The wear and tear of a Mulberry Clifton Bag (6 weeks - 8 months on)

Howdy,

I purchased this amazing bag on 19th March 2017 and apart from preparing it to be used, here is a link to a blog post on how I prepared it for continual use. I have been using this bag everyday so far, today is 5th May and I just love it.

The bag looks just as good as it did when I first bought it, the suede has a slightly more brushed effect to it from me using the bag but it does in no way look dirty or take away the lovely effect of the bag.  There are no marks/ scratches on this bag at all. I have treated the bag a couple of times since having it and it just absorbs the cream and to me it brings back a little of the colour and a little shine. Just in the same way when you polish a pair of shoes, they still look the same when dirty but but cleaning them just improves their overall look.

I have worn it on one shoulder, cross body and just under my arm when in a hurry. I have also been caught out in a few spots of rain (nothing too heavy) and the bag again looks no different. By using the water resistant spray it really does help prolong the life of the bag. I have owned Mulberry bags before but they have been SLG's (small leather goods) or smaller bags, I have always wondered are the larger more expensive bags really worth it? You really are spending such a lot of money on one item and although I think some people will disagree with me, I do think they really are. The stitching, the leathers used and just how it wears is incredible and unlike any other brand I have owned. Each bag is individually hand made and you can see why they last so well with the amount of time and effort took to make each item. I know it won't be anytime soon but I really would take the plunge again and buy another piece. If you really love and take care of the item there is no reason why it should not last you years and years. You do see a few online that look like they have been dragged along a tarmac road by a car, these people are mad! I myself am crazy picky and maybe its partly me being super fussy or partly being an only child but I really do love and look after my items.

So after around 6 weeks of use it really is a massive thumbs up from me, I am extremely happy with it. I did lots of research into what kind of bag I wanted, what bag did I like look of and what can the bag offer me in terms of everyday use. No good buying a mini Lily with the intention of it being your everyday bag! Also another good tip is to go to the shop and see, touch and try on the bags. I recommend going to New Bond Street, they have the best selection and the staff have always been so friendly, helpful and never pushy. I had 2-3 bags in my mind I wanted to try on with the intention of buying one of them and guess what non of them were the the on purchased in the end (the Clifton). It just goes to show how important it is to go and see them in person, online I didn't like the look of it, in person it turns into a leather organisational dream.

Right before I bore the socks off you, I will leave this post here and come back to it in a few months, Wow summer will be over by then, lets hope we get one and fit many BBQ's in. Bye for now, I'm off to enjoy my bag some more.....

Hey I am back and it is now December, I went away in Sept and put my bag away just before I went. I did use the bag for 6 months straight and it does still look the same, the suede has its lovely brushed effect but the leather is still as good as new and even now still has a lovely smell about it. This bag has been fantastic, I have loved using it so much. I have never got this much joy from using a bag before haha, I have also had quite a few compliments on its too, a person who loves Mulberry will always spot a bag from afar. They also know what the bag is called and its colour.

Here are some pictures of the bag before I used it, this is what it looks like now!

Before being used

The 1st and 3rd picture of this bag were taken straight after I received it in the post. Obviously the lighting is different to the pictures I have taken recently but then the seasons have changed and it is so much darker this time of year.
The bag in this picture is fully stuffed with its tissue paper to hold its shape.

After 7-8 months of use

 This picture is 8 months on and the bag is completely empty, it has worn so well and when filled with my things fills out just the same as the picture above. The gold hard wear shows no sign on use or scratches in any way, the same as the leather, not a single blemish to be seen anywhere.
I found this bag very easy to clean and keep clean. Here is a link to a previous blog post telling you what products I use and how I keep my bags looking their best for longer.

Before use

 The inside of the bag including all 3 compartments are all made of suede and I was a little hesitant as to how well this would last and if I could keep it clean as suede is such a delicate leather to look after.

Over time the leather has also softened and is not quite as stiff as when the bag was first purchased. The stitching is still perfect and the piping round the bag looks no different to the day I pusrchased it.

7-8 months on

As you can see by this picture the suede still looks fantastic, it has more a brushed effect to it from my always touching it when going in and out of the bag. This does not in anyway detract from how pretty this bag is and it does not look worn in. I think it just addds to the bag.








 So the big question is would I buy an expensive Mulberry bag again? and the answer is I already have (covers face with hands) If you are interested in why I purchased another bag so soon then click here and you will find out more and it also may help you to find a bargain too. I do have to wait till Christmas to receive this bag though, as my husband kindly bought it for me for Christmas. (Can't wait to use it, Thanks Chippy xxx)
Like I have said before I really REALLY enjoy using this bag, I have always loved and looked after my bags but the quality of the leather, how well it has been hand made and stitched together makes me love it even more. As with a lot of things in life you do get what you pay for and lets face it I could be spending my money on something far worse.

Have you made any big handbag purchases lately? Is there a bag out there calling your name? I'd love to know, come and find me on Instagram @Kara1818 and lets chat bags.

Thanks for reading
Kara xx