I'll give it a shot - thanks. Using the belt while it looks like this is not an option. I'll try buying stuff to buff it out, but am a little bummed to have to spend more just to make this belt wearable.
ZZ_UPenn, have the white stripes/spots left yours after conditioning?
wilarsenyI don't think you *need* conditioner to remove bloom. It's just oils that have risen to the surface, assuming I'm diagnosing it correctly. Conditioner would be more helpful if the leather is dry. If this is just bloom, the friction of a hearty buff should take care of it.
wilarsenyYes buffing with conditioner worked. The belt now looks just like the Description page. As @IanAnderson mentioned, the conditioner is not necessary, but it made it a lot easier to remove the bloom.
ZZ_UPenn, have the white stripes/spots left yours after conditioning?