2020 resolution - shopping my own bag and wallet collection. Any one else?

[Bag peace]

Yes, please, do show us your unusual bags! I´d love to see them!

I'll share the one that I have easy access to right now- purple and white snakeskin bag attached.
I've been unable to sleep so have been occupying myself by refreshing the paint on this bag. It originally was a plum purple that had faded to a pink-ish hue, so I've just painted the panels metallic purple. I snapped some pics for you before putting it away.

This is the first (maybe the 2nd?) bag I dreamt up, sketched and then hunted for a local artisan to make for me. It was a real challenge communicating my vision with the lovely brother/sister duo who ended up creating it for me when I was in Indonesia. I wanted a Chinese lantern flower shape and was so proud of the end result. It's 8x7", and I propped it open to display the inner white panels, but it does not stay open like that if you're not holding it open.
Unfortunately, it was so unique and dear to me that I have barely used it in all the years I've had it.
It's python (a choice I made because the skin is a byproduct of the python meat they ate locally, so as ethical as I could get with an exotic).

I pulled this bag out right after my 1st round of covid and told myself that life is too short to save it. I'm going to use and enjoy this, and if the scales fall off or it falls apart, at least I enjoyed it rather than just admiring it.

Now as I write this out, I know this bag is likely not considered unique to others. There are plenty of bucket/lantern style bags out in the market nowadays that are similar to this. But at the time, and in my heart, it's special.

we want pictures!

The vintage Brio is here so you can have that picture!
I don't even understand how this bag got to me this quickly- it was due to arrive late next week! I snapped a picture before quarantining it and sanitizing my hands.

I love it! It's chubby! Ha ha! It's got quite a wide base that makes it look like it has a beer gut!
I normally like a slim profile in my bags, but this chubby quality really suits it! It's exactly as listed- minor discolouration in the white portions of the bag and along the braided strap. Nothing I can't fix up with some leather paint.
Lining has minor colour change (a little yellow from age, so I should be able to wash it and get it clean again), but otherwise, looks like it's never been used! This bag is my age (early 1980s) which makes me like it even more, ha ha.
The pleated white panels on the sides are actually snap pockets. Mind you, tiny ones that may only fit a mini bottle of sanitizer or an oyster card/slim case. Still love that detail.
I plan to use it as soon as I'm out of quarantine. My mum is going to flip for it!

Pics of the Coach bag whenever I get it. Very excited about that one as well. My bag closet is getting a real makeover.

Edited to adjust massive pictures and fix a ton of typos!

 

[cowgirlsboots]

This has happened to me a few times. I just sold a gorgeous cloche hat that I bought at a Downton Abbey exhibit a while back. I tried it on and my hubby insisted I get it. Had it for two years and didn't wear it. So finally just sold it.

Another Downton Abby fan? That´s great! I loved it!

A cloche hat- as much as I love them- wouldn´t look good on me, either... there´s an original sitting in a corner... a bit small for me what I could possibly change, but not me, so maybe up in the classifieds, soon.

It happens rather frequently to me that I buy items that are gorgeous, unique, special... and I buy other items to make up a style and then have to realize that the style is perfect, but I am not and won´t get away with it or it simply does not fit my lifestyle.
The stunning 60ies coat I sold was one of the latter.
It was perfect- gold jersey-like fabric moulded into alligator and a mink trim all around. I simply couldn´t make myself wear it for the school run and ruin it so it had to go.
The lady who bought it has bought many of my things already. She does walk-on parts in small movie productions where she has to bring her own outfit. I´m glad it went to her!

 

[cowgirlsboots]

I'll share the one that I have easy access to right now- purple and white snakeskin bag attached.
I've been unable to sleep so have been occupying myself by refreshing the paint on this bag. It originally was a plum purple that had faded to a pink-ish hue, so I've just painted the panels metallic purple. I snapped some pics for you before putting it away.

This is the first (maybe the 2nd?) bag I dreamt up, sketched and then hunted for a local artisan to make for me. It was a real challenge communicating my vision with the lovely brother/sister duo who ended up creating it for me when I was in Indonesia. I wanted a Chinese lantern flower shape and was so proud of the end result. It's 8x7", and I propped it open to display the inner white panels, but it does not stay open like that if you're not holding it open.
Unfortunately, it was so unique and dear to me that I have barely used it in all the years I've had it.
It's python (a choice I made because the skin is a byproduct of the python meat they ate locally, so as ethical as I could get with an exotic).

I pulled this bag out right after my 1st round of covid and told myself that life is too short to save it. I'm going to use and enjoy this, and if the scales fall off or it falls apart, at least I enjoyed it rather than just admiring it.

Now as I write this out, I know this bag is likely not considered unique to others. There are plenty of bucket/lantern style bags out in the market nowadays that are similar to this. But at the time, and in my heart, it's special.



The vintage Brio is here so you can have that picture!
I don't even understand how this bag got to me this quickly- it was due to arrive late next week! I snapped a picture before quarantining it and sanitizing my hands.

I love it! It's chubby! Ha ha! It's got quite a wide base that makes it look like it has a beer gut!
I normally like a slim profile in my bags, but this chubby quality really suits it! It's exactly as listed- minor discolouration in the white portions of the bag and along the braided strap. Nothing I can't fix up with some leather paint.
Lining has minor colour change (a little yellow from age, so I should be able to wash it and get it clean again), but otherwise, looks like it's never been used! This bag is my age (early 1980s) which makes me like it even more, ha ha.
The pleated white panels on the sides are actually snap pockets. Mind you, tiny ones that may only fit a mini bottle of sanitizer or an oyster card/slim case. Still love that detail.
I plan to use it as soon as I'm out of quarantine. My mum is going to flip for it!

Pics of the Coach bag whenever I get it. Very excited about that one as well. My bag closet is getting a real makeover.

Edited to adjust massive pictures and fix a ton of typos!

View attachment 4861550
View attachment 4861551View attachment 4861552

Wow! Your snakeskin bag IS unique! The colourscheme is perfect and the cut so clever. I adore it! Don´t worry so much about the scales. They should stay in place for a long time of use. I have a few really old snakeskin items- even shoes and cowboy boots that have been heavily worn- and their scales loss is minimal. This stuff is sturdy by heart as long as you don´t brush it against the grain.

Congrats on the Brio bag! I thinkthe "beer belly" is part of what appeals to me. It looks so roomy and comfortable while still very 80ies rock chic. That´s a bag to just drag along, use, enjoy... and smile! Takes me back to my teens... haha!

PS: which brand of leather paint do you use, please?

 

[momasaurus]

...making excuses my way... BUT I´ve been good re shopping my own closet when it comes to coats and shoes.

The start of autumn usually means I´ll dive into ebay searching for the perfect winter coat and boots. Of course I did so this year, too and filled my watchlist to the brim. Then I had a look through my photos and one by one ticked off what I already own.
My prey pattern is consistent!
No purchases made!
In contrary I even sold a coat which I bought last year and only wore once, because though it was unique and gorgeous it was not me! I listed my gold boots for sale after finally finding them, too. Same here: gorgeous, special, don´t look natural on me.

I hear you. Buying is fun, selling is not.

 

[Bag peace]

Wow! Your snakeskin bag IS unique! The colourscheme is perfect and the cut so clever. I adore it!

Yay! So glad someone else likes it (besides my mum who adores everything I do, lol). Thank you!

Don´t worry so much about the scales. They should stay in place for a long time of use. I have a few really old snakeskin items- even shoes and cowboy boots that have been heavily worn- and their scales loss is minimal. This stuff is sturdy by heart as long as you don´t brush it against the grain.

Happy to hear this! I always hear about scales falling off and ruining the look of bags, so it made me too cautious. Also because I love the shape so much and feel it's irreplaceable...but bags are meant to be used, not stored. I hope to regain some strength and wear it out soon.

It looks so roomy and comfortable while still very 80ies rock chic.

Funny that; as soon as I saw it, I pictured wearing it with a denim jumpsuit. Very much a 70's-80's look in my mind for this bag too.

PS: which brand of leather paint do you use, please?

I mainly use Angelus paints and have used them to re-dye a bunch of my bags/shoes/leather skirts/watch straps. Easy application, never gets streak-y even if you use a single coat, and durable.
This particular bag I painted with Angelus Pearlescent Purple paint so that it has that metallic finish without being too shiny.

I have also used Jacquard paints and, they're good, but very light bodied so that every brush stroke shows, no matter which paint brush I use. It's not a clean, even finish for me. Perhaps someone more skilled than I can make those paints work better. I have ordered some Mica pigments to mix into my leftover Jacquard paints so that I can use them up. I'm hoping by mixing in mica, the consistency will thicken and make for a better finish. We'll see.

 

[dcooney4]

I

I'll share the one that I have easy access to right now- purple and white snakeskin bag attached.
I've been unable to sleep so have been occupying myself by refreshing the paint on this bag. It originally was a plum purple that had faded to a pink-ish hue, so I've just painted the panels metallic purple. I snapped some pics for you before putting it away.

This is the first (maybe the 2nd?) bag I dreamt up, sketched and then hunted for a local artisan to make for me. It was a real challenge communicating my vision with the lovely brother/sister duo who ended up creating it for me when I was in Indonesia. I wanted a Chinese lantern flower shape and was so proud of the end result. It's 8x7", and I propped it open to display the inner white panels, but it does not stay open like that if you're not holding it open.
Unfortunately, it was so unique and dear to me that I have barely used it in all the years I've had it.
It's python (a choice I made because the skin is a byproduct of the python meat they ate locally, so as ethical as I could get with an exotic).

I pulled this bag out right after my 1st round of covid and told myself that life is too short to save it. I'm going to use and enjoy this, and if the scales fall off or it falls apart, at least I enjoyed it rather than just admiring it.

Now as I write this out, I know this bag is likely not considered unique to others. There are plenty of bucket/lantern style bags out in the market nowadays that are similar to this. But at the time, and in my heart, it's special.



The vintage Brio is here so you can have that picture!
I don't even understand how this bag got to me this quickly- it was due to arrive late next week! I snapped a picture before quarantining it and sanitizing my hands.

I love it! It's chubby! Ha ha! It's got quite a wide base that makes it look like it has a beer gut!
I normally like a slim profile in my bags, but this chubby quality really suits it! It's exactly as listed- minor discolouration in the white portions of the bag and along the braided strap. Nothing I can't fix up with some leather paint.
Lining has minor colour change (a little yellow from age, so I should be able to wash it and get it clean again), but otherwise, looks like it's never been used! This bag is my age (early 1980s) which makes me like it even more, ha ha.
The pleated white panels on the sides are actually snap pockets. Mind you, tiny ones that may only fit a mini bottle of sanitizer or an oyster card/slim case. Still love that detail.
I plan to use it as soon as I'm out of quarantine. My mum is going to flip for it!

Pics of the Coach bag whenever I get it. Very excited about that one as well. My bag closet is getting a real makeover.

Edited to adjust massive pictures and fix a ton of typos!

View attachment 4861550
View attachment 4861551View attachment 4861552

I love that you are able to spruce them up your self.

 

[dcooney4]

Another Downton Abby fan? That´s great! I loved it!

A cloche hat- as much as I love them- wouldn´t look good on me, either... there´s an original sitting in a corner... a bit small for me what I could possibly change, but not me, so maybe up in the classifieds, soon.

It happens rather frequently to me that I buy items that are gorgeous, unique, special... and I buy other items to make up a style and then have to realize that the style is perfect, but I am not and won´t get away with it or it simply does not fit my lifestyle.
The stunning 60ies coat I sold was one of the latter.
It was perfect- gold jersey-like fabric moulded into alligator and a mink trim all around. I simply couldn´t make myself wear it for the school run and ruin it so it had to go.
The lady who bought it has bought many of my things already. She does walk-on parts in small movie productions where she has to bring her own outfit. I´m glad it went to her!

That is so cool. You can see your creations on the screen.

 

[dcooney4]

Yay! So glad someone else likes it (besides my mum who adores everything I do, lol). Thank you!

Happy to hear this! I always hear about scales falling off and ruining the look of bags, so it made me too cautious. Also because I love the shape so much and feel it's irreplaceable...but bags are meant to be used, not stored. I hope to regain some strength and wear it out soon.

Funny that; as soon as I saw it, I pictured wearing it with a denim jumpsuit. Very much a 70's-80's look in my mind for this bag too.


I mainly use Angelus paints and have used them to re-dye a bunch of my bags/shoes/leather skirts/watch straps. Easy application, never gets streak-y even if you use a single coat, and durable.
This particular bag I painted with Angelus Pearlescent Purple paint so that it has that metallic finish without being too shiny.

I have also used Jacquard paints and, they're good, but very light bodied so that every brush stroke shows, no matter which paint brush I use. It's not a clean, even finish for me. Perhaps someone more skilled than I can make those paints work better. I have ordered some Mica pigments to mix into my leftover Jacquard paints so that I can use them up. I'm hoping by mixing in mica, the consistency will thicken and make for a better finish. We'll see.

Do you have to prepare the Leather in anyway to paint it? Also is there a Leather glue that can be used on a soft leather strap?

 

[Bag peace]

I love that you are able to spruce them up your self.

Thanks! I've painted 3 bags in the last day, and a watch strap. I'll snap some pics in a bit and share.
Truly, no skill involved. Just slow, steady strokes. Cover up any bits you don't want to get paint on with masking tape.
Also, I should note that I just change the colours because I get bored, but if you take a peek at the Coach Rehab thread: those people are miracle workers!

Do you have to prepare the Leather in anyway to paint it? Also is there a Leather glue that can be used on a soft leather strap?

It depends. You can purchase a leather preparer and deglazer (also Angelus brand). That stuff will strip the original colour/any protective coating to allow the leather to absorb the new colour better. I have never used it myself. At most, I have used surgical spirit/rubbing alcohol to prep an area where I can see a clear protective coating (Marc Jacobs' older bags have this on the straps). Usually, I just clean with a damp cloth, paint, then apply a finishing coat to seal the new paint.

If you're working on an expensive bag, I would strongly suggest checking out the rehab threads (particularly the Coach one) to get tips and tricks. I only ever look at the before/after pics because I'm not someone who regularly restores vintage, but you just know that everyone active in there is skilled and happy to share their knowledge.

I'll pull the pieces I just re-painted overnight and upload pics in a second (sorry, for the unsolicited spam lol).

Edit to add: I think both @cowgirlsboots and @whateve regularly paint/restore/rejuvinate. They will surely have more information to share on the topic. I just play with paints like a 5 year old!

Edit again because major brain fog! I cannot recommend a specific leather glue. I have used a generic one I picked up from some supermarket to make minor repairs. I'm sure someone else can better advise there.

 

[Bag peace]

I'll split this into 2 posts because I'm not sure how pictures show up on other people's devices and I don't want anyone to open this page to a block of text/giant pics.

This is not the watch I painted overnight (that strap is still damp so I'm not touching it), but I painted this one about a year ago with the same purple from the snake bag I posted above. It originally had a dark brown strap with that sky blue dial but, I really hate brown (sorry, I know people adore it but I don't).
The watch I just painted has a dark grey dial so I painted the tan strap yellow. I happen to love that grey/yellow colour combo.

The pleated lambskin bag attached was originally a dull turquoise colour. I don't have any before pics. To be honest, the pics I've been posting since I joined this thread are the first I've ever taken of my bags. which explains why they're all so rubbish lol
I have always loved the bag, the leather and the pleats, but the colour was so flat that I never reached for it. I've been wanting a blue metallic leather bag all year, then realized this was the perfect bag for me to turn into a metallic myself. It's my custom mix of blues with a touch of silver mica to make it metallic.
It's a royal blue IRL, not the cobalt it appears in the photo.
Due to the style of the bag, I used a Satin finisher (sealant) to give it a slight sheen.

 

[Bag peace]

This is the Coach Noa that I had pulled as my bag to be used and abused during Covid. I've had it for forever and I adore it but was ready to donate it soon.
Then I realized, it has never lost its shape, it is one of my favourite and most functional crossbodies, and the only reason I was looking to donate it is because of the colour.
My favourite colour is blue but I struggle with the shades on the market- not sure if others feel the same way.
Anyway, I decided to colourblock it to completely refresh it. I am so happy with the choice and will not be letting it go until it falls apart. I think if I tire of the colour, I'll just strip and re-paint it orange or something, lol.

Lots of details on this one that I can't quite show in the pics, but I will try.
- The original colour is the wallet in front of the bag (it comes with the bag, so it's the best representation of the original colour).
- I mixed 3 shades of blue, so the front panel, back panel, side panels and the back of the bag (that sits against the body) are all different degrees of blue. It's obvious IRL, but not showing up in the pics for some reason.
- The bag strap is also colourblocked- original colour on the bottom, royal blue on the top. It shows when I carry it.
- The front snap closure flap, d-ring loops for the strap, some of the side panels and the bottom panels of the bag are in purple. I went for opposite colours on the side gussets- so the one side has blue in front and purple in the back, the other side vice versa. A small detail but makes me giddy that I thought to do it that way.
- I decided to colour block the hangtag as well- logo side blue, backside purple. Made sure to flip it so it shows in the pics.
- Used a regular sealant on this one because I didn't want it metallic, I just wanted it to be happy shades.

I shouldn't have painted this one now because I'm suffering terribly from insomnia and I'm not sure how cleanly I painted it. Once I've managed to get some sleep, I'll have to take a closer look and see if I accidentally went over any hardware or edge paint, and then clean that up as needed.

Also, the only reason I can do this kind of nonsense is because I never resell my stuff, so it gives me the freedom to experiment. Obviously not good if you will eventually resell.

Hope I haven't derailed the thread too much.

 

[cowgirlsboots]

I hear you. Buying is fun, selling is not.

++Knock on wood++ so far selling has gone really well. I buy cheap and sell cheap, happy to recover my costs. The coat, a dress, a couple of 80ies leather jackets, the complete sorted out pile of clothes my son had grown out and even the golden boots went as soon as I listed them. Other items are stuck in the classifieds, though...

Very guilty concience, though:
I bought a brown 70ies Shearling coat half an hour ago. The listing just popped up and I couldn´t stop my fingers... at least I know I will wear this. They are great, warm and as a bonus this one is actually my size so I won´t be stuck in it like a sausage. So now should be the time to sort through my other Shearling coats and put some on the market... I know there are at least two over in the storage with the prams that I won´t wear, because they are uncomfortable in one way or the other.

 

[cowgirlsboots]

Yay! So glad someone else likes it (besides my mum who adores everything I do, lol). Thank you!

Happy to hear this! I always hear about scales falling off and ruining the look of bags, so it made me too cautious. Also because I love the shape so much and feel it's irreplaceable...but bags are meant to be used, not stored. I hope to regain some strength and wear it out soon.

Funny that; as soon as I saw it, I pictured wearing it with a denim jumpsuit. Very much a 70's-80's look in my mind for this bag too.


I mainly use Angelus paints and have used them to re-dye a bunch of my bags/shoes/leather skirts/watch straps. Easy application, never gets streak-y even if you use a single coat, and durable.
This particular bag I painted with Angelus Pearlescent Purple paint so that it has that metallic finish without being too shiny.

I have also used Jacquard paints and, they're good, but very light bodied so that every brush stroke shows, no matter which paint brush I use. It's not a clean, even finish for me. Perhaps someone more skilled than I can make those paints work better. I have ordered some Mica pigments to mix into my leftover Jacquard paints so that I can use them up. I'm hoping by mixing in mica, the consistency will thicken and make for a better finish. We'll see.

You made me laugh! My son accuses me of liking everything he crafts, too.
But same as with your bag, I´m totally honest.

Thank-you! Do you use Angelus Acrylic or the oil dye?
I have a stock of the Acrylic paint by Angelus I really like and use often.
Jacquard paint is extremely hard to find here in Germany. Our second option would be Fiebings Acrylic paints, but when I enquired about Fiebings compared to Angelus the shop where I usually order told me to go for Angelus.

 

[Bag peace]

You made me laugh! My son accuses me of liking everything he crafts, too.

So sweet!

Thank-you! Do you use Angelus Acrylic or the oil dye?

I use the Acrylic paints. I thought the oil dye range was exclusively for dyeing suede, which is something I have never done (but hope to try one day).

when I enquired about Fiebings compared to Angelus the shop where I usually order told me to go for Angelus.

I've also always heard that Angelus is the gold standard.

 

[cowgirlsboots]

Thanks! I've painted 3 bags in the last day, and a watch strap. I'll snap some pics in a bit and share.
Truly, no skill involved. Just slow, steady strokes. Cover up any bits you don't want to get paint on with masking tape.
Also, I should note that I just change the colours because I get bored, but if you take a peek at the Coach Rehab thread: those people are miracle workers!

It depends. You can purchase a leather preparer and deglazer (also Angelus brand). That stuff will strip the original colour/any protective coating to allow the leather to absorb the new colour better. I have never used it myself. At most, I have used surgical spirit/rubbing alcohol to prep an area where I can see a clear protective coating (Marc Jacobs' older bags have this on the straps). Usually, I just clean with a damp cloth, paint, then apply a finishing coat to seal the new paint.

If you're working on an expensive bag, I would strongly suggest checking out the rehab threads (particularly the Coach one) to get tips and tricks. I only ever look at the before/after pics because I'm not someone who regularly restores vintage, but you just know that everyone active in there is skilled and happy to share their knowledge.

I'll pull the pieces I just re-painted overnight and upload pics in a second (sorry, for the unsolicited spam lol).

Edit to add: I think both @cowgirlsboots and @whateve regularly paint/restore/rejuvinate. They will surely have more information to share on the topic. I just play with paints like a 5 year old!

Edit again because major brain fog! I cannot recommend a specific leather glue. I have used a generic one I picked up from some supermarket to make minor repairs. I'm sure someone else can better advise there.

Oh, I don´t do any more than play with paints, either...
Before painting with Angelus Acrylic on any leather item I have been told to clean with acetone to deglaze and prepare the surface. (The shop I bought the paint told me I can do this instead of using the expensive deglazer.)
Sometimes when the leather feels slick to me I even sand it with a very fine leather sanding pad or a dirt eraser. It´s a brutal treatment, but so far has worked well for me when I paint pictures on leather jackets or bags.
When I use the Acrylic paint for tiny corner repairs I usually just wipe with alcohol and play with the paint.
To finish the paintjob off I either use Angelus Finisher or Fiebings Resolene (which I prefer for durability.)
My red wallet for example I simply painted with Angelus acrylic paint without any prior treatment (but after ruining the surface and original colour with a baby wipe when trying to clean it up- please be very careful with baby wipes!) and finished with Elephant. The paintjob does not show and is durable.

When using "Leather Fresh" I follow the recommendations of the seller and clean with lighter fluid when there are bigger surfaces involved. For tiny repairs like recently on the corners of my woc I don´t do any preparation, just use the paint (which is a filler at the same time) with a fine brush, sometimes even my fingertips, dry it with a hairdryer and use Elephant Leather Preserver as a finisher.

When filling defects with liquid leather I have made the experience, that the result gets much nicer when I forget about the instructions and apply it with my fingertips. Anybody who knows what they are doing would tell me off!

For leather glue this is my preferred product.