Hi, Belle-

I love your blog!  Recently, I finally retired my Longchamp and invested in a taupe-colored leather tote for everyday use.  I was wondering if you had an suggestions or tips for treating the bag to protect it a little from the elements and everyday wear and tear.  I know in the past you’ve recommended Frye’s leather protecting spray for boots – have you ever used this on a bag before?  

Thanks so much, Bridget

If you care about your leather handbags, you need to protect them.  Especially if you live in a climate like D.C. where rain, sleet and humidity are a way of life.  Walking around with an untreated handbag is like playing Russian Roulette, you’re just asking for something bad to happen.

As for Frye’s, I would not put it on a leather bag.  While it does wonders to protect my leather shoes and boots from water, it does darken leather.  So I wouldn’t use it on a purse.

So you have two options if you want to protect your handbags from the elements, or the random spilled latte.  First, you can take your bag to a professional.  Most shoe repair shops or dry cleaners can help you out, or you can send your bag to Bag, Borrow and Steal and pay $45 for interior and exterior stain protection.

Your second option is to do it yourself.  When I have a question about handbags, I only go one place, the Purse Blog forum.  These ladies know everything, and they recommend Apple brand for protecting your bags.  The best place to find the product is on eBay.