YSL Grained Leather vs Smooth
Have you ever felt like you’ve gone around in circles researching your dream bag but still can’t decide which one will give you more ‘bang for your buck’?
Take it from me, it can be daunting plunging into your first designer purchase because let’s be honest, it’s EXPENSIVE and in these uncertain times not everyone has spare cash to be throwing around! If you can’t get into a store it’s hard to get the full ‘touchy-feely’ experience and this can often make the decision more confusing.
Buying a designer bag is a lot like a marriage. You want to be sure that you have made a commitment to something that will be long lasting and full of blissful memories. How do you know the one you choose is right for you and that your love will last forever?
The short answer is, you don’t!
Before you take a risk and dive in you can get advice and that’s where I come in… Hopefully my tips and hints will help ease your mind so that your first purchase isn’t full of regrets and turns out to be a match made in heaven.
When it comes to YSL bags I definitely have a couple of regrets. Working with bags everyday gives me a unique opportunity to see first hand how they wear, what design flaws there may be and which features are better on certain styles than others.
I am lucky to have two stunning Beige YSL Kate bags available to hire – these beauties are a customer favourite. They constantly go out for a variety of events from birthdays to weddings and everything in between. I don’t think it’s a case of one being ‘better’ than the other but there are some things I’d advise you to take into consideration before buying one for yourself…
Both bags look fairly similar, other than the fact that one has the iconic tassel and the other doesn’t. The main difference to make note of is the leather finish. Now this might not seem like much but it could be the difference between owning a tattered old bag held together by a few stitches and a glamorous accessory that stands the test of time.
So let’s talk leather. Grain de Poudre refers to the bumpy/embossed finished on the monogram style (top). The tassel version of this bag is made from smooth leather (bottom).
In my opinion and experience, the smooth leather does not wear as well as the grained finish. My smooth bag comes back often with parts that need touching up – even when it has been well looked after. That is the downside of a light coloured bag in any brand or style.
So what’s not so great about the smooth leather finish. I hear you ask… well here’s my list!
- The corners wear away easily – which does happen with most styles from regular use
- The leather can appear ‘wrinkly’ and crease over time on sections that move (ie. the flap)
- The chain rubs on the top area leaving unavoidable marks
- Nail marks, ring scratches and other scuffs show up VERY easily
- Stains are harder to clean off
THE VERDICT: If you are going to use your bag a lot (and why wouldn’t you after paying that amount of money for it), if you are accident prone or if you are rough with your bags then definitely opt for a YSL bag with ‘Grain de Poudre’ leather. It’s really easy to maintain and in my opinion wears much better over time.
Go the ‘Grain’ – you’ll thank me later xxx
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