Your Personal Shopper Loves… Shania Shares Her New-Season Must-Haves
Get to know the top picks and styling tips of NET-A-PORTER’s Personal Shoppers, as they reveal their seasonal staples and how to wear them. Here, Shania, from our Europe team, shares the best denim pieces, handbags and sneakers to add to your springtime closet refresh
New-season denim
“Chloé makes amazing denim, whether it’s the brand’s iconic wide-leg jeans, coats, jackets or shorts. The wash of the pieces always has that perfect ‘lived-in’ look that you can only otherwise get from years of wear. I also think that where Chloé and See by Chloé really meet up as brands is in their denim offering. See by Chloé does great, vibrant denim pieces at an incredible price. But I couldn’t go without mentioning Loewe, too. While it’s not a brand we typically associate with denim, it makes some of the most fun jeans, denim skirts and jackets through unique placements of its iconic logo, interesting construction or use of print. Loewe’s denim is always eye-catching and can make an entire outfit.”
Sleek sneakers
“Right now, we can’t really talk amazing sneakers without mentioning New Balance. The brand has been adopted by fashion insiders, largely for its range of styles, colorways and versatility – as well as for comfort, of course. And if you’re looking for amazing sneakers with minimal branding and incredible quality, I would point you in the direction of Rag & Bone. Finally, for a less sporty style that will work for a more elevated occasion, consider Chloé. The shapes and designs are fluid and elegant – and the use of embroidered suede, crochet and lace adds pretty detailing.”
Off-duty handbags
“Loewe will always be a front-runner for everyday bags. The iconic ‘Puzzle’ shape, in any size, provides the ideal bag for throwing over your shoulder and running errands with. Also, the color choice is impressive, and means your daytime bag doesn’t have to be a variation of beige, gray or black. Recently, I have fallen in love with bags by Khaite, mainly for their classic shapes, unique details and rich colors. The size of each style is also perfect for off-duty styling. The smaller silhouettes can fit your phone, purse, makeup, headphones and keys, while the larger styles could accommodate a laptop and a change of shoes. The quality is impeccable, too; and they’re not oversaturated in the market – it is unlikely you’ll go for lunch with your girlfriend and both turn up with the same bag.”
To discover how you can access our Personal Shopping team and learn more about our Rewards Program, click here.
How to take care of your bags
Ensure your bags last longer with expert advice from repair-and-alterations service The Seam:
1) Store handbags to maintain their shape and protect the fabric
When they’re not in use, leather handbags should be stored away from any light source to protect the pigmentation and finish of the leather. You can achieve this by storing it in a dust-bag when it isn’t in your regular wardrobe rotation.
It’s important not to store handbags hanging by their handles, as this can distort the handle’s integrity over time. Structured handbags should be stored empty – even ones you wear frequently – to give them the opportunity to air out. Less structured bags can be stored with crumpled paper inside to help maintain their shape and avoid creases.
2) Use maintenance products with caution
Leather cleaners and moisturizers can be an effective way to renew handbags at home and preserve them over time. That said, it’s important to ensure that the product you’re using is suitable for the treatment, pigment and finish of any given bag.
You should never use leather cleaners or moisturizers on ink or grease stains, as these products can make them worse. When in doubt, enlist an expert at The Seam. For bags that you use regularly, an annual professional clean is a good idea.
3) Don’t wait around for needed repairs
When handbags begin to show signs of wear, acting quickly on these services can reduce the cost. Some of the most common handbag services performed at The Seam include refinishing scuffed leather surfaces and repairing cracked piping.
The sooner the damage is addressed, the simpler the fix. It’s also true that scuffed leather is more prone to permanent stains, because the seal on the leather finish has been broken, so bringing it to a specialist before continuing wear is advised.
Find out how to extend the life of your clothes and accessories with our Repair & Rewear service, powered by The Seam