oooh, I love that bag too. My suggestion would be to talk to a good local cobbler. It may be that adding a shoulder strap would damage the structure of the bag, but if you can find someone who you can trust to give an honest evaluation, maybe you can find something that will work. Keep in mind that you will likely be carrying heavy stuff and if the cobbler just tacks on a strap you may end up tearing the leather.
Coach Rehab and Rescue Club
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oooh, I love that bag too. My suggestion would be to talk to a good local cobbler. It may be that adding a shoulder strap would damage the structure of the bag, but if you can find someone who you can trust to give an honest evaluation, maybe you can find something that will work. Keep in mind that you will likely be carrying heavy stuff and if the cobbler just tacks on a strap you may end up tearing the leather.
Sorry, I was at work and reading quickly. I have never tried to take color transfer off with black rocks. In fact my only experience with color transfer came off easily with water and a soft rag (I was lucky because it was my gorgeous legacy bridgit that picked up some red color from a blouse I was wearing!) I usually use the blackrocks last.
I have a natural leather Kooba bag (that cannot be washed) and Coffee&Coach has suggested using a white eraser on it. I haven't gotten around to working on it yet.
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Beautiful bag but I can certainly understand your desire for a longer strap on a travel bag. I have never significantly altered a bag but I would take it to a professional. You might call the local boutique Coach store and ask them to recommend someone that does a good job repairing and altering bags.
It is gorgeous, but if you haven't used it yet it might be better (and cheaper!) to return it and get a bag that meets your needs.
I don't know if you ever intend to sell your old bags but if you do, altering the bag will reduce the value. Good luck!
katev said:
Thank you for your input! If I do decide to do it, this bag becomes mine for life!
. Now to try and find somewhere to take it...
sallyinmaui said:Thank you for your input! If I do decide to do it, this bag becomes mine for life!
I tried to reply before, but my reply vanished! The bag is beautiful, enjoy! Did you see there are Hampton totes, and some bags in the fall 2012 thread, with straps?
Also, if a strap is used, do be careful about stress on the bag - those reinforced straps under the bag are there for a reason. An older Hamptons tote and my ll bean boat tote with a similar construction are my only bags I can use to carry loads of heavy books that don't rip at the strap attachment spot. Maybe a removable strap could link into the current strap rings, if that makes sense.
That's what I was going to reccommend, using the existing strap rings, that's what I've seen on Rebecca Minkoff bags as of late.
Oh, I apologize for mis-quoting you... now I wonder who recommended it, or if I confused Lexol and Armor-all maybe? It has been a really stressful week for me.
Thanks for the info, katev. I took a photo yesterday of the improvement on the piping after using a white eraser. The eraser helped take off black marks from the buckles too. I actually have 2 kinds of white erasers - one on the end of an Office Depot mechanical pencil and a block one that is softer and non abrasive called a Magic Rub made by FaberCastell. It got it years ago at an art supply store. By the end of the day, though, I got really frustrated and threw her back in the sink for a re-wash. I used some bar soap on the black transfer and I think it helped. She's drying now...we'll see. Sure wish I had a front loader
Good luck with your Kooba!Attachments
I got my first Kisslock tote this week, and she is in really beautiful condition, with the exception of the four worn through areas on the bottom corners of the piping. I started the piping repairs this morning, and thought I would share:
http://coachbagrehab.blogspot.com/2012/05/piping-repair.html
http://coachbagrehab.blogspot.com/2012/05/piping-repair.html
She is truly in far better condition than I thought from the e-bay listing, and she is a Made in New York City U.S.A. bag! She has the solid brass Talon zipper with the solid brass ring... I love the bags that have that U.S.A. marking, they seem like they are by far the best Coach bags!
Anyway, I really like the style, and it seems like it will be comfy to carry. I started carrying a Willis this week, and wow, I love the way the space is inside that bag, I can find everything so easily!!
Thanks for the info, katev. I took a photo yesterday of the improvement on the piping after using a white eraser. The eraser helped take off black marks from the buckles too. I actually have 2 kinds of white erasers - one on the end of an Office Depot mechanical pencil and a block one that is softer and non abrasive called a Magic Rub made by FaberCastell. It got it years ago at an art supply store. By the end of the day, though, I got really frustrated and threw her back in the sink for a re-wash. I used some bar soap on the black transfer and I think it helped. She's drying now...we'll see. Sure wish I had a front loader
Much improved! Do you think that the agitator would be harmful to your bags even if you put them in a pillow case or bag before washing?
I've just picked up a baby blue hamptons hobo at Savers for $8 that Hyacinth has authenticated. The bag is intact but worn and dirty and faded.
The AT pics are at the link below, do you think that some of the discoloration is due to color transfer or is more likely just from wear and dirt? Maybe I should try the eraser on it before I wash it?
http://forum.purseblog.com/coach-shopping/authenticate-this-coach-694619-708.html#post21895133
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Yep, that's another one of my MAJOR go to bags. The Willis is so easy to take out for a day of shopping. I can find everything quickly. Tho' I love bigger tote bags, I don't enjoy burrowing through a deep bag trying to find my keys at the bottom!!
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