I still use many of my vintage pieces, and have never had a problem. Like Shakti said, most have a slip pocket in the back - others have pockets under the flap, on the outside...they were made to be workhorse bags so the organization has never been a problem for me. My favorite one to carry is my mahogany station bag, and I use a chocolate sig mini skinny with brass hardware as a wallet, and then another wristlet for the etcetera stuff. As far as the suede interior goes, it's really not a big deal. Color transfer is a pretty recent problem for
coach...I've been buying their products for over 18 years and never experienced or heard of problems until the last few years...
Vintage is wonderful - it's also a much less costly alternative to the current leather line, which comes in handy when you live in a climate that can be somewhat harsh. They don't require gentle treatment - some cleaning and conditioning, and you're all set. Dive in and post pics when you find some you like! Good luck!
This is a link to my vintage collection, with a few items missing. Most of them were purchased new, but a fair number came to me courtesy of the bay, and after a wash and condition, looked like new.
