I have quite a collection of this model from them. They come in so many different types of leather and colors. I have never in my life had so many of the same bag. I tried to list one but I realized I like them to much and listed another style instead.
2020 resolution - shopping my own bag and wallet collection. Any one else?
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@cowgirlsboots I think we were discussing uniquely shaped bags that were handmade for me before my hospital visit. Here's another that I remembered when posting my reply above. It has a bit of a story behind it.
My mother worked in Argentina when we were young. My eldest brother got me my first backpack from there- this football shaped bag made from recycled tyres. I wore that thing right until I graduated Uni, at which point the rubber was disintegrating and leaving sticky residue everywhere!
I briefly lived in Hong Kong after graduating, and sadly, I could not hack it. As wonderful as I'm certain it is, I felt suffocated by everything and had to move very quickly. Perhaps I was too young? Anyway...
Whilst I was there, I asked the friends I'd made where I could buy a backpack similar to my own and, to my absolute delight, was told I could have an exact replica made. My lovely friends took me to a workshop where they took my beloved (and very much on its last legs) rubber backpack and made a beautiful copy of it from leather!
Now, this is not an exact replica as I asked them to make it a crossbody, because I was getting older and felt it would look more appropriate as a shoulder/crossbody bag, and the artisan altered the design a bit, changing the closure and the dimensions to make it functional, but otherwise it looks almost like the original. Cost me a pretty penny back then, but was totally worth it!
The inside is just an empty hole and the leather scratches very easily, but nothing a little Blackrock's can't buff right out. The closure is irritating to work with, but overall, I love this bag! It's one of the superstars in my oddball collection. Especially due to the memories it brings of my brother's gift to me as a kid, but also as a memento of my brief time (and my newfound friends) in China.
I've put it next to my Coach ombre because that was the bag I carried on my walk today, but also to show how small it is. The Coach ombre WOC is 8x5" I believe, so I think my football bag is around 8".
Also, for those that like this design, I recently saw an advert for Mirta Bags that look very much like this! The Mirta bags are more sleek and functional (a flap opening which will certainly be easier than the opening my bag has), so definitely worth checking out.
View attachment 4928706
Edit: Just checked and Mirta does an almost identical bag, which I love! It looks sleeker than my own! Oooh, I may have to upgrade when mine dies.
andOpera Brown - Vachetta Leather Crossbody Bag | MIRTA
Like its Italian meaning, Opera is a masterpiece made by Boldrini Selleria. Entirely handmade in Tuscany where fine craftsmanship has been passed down throwww.mirta.com
Operetta Brown - Tuscan Vachetta Leather Crossbody Bag | MIRTA
Operetta crossbody, like its name, is more than a bag. It is a real masterpiece. Handmade in Florence by Boldrini Selleria, where perfect craftsmanship is
Your football bag is adorable @jblended ! It feels so special that this bag was handmade for you following (more or less... artistic freedom...) the design of the backpack your brother gave you- which already was very special and unique.
How interesting Mirta does an almost identical design that looks very nice and seems to be nice and functional, too. Still I´d prefer the handmade keepsake over the ready made item. The practicability it might lack is outweighed by the emotion attached.
I finally caught up with more than 10pages of posts!!
Speaking of covid, the company housed in the same compound as our office building is having a lot of cases now!! And ironically, this December, our big boss also wants to see more people in the office. I just keep the window behind me open when I am in my office to let fresh air in. And btw, it’s face mask AND face shield in offices and malls here.
——
@cowgirlsboots I love what you’ve done with your De Manta! And your new coat is elegant.
@Kimbashop I also have my Mom’s old recipe box! And my Aunt’s notebook - she used to make cakes and the notebook contains a list of some orders, with prices. Dated back before I was born!! So the prices listed are unimaginable now.
@SakuraSakura you asked if we’re turned off by bags now? Not exactly turned off, but the level of interest is not the same as pre-pandemic. Which is good for my wallet actually! And I’m back to my old hobby - baking, which is a lot cheaper to pursue than bags!
@momasaurus I sent you a PM before re InstaPot, not sure though if you got it.
This is such a unique bag!! Love it!@cowgirlsboots I think we were discussing uniquely shaped bags that were handmade for me before my hospital visit. Here's another that I remembered when posting my reply above. It has a bit of a story behind it.
My mother worked in Argentina when we were young. My eldest brother got me my first backpack from there- this football shaped bag made from recycled tyres. I wore that thing right until I graduated Uni, at which point the rubber was disintegrating and leaving sticky residue everywhere!
I briefly lived in Hong Kong after graduating, and sadly, I could not hack it. As wonderful as I'm certain it is, I felt suffocated by everything and had to move very quickly. Perhaps I was too young? Anyway...
Whilst I was there, I asked the friends I'd made where I could buy a backpack similar to my own and, to my absolute delight, was told I could have an exact replica made. My lovely friends took me to a workshop where they took my beloved (and very much on its last legs) rubber backpack and made a beautiful copy of it from leather!
Now, this is not an exact replica as I asked them to make it a crossbody, because I was getting older and felt it would look more appropriate as a shoulder/crossbody bag, and the artisan altered the design a bit, changing the closure and the dimensions to make it functional, but otherwise it looks almost like the original. Cost me a pretty penny back then, but was totally worth it!
The inside is just an empty hole and the leather scratches very easily, but nothing a little Blackrock's can't buff right out. The closure is irritating to work with, but overall, I love this bag! It's one of the superstars in my oddball collection. Especially due to the memories it brings of my brother's gift to me as a kid, but also as a memento of my brief time (and my newfound friends) in China.
I've put it next to my Coach ombre because that was the bag I carried on my walk today, but also to show how small it is. The Coach ombre WOC is 8x5" I believe, so I think my football bag is around 8".
Also, for those that like this design, I recently saw an advert for Mirta Bags that look very much like this! The Mirta bags are more sleek and functional (a flap opening which will certainly be easier than the opening my bag has), so definitely worth checking out.
View attachment 4928706
Edit: Just checked and Mirta does an almost identical bag, which I love! It looks sleeker than my own! Oooh, I may have to upgrade when mine dies.
andOpera Brown - Vachetta Leather Crossbody Bag | MIRTA
Like its Italian meaning, Opera is a masterpiece made by Boldrini Selleria. Entirely handmade in Tuscany where fine craftsmanship has been passed down thro
Operetta Brown - Tuscan Vachetta Leather Crossbody Bag | MIRTA
Operetta crossbody, like its name, is more than a bag. It is a real masterpiece. Handmade in Florence by Boldrini Selleria, where perfect craftsmanship is
Speaking of covid, the company housed in the same compound as our office building is having a lot of cases now!! And ironically, this December, our big boss also wants to see more people in the office. I just keep the window behind me open when I am in my office to let fresh air in. And btw, it’s face mask AND face shield in offices and malls here.
——
@cowgirlsboots I love what you’ve done with your De Manta! And your new coat is elegant.
@Kimbashop I also have my Mom’s old recipe box! And my Aunt’s notebook - she used to make cakes and the notebook contains a list of some orders, with prices. Dated back before I was born!! So the prices listed are unimaginable now.
@SakuraSakura you asked if we’re turned off by bags now? Not exactly turned off, but the level of interest is not the same as pre-pandemic. Which is good for my wallet actually! And I’m back to my old hobby - baking, which is a lot cheaper to pursue than bags!
@momasaurus I sent you a PM before re InstaPot, not sure though if you got it.
Well done on the bag rotation. Thank you for the further update on your Gucci velvet 1955. Such a wonderful temptation- I love the look of the 1955, so glad to hear you’re enjoying it!
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I prefer the bronze.
Thank you so much @muchstuff!That Massai cut
Try jewelry! High end, low end, and in between!
Thank you P&P. I am enjoying the leather and functionality of both the WOC and the Massai Cut!Thanks! I would love to see pictures of any of your artwork if you have them on hand.
Thanks, the WOCs come in really handy for those quick errands! I have been admiring your red WOC and the wonderful leather on your Massai cut!
Great tips. I will definitely reach out if I have any questions, thank you.
@momasaurus, did you get to use your crock pot? I did a search for crock pot recipes for beginners on YouTube and it yielded quite a lot of options. I like YouTube for new recipes.
Thank you.
I was shocked when I saw the Mirta advert! I couldn't believe my eyes, they're so similar. Mind you, my bag is around 17 years old, so they took a while to catch up to me.
Definitely agree that mine is more special due to the history (which I hope nobody minds me sharing btw), but even I can see that the Mirta models have a slimmer profile so would sit more elegantly on the body. Mine is literally shaped like a football, so looks a bit bulky when worn, though the uniqueness compensates for that.
A word of warning to anyone who wants one of those bags: they are heavy! Those layered leather panels really add a ton of weight to the bag, so not good for anyone who may have shoulder or back problems.
Thank you very much.
Re the increase of covid cases- you're doing everything you can (mask, shield, open window), so just make sure you're taking care of your mental health as well. I know when covid cases spike near me, I find I get really tense without realizing it. Just a gentle reminder to do all that you can to unwind. I hope you remain safe and they get the cases under control.
@ElainePG This is a little early but I'm not sure if you'll be popping in again closer to the actual surgery day. I want to wish you all the best and send all the positive vibes for a smooth recovery. I look forward to hearing that everything went well and that you're pain-free once more!
My mum has been offered a 2 year contract with this charity operation which would mean she has to stay put and cannot request any transfers. We've had several late night discussions this past week, weighing up the pros and cons, and now she's decided to take the offer. She'll be edging towards 80 by the time the contract expires, and while she'll hopefully be fit to work even then, I'd like to think she'll take on a less stressful role.
This will be the longest I've stayed in one place in my adult life. It feels strange.
It's good news for me, not only because I get to spend time with mum in a place that has very quickly become 'home' to me, but because I need to be with the same team of doctors who are monitoring my treatment. Whilst early signs are all positive that I can be fully cured, we still have to watch my labs for at least another year to make sure nothing suddenly drops and sends me back into a critical state. Staying here is safer and easier for that purpose.
This will be the longest I've stayed in one place in my adult life. It feels strange.
It's good news for me, not only because I get to spend time with mum in a place that has very quickly become 'home' to me, but because I need to be with the same team of doctors who are monitoring my treatment. Whilst early signs are all positive that I can be fully cured, we still have to watch my labs for at least another year to make sure nothing suddenly drops and sends me back into a critical state. Staying here is safer and easier for that purpose.
Do you have a photo of the original backpack from when you were a kid? The bag looks very cool.@cowgirlsboots I think we were discussing uniquely shaped bags that were handmade for me before my hospital visit. Here's another that I remembered when posting my reply above. It has a bit of a story behind it.
My mother worked in Argentina when we were young. My eldest brother got me my first backpack from there- this football shaped bag made from recycled tyres. I wore that thing right until I graduated Uni, at which point the rubber was disintegrating and leaving sticky residue everywhere!
I briefly lived in Hong Kong after graduating, and sadly, I could not hack it. As wonderful as I'm certain it is, I felt suffocated by everything and had to move very quickly. Perhaps I was too young? Anyway...
Whilst I was there, I asked the friends I'd made where I could buy a backpack similar to my own and, to my absolute delight, was told I could have an exact replica made. My lovely friends took me to a workshop where they took my beloved (and very much on its last legs) rubber backpack and made a beautiful copy of it from leather!
Now, this is not an exact replica as I asked them to make it a crossbody, because I was getting older and felt it would look more appropriate as a shoulder/crossbody bag, and the artisan altered the design a bit, changing the closure and the dimensions to make it functional, but otherwise it looks almost like the original. Cost me a pretty penny back then, but was totally worth it!
The inside is just an empty hole and the leather scratches very easily, but nothing a little Blackrock's can't buff right out. The closure is irritating to work with, but overall, I love this bag! It's one of the superstars in my oddball collection. Especially due to the memories it brings of my brother's gift to me as a kid, but also as a memento of my brief time (and my newfound friends) in China.
I've put it next to my Coach ombre because that was the bag I carried on my walk today, but also to show how small it is. The Coach ombre WOC is 8x5" I believe, so I think my football bag is around 8".
Also, for those that like this design, I recently saw an advert for Mirta Bags that look very much like this! The Mirta bags are more sleek and functional (a flap opening which will certainly be easier than the opening my bag has), so definitely worth checking out.
View attachment 4928706
Edit: Just checked and Mirta does an almost identical bag, which I love! It looks sleeker than my own! Oooh, I may have to upgrade when mine dies.
andOpera Brown - Vachetta Leather Crossbody Bag | MIRTA
Like its Italian meaning, Opera is a masterpiece made by Boldrini Selleria. Entirely handmade in Tuscany where fine craftsmanship has been passed down thro
Operetta Brown - Tuscan Vachetta Leather Crossbody Bag | MIRTA
Operetta crossbody, like its name, is more than a bag. It is a real masterpiece. Handmade in Florence by Boldrini Selleria, where perfect craftsmanship is
I went and did some exploring (online) with regard to oil paints. It seems like there is quite a learning curve for me, since I am a complete novice in this area. Given that it's a little more time commitment, I have decided to wait a bit before actually starting any project, but in the meantime, begin by learning, reading and watching some of the techniques and videos regarding painting with oils.
Your coat is beautiful! I was just thinking the other day that I don't have anything in leopard print in my wardrobe. I might look into getting some footwear in leopard print at some point.
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I know! I have two, one was going to be for DD but guess what? I got her other stuff instead and am keeping both Portland mini totes! I love how it stands up by itself but is also a crossbody.
Oh,
Oh, thanks for the reminder! I don't always see notifications for PMs. I promise to christen the InstaPot this week!......
It sounds like you have done some really important thinking. I envy your self-awareness, as I still feel like I am winging it all the time. I love that you and your mum are drawing closer and closer.2020 was not in any way what I expected and had more surprises in store for me than I could have imagined. I'm getting ahead of myself but I've already started thinking about how I'll be shopping my own closet in 2021 (bags, jewelry, clothes, shoes), curating and hopefully downsizing as I go along. I'm excited for a new chapter, though I know the pandemic will still linger in the background. I'm hopeful that we'll all get to live a semi-normal life in the coming months and our pretty bags will get some use. It makes me smile to think that sometime soon (?) we will be posting pics of our bags on regular outings, rather than the occasional trip to the store or the office.My mum has been offered a 2 year contract with this charity operation which would mean she has to stay put and cannot request any transfers. We've had several late night discussions this past week, weighing up the pros and cons, and now she's decided to take the offer. She'll be edging towards 80 by the time the contract expires, and while she'll hopefully be fit to work even then, I'd like to think she'll take on a less stressful role.
This will be the longest I've stayed in one place in my adult life. It feels strange.
It's good news for me, not only because I get to spend time with mum in a place that has very quickly become 'home' to me, but because I need to be with the same team of doctors who are monitoring my treatment. Whilst early signs are all positive that I can be fully cured, we still have to watch my labs for at least another year to make sure nothing suddenly drops and sends me back into a critical state. Staying here is safer and easier for that purpose.
I hope to do a closet assessment soon also, in preparation for 2021. And I need some challenges to force me to use other bags, or at least to take pictures of them!
I don't think I do- at least, not to hand. Those were the days of cameras with films that needed to be developed (I feel old!
) so if it was in any pics, those would be in a safe deposit box back home.Tangentially, I'm not the only person who keeps photos in the bank in case of fire, am I?
I will try to find a picture online. I distinctly remember that they were prolific at the time and everyone had some form of backpack or hula hoop made of recycled tyres.
It looked exactly like my football bag, but the back of it was flat to rest against the body. It opened the same way, with the rubber panels sliding over one another.
Whilst I'd love to take the credit, most of the decisions are being made for me at this stage- mostly by my doctors, so it's not self-awareness as much as it is me being docile!
I feel like we're all just winging it, are we not? Life is full of so many unexpected twists and turns that all we ever do is react to the circumstances!