As bag lovers, there is a fine line between taking care of our bags and babying them to the point of not really using them. I like to think that I fall somewhere in the middle. I take excellent care of my expensive things; I always have. Yet, at the same time, I believe that when I’ve spent my hard-earned money on things, they should be used and loved—no matter the occasion.
Recently, I noticed a bit of wear and tear on a light-colored bag I’ve owned for about a year. Yup, I’m talking about my Mini Jodie in Ice Cream.
To Keep or to Trade
When I purchased the Mini Jodie last summer, I was seriously conflicted on which color to go with. I knew I didn’t want a neutral color like black, brown, or white, but I kept going back and forth over which color I wanted. I ultimately went with the yellow, which many of you loved but were concerned over its light hue.
I was, and still am, for the most part, happy with my decision to get the light yellow hue. Thanks to its creamy undertones, it works with so many pieces in my closet, way more than I thought it would. I’ve worn my Mini Jodie for dinners out, to grab a coffee, to the supermarket, and beyond. If I’m on the go and it’s the bag I have packed, it comes with me.
Normal Wear and Tear?
I’m careful to a degree, but I haven’t been babying this bag, and it has started to show some wear and tear, which I believe is normal signs of wear that happen to appear more drastic thanks to the bag’s light yellow hue. The leather on the zipper pull shows some wear, as do the edges on some of the Intrecciato pieces. While I still love this bag, I’m having a bit of a dilemma.
Do I trade the bag now for another Mini Jodie in a hue that won’t show wear and tear as much? Or do I hold onto it and only use it for special occasions? I’m conflicted. Part of me thinks I should part ways with it before the wear and tear worsen, and its value decreases, but part of me doesn’t want to let her go.
What would you do?
As someone who used to work for BV, I recommend you take the bag to the store as they (used to) offer complimentary cleaning as well as additional repair services. I don’t know if this policy is still in place though. It was in Europe and ten years ago. But it’s worth asking!
The bag looks good. That’s normal wear and tear for a leather bag, no matter its price.
Personally, I buy less expensive bags in lighter colours while the expensive ones are black or dark brown. It reduces any stress about usage.
When my bags show wear and tear, I keep using them. Bags, especially those made with a softer leather, will show wear.
The wear appears to be fairly minimal, in my opinion. I’ve had black BV intrecciato bags before, and the wear on the weave happened to those as well, and I am pretty careful with my nicer bags. I think this may happen again, and whether it is less noticeable on a darker colored bag may be debatable. I think I would keep on with the one you have and chalk it up to normal wear.
I do agree it’s fairly minimal (for now). I am concerned that it will get worse, but it is a bag I really love. I think I will start to be a bit more careful.
It doesn’t look bad to me…you’ve been able to keep it pretty well considering how light it is and how much you carry. You seem to really love this color. I would wear it a bit less often / put less in it so the zipper isn’t stressed.
I’d get my bag repaired so I can wear it again.
It depends how much the wear and tear bothers you and impacts your enjoyment when using it. If using it brings some stress then I think you’re better off selling. But if you can use it accepting it will continue to gain character, and if you love the color, then keep it.
FWIW I have a turquoise patent Burberry bag that is such a cheery member of my mainly dark neutral collection, and it shows some slight normal wear and tear. It was relatively inexpensive and the color brings me joy…but I went through a period avoiding using it, then used it for a month straight. So she still earns her keep in my mind.
Go with whichever gives you the most peace. ❤️
Im 50-50 in this one. I sold some while i kept some too. I always think about cost per wear so i really try to use my bags more. I think i kept those that have sentimental value to me.
I totally agree! I’ve gotten a lot more use out of the color than I thought I would, and I really love it, so I’m torn. I’m leaning towards keeping at this point after taking into consideration all of the great advice given.
It really depends on how many bags you own, and the industry you’re in.
I work in financial services, I rarely to never sell my bags and I wear my bags into the ground because they’re meant to be used and not just accessorize my outfit. The trends don’t matter to me. I buy what I love and what I see myself wearing in 15 yrs.
You probably have different needs. You work in fashion, probably have around 50 designer bags (or have had that number come through your collection), and use these bags to give reviews and to reflect your contemporary interests. For your situation, if you’re thinking about selling I say sell.
This is what I’ve been saying about BV for years. They do not age well. The best way to find out how a bag will age is to look for it on resale websites and see what those look like. Bottega will always have a problem with the edges of the leather fraying or discoloring because it’s not glazed. The edges are exposed and the leather is soft. Real shame because it feels so luxurious.
Sell or trade for a different color or a new one. It’s gonna bother you and you won’t use it with such joy. Trust me.