made contact with fluids, and can easily rip if snagged.
2. Forget the leather embellishments, leather roses, heavy ruching, anything with raw edges as these trap dirt like a magnet. Traditional fringe is a bit forgiving. As for suede [and yes, I've seen it!], forget it.
3. Understand this: It can NEVER be your everyday bag! Even with meticulous care daily [have the time? I don't!] You hasten the inevitable that eventually the bag will require a dye touch-up, and that, done correctly with sealing/glazing is pricey. Worth it if you have it done every 5 years or so, but not annually. Once you've worn the finish off the edges, have a pro re-seal, or it will absorb ANY fluid the leather comes in contact with. Slight abrasions can be smoothed with neutral shoe polish, lightly dabbed, allowed to dry, then buffed. Let a pro deal with heavy scratches!
4. After every other use, [On calf/steer only!] take a clean white old washcloth, dampen it, squeeze out the excess. On it put an M&M size dot of Murphy's oil soap [in cleaning aisle, cheap and terrific]. Work it into small damp corner of cloth, and then gently run first over the edges, bottom, spots. Never put soap or water directly on bag....it is applied to cloth, then cloth to bag. If cloth shows dirt, dampen a fresh area to continue cleaning, don't keep using a dirty cloth! Air dry or buff with another cloth. Be sure to treat areas your hands touch constantly- handles, straps, where you lift a flap or untoggle a closure. Bottms too. Your hand oils transfer and attract dirt. And be aware of reading newspapers before handling bag! Ink transfers from you hands quite easily. Avoid putting it on bar-tops/lounge tables...I usually wipe the area first if questionable and put a napkin down first. Also a good practice for canvas and ANY light leather. Those table hooks are perfect for white bags. You can buy a hotel bundle of white terry washclothes at Sam's or Costco for next to nothing! Do not store the bag in plastic!!!!! If no sleeper, a clean white pillowcase is great.
5. White wicker, woven leather, leave to a pro, and not the local shoe guy either! There's a good one in most metropolitan areas, otherwise, be prepared to ship it...don't let it be a guinea pig! This site is an ideal way to get a referral. White canvas with leather is better off with a fine drycleaner, as we can treat both materials.
6. Exotic skins....I just cleaned 2 off-white watersnake Peek-a-Boo bags for the Fendi Boutique in Manhasset. The area around the clasp had been soiled from constant opening/handling. I could not use ANY sort of liquid, and had to work in the direction of the scales. This is a job for a serious pro, the bags retailed for just under 6500.00. Exotics in white/light...pro only.
Lastly, a pet peeve....I cannot believe how many disgustingly grubby canvas and white/light leather Coach/other bags there are being dragged around in mid-winter in NYC!! I mean, do they ever look at how gross the bag has become? And now it's probably beyond redemption! Remember, the vast majority of proper care is affordable, and the appearance of your clothes, shoes and handbags speaks VOLUMES about you.
Hope this was helpful to many of you!
Whoa! I should probably leave my bag in a hermetically sealed room until I don a biohazard suit that can accomodate zero transfer of anything to anything 
I kid, I kid. Thank for all the information!
Never even occurred to me to use the Murphy's oil soap.
Now I don't think u addressed (or I missed it) how to best remove, lessen, the appearance of faint blue transfer color on white leather? this seems to be the issue at hand w/ this Gucci in particular.
I am still awaiting it's arrival but from my understanding the fabric from the handle came in contact w/ the leather in various spots leaving a faint blue tinge. The owner did not attempt to clean it and protected the leather from the handles when she discovered this.
From the listing:
It appears that the blue ribbon did rub off onto the white leather in a few places, although it's not terribly noticeable. A good shot of this is the full shot from the side (there's a little blue to the right of the zipper) - I've also added four pictures in an attempt to show the slight bluish transfer. It's still difficult to see, but there are four areas around the sides and top that have a slight bluish tint. This bag has never been used, so I'm assuming it's the connection with the ribbon (which has since been covered with tissue so there's no further transfer). I have read that alcohol or hairspray may work to remove inks from leather, but I have not tried it myself on this item. Price reflects issue
I kid, I kid. Thank for all the information!Never even occurred to me to use the Murphy's oil soap.
Now I don't think u addressed (or I missed it) how to best remove, lessen, the appearance of faint blue transfer color on white leather? this seems to be the issue at hand w/ this Gucci in particular.
I am still awaiting it's arrival but from my understanding the fabric from the handle came in contact w/ the leather in various spots leaving a faint blue tinge. The owner did not attempt to clean it and protected the leather from the handles when she discovered this.
From the listing:
It appears that the blue ribbon did rub off onto the white leather in a few places, although it's not terribly noticeable. A good shot of this is the full shot from the side (there's a little blue to the right of the zipper) - I've also added four pictures in an attempt to show the slight bluish transfer. It's still difficult to see, but there are four areas around the sides and top that have a slight bluish tint. This bag has never been used, so I'm assuming it's the connection with the ribbon (which has since been covered with tissue so there's no further transfer). I have read that alcohol or hairspray may work to remove inks from leather, but I have not tried it myself on this item. Price reflects issue
Hello,
I just signed on yesterday, and no offense, but some of you gals are playing russian roulette with how you care for your bags!
On another thread someone's bemoaning that she tried to remove red wine with baby wipes, and a fruit cleaner[?] She lifted the dye...the stain has remained. Beaucoup $$$ to restore.
Another had "heard" of a product that I know is crap, and if you use it on anything but a dark leather bag, it will darken it further.
And my response here is...why would you want to put anything that absorbs[attracts] dirt? You want to REPEL dirt and stains.
The fact is, there are so many variables in the processing/dyeing of leather that one size...even 10 sizes, will never fit all. And ignorance can be very costly. I will offer here some advice for long term wear on good leather bags. Take from it what you will, I do this as part of my living!
I do not recommend baby wipes ! They're for living flesh, not cured hides! Some are so oily that if the wipe hits a significant scratch, you could have a permanently absorbed oil stain!
After you've bought your bag, consider having it waterproofed, especially if suede or a light leather. If light leather or suede let a pro do it, if you are not artistically inclined with a deft hand, you'll spray too close, too much, and leave liquid marks!
If the maker recommends a cleaner/conditioner...GET IT, and follow directions. If not, saddle soap, Murphy's or lexol are safe. Never put liquids directly on bag. Apply cleaner or conditioner to cloth[clean white] then bag, damp, wrung out, not dripping.
Light colored bags aren't for your everyday "go to". They'll look tired/require $$$fast. Take a good look at them and care for them BEFORE they get grubby....much easier to resolve.
Got expensive bags? Search out a good pro BEfORE a crisis! And just because you got that bag for 80% off doesn't mean you go cheapo on care, unless your a wastrel.
Keep a grocery bag in it for salon visits, lunch alfresco, or any risky situation. Alot of bags have been ruined by catching hair dye on the floor, a careless colorist, restaurant floor grime, etc.
And finally , for your health's sake.....DON"T PUT YOUR BAG ON A PUBLIC RESTROOM FLOOR!!! I can't believe how many times I've seen this!!! Then it goes on your lap, the carseat, your kitchen counter...EWWWW!
Feel free to contact me with any questions!
Cynthia
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Hi,
It's a great bag. Sorry I ran on, but well, this is my field, and I can get a bit anal about it, but the facts remain. I had a similar prob a few years back...I stupidly wore a bone lamb duffle with a pair of pigment dyed cargos....duh! I can only have you try one thing before taking to a pro...
!. Go to an art supply store. Ask them to help you. You want a white "Pink Pearl" eraser, a Stafford "magic rub" eraser, and if you're lucky, you'll find a "Moo" eraser. These are used by artists for different efects, and each has a different abrasiveness than the other. Wash and dry your hands thoroughly before begining. Gently try to a erase a small area, see if it responds, and how well, wth each eraser. Go slow and take your time...this is not for speedsters! work with good light,and check after each brief attempt. If it's not giving...it has to be over sprayed by a pro. This CAN be fixed....shame on Gucci for not testing their ribbon, but...Don't heat up a spot with friction! Do not attempt to cover it with sneaker polish, whiteout, etc. The Bag is worth the pro work...you'll be happy with it for years with care.
xxxxxxxx
do NOT ask people to contact you! 2nd warning
It's a great bag. Sorry I ran on, but well, this is my field, and I can get a bit anal about it, but the facts remain. I had a similar prob a few years back...I stupidly wore a bone lamb duffle with a pair of pigment dyed cargos....duh! I can only have you try one thing before taking to a pro...
!. Go to an art supply store. Ask them to help you. You want a white "Pink Pearl" eraser, a Stafford "magic rub" eraser, and if you're lucky, you'll find a "Moo" eraser. These are used by artists for different efects, and each has a different abrasiveness than the other. Wash and dry your hands thoroughly before begining. Gently try to a erase a small area, see if it responds, and how well, wth each eraser. Go slow and take your time...this is not for speedsters! work with good light,and check after each brief attempt. If it's not giving...it has to be over sprayed by a pro. This CAN be fixed....shame on Gucci for not testing their ribbon, but...Don't heat up a spot with friction! Do not attempt to cover it with sneaker polish, whiteout, etc. The Bag is worth the pro work...you'll be happy with it for years with care.
xxxxxxxx
do NOT ask people to contact you! 2nd warning
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I think white bags look sharp and crisp, I use one as an everyday bag but it's not brand name that has accumulated on the seam underside of the bag blue dye from jeans.
I think if you treat it first and carefully use the handbag it'll be alright.
I think if you treat it first and carefully use the handbag it'll be alright.
I FLOVE white bags. However, a few of the cheaper, no-name purchases have lasted for years, while some of my "better" white bags look worn after a couple of seasons. But most of the time, I think the danger of discoloration (other than dye-transfer from clothes) is highly exaggerated. Most aren't that bad.