I went into my local GW yesterday hoping to find an old Coach, and I did, but holy heck, they were charging $30 for it, a small crossbody bag in red (pretty much exactly like this one http://cgi.ebay.com/vintage-red-Coa...965?pt=US_CSA_WH_Handbags&hash=item2c5e2b0635 ), and that bag was FILTHY. It was so gross I didn't even want to take on the rehab. There was an ink stain inside that was so bad it bled through to the outside of the bag. And the pockets were full of lint and gum wrappers and garbage. I was almost offended at the price they put on that poor bag.
Coach Rehab and Rescue Club
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Has anybody else had this problem: post-bath, my formerly orange stewardess bag is now rusty brown, but the strap is more orange-y. They were in the same bath, for the same length of time, but now they don't match! What do I do? The strap is drier than the bag at this point (bag has been stuffed with towels for 24 hours, strap just laid out on towels). Could I be over-reacting, and the bag will dry lighter and match the strap?
I know dangerous right?? We should pretend like we don't know what we're buying so they don't get smart and raise the prices. I didn't go in to specifically show the cashier either, I just happened to run into her, she was super nice and I pointed out that I was wearing the bag she rung me up for.
The bag takes longer to dry than the strap so it will probably turn to the lighter color in a few days when its completely dry!
I've noticed that the GW prices are kind of high too. I paid $60 for a 1998 Chelsea tote then I felt guilty for spending that much on a bag that I probably wasn't even going to use ne way, just wanted to buy it because it was coach and I feel like I never see big leather totes. Needless to say I returned it. *hangs head in shame* yes I returned to the GW....lmao!
This has been happening a lot at varying intervals at my thrift shops. I walk away from vintage Coach bags all the time because I can't budget more than $20 for a purse when I'm not sure I can make it better. Occasionally they get an employee pricer who is delusional LOL
Thanks ! Is yours the houndstooth one? Its gorgeous! I'll try the rain garde and see how it goes
Thanks ! Is yours the houndstooth one? Its gorgeous! I'll try the rain garde and see how it goes
Yes, that's her and she's a real cutie!
I've got one more for you! Found this for $20 at a nearby consignment shop.
She was already pretty, in my opinion, but her colors were dull and she had a funky smell. So, I cleaned and conditioned her:
It may not look like much of a difference, but she's a much richer color now, and so much softer. She positively glows, and the leather is so smooth. I'm so glad she's finally getting some love!
She was already pretty, in my opinion, but her colors were dull and she had a funky smell. So, I cleaned and conditioned her:
It may not look like much of a difference, but she's a much richer color now, and so much softer. She positively glows, and the leather is so smooth. I'm so glad she's finally getting some love!
That's ridiculous. They could at least clean it out before putting it out there! Sadly, someone will see that it's Coach and think that $30 is a good price for something that's stained and filthy, if only for the namesake. Thus, the prices will remain. GW is no longer the frugal place to go for things -- I often find cheaper and better quality items on Craigslist.
Due to the new Coach Classics section, I have had a budding interest in the older bags. I finally rehabbed a bag I bought at Goodwill months ago for $6. I had started on it when I first got it, but then got caught up with everything going on and forgot about it. I broke it back out tonight and layered on about 5 coats of Apple (lol). I have no before pics, but let me tell you...while the bag was in GREAT condition (no worn areas anywhere, no ink marks, heck it was not even dirty) it was pretty dry. It sucked up the first coat of Apple within 30 seconds, LOL!
But I managed to get the leather body and the corners so moisturized, it now feels as soft as Kristin leather. I couldn't believe it. This bag can now be used for years and years to come. I have already loaded my stuff into it and am going to use it tomorrow (although it is Navy). I am now currently on the hunt for another bag to rehab, and I have my eye on one.
I took bunches of pics, so bear with me.
May I present: My new Princess!
She has NO corner wear anywhere...her corners and trim are soft as a baby butt now.
Her butt (she has a couple of small boo boos, see white marks):
What I can fit in her:
How soft her leather is now:
And a self mod-shot while Hubby is asleep:
I love her to death, and wish all Coach would hold up as good as this one has, LOL!
I hope I will be able to add more to this thread in the future. Thanks for letting me share.
Fabulous first rehab PCL!!!! I love how the deep navy looks with your pink accessories, beautiful! Is that a pocket purse, or a convertible clutch? I have a pocket purse in black, and I love it, it's the perfect size to hold the essentials, and I wear it often when going out to dinner or a show, it looks so cute crossbody too. Aren't these vintage/classic pieces wonderful? Rehabbing is addictive, I'm sure you'll be back to this thread soon
I've got one more for you! Found this for $20 at a nearby consignment shop.
She was already pretty, in my opinion, but her colors were dull and she had a funky smell. So, I cleaned and conditioned her:
It may not look like much of a difference, but she's a much richer color now, and so much softer. She positively glows, and the leather is so smooth. I'm so glad she's finally getting some love!
I love this backpack, I have been looking for something in a deep brown color, it looks so beautiful and rich. Nice find and beautiful rehab job!
When you condition it, most likely the leather will darken back to a brown/tan color (really dried out leather will look lighter than it really is). If you do a search, Katev did a great thread on a rehab project that turned colors completely after she bathed and conditioned it!! I bet once you are done, the strap and the bag will be the same color
Beautiful, she just gleams!
You might try to replace the lost edging on the straps. It's amazing how much of a difference the edging can make to the final look of a rehabbed bag.
Some folks use a product called EdgeKote (sp?) or you can lightly touch the edges up with a paint brush and acryllic paint. The paint is permanent after it completely dries in about 24 hours. I use the paints for edging, I usually take the hangtag with me to the craft store to find a good match.
Bebepurse recommends another product for edging but I can't think of the name of it right now.
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