Designer Handbag Reviews at Señora Cartera

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Celebrity Style: A little "Chloé" Goes A Long Way
2010-10-14 15:57:00
It seems like forever since I wrote up a celebrity handbag sighting. It felt great looking for those gems of a photo that satisfy the voyeur in me. It was quite coincidental that both my finds were Oscar winning stars with a thing for Chloé bags. First up is Reese Witherspoon, who looks better with every passing year (hate her!). On the set of her new film, Reese was photographed looking sleek and sophisticated and topping the chic look off with a Chloé Elsie Shoulder Bag. This particular design is one I like more in person than in photographs. It comes across as a bit flat, which it's not. Even in this shot of Reese, the bag looks a tad deflated (the props department for the film should really stuff these bags properly). One of the reasons why I feel this design is a step in the right direction for Chloé accessories is the fact that, although it sort of resembles a rather famous designer bag that shall remain nameless, it looks and feels more youthful than other chain-strap d...
More About: Celebrity , Style , Long

A Legacy Fit For A King
2010-10-07 15:21:00
As I sit here writing about yet another Alexander McQueen Skull Clutch, I find it difficult to believe that he is no longer with us. His unrivaled talent is so ingrained in every piece he every designed that I feel as if he hasn't really left us at all. This version of his now legendary Skull Clutch is nothing short of spectacular. The design - part of his final collection - is a testament to everything he stood for as a fashion designer. A man known for pushing the boundaries of design, the "king of avant-garde", took a youthful, punk-inspired, rock-n-roll chic bag and transformed it into a work of art. Is the rhinestone-clad queen skull adorning the clasp a bit over the top? Well, yes, of course. This is Alexander McQueen we're talking about. I'd expect nothing less. I can turn to a myriad of designers for prim and proper bags. But let's not mince words here. My favorite detailing on this particular clutch is the pattern of gold-accented red patent leather petals covering ...
More About: King

Alexander Wang Spring 2011 Collection: Two Steps Forward, One Step Back
2010-10-04 17:23:00
I congratulate New York fashion designer Alexander Wang for a Spring 2011 collection that took two very important steps forward in terms of overall style evolution. First, NO BLACK!!! It's refreshing to see a sans black collection from "Mr. Downtown Cool" himself. The offerings this time around were fun, festive but still very "Wang". Just a more optimistic Wang. The structured yet deconstructed looks fit in perfectly within Wang's established aesthetic. The smock-like jackets were my absolute favorites. So chic and flattering, I couldn't help but admire how much Wang has come along. If I ever said he was a one-trick pony, I'm prepared to take it back and eat crow. Another well-executed step forward came by way of shoes. High-heeled construction-style booties were nothing short of genius. Not that they haven't been done before, it's just these were better than their more mundane predecessors. It really is a pity that, taking into account how fantastic this collection was, ...
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See by Chloé Metallic Day Tripper
2010-10-04 16:17:00
After a much-needed sabbatical from designer handbags, I wasn't sure if I wanted to continue focusing my time on them. Truth be told, some of the comments and e-mails I received earlier in the year were very personal and insulting. I have pretty tough skin, but devoting the time it takes to research and write for this blog (time I'm spending away from my family for little or no compensation) seemed to go by unappreciated except for a few loyal readers who kept me going. I'm not asking for praise or acceptance, but courtesy. If you don't like what you're reading here, simply move on. There are PLENTY of handbag blogs on the web. There's no need to hang around reading mine if my opinions are "worthless". I plan to continue sharing my "worthless" opinions and I'll begin with this fabulous metallic See by Chloé Day Tripper. Coming in at just over the all important $500 mark, this sporty handbag receives a touch of urban chic with the addition of gold and silver flecks over the ...

Alexander Wang Tai Train Case Bag
2010-06-08 20:12:00
I think many designer handbag enthusiasts will agree that Alexander Wang's foray into handbag design has produced mixed results. Initial designs were promising and edgy, but sub-par construction and deceptive marketing photography yielded a debut grouping that required much improvement. The past two seasons provided only countless rehashings of the Coco (I mean, Rocco - oh, whatever!), and, frankly, I was losing hope of ever seeing any cool bags from the design world's "cool" kid. But lately there are glimmers of hope on the horizon. One ray of light in Wang's dark and modern utilitarian world comes by way of the Tai Train Case Bag. This bag is sharp and absolutely adorable in a simplistic sort of way. Is this bag practical? Probably not (it's not very big at 9 x 7.5 x 3). Is it cheap? Well, at $750, it's all relative. Is it fabulous? YES!!! C'mon now, a cute little train case? How could it not be? The strap and studs closure is masculine, and the square shape is bo...

Elaine Turner Sierra Clutch
2010-05-20 18:13:00
Thought you could get rid of me, huh? Well, ha! You couldn't even if you tried. I'm back and looking better than ever (the blog that is. I could use some smoothing around the edges ;-) So what do we think of the re-design, folks? Do tell! Should we talk about bags? Yes, please! I've been dying to talk about them, but the well has been dry for some time. It's the inevitable consequence of that transition period between seasons. Slowly but surely, more and more pre-fall bags are beginning to make their way onto the web, but I'm all about summer bags right now. In fact, I've been looking for a good sized clutch perfect for those outdoor summer occasions that always come up, and this affordable Elaine Turner Sierra Clutch is just the ticket. An "everyday" clutch with ample (but not enormous) proportions can be tricky to find, but the internet never fails to yield great results. The 'Sierra' measures a comfy 6 x 9 x 1.25, large enough to house a wallet, keys, lipstick a...

Chanel Resort 2011
2010-05-19 11:00:00
The number of bags on Chanel 's Resort runway {if you can call a sandy albeit glamorous boardwalk in Saint-Tropez a runway} made my head spin. Let's start with the length--long straps on bags are in. That much is sure. And chain, chain is big too--especially when it has that Jackie O. late 60s/70s vibe. There was a grasscloth clutch emblazoned with the double C's that had a cool jet set appeal {although I'm not a fan of the big logo}. This square classic is a slam dunk and the long skinny chain is perfect for what's going on with bags right now. The bucket bag was one of my favorites, with it's updated long wristlet handle. Finally this sweet little mini bag captured the magical mood of long days at the beach and luxe living.

Where did we go? To get a MAKEOVER!
2010-05-17 18:54:00
Wondering what happened to Señora Cartera? Well, the answer is I'm working on a MAJOR overhaul of the site. It will return with an entirely new look and feel, and I hope you will all love it as much as I do. The designer is chugging away to help me brand Señora Cartera the way I'd always envisioned (except I'm a tech klutz and wouldn't know HTML if it jumped up and slapped me with a Birkin ;-) Bear with me while we make this place a fun, happy and fashionable place to visit on the web. I promise I'll be back with a vengeance and looking fierce, too. See ya soon!

What I Got for Mother's Day
2010-05-04 18:27:00
I had a rare opportunity to pick ANY (yes, ANY) bag I wanted over the weekend as a gift from my hubby and kids for Mother's Day. So which bag did I ultimately pick? Well, my choice might surprise those of you that read the blog regularly. I skipped over Lanvin, Marc Jacobs, Balenciaga (well, I have too many of those bags to begin with), and Fendi. In the end, I picked a bag from.....Michael Kors! No, I don't have a fever. I'm not hallucinating or anything like that. I actually wanted a Michael Kors bag. In fact, I wanted several MK bags. At one point I had four bags dangling from both my arms in an attempt to make a final decision. My hubby even offered to let me walk away with a few of them, but I'm not an extremist and only wanted one. My final choice was this python-embossed, sand-colored Gansevoort N/S Tote. It's without a doubt one of the most spacious, well-appointed bags I've ever purchased. In my book, it was worth every penny of its $450 price tag. Two inconspicuous ...

The Cross Body Bag
2010-05-04 02:16:00
cross body bags by trustyourstyle The cross body bag is one of my favorite new styles because slinging a bag over your body gives you the freedom of worrying about one less thing. The classic cross body bag is a simple square with a long strap, but this season it's showing up in all sorts of colors and shapes from the McQueen saddle bag to D&G's duffel bag and all sorts of sizes and shapes in between. My personal favorite is the corsetted two pocket cross body bag by Gussto.
More About: Body , Cross , The Cross

Tory Burch Tevin Satchel
2010-04-27 01:50:00
The current economic environment is providing us with a golden opportunity to be more informed and diligent when we shop. I know most of you are busy with the demands of daily life and require sound advice when making expensive bag purchases. Wouldn't you be thrilled to incorporate a simple, chic work-horse-of-a-bag into your wardrobe for under $500 therefore saving some of your hard-earned money? Of course you would. Meet the Tevin Satchel from Tory Burch. I promise she'll treat you real good :-) The 'Tevin' might be short on ostentatious charm, but she's certainly long on providing shoppers with a harmonious blend of style and function. The generous dimensions (14 x 14 x 7) as well as dual top handles and a long detachable shoulder strap lend this unassuming design the practical "nuts-n-bolts" budget conscious fashionistas are searching for. At a time when designer bags are being drowned in unnecessary detailing and embellishments, the Tevin Satchel shows her more expensive p...

Tune In Tonight to "On the Air With Señora Cartera" Q & A Show
2010-04-23 19:18:00
A quick reminder that our latest installment of "On the Air With Señora Cartera" will be live tonight at 6:00 PM, EST. Hope you'll tune in and call with any questions you have regarding our favorite obsession - handbags! I'll be sharing my answers to a few questions we received via e-mail as well as reviewing the Chloé Louise Shoulder Bag and  Proenza Schouler PS1 Mini Messenger Bag. If you'd like to call into the show, click here just before show time and use our toll-free number to chat with us. Until then...
More About: Show , Tonight

Jimmy Choo Daphne Clutch
2010-04-23 17:16:00
"Variety is the spice of life", and the Jimmy Choo Daphne Clutch is an unexpected example of this age-old saying. Just when I thought patent leather was becoming passé, in comes 'Daphne' to set me straight. The sleek, shiny black patent exterior resembles a portfolio more than it does a clutch. It measures 9 x 7 x 2 and sports a sexy corset detailing along the sides. But the absolute best part of the design is the way you access the interior. The bag is divided into two parts, top and bottom, and they come apart like a puzzle. It's worth noting that the very design element that makes the 'Daphne' interesting is also a major functionality issue. Only the bottom half of the bag can house your essentials so don't expect to count on more than about 5" of height for just that purpose. I know, that's a pesky problem, but the bag is fresh, and a little inconvenience can be overlooked. I'm not so sure the bag is worth its $1200 price tag, though. I'll leave tha...

A Little Bird Told Me
2010-04-22 02:04:00
Being that you are a bag-loving reader, I'm sure you can relate to the symptoms of spotting "the perfect bag". A bag so wonderful that it makes you lightheaded as your heart races, your pulse quickens and your pocketbook deflates at the prospect. And yes, I have succumbed to these sorts of dizzying palpitations after glimpsing the new Valentino Glam Bird Bag in Candy Pratts Price's latest Accessory Report. I love everything about it from the little sparkly bird perched atop this ladylike bag, which gives it an otherworldly whimsical touch, to the sweet ruffled bib under the clasp. Not to mention the crisp shape fashioned out of soft white leather--so impractical but impossible to deny the chic black and white possibilities that come to mind. I'm not saying that this piece is for everyone, but dear bag-loving readers, I am swept off my feet by this lovely handbag and the fact that it's a Valentino is just icing on the cake! Now I'm off to tweet about this pretty find!

Marc Jacobs Dancer Bag
2010-04-19 22:16:00
What kills me about the Marc Jacobs Dancer Bag is the fact that, if you remove the tassels, the bag would be quite amazing. It has plenty going on even without the tassels. A quilted leather exterior, perforations, eyelet detailing and chain inset top handles would normally be entirely too much for one bag to take, yet this design manages to do it in a classic and sophisticated way. But then Jacobs went a ruined a good thing with an overload of tassels, and the bag went straight to hell without passing "Go" or collecting $200! Measuring 15 x 11 x 6.5, the 'Dancer' possesses the right proportions to make it an adequate day bag, but whatever the bag has going for it doesn't really matter. This walking chandelier is a lost cause. Oh, almost forgot to mention it's priced at $2500. Too bad you couldn't collect those $200 I mentioned earlier. It might have made a slight dent in such a huge (and unmerited) price tag. Kind of hard to believe Jacobs, the same man res...

Be & D Summer 2010 Preview
2010-04-17 00:12:00
Run to the nearest Saks store or other boutique that carries Be&D bags. Their summer 2010 collection has something for everyone (and in my case that "something" is pretty much everything). The well-rounded collection includes a healthy number of shoulder bags, totes, satchels and clutches, but I'll cut to the chase and reveal my top three picks from the bunch. 1) Woodstock Hobo - This design, whether it's done in leather or straw, is a chic alternative for a year-round everyday bag; it's roomy and displays enough detailing to draw attention without being overtly trendy. Leather renditions (the terracota version is pictured on the lower right corner above) range in price from $995-$1065 depending on color, texture and detailing. The new straw version (pictured above in black) is a great choice for summer (especially in SoFL) and is priced at a more affordable $795. 2) Henley Shoulder Bag - Be & D's focus on chain-strapped shoulder bags is a welcome ...
More About: Summer , Preview

M Missoni Slouchy Hobo
2010-04-15 18:32:00
My rather rough week (feeling under the weather, helping out at my son's pre-school and planning a birthday party) is sucking the very life out of me. My "blah" mood was quickly livened up by this affordable yet luxurious-looking M Missoni Slouchy Hobo . Its' supple tan leather exterior reminds me of a non-ominous rain cloud. This puffy slice of bag goodness features knot detailing on the shoulder strap and cut-out sides. If you haven't listened to our last "On the Air With Señora Cartera" web radio show, some of the discussion revolved around current trends which include knots. This design incorporates the trend in a large and relaxed way, and the results are fabulous. It measures 15.5 x 15.5 x 6, the perfect proportions for a practical day bag. A logo-lined interior and leather-trimmed zippered pocket round out the roomy interior. There is a rather pesky logo tag hanging from the strap, but it's removable so you can chuck it in the trash like I do. The design's most...

Celebrity Style: Lady GaGa Commits a MAJOR Crime Against Fashion
2010-04-14 02:17:00
WARNING!!! If you're an Hermés fan, look away or simply leave this site immediately!!!!!! I MEAN IT!!!   LEAVE NOW!!! THIS IS YOUR LAST WARNING!!! You proceed at your own risk. Don't say I didn't give you ample warnings. As much as I love Lady GaGa and admire her boundless talents, I think it's safe to say the singer has committed her fair share of fashion faux pas. Her latest crime, however, is simply unpardonable. One look at the photo below illustrates the cardinal rule every handbag lover knows by heart - NEVER WRITE ON YOUR DESIGNER BAG!!! C'mon, writing "I Love Little Monsters" in Japanese on your expensive white Hermés Birkin bag is just about the dumbest (and juvenile) thing anyone who appreciates fashion can do. Perhaps this bag was just a drop in the bucket for her in terms of money, but the time, artistry and craftsmanship that goes into making a Birkin merits more respect than she demonstrated. If Lady GaGa wished to acknowledge her J...
More About: Celebrity , Fashion , Crime , Style

Pleated To Meet You
2010-04-12 19:24:00
One thing is for sure, bags are heading towards texture. I love some of the techniques being applied to bag exteriors lately and the ruched leather effect as seen on the Fall '10 bags at Burberry is one of my favorite trends. I think there's something sensuous and lush about their new bags that look as if they were somehow organically pleated. It's also nice that the shapes aren't too fussy--Burberry sticks with a simple half moon hobo and tote with muted bright colors and lets the fabrication do most of the talking. Photos via Style.com
More About: Meet

Hervé Léger Corded Saddle Bag
2010-04-12 16:00:00
This is the case of a fairly interesting yet ridiculously overpriced bag. Hervé Léger, a brand best known for producing curve-hugging 'bandage' dresses, has expanded its' reach to include handbags. The Corded Saddle Bag (pictured) is a promising beginning. I like the casual saddle bag style enhanced by corded applique detailing. It's a pretty good size (10 x 10 x 4) and has plenty of length (21" strap), but I think they missed the mark by going with suede-backed canvas for the finish. Leather would've been a more challenging (and high-end) choice. When I see the corded detailing I'm definitely reminded of Léger's bandage dresses, but there is nothing remotely appealing about a canvas bag that, although interesting to look at, is priced at $1200. I'm amazed the folks in charge at Hervé Léger would think this bag is worth that much. What's even more surprising is that there were any buyers who felt the same (yes, I mean you, Shopbop buyers)....

La Trend Of All Trends {imho}
2010-04-09 22:54:00
Bag people, imho {in my humble opinion for you non-texter/tweeters}, are a special breed. From my experience, bag people will splurge and splurge big if there is enough bag love. They disdain that which is shoddy in quality. Sometimes they sniff at the baroque. But when it comes to an overriding trend, bag people love to be in the know. So in case you're a bag person who's been hiding under a rock, today is the day that will forever change the next 365 to 700+ days of your life. That's right bag people, there's a new trend in town... According to my favorite street fashion photographer, Tommy Ton, whose discerning eye never misses a fashion beat, "Say goodbye to slouchy bags. The new it is small and square with a long strap, and more often than not from Celine." Click here to check out his latest photos of the chic set at the global fashion shows over at Style.com if you don't believe me. Photo courtesy JakAndJil
More About: Trends

Tune Into Our Live "On the Air With Señora Cartera" Q&A Show Tonight!
2010-04-09 19:02:00
A quick reminder to all our readers. Tonight is our first "LIVE" On the Air With Señora Cartera Q&A episode. This is your chance to call into the show and ask any handbag-related question or share any bag concerns you may have. We'll do our best to get you the information you need to get the bag of your dreams. Don't have any questions for us? That's OK. Just call and say "Hi". It's fine with us. Visit our show page  at 6:00 PM , EST and jot down our toll-free number. Hope you'll join us for some fun and informative designer handbag chat. Until then...
More About: Show , Live

Salvatore Ferragamo "Pockets" Hobo
2010-04-09 17:09:00
Spring is here and summer is fast approaching (as my poor sun-burnt neck and shoulders will attest to). What better time to add a nice white bag to your collection. I happen to love white bags even if they're a pain in the you-know-what to keep looking clean and presentable. If you can manage to achieve this almost impossible task, then a white bag should rank high on your list of upcoming purchases. The Salvatore Ferragamo "Pockets" Hobo exudes the understated elegance associated with Ferragamo while the relaxed shape of the hobo and the clever hidden gancio knockers on the front pockets provide a hint of modern sophistication lacking in past SF designs. The leather exterior is amazingly soft and supple, and the crisp white color is the "brightest" white I've seen this season. I'm sure you'll agree with me when I say that the latest crop of Ferragamo bags are a vast improvement from just last season. This design showcases the subtle changes taking place in regards to Ferr...

Deal Of The Day: YSL Bow Bag
2010-04-08 22:57:00
How is it possible I never reviewed the YSL Bow Bag on Señora Cartera? What an oversight! I'm ashamed of myself, if I'm being honest. The lovely Bow Bag, most famously seen on the arm of Dita Von Teese, is one of YSL's most well-executed bag designs. The bows are reminiscent of those found on a gift box, and although the folds are large in scale, they do not overpower the design. The designers employ the seams along the bow as well as one down the center of the bag to create the label's iconic "Y" logo. Of all the versions I've seen, my favorite is the stone grey leather bag Dita rocked last year. This shade of grey serves as a practical neutral backdrop for the design's masculine bowler style and spacious interior (16.5 x 11.5 x 5.5) while the bows give it the perfect feminine touch. This is a great go-to bag for the woman that wants to project a more sophisticated workday persona without looking stuffy. I mean, how uptight can you be if your bag has...
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When Bags Meet Art
2010-04-06 19:44:00
Borbonese, a century old Italian fashion house known for their handbag collaborations with Fendi, Valentino, Ungaro, and Yves Saint Laurent, is presenting their Art Bag Anniversary Collection with the Roy Lichtenstein Foundation. I like the red leather piping, minimal use of tasteful hardware and simple construction on the Borbonese Lichtenstein Two Apples Tote, but I'm not sure how I feel about the screened Lichtenstein on a bag--after all, I've never been big on the "turn this outfit into a room" features in interior magazines and blogs. To me there needs to be a clever element in order to make the art-to-fashion transition work, and this bag is a straight ahead slapping of an image on a bag. That said, if you are a die-hard Lichtenstein fan, then this bag might be worth checking out. While Lichtenstein's paintings go for millions, you can have this bag for $787 at Luisa Via Roma.
More About: Bags , Meet

B.O.W. - Best Of The Web!
2008-03-19 00:16:00
Cashmere Basics Think cashmere is too expensive? Tough to maintain? Think again. Susan shares her thoughts on why every busy mom deserves a classic cashmere piece and some tips for choosing quality cashmere and keeping it clean.Couture in the City: West Coast Style, Courtesy of LC: Lauren Conrad’s New Collection Well, there’s been some buzz behind LC’s new line for a while now…and the much anticipated runway kind of left me lukewarm. Part of me gets it, another part says that I’ve seen it all before. Check it out for yourself.GlamSpirit: Preserve Your Youth Naturally (and Deliciously too!) Discover the secret ingredient for lasting youth.... Moms Buzz: A Summer Camp Planner to Get Organized! When Spring approaches, it basically means for moms that we need to start planning for the Summer Camps. You can now consolidate your notes into a Summer Camp Planner that Moms Buzz created for you. Download it now! Shrimpton Couture Presents A Real Life Vintage Spot Stiletto Jungle: M...

Handbag News: 2nd Annual Independent Handbag Designer Awards
2008-03-18 23:55:00
Independent Handbag Designer Awards Launch Bags presents THE INDEPENDENT HANDBAG DESIGNER AWARDSâ„¢(Click here to register or purchase tickets)Handbag Designer 101 invites you to compete in the Second Annual Independent Handbag Designer Awardsâ„¢, the only handbag competition of its kind in the world. Win a chance to present your handbag at a high profile New York event and compete for one of six Awards for Handbag Design Excellence, international recognition, a variety of coveted prizes and a chance to have your handbag go on a marketing press tour.To participate in the open call, you are required to upload one digital jpeg image (please read attached tip sheet carefully) in any one or more of the following categories:-Best Student Made Handbag-Best Handmade Handbag-Most Socially Responsible Handbag-Best Green Handbag-Audience-Selected Handbag*-Best Handbag in Overall Style & DesignSubmissions will be accepted from February 29, 2008 until April 18, 2008.The staff of Handbag Desi...
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Handbag Style Of The Week: Henry Cuir Pas de Qui Tote
2008-03-18 23:29:00
Henry Cuir has long been known for creating classic handbag styles with artistic touches and "bohemian" flair. This winning combination is exemplified beautifully in the Pas de Qui Tote . With a criss-cross design element taking center stage, this otherwise simple white leather tote measuring 14 x 19 x 6.5 becomes a stylish choice for both urban dwellers as well as suburbanites. I jusy love it when a handbag can appeal to such a wide range of women. That's what makes the Henry Cuir Pas de Qui Tote my choice for the handbag style of the week.Available via Barneys NY for $1795
More About: Style , Henry , Week , Handbag

Handbag Color Of The Week: Louis Vuitton Epi Bowling Montaigne GM in Cassis
2008-03-17 22:47:00
Sturdy leather, a structured shape and shiny palladium hardware make the Louis Vuitton Epi Bowling Montaigne GM a handbag collector must-have. However, it's the sumptuous Cassis color that really makes this designer handbag pop. Both the Bowling Montaigne and this new Cassis hue are stunning in their own right, but together they are pure handbag magic.Available via eLUXURY for $1640
More About: Color , Week , Handbag

B.O.W. - Best Of The Web!
2008-02-27 21:15:00
Couture in the City: Fringe Benefits: How-to Get Celebrity Style Bangs Confession: last week I officially broke my 15-year stance against bangs and made the cut. I haven’t had bangs since I was a little girl (and those were heavily feathered to match my thick plastic glasses), so it was a hard move for me. However, I think that my bangs are super cute and love them much more than I thought I would.Tot Snob: Erica Tanov for Hip Little Boys Casual clothes for little boys... (finally something besides navy and khaki)! Mom's, you can dress your little men in clothes that they will love, and so will you! GlamSpirit: This Beats the Exercise Ball Here's a little post to brighten your day. Ellen Degeneres demonstrates the "Hawaiian Chair"--more than just an abs workout while sitting at your desk.Moms Buzz: Bleach Myths about Fabric Safety & Bleaching Doing laundry is one of our most time-consuming home chores, and when it comes to bleaching we always have our doubts and concerns abo...