Name: Crossbody Vinyl Handbag (Blue Vinyl Frame &amp; Leather Flap of your choice)
SKU: 20198
Availability: InStock

Reinforced leather frames may lose shape over time as they adapt to handbag contents, which is a natural characteristic of leather. To maintain your handbag's appearance:

Some frames are designed to stay upright, known as "reinforced frames."
While reinforcement helps maintain an upright position, shape loss may still occur with regular use.

For more care tips on reinforced frames and minimizing bending, consult our Care Instructions.

How do I take care of my Leather handbag?

It is important to us that you know how to look after your NALAH pieces, in order for you to be able to enjoy them for longer, so we have listed a few tips based on regularly asked questions:

- Keep the leather clean. Try to brush your leather down with a damp cloth at least once a week.
- Start by brushing off any dirt or grime from the leather with your hand, then switch to a damp cloth and wipe the surface of the leather.
- It is important to not use any soaps or cleansers.
- Avoid getting your leather very wet.
- Dry your leather slowly. Do not use heat or direct sunlight to dry the leather.
- Do not store your piece in plastic containers/bags as leather needs to breathe.
- Do not store in direct sunlight this will bend your bag out of shape or change your original colour.
- Do not allow cosmetics, perfumes or hand creams to come in contact with the leather. In case of a spill, clean thoroughly with a damp cloth to avoid stains.
- Do not use any chemicals such as scotch guard products unless tested and approved.
- If hard friction or sharp objects are applied to your handbag, to the top finishing layer it will damage. This is irreparable as it is full-grain leather.

Lastly, it is very important to remember that any genuine leather product will age with time. In other words it will change colour and get a character of its own during normal use. If you take good care care of your leather product and it will last you a life time.

How do I take care of my Canvas handbag?

Canvas Handbags Care Guidelines:

We utilize Oxford Canvas for all our Canvas Handbags.
Prolonged exposure to sunlight or excessive heat can harm your Canvas fabric.
Handle the handbag with clean hands.
Avoid contact with liquids, direct sunlight, or heat.
Clean dirt with a soft cotton cloth, damp or dry, as part of the Leather care instructions below.
Refrain from using household products, chemicals, or alcohol sanitizers.
Do not overload the handbag with heavy items to prevent Canvas damage and tearing over time.
Overfilling may lead to Canvas damage and tearing in the long run, stressing the stitching.
If the product gets wet, let it dry slowly in a well-ventilated area.
Proper care of leather items ensures their durability and suppleness.
Pay special attention to items used frequently.
Prevent scratching the bag against rough surfaces to avoid damaging the canvas.
Scuffing may occur based on individual lifestyle and usage.
Take care to prevent scuffing or scratching your bags.
Note that normal wear and tear includes scuffing, scratching, leather bending due to contents or usage, softening of leather, and slight stretching (considered normal wear and tear, not a defect).

Handbags are fashion accessories meant for daily personal items; avoid carrying heavy objects

Nalah bags will not be responsible for any damages arising from misuse, abuse or neglect of your items and general wear and tear.

A few leather tips when using your handbag daily

Not all leathers are created equal! Some leathers are more prone to scratching, while others are known for their durability.

You can find more leather information on our website.

Over time, leather frames may lose their shape, warp, or bend as they conform to the contents inside your handbag. This is a natural process and not a defect; leather naturally changes shape over time.

When using your handbag daily, there are several factors to consider to keep it looking beautiful:

Leather care should begin immediately upon receiving your handbag.
By taking the time to care for your leather, you can preserve the value and appearance of your cherished pieces.
Diesel leather, being Full Grain leather, may scratch easily but is highly durable as it lacks harsh coatings found in other leathers.

Everyday Care Tips:

Avoid overfilling your handbag to maintain its original shape. Overfilling will damage and stretch your frame, Handles and your inner.
Regularly wipe away dust and spots with a soft cloth, especially on frequently used leather items.
Be cautious to prevent scratches and scuffs by avoiding contact with heavily embellished clothes, sharp surfaces, chunky jewelry, vibrating surfaces, rough walls/tables/chairs.
Wet leather needs extra care, so carry an umbrella.
Store leather items away from direct sunlight to prevent fading or warping.
Do not store your handbag in a plastic bag or in a hot vehicle for extended periods.
Store handbags in a dust bag and away from artificial heat sources.
Utilize leather care products and handle your bag with care to prevent scuffing or rubbing against other objects.

When storing the Nalah frame, remove handles only by the plastic screws on the inside of the liner for stability and durability.

Nalah bags will not be responsible for improper care, misuse, abuse or neglect of your Leather Item nor will we be responsible for general wear and tear.

Leather Care should start immediately after you receive your handbag.

By taking time to care for your leather you will uphold the value and maintain the appearance of your most treasured pieces.

Remember that Diesel leather is Full Grain leather and will scratch as it is the most natural leather but extremely durable, diesel leather does not get all the harsh coatings that other leathers get.

EVEYDAY CARE:

Looking after Leather Goods starts with day to day Care. And regular conditioning.

By Following just a few simple steps / rules you can avoid unnecessary wear and tear and extend the life of your Handbag for years.

Leather is skin and it can stretch. Avoid overfilling your handbag to maintain its original shape
Take extra care with leather items you use often, take time each week to wipe away dust and spots with a soft cloth
Scratches & Scuffing can detract from a flawlessly crafted piece.
Take care to avoid contact with the following (This can scuff & scratch your Leather handbag)
1. Heavily embellished clothes,
2. Sharp surfaces,
3. Chunky jewellery,
4. Surfaces that vibrate or where your handbag can scuff against
5. Rough walls/Tables/ chairs
  1. All of the above listed or not listed can scratch or scuff your handbag when you are out and about. This will damage your leather and scuff marks may be visible.
  2. When bags are worn against a body it may get scuff marks easier- ensure you take care of your handbag in corners and sides as well as Leather Care.
Wet leather requires extra care. Remember to take an umbrella.
Store leather away from direct sunlight as this can cause fading or warping.
Avoid storing your handbag in a plastic bag
Avoid leaving your handbag in a hot vehicle for long periods of time (excessive heat will damage your frame and it will bend out of shape) Frame will not return to original shape.
Avoid sunlight for long periods of time (This will damage your frame and it will bend out of shape) It will not return to its original shape
Store handbags in a dust bag
Store leather away from artificial sources of heat.
Always use leather Care products.
Take care how you put your bag in your vehicle or desk to avoid scuffing or rubbing objects against your bag
Handles – Always ensure you put your handles on top of your bag when bag is stored.
Removing handles from the Nalah frame. Only remove handles by the plastic screws on the inside of the inner. Handles should not be removed by the hardware of the handbag – clips/ buckles or any hardware of the handle. Hardware is in certain cases as decoration / ensure handle is stable and ensures durability.

Leather Handles

The Monique Bag & Sequin info

Sequin Information

Insert Information & Sizings

INSERT CARE

Washing of Inserts

Canvas Bags Information

CANVAS BAG CARE

Various uses for your Handbags

VINYL FRAME CARE

Daily Care for Reinforced Frames (original desiree & Petite Lianay)

*Special Care for Reinforced Frames in Leather Bags**
Reinforced frames require extra attention as a reinforcement is inserted into the leather to give the bag structure.
**Consider this before purchasing reinforced frames**.
*Maintenance Tips for Leather Bags:**
Reinforced leather frames may change shape over time due to the contents placed in the bag, which is a natural process for leather.
Immediate leather care is essential upon receiving your handbag to preserve its beauty and value.
Diesel full-grain leather is durable and may scratch but lacks harsh coatings found in other leathers.
*Everyday Care:**
Regular conditioning and daily care are crucial to maintain your handbag’s longevity.
Follow simple rules to prevent unnecessary wear and tear and extend the life of your handbag for years.
*Tips for Leather Care:**
Leather can stretch and soften over time.
Avoid overfilling your handbag to retain its original frame shape.
Extra care is needed for leather frames reinforced with a type of plastic to prevent bending or cracking.
Weekly wiping with a soft cloth helps maintain the bag’s appearance.
Be cautious of items that can scratch or scuff your leather handbag.
Wet leather requires special care and protection from sunlight.
Store leather away from direct sunlight and avoid plastic bags for storage.
Prevent leaving your handbag in a hot vehicle for extended periods.
Use leather care products regularly to preserve the leather.
Be mindful of how you store and handle your handbag to avoid scuffing or rubbing against objects.
Properly store handles on top of the bag when not in use.
Follow guidelines for removing handles from the Nalah frame to ensure durability.
*Note on Wear and Tear:**
Normal wear and tear may include scuffing, scratching, leather softening, slight stretching, and shape changes due to contents or external factors.

Reinforced frames are designed to maintain an upright position but may still lose shape sideways over time. Refer to care instructions to minimize bending.

Does Full Grain leather Scratch?

Yes Scratches are inevitable.

Full Grain Leather is a durable and flexible material.
It will be vulnerable to scratches. Scratches are unavoidable.
Always take note that even the most resistant leather can still be susceptible to scratches.
Minor scuffing or scratches can normally be fixed with a leather conditioner or wax, Ensure that you buff the bag after applying product to avoid build up of product.

Scratches on leather is a natural occurrence and handbags will not be replaced because of scratching or scuffing.

Scratches will happen on Full Grain leathers because their is no coatings on the leathers.

If you prefer a different kind of leather with a coating please contact our offices before you place your order for this request. Info@nalahbags.co.za

Types of leather explained

Handmade products may exhibit slight variations due to the artistry of human craftsmanship.
Genuine leather is a natural material that often reflects signs of the animal’s life, such as brand marks, bite marks, wrinkles, veins, threads, scratches, healed scars, and varying fiber density and color, all of which remain visible even after the aniline dyeing process.
Some items may have a shinier appearance than others due to differences in hides, and an exact match to images cannot be guaranteed.
Certain bags may display more texture based on the animal’s history.
Colors can vary in lightness or darkness across different hides, and slight differences are to be expected.
Leather colors may appear different depending on your screen’s brightness. Variations in hides can result from the animal’s background, natural hide tones, or the tanning methods used.
These features are not considered defects or Flaws in the leather items.
If you’re concerned about scratches or natural marks, consider conditioning or polishing your bag with a leather conditioner or treatment. Please refer to the care instructions below.
Our handmade leather items may have slight variations.
Proper leather care is recommended for all leather products.
Remember that leather may warp, bend, or lose its shape over time.
As leather is skin, it can scratch, dry, crack, stain, and warp over time due to usage and sunlight exposure.
The frames of bags may adapt to the items placed inside, taking on their shape.
These changes are not considered defects; they are natural traits of Diesel Full Grain leathers.

Our factory applies a wax layer to the bag that can be buffed with a soft, damp cotton cloth followed by a clear oil wax or leather conditioner

What Does Full Grain Leather Look Like and Its Characteristics

Full grain leather is distinguished by its natural markings and imperfections, which many consider to enhance its charm.

As the strongest and outermost layer of the hide, full grain leather retains the complete grain structure without being sanded for a uniform appearance. This inherent durability enables full grain leather to last significantly longer. Over time, it develops a patina, a desirable change in color that occurs more rapidly in untreated items.
The smooth, untouched surface allows for the visibility of pores and tiny hair follicles (when examined with a magnifying glass), indicating the leather’s high quality.
Additional notable features include fat wrinkles, growth lines, natural grain texture variations, shading, and minor scars and scratches.
Importantly, each hide is unique; it originates from different animals, each with distinct markings and blemishes. Consequently, one will observe that no two hides of full grain leather are identical.

What Does Full Grain Leather Upper Mean?

Full grain leather uppers refer specifically to the portions of footwear, such as boots or shoes, that are crafted from full grain leather. The term ‘leather upper’ designates the part above the sole.

Where Does Full Grain Leather Come From?

Full grain leather is derived from the skin layer just beneath the hair, specifically from the outermost layer of the hide, which contributes to its increased durability due to the tightly interwoven structure of its fibers.

Sources of full grain leather include goats, pigs, sheep, and even exotic animals such as alligators, ostriches, and kangaroos. However, cattle skin is the most prevalent material used in leather production.
All products on our website labeled as full grain leather are exclusively sourced from cow hides.

How is Full Grain Leather Made?

The process of leather-making involves three primary stages: preparation, tanning, and crusting. A fourth step may include the application of a surface coating or finish.

Preparation:

During the preparation phase, the animal skin or hide undergoes several treatments, including:

Preservation to prevent decay.
Soaking for cleaning and rehydration.
Liming, which removes proteins and natural fats using an alkali solution.
Removal of hair and subcutaneous materials.
Splitting the hide into layers, resulting in full grain (top layer) and the corium layer, which yields ‘genuine’ leather and suede.
Additional liming and de-liming to eliminate excess proteins and chemicals.
Bating, which introduces proteolytic proteins to soften the pelt.
Slicking, which physically removes inner fat.
Bleaching and pickling to lower pH for better penetration of tanning agents, followed by de-pickling to raise pH for enhanced penetration of additional tanning agents.

Tanning:

The tanning process transforms raw hide into a stable material, allowing it to dry into a flexible form and preventing decay. Various tanning methods exist, with chromium and vegetable dye (free of Chrome VI) being the most commonly used materials.

Hides are placed in a drum with tanning liquor and rotated slowly for soaking.
Once uniform penetration is achieved, pH levels are gradually increased in a process called basification, which fixes the tanning material to the leather.

Crusting:

In the crusting phase, the tanned hides are thinned, re-tanned, and lubricated. This stage often involves coloring, with the primary goal of drying and softening the hides.

The leather may also undergo a finishing process through:

Oiling
Brushing
Padding
Spraying
Buffing
Embossing
Glazing

These techniques are applied if the leather requires finishing; for instance, patent leather receives a glossy, shiny finish.

What is Pebbled Leather?

Pebbled leather features a pebbled texture embossed onto its surface, primarily for cosmetic purposes to conceal natural surface flaws.

What is Burnished Leather?

Burnished leather undergoes a finishing technique that smooths the leather through pressure and friction, resulting in a darker, antiqued hue. Edges are often burnished using metal tools, such as a spinning disk.

What is Oiled Full Grain Leather?

Oiled leather has been treated with oils, such as raw (un-emulsified) oil or a blend of raw and emulsified oils with a penetrating aid. This treatment hydrates the leather, enhancing flexibility and water resistance. This process is often associated with full grain aniline leathers.

What is Tumbled Full Grain Leather?

Tumbling is a process that softens leather by placing it in a drum, resulting in a more pronounced grain and smoother surface.

How to Maintain Full Grain Leather

Full grain leather requires relatively low maintenance. For our bags, we recommend occasional wiping with a cloth to prevent dust accumulation. The most critical aspect of maintaining full grain leather is proper storage. Avoid placing leather products near radiators or using hair dryers, as this can dry out the leather.

To keep the leather soft, store it in a humidity-controlled environment of approximately 40-50% to retain essential moisture.

Numerous products are available online for cleaning, waterproofing, and conditioning leather, all of which are effective in maintaining your product’s quality. While embracing the natural aging of leather is appealing, investing in a suitable leather cleaning product or conditioner (extra virgin olive oil is a viable alternative) can help keep the leather soft and supple. Simply rub the product into the leather’s surface, akin to moisturizing your skin, allowing it to absorb into the pores. This practice also prevents stiffness and dryness.

Please Note:

Always conduct a patch test with a new leather care product on an inconspicuous area before full application, as some products may alter the leather’s color in an undesirable manner.

How to Protect Full Grain Leather?

Leather protectants and sealants coat the top layer of the skin, helping retain natural oils and moisture for suppleness. Applying polish is a matter of personal preference, but it can provide additional protection against everyday dirt and grease.

How Long Does Full Grain Leather Last?

Full grain leather is exceptionally durable, typically lasting five times longer than fabric, depending on proper care and usage.

How Thick is Full Grain Leather?

The thickness of full grain leather varies based on the manufacturing process and intended use. Tanned hides are often split into two or more sheets, influencing the final thickness. The strength of full grain leather derives from its tightly interwoven fiber structure rather than its thickness. Lower-quality leather cuts feature a looser fiber structure, rendering them significantly less durable.

Full Grain Leather Versus Corrected Leather

While full grain leather represents the outermost layer of the hide, featuring its natural epidermis and blemishes, corrected grain leather is top grain leather that has been ‘corrected’ through buffing and sanding to eliminate surface imperfections such as brand marks, healed scars, or insect bites. It is then stamped or embossed with an artificial grain. Corrected grain appears much smoother and more uniform but is of lower quality and has a more synthetic appearance and feel.

Calfskin Leather

Calfskin leather, derived from younger calves, presents a smoother texture with fewer markings and blemishes. It is thin and exhibits a smooth appearance with a fine grain, while still offering durability due to its tightly interwoven fiber structure. Calfskin retains its shape well and is waterproof; however, it is less durable than full grain cowhide due to its thinner and lighter nature.

Bonded or Blended Leather

Bonded, or blended, leather is produced by processing leather scraps into sheets that are then adhered together. It is embossed to create an artificial grain and is considered low-quality, significantly less durable than full grain leather. Unlike full grain, bonded leather does not develop a patina over time and is challenging to repair.

Full Grain/Top Grain Leather Versus Split

Hides are initially split into two layers: the top/grain layer and the split layer. The grain layer is used to create full grain, top grain, corrected grain, and nubuck leather; it typically lasts longer, is stronger, and ages better than split leather. Split leather features a looser fiber structure and is often given a printed texture to imitate grain leather, making it suitable for suede production.

Full Grain Versus Genuine Leather

The term ‘genuine leather’ can mislead consumers; although it is made from real leather, it typically consists of lower-quality split leather, which is weaker than full grain leather. Many consumers mistakenly equate ‘genuine leather’ with high quality, but this is often inaccurate. Full grain leather, derived from the top layer of the hide, is regarded as the highest quality leather.

Suede and Nubuck

Suede and nubuck leather share similarities, both undergoing an abrasion process to create their velvety nap. However, distinctions in quality exist: nubuck leather is sourced from the grain layer of a hide, making it tougher and slightly more water-resistant than suede, which is derived from the split layer and is weaker due to its looser fiber structure. Consequently, the nap on suede is not as fine as that on nubuck leather. Compared to full grain leather, both suede and nubuck exhibit different textures and appearances as a result of the abrasion process and are also less durable.

Laminated Bags

Important Laminated Fabric Care

Handmade items may show slight variations in stitching, color, and structure.
Clean your laminated bag with a wet cloth
No harsh Chemicals
Please note that any Sunscreen or harsh liquids spilt inside your bag and create a reaction and bubbling of PVC cover will result. Nalah bags will not be responsible for this type of damage to the bag.
When using as a beach bag, be careful to overload with drinks, this bag is not suitable as a cooler bag and is not sturdy enough for heavy objects.
Do not leave your bag in direct sunlight for long periods of time, this may cause a reaction and your PVC may bubble and cause permanent damage
Normal use may cause scratches, especially on frequently used items.
Store the bag carefully to avoid creases, creases may cause bubbling and the PVC to lift.
Laminated bags will naturally change shape, soften, or bend with use, a natural process, not a defect.
When your bag is wet, dry it with a cloth, leave it out to dry.
Once bag is completely dry you can store. If bag is not completely dry it will mold.

If your bag is moldy / has creases or bubbles due to neglect we will not refund or return & exchange.

Crossbody Vinyl Handbag (Blue Vinyl Frame & Leather Flap of your choice)