Your bag is gorgeous! what a wonderful story.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
2020 resolution - shopping my own bag and wallet collection. Any one else?
- Thread starter eggtartapproved
- Start date
TPF may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, and others
Both excellent tips! Thank you for that!
Oh wow!! Both of those are awesome!
I can't draw or paint designs like that, I can splatter paint on something and call it 'abstract art'.
You are so gifted and I love that your things are so uniquely yours.
Thanks for sharing the pics! Made me grin from ear to ear!
Thank you!
I respect what you do more than what I do. I love that you extend the life of vintage bags and bring them back to their former glory.
If it weren't for almost every vintage bag being black and brown, I would dive headfirst into that world!
May I ask, do you collect the pieces you restore or do you sell them on? I always wondered what everyone does once they've salvaged the bags.
Those Thumper pieces were the absolute cutest! I almost bought the camera bag when that collection dropped, and then had to remind myself that I have too many bags.
Thanks all!
Thank you! It is how I got into bag collecting in the first place. Every country I lived in, however briefly, I would commission a handmade bag from a local artisan. It allowed me to financially support the locals and get a unique memento from my time there. I also commissioned small paintings/drawings the same way and it is the only artwork I own.
Several of the 'memento bags' have had to go over the years, as they got worn out to the point where they were unusable, but many of them have held up remarkably well. I'd say on average, those handmade bags last me 5 years with near daily use, and of course, they bring a smile to my face as I use them because of the memories attached.
At one point I had about 14 of those custom bags, and only 3 contemporary. Over the years, my friends have kindly gifted me many contemporary (and I've purchased a few as well) and now those outnumber the custom ones.
I'll share some more of my uniquely shaped bags when I'm a little stronger and can pull them out of storage. My collection is nothing like the drool-worthy stuff I love to ogle at on the forums, but it's very dorky and fun.
I love stories like this. I totally know what you mean about supporting local businesses and buying something with a story. I often support local crafts and artists. Lots of wonderful stories from over the years. Looking forward to seeing your wonderful collection. Rest well and take good care in the meantime.Both excellent tips! Thank you for that!
Oh wow!! Both of those are awesome!
I can't draw or paint designs like that, I can splatter paint on something and call it 'abstract art'.
You are so gifted and I love that your things are so uniquely yours.
Thanks for sharing the pics! Made me grin from ear to ear!
Thank you!
I respect what you do more than what I do. I love that you extend the life of vintage bags and bring them back to their former glory.
If it weren't for almost every vintage bag being black and brown, I would dive headfirst into that world!
May I ask, do you collect the pieces you restore or do you sell them on? I always wondered what everyone does once they've salvaged the bags.
Those Thumper pieces were the absolute cutest! I almost bought the camera bag when that collection dropped, and then had to remind myself that I have too many bags.
Thanks all!
Thank you! It is how I got into bag collecting in the first place. Every country I lived in, however briefly, I would commission a handmade bag from a local artisan. It allowed me to financially support the locals and get a unique memento from my time there. I also commissioned small paintings/drawings the same way and it is the only artwork I own.
Several of the 'memento bags' have had to go over the years, as they got worn out to the point where they were unusable, but many of them have held up remarkably well. I'd say on average, those handmade bags last me 5 years with near daily use, and of course, they bring a smile to my face as I use them because of the memories attached.
At one point I had about 14 of those custom bags, and only 3 contemporary. Over the years, my friends have kindly gifted me many contemporary (and I've purchased a few as well) and now those outnumber the custom ones.
I'll share some more of my uniquely shaped bags when I'm a little stronger and can pull them out of storage. My collection is nothing like the drool-worthy stuff I love to ogle at on the forums, but it's very dorky and fun.
Most of my Coach vintage rehabs are on bags I fully intended to keep for myself. Sometimes I don't like them as much as I expected so I sell them. Once or twice a year (pre-covid) we would travel and spend some time going to thrift stores, looking for bags to rehab. Most of those I sell to help pay for the trip. I love colors so I look for vintage bags in pretty colors and have found quite a few.Both excellent tips! Thank you for that!
Oh wow!! Both of those are awesome!
I can't draw or paint designs like that, I can splatter paint on something and call it 'abstract art'.
You are so gifted and I love that your things are so uniquely yours.
Thanks for sharing the pics! Made me grin from ear to ear!
Thank you!
I respect what you do more than what I do. I love that you extend the life of vintage bags and bring them back to their former glory.
If it weren't for almost every vintage bag being black and brown, I would dive headfirst into that world!
May I ask, do you collect the pieces you restore or do you sell them on? I always wondered what everyone does once they've salvaged the bags.
Those Thumper pieces were the absolute cutest! I almost bought the camera bag when that collection dropped, and then had to remind myself that I have too many bags.
Thanks all!
Thank you! It is how I got into bag collecting in the first place. Every country I lived in, however briefly, I would commission a handmade bag from a local artisan. It allowed me to financially support the locals and get a unique memento from my time there. I also commissioned small paintings/drawings the same way and it is the only artwork I own.
Several of the 'memento bags' have had to go over the years, as they got worn out to the point where they were unusable, but many of them have held up remarkably well. I'd say on average, those handmade bags last me 5 years with near daily use, and of course, they bring a smile to my face as I use them because of the memories attached.
At one point I had about 14 of those custom bags, and only 3 contemporary. Over the years, my friends have kindly gifted me many contemporary (and I've purchased a few as well) and now those outnumber the custom ones.
I'll share some more of my uniquely shaped bags when I'm a little stronger and can pull them out of storage. My collection is nothing like the drool-worthy stuff I love to ogle at on the forums, but it's very dorky and fun.
I love that you got memento bags from local artisans! I would love to see these.
I had thought of it but have not tried it yet.I love your projects!! I don’t have the nerve to touch up my bags like this as I have no talent whatsoever.
DC, seeing all the hand painting on leathers here, I thought about you — have you not tried/planned to paint on a bag of yours?
Thank you for the kind words.
I love that you do the same, though it doesn't surprise me that many of us on here do!
Have you shared any of these crafts and the stories behind them on the forums? I don't know if there's a thread for that but would love to see if there is one.
I'm impressed you are able to find vintage bags in pretty colours! That's an accomplishment in itself, lol! I always seem to find tan, brown and black.
I love the idea of thrifting abroad. I wonder if you have happened upon pieces you otherwise wouldn't have? Brands that are only locally known and thus unique? I bet your collection is something special indeed.
Oh are you an artist as well? Have you shared any of your paintings here? I must have missed them (or perhaps that was before I joined). I'd love to see!
I had a follow up with my Covid team (x-rays, physiotherapy and antibody test), so I carried my Brio bag! 
It's deceptively roomy. It's around 8" h x 7" w. The top is only 1.5" and it widens all the way to a base of 5", giving it that beer belly look that I find so charming.
I thought the tapered width would interfere with how much it can carry, but I was so wrong! The bag itself carried a large SLG, phone, keys, spare masks and still had tons of room to spare!
The small snap pocket on the side easily fit a spray bottle of hand sanitizer, which I never thought it would. Again, room to spare in that pleated side pocket.
The braided strap is super comfortable on the shoulder, as well. I'm tempted to buy a second one because it is so functional and charming. I'm not going to (i.have.too.many.bags), but I'm so glad I snapped this one up.
My one issue is that it sits higher than I'd like when I wear it crossbody. Someone taller than me would certainly need to wear it as a shoulder bag rather than a crossbody.
Attached is a pic of it loaded up with all the stuff mentioned.
In the 2nd pic you can see the large yellow SLG- which you wouldn't think would fit comfortably in there, but it does, both vertically and horizontally!
I included that picture with the SLG specifically because it is one of the bags that was custom made for me.
It was originally a small crossbody bag, hand stitched and hand painted (around the closure) for me in Turkey, but it did not function well that way. It has a snap button closure that is fiddly and impossible to close easily when the bag is hanging on one's shoulder. I recently decided to just use it as a continental wallet, and it is ideal for that!
Turkish pebbled leather is divine and I would definitely recommend it! If I go back, I will certainly get a larger bag in this leather as it would slouch beautifully.
The wonderful lady who made it for me was a cancer survivor, and to this day I remember her gorgeous smile and her openness about her chemo experience.
Edit: I'm not certain if I'm going completely off-topic and derailing the thread with my recent bag posts. If I am, please someone tell me to shut up. I promise I won't be offended.
It's deceptively roomy. It's around 8" h x 7" w. The top is only 1.5" and it widens all the way to a base of 5", giving it that beer belly look that I find so charming.
I thought the tapered width would interfere with how much it can carry, but I was so wrong! The bag itself carried a large SLG, phone, keys, spare masks and still had tons of room to spare!
The small snap pocket on the side easily fit a spray bottle of hand sanitizer, which I never thought it would. Again, room to spare in that pleated side pocket.
The braided strap is super comfortable on the shoulder, as well. I'm tempted to buy a second one because it is so functional and charming. I'm not going to (i.have.too.many.bags), but I'm so glad I snapped this one up.
My one issue is that it sits higher than I'd like when I wear it crossbody. Someone taller than me would certainly need to wear it as a shoulder bag rather than a crossbody.
Attached is a pic of it loaded up with all the stuff mentioned.
In the 2nd pic you can see the large yellow SLG- which you wouldn't think would fit comfortably in there, but it does, both vertically and horizontally!
I included that picture with the SLG specifically because it is one of the bags that was custom made for me.
It was originally a small crossbody bag, hand stitched and hand painted (around the closure) for me in Turkey, but it did not function well that way. It has a snap button closure that is fiddly and impossible to close easily when the bag is hanging on one's shoulder. I recently decided to just use it as a continental wallet, and it is ideal for that!
Turkish pebbled leather is divine and I would definitely recommend it! If I go back, I will certainly get a larger bag in this leather as it would slouch beautifully.
The wonderful lady who made it for me was a cancer survivor, and to this day I remember her gorgeous smile and her openness about her chemo experience.
Edit: I'm not certain if I'm going completely off-topic and derailing the thread with my recent bag posts. If I am, please someone tell me to shut up. I promise I won't be offended.
Last edited:
No off-topics on this thread especially if about bags!!I had a follow up with my Covid team (x-rays, physiotherapy and antibody test), so I carried my Brio bag!
It's deceptively roomy. It's around 8" h x 7" w. The top is only 1.5" and it widens all the way to a base of 5", giving it that beer belly look that I find so charming.
I thought the tapered width would interfere with how much it can carry, but I was so wrong! The bag itself carried a large SLG, phone, keys, spare masks and still had tons of room to spare!
The small snap pocket on the side easily fit a spray bottle of hand sanitizer, which I never thought it would. Again, room to spare in that pleated side pocket.
The braided strap is super comfortable on the shoulder, as well. I'm tempted to buy a second one because it is so functional and charming. I'm not going to (i.have.too.many.bags), but I'm so glad I snapped this one up.
My one issue is that it sits higher than I'd like when I wear it crossbody. Someone taller than me would certainly need to wear it as a shoulder bag rather than a crossbody.
Attached is a pic of it loaded up with all the stuff mentioned.
In the 2nd pic you can see the large yellow SLG- which you wouldn't think would fit comfortably in there, but it does, both vertically and horizontally!
I included that picture with the SLG specifically because it is one of the bags that was custom made for me.
It was originally a small crossbody bag, hand stitched and hand painted (around the closure) for me in Turkey, but it did not function well that way. It has a snap button closure that is fiddly and impossible to close easily when the bag is hanging on one's shoulder. I recently decided to just use it as a continental wallet, and it is ideal for that!
Turkish pebbled leather is divine and I would definitely recommend it! If I go back, I will certainly get a larger bag in this leather as it would slouch beautifully.
The wonderful lady who made it for me was a cancer survivor, and to this day I remember her gorgeous smile and her openness about her chemo experience.
View attachment 4862687View attachment 4862689
Edit: I'm not certain if I'm going completely off-topic and derailing the thread with my recent bag posts. If I am, please someone tell me to shut up. I promise I won't be offended.
I'm new. No one in my hillbilly neck of the woods appreciates my obsession with Chanel and Dior (as well as a few contemporary brands like Lotuff, Just Campagne, Bally and Loup Noir) handbags. May I just jump in?
Welcome! We are a friendly bunch of people from all over. Our conversations ramble delightfully, as we are under the radar of the "topic police" LOL.
My avatar is one of my paintings.Thank you for the kind words.
I love that you do the same, though it doesn't surprise me that many of us on here do!
Have you shared any of these crafts and the stories behind them on the forums? I don't know if there's a thread for that but would love to see if there is one.
I'm impressed you are able to find vintage bags in pretty colours! That's an accomplishment in itself, lol! I always seem to find tan, brown and black.
I love the idea of thrifting abroad. I wonder if you have happened upon pieces you otherwise wouldn't have? Brands that are only locally known and thus unique? I bet your collection is something special indeed.
Oh are you an artist as well? Have you shared any of your paintings here? I must have missed them (or perhaps that was before I joined). I'd love to see!
Absolutely! Everyone is welcome here.
Welcome to the thread SouthernPurseGal. We share a love of many brands, whether the bags are in your closet or you’d like to add them to your bag wardrobe. Please jump in!
Oh my word! *bows down in awe*
It's absolutely breathtaking!
You are so remarkably talented! How proud you must be!Is there anywhere you're posting your paintings on the forums? In one of the more general subforums perhaps? I'd love to see more!
You should absolutely paint on a bag! It would be a masterpiece! Have you seen the other threads where people post their handpainted bags? They're awesome and just so unique.
You'll find this is the friendliest bunch of people ever! Please do join in the fun!
Thanks! No I only occasionally post a picture here. I don’t recall seeing the hand painted bags thread. Where are they located.Oh my word! *bows down in awe*
It's absolutely breathtaking!
Is there anywhere you're posting your paintings on the forums? In one of the more general subforums perhaps? I'd love to see more!
You should absolutely paint on a bag! It would be a masterpiece! Have you seen the other threads where people post their handpainted bags? They're awesome and just so unique.
You'll find this is the friendliest bunch of people ever! Please do join in the fun!