My Wine Nikki arrived- !? it's ROCK hard and stiff! r/o

runa · Aug 12th, 2008, 10:14 PM

Good afternoon ladies!

So my Wine Nikki arrived today; I was expecting soft "smooshy" leather just as you all had described. But it was *rock hard* and *stiff*.... I couldn't arrange the leather at all...

I have a Navy mini nikki (navy from last year), and a Cognac Nikki.

Both leathers are right off the bat SO soft, the leather collapses in on itself, and it's EASY (takes no more than a split second) to "fold"/"push" the top part of the bag down this following manner:

What I really liked about the Nikki is is exactly the above shape when I 'crush' it down like that.

But the Wine, when I received it, was exactly the hardness and softness of... cardboard paper.

Is this the way you all received your Nikki's at first? I am really hoping it softens up quickly!!!

the whole entire appeal of the Nikki *for me* is to wear it looking EXACTLY like this:

No matter how hard I try to arrange the leather (I don't 'smash' it or handle it roughly), the leather is so stiff and unmanipulate-able that it pretty much stays "fixed" in the following way:

Which I *know* is the way so many of you ladies love it, but I'm a little concerned about the toughness of this leather.

I have her bags in Royal blue, White w/ BW, Black, Navy, Cognac, Chocolate, Black, and ALL OF THEM collapse on top of themselves, very smooshy, like a puddle of water, EXCEPT

for the ELEPHANT color (which I have in a Matinee), is very hard and stiff, like cardboard and absolutely PERFECT for the matinee shape.

My Wine leather right now is JUST LIKE the Elephant leather in terms of stiffness and hardness.

Did anyone experience this as well? How many months/weeks of wearing would it take to get it to look like this?

Hehe... just sliiiiightly bummed (not disappointed, just concerned, worried) how long it would to break in the leather like the above pics... I waited over a month after placing the order (I know some of you waited even LONGER), after the bags were sold out for a very long time, and now I realize I have to put books in the bag and hang it on a hook for a few weeks before I can wear it out....

(All images credited to lovely members of this forum)

Thank you! Danke! Merci! Gratze :) :) :)

RaeBelle · Aug 12th, 2008, 10:29 PM

karenb suggested stuffing the bag with things and letting it hang overnight in this thread: I Guess I'm Just Not A "Red" Kinda Girl... And it works!

Do you have dumbells or cans you could put in the bag? It's a quicker way to make it slouch than waiting for it to slouch through usage.

happy942 · Aug 12th, 2008, 11:09 PM

Also, maybe a leather conditioner will help it become smooshier faster. Worth a try.

fao · Aug 12th, 2008, 11:44 PM

I freaked out at first because the leather was so stiff and it felt so awkard on my shoulder but i carried it for a few days and now it feels wonderful, i love it , so give it some time !!, the color is gorgeous , i was afraid of a red bag but wow it's perfect and goes with everything , so elegant , oh my gosh i'm in love with my nikki

rnp1987 · Aug 13th, 2008, 12:35 AM

If you love the color keep it. I felt like mine was really stiff and not for me, but I loved the color so much I decided to give it a chance. It has broken in so well, and is not quite like those pictures yet, but I have no doubt in my mind that it will get like that. Personally I'd keep it!!!

angelchick182 · Aug 13th, 2008, 01:40 AM

I used to have that same brown RM Nikki you have pictured up there(didn't know it was called Cognac) last year - it was my first RM actually. I remember it being one of the softest leathers I've ever seen - not only soft, but thinner as well. I have the Matinee in Wine, which I bought brand new, and it was super-stiff when I got it. It has softened up quite a bit. Give it some time - the Wine leather will break in, and quite nicely. In fact, Rebecca said once in an interview that the best advice for care of her bags was to use it, since the leathers she uses only get better with age!

Samia · Aug 13th, 2008, 07:00 AM

I just got mine too, haven't used her yet. Yes the wine leather is a bit stiff but mine is not as you have described, I posted some pics here: Post pictures of your NIKKI ** PICS ONLY

And I know for sure all RM leather break in nicely after a few uses.

chinkee21 · Aug 13th, 2008, 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RaeBelle

karenb suggested stuffing the bag with things and letting it hang overnight in this thread: I Guess I'm Just Not A "Red" Kinda Girl... And it works!

Do you have dumbells or cans you could put in the bag? It's a quicker way to make it slouch than waiting for it to slouch through usage.

Yes, this will definitely speed up the process of breaking them in! I do this all the time everytime I get a new bag.

littlerock80 · Aug 13th, 2008, 08:51 AM

The wine leather is a bit stiffer at first but after you use it it turns butter soft.. just keep using it, it will go away!!!

tatertot · Aug 13th, 2008, 09:19 AM

Also you could put some leather conditioner on it to soften it up and help break it in.

knasarae · Aug 13th, 2008, 11:55 AM

I agree. Karenab suggested something heavy....I let mine hang off an ironing board for several hours with a 3 lb dumbbell (my smallest one). Then I put my regular stuff in it and let it hang out over night. I could see an improvement that quickly. Then I carried it for two days. Unfortunately I have bag ADD and started carrying my BBW MAM. Then my Hazelnut arrived and I was completely enamored with it for several days. Now I am bag to my

Jade Nikki.

I thought I would carry it straight for a few weeks to break it in but I doubt I have the persistance to do it...so I'm just being patient that if I carry it a couple of days a week hopefully it will break in before too long. At first I didn't believe it would ever become smooshy but then I saw Karenab's...I can't wait for my Wine Nikki to look like this!!

jsenning · Aug 13th, 2008, 04:34 PM

This is a very reassuring thread! I was worried about my (basically brand new) violet mattie not being smooshy, but it sounds like she'll wear in with time. I had put her away until the fall, but I think I might bust her out...

armanigirl · Aug 13th, 2008, 05:09 PM

when i got my wine nikki it was kind of hard...well it wasn't completely STIFF but it was "waxy" you know not like mushy at all..i took it out about 3 times and it was stuffed with a lot of my belongings and i have noticed it already getting smooshier. don't worry! it will definately get worn in very very quickly!

Loquita · Aug 13th, 2008, 05:58 PM

Bust her out, woman! That is too gorgeous a bag to keep under wraps...but then again, if another TPFer sees you running around with a violet mattie, you might get tackled to the ground, hee hee...

Quote:

Originally Posted by jsenning

This is a very reassuring thread! I was worried about my (basically brand new) violet mattie not being smooshy, but it sounds like she'll wear in with time. I had put her away until the fall, but I think I might bust her out...

katelove477 · Aug 14th, 2008, 08:04 AM

I received my Nikki mid-July. I've only given it a few breaks since then (I keep coming back to it!), but it's become SO MUCH squishier. I bought it from a fellow TPFer who only wore it once, so it had some significant breaking in to do! I'll admit I do enjoy the breaking in process since I wear it almost everyday, but I've helped it along by always being sure to squish the bag when it's chilling overnight. By squish, I mean I fold it into the bag I want it to become!

Enjoy your bag!

Aug 12th, 2008, 10:14 PM	#1
runa Member	*My Wine Nikki arrived- !? it's ROCK* hard and stiff! r/o** Good afternoon ladies! So my Wine Nikki arrived today; I was expecting soft "smooshy" leather just as you all had described. But it was rock hard and stiff.... I couldn't arrange the leather at all... I have a Navy mini nikki (navy from last year), and a Cognac Nikki. Both leathers are right off the bat SO soft, the leather collapses in on itself, and it's EASY (takes no more than a split second) to "fold"/"push" the top part of the bag down this following manner: What I really liked about the Nikki is is exactly the above shape when I 'crush' it down like that. But the Wine, when I received it, was exactly the hardness and softness of... cardboard paper. Is this the way you all received your Nikki's at first? I am *really* hoping it softens up quickly!!! the whole entire appeal of the Nikki for me is to wear it looking EXACTLY like this: No matter how hard I try to arrange the leather (I don't 'smash' it or handle it roughly), the leather is so stiff and unmanipulate-able that it pretty much stays "fixed" in the following way: Which I know is the way so many of you ladies love it, but I'm a little concerned about the toughness of this leather. I have her bags in Royal blue, White w/ BW, Black, Navy, Cognac, Chocolate, Black, and ALL OF THEM collapse on top of themselves, very smooshy, like a puddle of water, EXCEPT for the ELEPHANT color (which I have in a Matinee), is very hard and stiff, like cardboard and absolutely PERFECT for the matinee shape. My Wine leather right now is JUST LIKE the Elephant leather in terms of stiffness and hardness. Did anyone experience this as well? How many months/weeks of wearing would it take to get it to look like this? Hehe... just sliiiiightly bummed (not disappointed, just concerned, worried) how long it would to break in the leather like the above pics... I waited over a month after placing the order (I know some of you waited even LONGER), after the bags were sold out for a very long time, and now I realize I have to put books in the bag and hang it on a hook for a few weeks before I can wear it out.... (All images credited to lovely members of this forum) Thank you! Danke! Merci! Gratze :) :) :) __________________ If I read a book and it makes my whole body so cold no fire can ever warm me, I know that is poetry. -Emily Dickinson

Aug 12th, 2008, 11:09 PM	#3
happy942 Member Location: Chicago, IL	Also, maybe a leather conditioner will help it become smooshier faster. Worth a try. __________________ - - Seriously - -

Aug 13th, 2008, 12:35 AM	#5
rnp1987 Member Location: Los Angeles	If you love the color keep it. I felt like mine was really stiff and not for me, but I loved the color so much I decided to give it a chance. It has broken in so well, and is not quite like those pictures yet, but I have no doubt in my mind that it will get like that. Personally I'd keep it!!! __________________ Have: RM BBW MAM, Wine Nikki, Coach Black pleated hobo, RM Matinee in dark grey, Marc Jacobs Blake in Mystery Brown on its way!! Lusting/Searching for: RM MA clutch in a versatile new color for spring, double cream mini nikki (eBay or SS), MJ ZC in a fun color! In too far over my head to have a bag fund....

Aug 13th, 2008, 01:40 AM	#6
angelchick182 Member Location: Nashville, TN	I used to have that same brown RM Nikki you have pictured up there(didn't know it was called Cognac) last year - it was my first RM actually. I remember it being one of the softest leathers I've ever seen - not only soft, but thinner as well. I have the Matinee in Wine, which I bought brand new, and it was super-stiff when I got it. It has softened up quite a bit. Give it some time - the Wine leather will break in, and quite nicely. In fact, Rebecca said once in an interview that the best advice for care of her bags was to use it, since the leathers she uses only get better with age! __________________ Current Collection: F+C Mid City(Navy Patent), RM MAB BBW, LP Gillian(Cognac), LAMB Kensington Camden(Chocolate), RM Matinee(Wine), RM Nikki(Ocean), RM MAM (Tangerine), RM MAB(Dk. Gray), RM No Strings Clutch(Nickel/Sand) Lusting After: RM Eggshell/Brown Croc Devote Tote, RM Beau Tote(Undecided color), RM Market Tote(Undecided color)

Aug 13th, 2008, 07:00 AM	#7
Samia Shopaholic	I just got mine too, haven't used her yet. Yes the wine leather is a bit stiff but mine is not as you have described, I posted some pics here: Post pictures of your NIKKI PICS ONLY And I know for sure all RM leather break in nicely after a few uses. __________________ MYCOLLECTION** Satisfied, now all I want this year is: A Chanel Jumbo Flap

Aug 12th, 2008, 10:29 PM	#2
RaeBelle Member	karenb suggested stuffing the bag with things and letting it hang overnight in this thread: I Guess I'm Just Not A "Red" Kinda Girl... And it works! Do you have dumbells or cans you could put in the bag? It's a quicker way to make it slouch than waiting for it to slouch through usage.

Aug 12th, 2008, 11:44 PM	#4
fao Member	I freaked out at first because the leather was so stiff and it felt so awkard on my shoulder but i carried it for a few days and now it feels wonderful, i love it , so give it some time !!, the color is gorgeous , i was afraid of a red bag but wow it's perfect and goes with everything , so elegant , oh my gosh i'm in love with my nikki

Aug 13th, 2008, 08:51 AM	#9
littlerock80 ~~Stop the Madness~~ Location: East Coast	The wine leather is a bit stiffer at first but after you use it it turns butter soft.. just keep using it, it will go away!!! __________________ ~Banned~ My collection is complete!

Aug 13th, 2008, 09:19 AM	#10
tatertot On location Location: BBBRRRRRRR	Also you could put some leather conditioner on it to soften it up and help break it in. __________________ Happy Holidays Are you into crafts, sewing, scrap booking, knitting/crocheting? Would you like to see a crafts sub-forum on tPF? Join us: http://forum.purseblog.com/feedback-...te-376611.html

Aug 13th, 2008, 11:55 AM	#11
knasarae Tie Dye is MINE!!! Location: Boringsville, USA	I agree. Karenab suggested something heavy....I let mine hang off an ironing board for several hours with a 3 lb dumbbell (my smallest one). Then I put my regular stuff in it and let it hang out over night. I could see an improvement that quickly. Then I carried it for two days. Unfortunately I have bag ADD and started carrying my BBW MAM. Then my Hazelnut arrived and I was completely enamored with it for several days. Now I am bag to my Jade Nikki. I thought I would carry it straight for a few weeks to break it in but I doubt I have the persistance to do it...so I'm just being patient that if I carry it a couple of days a week hopefully it will break in before too long. At first I didn't believe it would ever become smooshy but then I saw Karenab's...I can't wait for my Wine Nikki to look like this!! __________________ *My name is Knasarae, and I approve this message.*

Aug 13th, 2008, 04:34 PM	#12
jsenning :D Location: Home is where your rump rests	This is a very reassuring thread! I was worried about my (basically brand new) violet mattie not being smooshy, but it sounds like she'll wear in with time. I had put her away until the fall, but I think I might bust her out... __________________ enjoying what I have! violet mattie, wine mam, chocolate ergo tote, black ergo hobo, patchwork tote, wine soho demi, silver stud clutch 3.5 lbs down, 6.5 lbs to lose before I can use my wine mam! wish me luck!

Aug 13th, 2008, 05:09 PM	#13
armanigirl Member	when i got my wine nikki it was kind of hard...well it wasn't completely STIFF but it was "waxy" you know not like mushy at all..i took it out about 3 times and it was stuffed with a lot of my belongings and i have noticed it already getting smooshier. don't worry! it will definately get worn in very very quickly! __________________ *Dreaming* of a RM MAM in Stonewash Blue or Sage!!!! and a GLAZED EXPRESSO NIKKI!!! Bag Fund: -$5,350 LOL

Aug 14th, 2008, 08:04 AM	#15
katelove477 Member Location: baltimore	I received my Nikki mid-July. I've only given it a few breaks since then (I keep coming back to it!), but it's become SO MUCH squishier. I bought it from a fellow TPFer who only wore it once, so it had some significant breaking in to do! I'll admit I do enjoy the breaking in process since I wear it almost everyday, but I've helped it along by always being sure to squish the bag when it's chilling overnight. By squish, I mean I fold it into the bag I want it to become! Enjoy your bag! __________________ please click to give!

My Wine Nikki arrived- !? it's *ROCK* hard and stiff! r/o

My Wine Nikki arrived- !? it's ROCK hard and stiff! r/o