How do you store or display your handbags?

Apr 15, 2011 by mel

The Blonde Salad answered the question, “How do I keep my bags?” And yes, her designer shoe and handbag collection is quite impressive.

But the question does remain, readers: how do you store your handbags within your own closet?

I have several bags myself, so I incorporated a few organizational techniques to prevent my closet from being overwhelmed by accessories.

Here are a few tips:

*Use hooks! (I bought some closet-organizing appropriate sets from IKEA). Not only does this method really help maintain the shape of the bag, you will protect the handles too (especially important for shoulder bags and satchels). I love that I had an extra wall in my closet, to sort of put my purses on display. Plus, I’m horrible at remembering what I have, so being able to visually see all my bags, makes for easier pairing with my daily wardrobe.

*Find cubbies and/or DIY shelves (available in nearly all home improvement stores and big-box places, like Target). I find this to be a great way to stack flat purses, like clutches and evening bags and smaller shoulder bags. Some of my skinny totes fare well in the manner too, using the available shelves (flattest on the bottom, then storing upwards). Also, these stackable cubes are sincerely cheap to purchase, and they effectively utilize the greatest amount of space. I then use the top open shelf for my large, bulky hobos (and store my Pashminas and scarves on the bottom, tiny space of the cubby, that you can see in that photo above).

*If your purse includes packaging, like a sac or a box, KEEP IT! I learned the hard way, but stacking boxes is SO MUCH EASIER for handbags to sit still in one place (too late for my purses, but I do this with my shoes now). And those soft pouches or bags around the purse itself will protect its exterior. In addition, take a photo and tape to the outside of the box, so you remember what’s inside.

Do you have any organizational tips for storing accessories — and most importantly, handbags?

The Interior of a Purse

Jan 05, 2011 by mel

Caring for your handbag is important. To retain its purpose and value, you not only need to place importance on its exterior, but pay attention to the interior as well. The construction and maintenance of both is important to the lifespan of your bag. Most of us carry half of our life with us in our purse. And nearly all those everyday necessities have the potential misfortune to ruin your investment.

Hello, in there!

Organization is only half the battle. Many of our purses are designed to segment personal items from one another — whether that be makeup, cell phones, wallets or IDs and credit cards. Pockets, pouches, compartments can be open-but-separated, zippered or magnetically secured. The lining itself, however, needs to be protected additionally from damaging substances, as well as sharp, pointy objects. That’s why the use of included divisions and additional makeup bags or removable pouches are essential for protection.

How many of you have the experience of a compact breaking in your purse? Too many times for this lady. And cleaning up the mess is near impossible. It’s beyond frustrating. I’ve learned the hard (and completely powder-covered) way. Even if you only utilize an attached interior zippered pocket, use it to prevent this eternal mess.

Save the interior!

While a ripped lining can likely be repaired, an ink-stained one cannot. Be sure to store your pens in a zippered pouch or professional binder — and always keep caps attached. The tips of these writing utensils will not only permanently stain, but can wear down interior lining and work small holes into the corners of handbags. This same principle should be applied if you carry tweezers with you.

Pay special attention to natural linings as well — while these are constructed in a way to be extra durable, under certain weather or environmental conditions, can be damaged just as easily as the exterior. Use plastic, water resistant small bags and pouches to store your liquid-based personal items within your handbag.

What ideas have you used to protect the interior of your bag? Would you suggest anything else?

2011 Resolutions: Handbag Manual for the New Year

Dec 31, 2010 by mel

We can all easily resolve to be a little nicer, healthier, less of a drunk, more organized or {insert New Year’s Resolution You’ll Likely Break Here}. But it’s KEEPING on the successful path of those goals… that’s the hard part. When assessing what you intend to resolve in 2011, add in a few of these handbag objectives.

And then repeat after me: I Will Take Better Care of My Handbags!

Taking care of your satchels and shoulder bags has to start with an audit of your accessory collection: is everything in good shape? Do you have loose or broken straps, zippers or seams on your purses that can be repaired? Has your leather hobo surface seen brighter days? Is your collection outdated or short an evening bag?

Start first by making a few piles with your currently-owned accessories, separated by: donate, toss or keep. Donate or discard old purses that cannot be salvaged by a visit to the luggage and shoe repair shop (you did know these awesome local business cobblers fixed handbags, right?!). Also, make a list of items missing.

GIVE AWAY purses (to charity or friends) that are in good shape but are perhaps out of style, too small/large for your use — or those that you NEVER carry. Someone else (a younger sibling, niece, costume shop or charity) could resell or pass along a bag in good condition. Do not donate garbage accessories.

KEEP items in your closet that are in good condition, regularly used or even ones that could be revitalized by a little cleaning. Some of that conditioning and buffing can be done at home, with special leather, suede or fabric cleaners, but other materials could benefit from a little professional help. Never throw a handbag into a washing machine, unless ALL constructed materials are cotton.

THROW AWAY purses with heavy staining, cracked leather or exteriors cannot be patched (and promise to next time take better care of your replacement!) or broken straps that cannot be rebuilt. Consult with a leather professional, if you are unsure — even ripped linings can oftentimes be replaced.

BUY new purses that not only fit today’s trends, but will serve a purpose. Do you need a large daily-use bag? Something cross-body for sight-seeing or regular touristy adventures (think: free hands!)? Do you need a black evening bag (everybody does)?

Last, but certainly not least, resolve to maintain your handbags: clean with a soft cloth, only use cleaning agents meant for your fabrics or materials after each use, store properly and protect the interior of your purses by using included pouches, zippered pockets or removable makeup bags. More about interior upkeep in my next post!

What would you include on your handbag care tips 2011 resolutions list? Happy New Year from iFashionHandbags!