2019 resolution - shopping my own bag and wallet collection. Any one else?

[Sparkletastic]

The “dying my ivory Chanel” plot thickens!
Here is my bag again for reference

First, it seems that this model (the single flap jumbo with ‘08 bijoux chain) did come in navy. And... I’m not loving it.
I’m thinking the real issue is that as much as I like the chain, the soft structure isn’t working for me. To me, they look tired v. the regular, more structured flap.

Second, Gerry from Leather Surgeons actually called me. He was extremely concerned about me dying the bag. He said there is just no good, professional way to change the color of the bags. Restore, yes. Recolor, no.

Plus, he said that the serial numbers in the bag correspond not only to style and season but, also color. So, if down the road I tried to resell my bag, Chanel could come after me for selling a fake - even though it’s an authentic bag. And, he mentioned they are doing much more of this on the individual level.

He said he could add a bit of structure to the bag but, since it’s meant to be soft, he wouldn’t be able to do much.

Sooooooo...

With all that...

I’m not going to dye or restructure the bag. It is what it is.

It’s a gorgeous bag in top condition. So, I’m going to try wearing it through the spring. If I don’t fall completely in love, I’m going to sell it and put the money towards a bag that will make me incredibly happy.

That brings me back to the bijoux chains. I adore the ‘07 chain and would love another sf jumbo with that chain. Plus this model of single flap came in the most amazing lambskin - puffy and durable. But I have this one in gunmetal grey. Do I need black in this style? Any color is hard to find. So we’ll see.
@vink. The reissue typically has a different bijoux chain which I don’t like at all. That plus the softer styling and the fact that it’s often in leather with an aged finish is why I’ve never been drawn to the bag.

But, I could have sworn I’ve seen some reissues with the ‘07 bijoux chain. Then I remembered I read a thread a while ago talking about the chains. And, this is the hybrid. Evidently, in ‘07 Chanel also put this limited bijoux chain on some reissues.
So, I’ve learned a lot today. Lol!

 

[dcooney4]

update on the new member of the family
Snowflake and GG
0.7 kg and 7 kg
(well, she was 0.7 when we got her, now after a few days of being fed properly she probably gained a bit, but still... )

So adorable!

 

[Nibb]

update on the new member of the family
Snowflake and GG
0.7 kg and 7 kg
(well, she was 0.7 when we got her, now after a few days of being fed properly she probably gained a bit, but still... )

Oh they’re soooooo cute. It’s great the baby kitten was accepted so quickly.

 

[whateve]

Actually, since we did red in December, I was going to start doing the color challenge based on the birthstone of the month which would be amethyst or purple for Feb. But, I’m happy to repeat red!

And we can do a different version of our old Extreme Team challenge where we wear our 3 biggest or 3 smallest (non special use) bags at least 2x each. You will be a super achiever at 3x.

I’m going to do Money Matters where we pick 3 bags that are our most expensive and / or have relatively low CPW and wear each of them at least 2x. I want to keep getting happy wear out of the bags that cost us an arm and a leg.

I can do purple! I was thinking of doing it along with red and pink anyway. I just bought a purple bag so I was going to carry it anyway.

Money matters sounds good! Funny, I was thinking about carrying my cheapest bags because they don't have a resale value. But I'd lose more money if I sold the expensive ones, so they should be carried more.

 

[Rhl2987]

The “dying my ivory Chanel” plot thickens!
Here is my bag again for reference
View attachment 4321270
First, it seems that this model (the single flap jumbo with ‘08 bijoux chain) did come in navy. And... I’m not loving it. View attachment 4321253
I’m thinking the real issue is that as much as I like the chain, the soft structure isn’t working for me. To me, they look tired v. the regular, more structured flap.

Second, Gerry from Leather Surgeons actually called me. He was extremely concerned about me dying the bag. He said there is just no good, professional way to change the color of the bags. Restore, yes. Recolor, no.

Plus, he said that the serial numbers in the bag correspond not only to style and season but, also color. So, if down the road I tried to resell my bag, Chanel could come after me for selling a fake - even though it’s an authentic bag. And, he mentioned they are doing much more of this on the individual level.

He said he could add a bit of structure to the bag but, since it’s meant to be soft, he wouldn’t be able to do much.

Sooooooo...

With all that...

I’m not going to dye or restructure the bag. It is what it is.

It’s a gorgeous bag in top condition. So, I’m going to try wearing it through the spring. If I don’t fall completely in love, I’m going to sell it and put the money towards a bag that will make me incredibly happy.

That brings me back to the bijoux chains. I adore the ‘07 chain and would love another sf jumbo with that chain. Plus this model of single flap came in the most amazing lambskin - puffy and durable. But I have this one in gunmetal grey. Do I need black in this style? Any color is hard to find. So we’ll see. View attachment 4321269
@vink. The reissue typically has a different bijoux chain which I don’t like at all. View attachment 4321284 That plus the softer styling and the fact that it’s often in leather with an aged finish is why I’ve never been drawn to the bag.

But, I could have sworn I’ve seen some reissues with the ‘07 bijoux chain. Then I remembered I read a thread a while ago talking about the chains. And, this is the hybrid. Evidently, in ‘07 Chanel also put this limited bijoux chain on some reissues. View attachment 4321300
So, I’ve learned a lot today. Lol!

What a journey! It’s so good that he called you to share his concern rather than diving in a making a big mistake! That is the kind of customer service that would keep me coming back to a business.

 

[ElainePG]

Actually, since we did red in December, I was going to start doing the color challenge based on the birthstone of the month which would be amethyst or purple for Feb. But, I’m happy to repeat red!

And we can do a different version of our old Extreme Team challenge where we wear our 3 biggest or 3 smallest (non special use) bags at least 2x each. You will be a super achiever at 3x.

I’m going to do Money Matters where we pick 3 bags that are our most expensive and / or have relatively low CPW and wear each of them at least 2x. I want to keep getting happy wear out of the bags that cost us an arm and a leg.

Can the challenges be posted in that big yellow box at the top of the thread, the way you did for the January challenges? That's been so useful! (I'm sure there's a technical name for what you did. I just don't know it...)

 

[ElainePG]

Bags are made to be used
I appreciate all, the bag, and the bread
BV Cabat was inspired by the woven baskets Italian ladies were using for grocery shopping on a market day. I always remember that, and i like using my 'market basket' for its direct purpose

I never knew that! What a terrific backstory.

 

[ElainePG]

I completely agree with you, except, my bags better darn well spark joy or their taking a ride to the reseller.

Same with my Hermès scarves! And that's why I downsized my collection last fall. Ten went off to a trusted consignor (who has already re-homed four of them) and now I know that whichever scarf I grab is going to make me happy!

 

[whateve]

I'm almost convinced this bag isn't black but I carried it today just to be sure I carry all my black bags this month. It is extreme vintage Coach, probably from the early 1970s. I think it might actually be navy. It looks a lot lighter IRL.

 

[Sparkletastic]

Can the challenges be posted in that big yellow box at the top of the thread, the way you did for the January challenges? That's been so useful! (I'm sure there's a technical name for what you did. I just don't know it...)

I didn’t do it. One of our wonderful moderators did it for us. I was going to ask that they switch it out for us when I make a summary post.

 

[pdxhb]

I'm almost convinced this bag isn't black but I carried it today just to be sure I carry all my black bags this month. It is extreme vintage Coach, probably from the early 1970s. I think it might actually be navy. It looks a lot lighter IRL.

This is a great design! Do you know the name/has it shown up in any of the ads or catalog pages you have? I’m so curious!

 

[LuvNLux]

I'm almost convinced this bag isn't black but I carried it today just to be sure I carry all my black bags this month. It is extreme vintage Coach, probably from the early 1970s. I think it might actually be navy. It looks a lot lighter IRL.

So that is made from the great heavy sturdy leather that they used to use back then. Nice! I have a few vintage Coach bags from that time that I will never sell! Practically indestructible!

 

[whateve]

This is a great design! Do you know the name/has it shown up in any of the ads or catalog pages you have? I’m so curious!

Thanks! I've never found it in a catalog. That's true for most of my pre-creed bags. I don't think I've ever seen one just like it.

So that is made from the great heavy sturdy leather that they used to use back then. Nice! I have a few vintage Coach bags from that time that I will never sell! Practically indestructible!

This is one from the Bonnie Cashin era with the metal tag. It is in fantastic condition for its age.

I think that besides making sure I carry small bags a few times a month, I'm going to challenge myself to carry vintage bags two times a month.

 

[catsinthebag]

It’s been a crazy week and I’m hopelessly behind again! We lost heat on Monday when it was literally 4 degrees out ... our boiler quit late in the afternoon and by the time our plumber got to our house and figured out what the problem was, it was too late to get the part needed to fix it. So even with space heaters, it was a very chilly night! It was working by noon on Tuesday, but the whole thing left me feeling exhausted for the rest of the week!

I’ve been reading along and liking posts, but haven’t had time to really answer. Have been reading with interest everyone’s thoughts on the Kondo method and the value (or not) of being a minimalist. I have a couple of premiere designer bags that hardly get used, but I’ve realized lately that I simply don’t feel like selling them! For one thing, I go through phases with my bags and sometimes won’t wear something for a long time, then rediscover it and fall back in love (or if not love, at least appreciation!). The other thing is, there isn’t anything I urgently want right now, so I don't feel the need to get rid of something to fund, or make room for, something else.

I have been thinking of bringing some non-premier bags that don’t get used at all to local consignment, but I’m also don’t know that Jan/Feb is the best time to do that. Are certain seasons (besides Christmas) better for consigning?

 

[catsinthebag]

The “dying my ivory Chanel” plot thickens!
Here is my bag again for reference
View attachment 4321270
First, it seems that this model (the single flap jumbo with ‘08 bijoux chain) did come in navy. And... I’m not loving it. View attachment 4321253
I’m thinking the real issue is that as much as I like the chain, the soft structure isn’t working for me. To me, they look tired v. the regular, more structured flap.

Second, Gerry from Leather Surgeons actually called me. He was extremely concerned about me dying the bag. He said there is just no good, professional way to change the color of the bags. Restore, yes. Recolor, no.

Plus, he said that the serial numbers in the bag correspond not only to style and season but, also color. So, if down the road I tried to resell my bag, Chanel could come after me for selling a fake - even though it’s an authentic bag. And, he mentioned they are doing much more of this on the individual level.

He said he could add a bit of structure to the bag but, since it’s meant to be soft, he wouldn’t be able to do much.

Sooooooo...

With all that...

I’m not going to dye or restructure the bag. It is what it is.

It’s a gorgeous bag in top condition. So, I’m going to try wearing it through the spring. If I don’t fall completely in love, I’m going to sell it and put the money towards a bag that will make me incredibly happy.

That brings me back to the bijoux chains. I adore the ‘07 chain and would love another sf jumbo with that chain. Plus this model of single flap came in the most amazing lambskin - puffy and durable. But I have this one in gunmetal grey. Do I need black in this style? Any color is hard to find. So we’ll see. View attachment 4321269
@vink. The reissue typically has a different bijoux chain which I don’t like at all. View attachment 4321284 That plus the softer styling and the fact that it’s often in leather with an aged finish is why I’ve never been drawn to the bag.

But, I could have sworn I’ve seen some reissues with the ‘07 bijoux chain. Then I remembered I read a thread a while ago talking about the chains. And, this is the hybrid. Evidently, in ‘07 Chanel also put this limited bijoux chain on some reissues. View attachment 4321300
So, I’ve learned a lot today. Lol!

Wow, that is really impressive that Gerry called you! It sounds like he gave you really good advice. I’ve always had doubts about dyeing bags because I’ve heard too many stories about how it changes the texture of the leather, making it rough and dry feeling. But I had no idea that the date code matches to the color of the bag and they could flag it as counterfeit! Anyway, with all this new knowledge, I totally agree that you should just leave the bag alone and eventually decide whether to love it or sell it.