Coach Rehab and Rescue Club

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Here's an update on my ridding the smoke smell from my Legacy Duffle. After a week of baking soda and a week of coffee grounds, the lining smelled like coffee and tobacco. The consensus (among non-smokers that did the sniff test) is that the bag smells like tobacco-like it was stored in the bag rather than the smell of smoked cigarrettes. So maybe that will be easier to get out. I soaked the lining in Folex 2 x. Tried alcohol on what may be lipstick stains in the pocket lining. It didn't help. The stains are light, not greasy, so it may have already been cleaned. I soaked the lining in 50% white vinegar/50% water and let it dry in the sun, twice. It smells lightly like vinegar and fresh air! Progress! Now I've got a large mesh bag of Zeolite odor absorbing rocks in the bag and another outside the bag which is in a tub. Hoping that will help with the light smoke odor in the leather that got stronger after being wiped down. Is any specific conditioner best for the Legacy leather? If the smell remains in the lining, I'll do more rounds. I'm optimistic. I thought DH would think I was crazy for being willing to keep the smelly bag, even for a partial refund, but he is amused and rooting for me. :smile: Hopefully I'll eventually be enjoying this bag!
 
My local GWs do not have much in the way of Coach. There are a few an hour away that have a random bag here and there. Last week one had a pretty worn brown Court for $20. My area sends the good stuff to online GW. I have pickec up a few at independent thrift shops.
Two weeks ago I picked up Metropolitan brief rehab special and a NQV red lunch tote at a flea market. I would like to go back. However, I will hold off until after I go to FL in two weeks to visit my mother. Last year I scored a Ranch, Shoulder sac and Monterey hobo in the local GW, all in very good shape. I am really hoping for something in a lighter or brighter color from the late '90s or early '00s!
I am going to FL soon too, so I am hoping I can convince the family to go to some GWs. I struck out with deals today, but it wasn't a total loss as my son found a Lego set that hadn't been opened for $12. It retailed for $30 when it was in stores.
 
It's great to see I'm not the only one addicted to browsing. Lol!

I did so great in January! I didn't buy a single bag. Then came out the new stuff and PCE started and I bought 3 bags. I am not buying vintage anymore to rehab as I am still no where near finishing the rehab pile I have. The last few vintage bags I bought are mine to keep. The last vintage purchases are a red flight bag (Omg [emoji7]) and a mint green Madison Sutton satchel. Both in great condition!

If that’s the color I am thinking about, I am green with envy. It’s the light bluish green or greenish blue, right? I got outbid on one of those recently on EBay, not a Sutton, though.
 
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Thank you for sharing progress! It looks great. I look forward to finding an old Coach to rehab someday; so it's really helpful and fun to see what can be done.
Thank you, T, I'm a total beginner. This is the second bag I've rehabbed and it's quite fun. I could not have done this without the guidance and experience of the ladies here on tPF. I regret not getting a Court bag back when Coach still sold the classics. This is a great shoulder bag style for me, with a good amount of space inside and the extra pockets. I would have loved a black with gold hardware Court, a Rambler and Station bag of some kind. A Rambler or Station will be my next rehab project. I like having a project to work on where the outcome is something not only beautiful but useful, too!
 
If that’s the color I am thinking about, I am green with envy. It’s the light bluish green or greenish blue, right? I got outbid on one of those recently on EBay, not a Sutton, though.
I'm not sure if this is the color you are referring to but I can't think of another green color that's bluish. I have had the French purse wallet for a while so when the Sutton showed up I snatched it up. Coach called it Celery I think. inCollage_20180325_120520644.jpg
 
This is the second bag I've rehabbed and it's quite fun. . . I like having a project to work on where the outcome is something not only beautiful but useful, too!
I enjoy recycling, upcycling, whatever you want to call it, period. I too enjoy the refurbishing where I end up with something beautiful that goes on to a new life.
Funny note, I got a steal on two Hampton lunch totes, one brown, one camel. I think it had to do with poor pics of two squished up looking bags. Got them both for 26 bucks. Both cleaned up nice, one had some scratches (I blame a cat!) . I told my girlfriend who had been through the yuckiest year with chemo to pick one as a Christmas gift. She was all, I can't, they're so nice . . . I told her well, then I am just going to give you $13 for Christmas! We laughed and she took the camel. Lol She loves to upcycle and said it meant more to her than something nwt. :smile:
 
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I pulled my Ace Satchel out yesterday and noticed that I’ve lost a foot. I called Coach, but I can’t purchase a replacement; I can only send it in for repair. Since Coach Repairs ruined the only item I’ve sent in, I no longer trust them.

Does anyone have any ideas for repairing/replacing this foot? I love the bag and would like to condition it with something other than my usual Lexol since that doesn't really hide scratches very well. I ordered Blackrock yesterday; would that be better?

I appreciate any suggestions; I really like this bag and want to keep enjoying her.:smile:
 
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I pulled my Ace Satchel out yesterday and noticed that I’ve lost a foot. I called Coach, but I can’t purchase a replacement; I can only send it in for repair. Since Coach Repairs ruined the only item I’ve sent in, I no longer trust them.

Does anyone have any ideas for repairing/replacing this foot? I love the bag and would like to condition it with something other than my usual Lexol since that doesn't really hide scratches very well. I ordered Blackrock yesterday; would that be bettet?

I appreciate any suggestions; I really like this bag and want to keep enjoying her.:smile:
I responded in your other thread. If you can find the right replacement, it looks like you can just push it right in since the inside part is still there. Maybe add a little super glue.

Blackrock should work nicely on this bag.
 
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I enjoy recycling, upcycling, whatever you want to call it, period. I too enjoy the refurbishing where I end up with something beautiful that goes on to a new life.
Funny note, I got a steal on two Hampton lunch totes, one brown, one camel. I think it had to do with poor pics of two squished up looking bags. Got them both for 26 bucks. Both cleaned up nice, one had some scratches (I blame a cat!) . I told my girlfriend who had been through the yuckiest year with chemo to pick one as a Christmas gift. She was all, I can't, they're so nice . . . I told her well, then I am just going to give you $13 for Christmas! We laughed and she took the camel. Lol She loves to upcycle and said it meant more to her than something nwt. :smile:
Hi LE! Me, too. I think it's fun to make over things. I enjoy working with my hands, being creative and the process of upcycling/recycling as you say.

This is a wonderful story about your Hampton totes. Thank you for sharing it with me :heart: . Such a thoughtful gift for your friend that she will appreciate and enjoy using; but also the gift of your time, energy and sharing your passion.
 
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View attachment 4013688 View attachment 4013689

I pulled my Ace Satchel out yesterday and noticed that I’ve lost a foot. I called Coach, but I can’t purchase a replacement; I can only send it in for repair. Since Coach Repairs ruined the only item I’ve sent in, I no longer trust them.

Does anyone have any ideas for repairing/replacing this foot? I love the bag and would like to condition it with something other than my usual Lexol since that doesn't really hide scratches very well. I ordered Blackrock yesterday; would that be better?

I appreciate any suggestions; I really like this bag and want to keep enjoying her.:smile:
I was carrying my burgundy ace yesterday and wasn't until I was adding more Leather CPR (she seemed a bit dry) that I noticed the edge of the feet have "Coach" on them. A nice detail I never noticed before and you don't see when the bag is sitting on something because it slightly slouches. I hope you find a method to repair. This is one of my favorite bags. I was admiring how worn in your's looks and the charm. I think I have this charm and should do as you did....remove a few pieces. I think that is why I haven't used it. It adds a lot of weight to the bag!
 
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I responded in your other thread. If you can find the right replacement, it looks like you can just push it right in since the inside part is still there. Maybe add a little super glue.

Blackrock should work nicely on this bag.

Thanks; I'll look around for something that might work as a foot. Mine is slouchy enough that I don't think the missing foot will show, but I'd also like to protect the bottom as much as possible. I bought the Blackrock based on one of your recommendations in another thread. I don't mind at all that my bag has some character and it's the nature of glovetanned leather to show scratches more easily, but a good conditioner might help.
 
I was carrying my burgundy ace yesterday and wasn't until I was adding more Leather CPR (she seemed a bit dry) that I noticed the edge of the feet have "Coach" on them. A nice detail I never noticed before and you don't see when the bag is sitting on something because it slightly slouches. I hope you find a method to repair. This is one of my favorite bags. I was admiring how worn in your's looks and the charm. I think I have this charm and should do as you did....remove a few pieces. I think that is why I haven't used it. It adds a lot of weight to the bag!
Mine really does look worn in; I guess I shouldn't be surprised by that, but I wasn't rough with it either. I did carry it through a few months of winter and commuting, but never tossed it around. Mine seems a bit dry too, so I hope the Blackrock with help. The leather feels amazing; it might look scratched up in the pic, but the leather is very soft and the scratches can't be felt. They're just on the surface.

It's a great bag. It's gotten quite slouchy, so I decided to get a Samorga for her. I like being able to find things very easily in my bags, and end up putting an organizer in any bag that is roomy and not very structured. I went for a red organizer, so it will be a pop of happy colour while also making it quick to find my items and help keep the bag a bit more structured but not stiff.

The burgandy is a gorgeous colour; it was my favourite but I was early in my bag collecting phase so went with basic black.

I love this charm, but it's both large and heavy. The lock alone adds quite a bit of weight. I put it on one of my Dinky 24's; it looks like it was made for the bag although it does clink a bit.
 
I'm not sure if this is the color you are referring to but I can't think of another green color that's bluish. I have had the French purse wallet for a while so when the Sutton showed up I snatched it up. Coach called it Celery I think. View attachment 4013608
I love the Sutton silhouette! What a cute little Satchel. Note to self: look for one on eBay.
 
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