Coach Rehab and Rescue Club

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I've also just started with rehabbing, and started with a lighter color bag. I must say, everyone was right - darker colors are much easier. I still get lighter bags though - not a lot, but some. They just have their own appeal! And I think those BT Stewardess bags are amazing. It's on my to-get list!

The first time I gave a bath, I was worried.. but now, I just bathe all of them :graucho: I would recommend doing a cheaper bag as your first rehab... I might have cracked the leather strap on my first one, and who knows what other booboos I've done, and it wouldn't have hurt as much if it were a mite less expensive. I only used Leather CPR (because I couldn't find Apple locally, and just haven't been in the mood to order online) and it's been great so far. :p Anyhow, good luck! This thread and katev have been great sources of information and inspiration. Let us know how it goes!


It’s a gorgeous bag and great rehab opportunity but it would be quite a challenge. I have had both successes and failures with rehabbing British Tan bags. In general lighter colors are more difficult and less forgiving. Also bags that are pretty old are more likely to show lots of wear (although that is not always true.) I usually advise TPFers to select inexpensive black bags for their first projects, you will learn a lot and have a better chance of success.

Good luck with whatever project you select, and let us know how it comes out! If you decide to go for the BT stewardess, I would definitely give it a bath!

Well, the seller sent me brighter clearer photos and although it is a good price and I could probably just use the bag as is, I decided to pass. So, I've purchased a black Legacy Zip that doesn't really need any work at all, and an olive green Court bag that pretty much just needs a bath and conditioning. I'm still lusting over a BT Stewardess though, maybe I'll just get her brand new one day lol
 
Here are some pics of a recent vintage treasure I was lucky enough to find for $29 shipping included! She was in basically good condition and just needed some applications of Blackrocks and Obenaufs to bring back her beauty. Love the Stewardess style and it is surprisingly roomy. The hand feel and patina on the leather is wonderful! One of my friends at work now has me on a mission to find and rehab one for her-lol. I almost had to give her mine!

Vintage New York City British Tan Stewardess Bag...
 

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Here are some pics of a recent vintage treasure I was lucky enough to find for $29 shipping included! She was in basically good condition and just needed some applications of Blackrocks and Obenaufs to bring back her beauty. Love the Stewardess style and it is surprisingly roomy. The hand feel and patina on the leather is wonderful! One of my friends at work now has me on a mission to find and rehab one for her-lol. I almost had to give her mine!

Vintage New York City British Tan Stewardess Bag...

OMG! Only $29 shipped for that gorgeous BT Stewardess bag!? I feel faint, that's quite a deal!
 
OMG! Only $29 shipped for that gorgeous BT Stewardess bag!? I feel faint, that's quite a deal!
Lol-I know! I can't resist a challenge and she was advertised (on Bonanza) as a "rehab" bag so I thought I would give it a try. I am really pleased with the results! Now of course I am on the hunt for another treasure to restore.:smile1:
 
Lol-I know! I can't resist a challenge and she was advertised (on Bonanza) as a "rehab" bag so I thought I would give it a try. I am really pleased with the results! Now of course I am on the hunt for another treasure to restore.:smile1:

Yeah, I know, it's addictive!

I am interested to hear that you used black rocks condtioner on this bag. I have used BR on a few British Tan bags with good results, these bags were spotty and the coloring was uneven and the BR darkend and evened out the color a bit.

But I recently tried it on a british tan city bag that was in really good and I was almost done with the rehab but I decided to try BR to see if it could "make it even better!" but I was a little disappointed. I thought that it made the bag a little gray-tan and dull. So I started over and rewashed it and it looks terrific!

Your BT stewardess bag is stunning! Did you have any issues with black rocks?
 
I love Blackrocks and can't complain about any results I have gotten since using it. I originally used it on my LV bags with vachetta (particularly the all Vachetta pieces because they require some kind of protection from the elements to patina evenly without watermarks, etc.). Then I started using it on my vintage Coach pieces when I got bit by the rehab bug. It most definitely makes the leather darker which as you said tends to even out any spottiness. I have found it really enriches the natural color of the leather. I use a very, very light application method with many layers of conditioner and plenty of buffing in between. I have found with Blackrocks less is definitely more.
 
I love Blackrocks and can't complain about any results I have gotten since using it. I originally used it on my LV bags with vachetta (particularly the all Vachetta pieces because they require some kind of protection from the elements to patina evenly without watermarks, etc.). Then I started using it on my vintage Coach pieces when I got bit by the rehab bug. It most definitely makes the leather darker which as you said tends to even out any spottiness. I have found it really enriches the natural color of the leather. I use a very, very light application method with many layers of conditioner and plenty of buffing in between. I have found with Blackrocks less is definitely more.

I thought that I had already learned that lesson (the hard way!) but I must still be a bit too heavy-handed with the black rocks! I will keep working on it because it has really helped the appearance of several of my bags. Thanks!
 
I thought that I had already learned that lesson (the hard way!) but I must still be a bit too heavy-handed with the black rocks! I will keep working on it because it has really helped the appearance of several of my bags. Thanks!
You are welcome! Here are some additional pics to show that it has darkened to almost a chestnut roan color. I love the reddish undertones in it.:smile1:
 

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Okay.. I have read, and I have searched. Was hoping this would be an easy clean-up for this bag (twill stripe flap), but I'm at a loss. I don't want to throw it in the washer yet (but I am sorely tempted, just because it seems easier than anything I can think of). Is water + gentle cleaner + washcloth wiping my best option? And perhaps Leather CPR for the leather trim? I tried one hidden corner with Leather CPR, but did not see a lick of difference...

IMG_20120114_120344.jpg


I must say, though.. that strap is just BEGGING for a good bath and scrubbing.. I wish they were removable!
 
Okay.. I have read, and I have searched. Was hoping this would be an easy clean-up for this bag (twill stripe flap), but I'm at a loss. I don't want to throw it in the washer yet (but I am sorely tempted, just because it seems easier than anything I can think of). Is water + gentle cleaner + washcloth wiping my best option? And perhaps Leather CPR for the leather trim? I tried one hidden corner with Leather CPR, but did not see a lick of difference...

I must say, though.. that strap is just BEGGING for a good bath and scrubbing.. I wish they were removable!

Cute bag! I have been doing the same searches with the same results - zip! I recently bought a light blue nylon twill bag and it really needs a bath! My bag has black leather trim and dark lining so I am very scared to dunk it but that may be the only option. Or I may throw it in the washer. I spent $25 on this bag and that is kind of pricey for my projects - but I liked it a lot! You can see pics at the links below.

Right now I am engrossed in rehabbing several british tan leather bags so I won't be working on my twill bag for awhile, but I will be interested in learning the results of your rehab efforts so please keep us updated. Apparently you are "going where no TPFer has gone before" good luck!

http://forum.purseblog.com/coach-shopping/authenticate-this-coach-694619-367.html#post20690715

http://forum.purseblog.com/coach-shopping/authenticate-this-coach-694619-367.html#post20690726
 
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