Handmade. Soft leather. Stunning. Those are all ways you can describe our newest obsession. Or you can call it by its name: Baletti.
Baletti handbags are designed by one of the most talented women I've worked with, Paloma Ruiz.
Have you ever owned something that you love, but you just wish you could add a strap, or take off the visible logo, or give it that little extra "something"? Paloma must have gone through that exercise a million times before releasing her handbags. Frankly, before releasing all of the things that she makes.
We have three of Baletti's bestselling styles here at EVAMAIA.
The Tulip Bag
The Tulip Bucket bag got its name from the flower it represents. These gorgeous bags are handcrafted in Colombia by local artisans. You can wear them over the shoulder with the detachable strap. It can also be carried by the thicker hand held strap for a more elegant look.
There is an adjustable closure within the top of the bag for extra convenience. We carry two sizes of this bag: the mini (perfect for formal events and for days when you don't need to carry the extra toy or diaper in your handbag) and the original (small enough to look elegant and big enough for, well...life).
The Belt Bag - Elevated Versatility
Although this bag is perfect for "on-the-go" (read: hand-free) occasions, it's also a great companion for "slower" times of life. Pack this little gem to your next vacation and you've got four accessories in one.
Wear it as a belt bag (if you were born before 1990, you'll know it as a fanny pack). Change the strap and you can throw it on as a crossbody or shoulder bag. Or, take off both straps and make this an elegant clutch bag. The fourth accessory is a belt. Take out the bag altogether and wear the belt strap as a simple and elegant belt.
Our friend Chandler suggests a fifth way. You can put this bag inside a larger bag and have the most stylish compartment/cosmetics case you've ever owned.
Our Baletti belt bags are made from genuine Italian leather and handcrafted in Colombia with the traditional design of woven palm. The belt bag has a Designer feel with a simplistic neutral colors and chic design.
The Iraca Basket Bucket Bag
The basket bucket bag has a traditional Colombian woven pattern made from Iraca palm and soft Colombian leather. This bag is sturdy and crafted with genuine leather. This bag has four sturdy metal pegs at the bottom to protect the soft leather as you set it on a table or the floor (hold space for all Colombian grandmas to gasp here).
You can hand hold this bag from the short strap to carry it or the detachable long strap will make it a stunning shoulder bag.
How to Care for These and Most Leather Handbags:
Most of us know some or all of these "tricks" to keep our bags looking good years and even decades after we invest in them. Since the hope is that these bags will last a lifetime, let's review the most important and even basic ways to care for them.
1. Avoid Moisture When Possible:
Duh! But...even the most careful of us have accidents, like putting your Stanley in your bag without fully closing it. Or, saying, "salud" to your bestie after your third martini and next to your new Baletti. None of these have ever happened to me, of course, but:
If it happens to you, 1. I'm sorry! and 2. dab the water/drinks out with an absorbent cloth and let it air dry. Don't add heat (like a blowdryer) as it may alter the color and feel of the leather.
In the case of the martini, clean with a damp cloth after you've taken out the excess liquid.
2. Condition:
When your bag starts looking "sad" liven it up with some leather conditioner. It's a good idea to do this about once a year. New to the conditioning game? Try it out on a small part first, make sure the color doesn't react...if you love it, go to town!
3. Protect from Sunlight:
Got a stain you can't seem to remove? Put it in the sun...earth's first stain/color remover. Sadly, for our Baletti goodies, this is also true for leather. Don't store your bags on a sunny window. Instead, put them in their Baletti dust bags and away from sun and heat when you're not wearing them.
4. Clean (Groom) Regularly:
5. Maintain Shape:
One of the most beautiful things about these bags is the shape. Whether it's the Tulip bag or the bucket bag, each has a unique shape worth conserving. Don't overstuff it (note to self and to all moms out there). If you're putting it in a crowded space, it may be worth adding cloths or tissue paper inside the bag before you put it away.
6. Careful with Dark Denim and Other Dark Clothing:
Dark jeans, like my daughter Maia, look innocent enough. But they WILL ruin any outfit they touch if you're not extra careful.
If you're wearing a light leather bag, keep an eye on dark denim and other dyed fabrics as the dye likes to fade into anything it touches. Especially leather.
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