Have not yet decided on replacement from LV for my leather parts ($1080). Out of curiosity I requested a quote from Purse Rehab and their prices are $175 (top trim) and $275 (handle), so $450 total, less than half of what I was quoted from LV.
My hesitation on LV doing the repair is: I bought my bag secondhand 3 years ago and since then the top trim has cracked and ripped. I don't use it every day and take very good care of it when it's not being used. Most of the Galliera pics I see here and on the secondhand sites (yoogi's,
fashionphile) show wear but not ripped trim. I'm hesitant to spend $1080 on replacement only to have this happen again in...~5 years? Purse Rehab seems to do a great job - but I know if I go there I will never be able to get a repair from LV again, and it also might affect the price (negatively) if I decide to sell one day (although I don't see me selling.)
What would you do? Purse Rehab now ($450), or save and do the LV repair ($1080)?