Ryan and Esposito

-t FTW!

Vonnie, what do you mean by unfinished leather? Is it dyed? Is the grunge on the back just grime or is it color transfer?

I looked up some stuff on the internet and apparently the care is different depending on whether the leather is finished (by which I think they mean, "shiny!") vs. unfinished, which is more... matt. I could be wrong.

I think it's dyed. It's a very neutral taupe colour. And I think it's very possible that the grime in the back is colour transfer, since the front is fine, and it's just the back that's been in constant contact with whatever I have been wearing looks yucky.

Wait! I can upload photos. Here we go:

Front: [link]

Back: [link]

I dunno. I have a feeling that this is not gonna come off, but I am annoyed at the prospect of bag shopping.

I kinda like the wear.

Dicky and Coover

I just realized that this reminds me of Dick and Beaver from Veronica Mars. But you do not want to name kittens that.

That's a lovely bag! That's all I got, really, but it's great. I don't see any fraying.

I still want to get a female dog and name her Virginia Woof.

Ha!

Why do I love jokey pet names so much?

Secret message to Perkins

Troy and Abed at the Dooog Park

Just remember, you don't want to name a cat or dog anything that would get you funny looks when you run around the neighborhood calling its name.

I just realized that this reminds me of Dick and Beaver from Veronica Mars. But you do not want to name kittens that.

"My name is Cassidy!"

Yeah, I thought of them, too. And now I'm wondering if Coover's name was originally Cooter.

Vonnie, does your bag retain water marks or does it dry completely without staining? Shine doesn't necessarily differentiate a finished versus unfinished bag. If it retains a water mark, then it is most likely unfinished.

Regardless, I'd use Apple Leather Care products. [link]

Start with the Leather Care conditioner first to see if that removes the dirt. If it doesn't then try the Leather Cleaner, BUT TEST your bag FIRST! If it strips the color, then don't use it--it's harsh. If you do end up using the cleaner, make sure you follow up with the conditioner once the bag is completely dry or the leather could start cracking.

To prevent it from happening again, use a leather protectant spray like the Apple Garde Rain and Stain Repellant or Wilson's stain spray. I use the Garde on most of my bags and it does make a difference. It stinks, though, so make sure you spray it outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.

edit: I've had some luck finding the conditioner and the Garde at Burlington Coat Factory, but most of the time I order it online.

Just remember, you don't want to name a cat or dog anything that would get you funny looks when you run around the neighborhood calling its name.

As my friend discovered many years ago, walking around her apartment complex trying to find her cat. "Here, Crackhead!"