2025 Resolution: Shopping my own Bag and SLG Collection

[papertiger]

Do wet want some new challenges in August?

How about wearing one non-black neutral per week (whatever is a neutral for you)

 

[whateve]

I'm saddened to hear how much mobility you've lost, but I'm proud of you for having the determination and will to regain it all. I hope you get a great physiotherapist and that it all comes back really quickly for you!
We'll all cheer when you post your next painting as a celebration of your recovery!

I love that you would stick with smaller bag makers. I find those bags are easier to use regularly.


My bags are 3-5 years old, so hopefully the newer collections are better quality.

TPF isn't loading my pictures, so I'll link you to an earlier post where I shared one bag (linky).
The multicoloured ombre bag is fully glovetanned leather. Problem one was that the exterior suddenly got tacky, but I was able to DIY that issue and it was fine for a while, but then the glovetanned leather started peeling severely all over.
It's in terrible shape, but I am still carrying it. I can't give it to anyone in this condition (I only donate pristine stuff), so I'll use it until I say goodbye.
The other bag was gifted to me, though I can't find a picture of it posted here so I don't think I've shared it previously. It was glovetanned leather again, a satchel/bowling bag shape, with suede lining. The interior is fine, but the leather on the outside is peeling terribly again and exposing the backing. Such a shame because I really liked the shape of it.
Both bags were bought from retail, so it surprised me because I think even their outlet pieces hold up better.

Previously, my Coach trainers (sneakers) also split open on the 3rd wear, separating the sole from the upper. I took them to a local cobbler to repair, but was irritated at having to do so on a (basically) brand new pair. Same thing had happened previously with an older pair I had from them, but that one couldn't even be repaired. I'm just not having good luck with the brand right now.

My older Coach bags that I donated a while ago (whipstitch and quilted bags) were both fine and in pristine condition after years of using them. It's the more recent stuff I have that didn't hold up.

Edit to add: I checked and the older bags I donated were 2 pebbled leather bags, and 1 quilted nappa bag. All of them were perfect with regular use and were still amazing when I donated them. So, I think that specific batch of glovetanned leather was the problem batch (2019-2022, roughly). Hope that helps.

You are very unlucky with Coach! I would have taken them back into a Coach store. I don't know how responsive they are now, but they used to send items off for repair and if they weren't repairable they would give you a coupon for a new bag. Good quality leather should never peel. I have had several pairs of Coach shoes and never had a problem with them either. Although I have decided that other brands are more comfortable so I probably won't get any others.

The Coach bag I carried today is "sparkle suede." It is prone to color transfer. There is a bit of it on the back. It's been like that since I got it, which is why I only carry it a few times a year. I used to have a light colored cloth Coach bag that got color transfer every time I carried it. I cleaned it thoroughly, then sold it. I don't like to have to baby my bags.

 

[whateve]

Wishing you the best as you work towards regaining complete mobility in your fingers. The key is to consistently practice the exercises suggested by the occupational therapist, according to the schedule that they outline. Sending hugs and healing vibes your way and wishes for steady progress and recovery.

The buckles are adorable. I might be in the minority here but I like totes with short top handles (with a single longer adjustable strap). You could just carry less in it, maybe just the stuff that goes in a regular size purse so it functions less as a tote and more as a handbag. I would get a wide (a larger bag like this needs a slightly wider strap to balance proportions) strap and wear it as a somewhat shorter shoulder bag. Maybe having the bag hit waist length rather than hip length which as you pointed out might feel cumbersome.

Good idea! For me, the larger the bag, the shorter the shoulder strap should be. A big bag swings around too much when the strap is long.

 

[whateve]

I'm glad your hip is doing better. I hope the foot feels better soon.

Thank you! I'm so sorry about your hand issues. It's not fair at all. I hope you can get back to painting soon.

 

[Sparkletastic]

Do you have a cobbler or leather worker you trust?

You could commission replacement handles that are long enough for shoulder carry.

That’s such a reasonable solution. I feel silly for not thinking of it. I don’t have a cobbler in my city that I trust but perhaps I could see if someone like Leather Surgeons or Rago Brothers could help. I just wonder if they could match the leather. With the buckles, they can’t simply add chain to lengthen. :thnking:

But unless they can do an exact match, I don’t think it would work.

 

[Sparkletastic]

Thanks for asking. I have to go to occupational therapy as I cannot make a fist or hold a paintbrush or pen easily. I am determined to get full use back. I was thinking about your comment of starting from scratch with bags. I think would choose very similar to what I have gotten recently. I would get a lot less and stick with mostly small maker bag companies.
I hope you are doing well.

You are such a talented painter, this has to be a difficult time for you. I’m sending huge hugs and lots of healing energy.

How long do they expect your OT to take before you’re back to normal .

 

[Sparkletastic]

You are very unlucky with Coach! I would have taken them back into a Coach store. I don't know how responsive they are now, but they used to send items off for repair and if they weren't repairable they would give you a coupon for a new bag. Good quality leather should never peel. I have had several pairs of Coach shoes and never had a problem with them either. Although I have decided that other brands are more comfortable so I probably won't get any others.

The Coach bag I carried today is "sparkle suede." It is prone to color transfer. There is a bit of it on the back. It's been like that since I got it, which is why I only carry it a few times a year. I used to have a light colored cloth Coach bag that got color transfer every time I carried it. I cleaned it thoroughly, then sold it. I don't like to have to baby my bags.

I loved “old” Coach when it was still family owned. I know they went through a dip in quality at one time after being sold to Sarah Lee and then whomever else over time. Are the new bags’ quality anything akin to the early 90’s and older?

 

[whateve]

I loved “old” Coach when it was still family owned. I know they went through a dip in quality at one time after being sold to Sarah Lee and then whomever else over time. Are the new bags’ quality anything akin to the early 90’s and older?

I don't really know. I have only bought one new Coach in the last few years. I think it is great quality as is the one I bought in 2021, but I think it probably varies from bag to bag or line to line. Notably, in 2012 they came out with their Legacy line - full of gorgeous colors in smooth leather, but the dyes seemed to sit on top so they got corner wear quickly. The same year in the same line, they made some pebbled leather that is the thickest, nicest, most indestructible pebbled leather I've ever seen, and another smooth leather bag with gorgeous thick leather. Also that same year, they made an outlet bag that was a remake of a classic style - it had one of the worst leathers I've ever felt, seemed like plastic. With any brand, pebbled leather holds up better.

People have been raving about some of the recent Coach styles but probably no one has had them long enough to know how they wear. Hopefully they have a tighter control on quality these days.

 

[Sparkletastic]

I don't really know. I have only bought one new Coach in the last few years. I think it is great quality as is the one I bought in 2021, but I think it probably varies from bag to bag or line to line. Notably, in 2012 they came out with their Legacy line - full of gorgeous colors in smooth leather, but the dyes seemed to sit on top so they got corner wear quickly. The same year in the same line, they made some pebbled leather that is the thickest, nicest, most indestructible pebbled leather I've ever seen, and another smooth leather bag with gorgeous thick leather. Also that same year, they made an outlet bag that was a remake of a classic style - it had one of the worst leathers I've ever felt, seemed like plastic. With any brand, pebbled leather holds up better.

People have been raving about some of the recent Coach styles but probably no one has had them long enough to know how they wear. Hopefully they have a tighter control on quality these days.

Americana / equestrian like what is featured with Coach, Ralph Lauren and even Hermes (equestrian) isn’t my style so I don’t have a lot of occasion to buy the bags.

But in the past, I did love the shoes (the pumps were super comfy for work) and the work totes. I’d like to be able to consider Coach in these categories in the future. And I still am loving tbe oversized coin purse they showed on the runway. Did that ever hit stores?

 

[dcooney4]

Thank you! I'm so sorry about your hand issues. It's not fair at all. I hope you can get back to painting soon.

Thank you! I have never stopped painting. I have been teaching myself to use my left hand. I have not created anything gallery worthy, but it has been an interesting challenge.

 

[dcooney4]

You are such a talented painter, this has to be a difficult time for you. I’m sending huge hugs and lots of healing energy.

How long do they expect your OT to take before you’re back to normal .

They have not said. Hopefully they will have an idea soon.

 

[dcooney4]

Wishing you the best as you work towards regaining complete mobility in your fingers. The key is to consistently practice the exercises suggested by the occupational therapists, according to the schedule that they outline. Sending hugs and healing vibes your way and wishes for steady progress and recovery.

The buckles are adorable. I might be in the minority here but I like totes with short top handles (with a single longer adjustable strap). You could just carry less in it, maybe just the stuff that goes in a regular size purse so it functions less as a tote and more as a handbag. I would get a wide (a larger bag like this needs a slightly wider strap to balance proportions) strap and wear it as a somewhat shorter shoulder bag. Maybe having the bag hit waist length rather than hip length which as you pointed out might feel cumbersome.

Thank you! I do them everyday.

 

[Sparkletastic]

Thank you! I have never stopped painting. I have been teaching myself to use my left hand. I have not created anything gallery worthy, but it has been an interesting challenge.

I’m truly impressed.

 

[Sparkletastic]

I’m still working on my “to be sold” list to see what can be reclaimed. Next up is my Fendi mini Mon Tresors bag.

I spent 20 minutes last night trying to like this bag. Hand carry, with the shoulder strap, with different clothes… It’s a no!

Could I keep and wear it. Yes. Would I be happy doing so, absolutely not. The bag is too small and looks less than unremarkable when worn. It’s meant to make someone else happy. This was a true buying mistake as I purchased it last year and have never worn it. I must have been addle brained from some post surgery pain medication.

I will leave it listed for sale on various websites so it finds it’s home.

 

[whateve]

I’m still working on my “to be sold” list to see what can be reclaimed. Next up is my Fendi mini Mon Tresors bag.
View attachment 6113051
I spent 20 minutes last night trying to like this bag. Hand carry, with the shoulder strap, with different clothes… It’s a no!

Could I keep and wear it. Yes. Would I be happy doing so, absolutely not. The bag is too small and looks less than unremarkable when worn. It’s meant to make someone else happy. This was a true buying mistake as I purchased it last year and have never worn it. I must have been addle brained from some post surgery pain medication.

I will leave it listed for sale on various websites so it finds it’s home.

I'm sorry. I hate buying mistakes! I guess if I have any resolution for 2025, it is to not make any buying mistakes.

It looks awfully small. Usually this is one of my favorite styles. I bought a similar Ferragamo in 2024 that I like but could have done without. I have other bags in the same color that are more useful. I can carry the Ferragamo but it is really too small.

 

[whateve]

Thank you! I have never stopped painting. I have been teaching myself to use my left hand. I have not created anything gallery worthy, but it has been an interesting challenge.

That's impressive! I've broken my dominant arm twice and had frozen shoulder a couple times. During all of the those times I tried to learn how to do things with my nondominant hand. When I broke my arm a few years ago, I had to sign papers at the hospital using my nondominant hand. It looked like a 3 year old had done it.