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I’d keep both ;) & use them bc as much as I enjoy carrying a soft, timeworn vintage bag, there’s something exciting about carrying one in new condition! Sometime in the last week or so, I pulled out a new looking classic bag & was set to bring it out into the world but after I walked out the door & realized it was drizzling, I ran back in & switched. [emoji23] I did carry it the next day.

I'd probably keep both, too.
 
As it's black, and color matching should be less of an issue, perhaps a cobbler could fashion a simple handle? But I think a scarf might look interesting and pretty! Or maybe a black belt could be cut down and you could make something?

Will a top handle from Silver Coach on eBay work? Ledobe posted on this thread. See post #13.
https://forum.purseblog.com/threads/will-the-real-ms-willis-please-step-forward.758096/

Agree, a scarf could look pretty! Maybe in a bow, if having the functionality of a top handle isn't essential. Or, I'd probably look at making something from scrap leather (but I have the impression that leather projects can be time-consuming). Might be best to try to find a cobbler who does that kind of work. The product posted by @MRSBWS is interesting, and could be an great solution.
 
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About the scarf on the handle, interesting solution! If you end up doing that, keep us posted here.

May I ask, do you find the Willis and Manor hold similar amounts of stuff?

And even if the Manor is a bit heavier in terms of weight, do you find it any more comfortable to wear crossbody, compared with the Willis? (I'm wondering if the comfort factor isn't just about weight, but weight distribution and ergonomics.)
About the scarf on the handle, interesting solution! If you end up doing that, keep us posted here.

May I ask, do you find the Willis and Manor hold similar amounts of stuff?

And even if the Manor is a bit heavier in terms of weight, do you find it any more comfortable to wear crossbody, compared with the Willis? (I'm wondering if the comfort factor isn't just about weight, but weight distribution and ergonomics.)

I actually thought the Manor was much lighter, because it is so much more comfortable on me than the Willis. I just hauled both bags out and I think it's close. Maybe the nickle hardware has a different weight than the brass. I wish I had a scale for small items!

Anyway, I'm taller - just over 5'9 1/2". I thought the longer strap would be great for me as both bags can be worn cross body on a taller frame. Something about the Willis just bashes into my hip, though. The Manor is much, much more comfortable on me, but sticks out a bit so is not the most flattering look for the bag. I get now why the Court is so popular - it's a bit small but slim to the body when worn by the strap.

To answer your question, I think the Willis may hold more stuff, but it's all chucked into one space. The Manor is more civilized :smile: with better organization capabilities.
 

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I actually thought the Manor was much lighter, because it is so much more comfortable on me than the Willis. I just hauled both bags out and I think it's close. Maybe the nickle hardware has a different weight than the brass. I wish I had a scale for small items!

Anyway, I'm taller - just over 5'9 1/2". I thought the longer strap would be great for me as both bags can be worn cross body on a taller frame. Something about the Willis just bashes into my hip, though. The Manor is much, much more comfortable on me, but sticks out a bit so is not the most flattering look for the bag. I get now why the Court is so popular - it's a bit small but slim to the body when worn by the strap.

To answer your question, I think the Willis may hold more stuff, but it's all chucked into one space. The Manor is more civilized :smile: with better organization capabilities.

Thanks so much! That's super-helpful.

Interesting! You're 7.5" taller than me (I'm 5'2"). I assumed the bag was designed more for your height.
Alright, so a Manor is now in running. If it's more comfortable overall, even if a bit heavier, that's fine with me.
I have the Court, and I find it very flattering and comfortable.
With the Court, it fits everything I generally carry. But when I try to add a mini umbrella, hahah it starts to be too much. :smile:
 
Side note, I have been taking in all the conversation about pros and cons for wearing different styles. I am 5’9” and a bit chunky (okay a lot chunky) so with a winter coat, cross body isn’t my thing. But the strap on my Oliver goes seems to go on forever, so it works in a pinch. And I will throw a bag on cross body for short distances, ie car to entrance door , if needed. But not for an extended time.
So since the rain has finally stopped and the sun is out for the first time in like 6 weeks it feels like, I thought I would walk my local flea market this morning. See if my HG is ready for pick up. :lol: I grabbed my Patricia Legacy with the strap doubled over. While I was walking around I figured why not try cross body. I was pleasantly surprised it worked with a thin top and light hoodie jacket. My body weight/bulk is pretty evenly distributed all over, so I found the bag rested nicely toward the side of my hip and the wide strap was comfy. I’ll experiment with other bags in the warm weather and no bulky winter coat.
 
Side note, I have been taking in all the conversation about pros and cons for wearing different styles. I am 5’9” and a bit chunky (okay a lot chunky) so with a winter coat, cross body isn’t my thing. But the strap on my Oliver goes seems to go on forever, so it works in a pinch. And I will throw a bag on cross body for short distances, ie car to entrance door , if needed. But not for an extended time.
So since the rain has finally stopped and the sun is out for the first time in like 6 weeks it feels like, I thought I would walk my local flea market this morning. See if my HG is ready for pick up. :lol: I grabbed my Patricia Legacy with the strap doubled over. While I was walking around I figured why not try cross body. I was pleasantly surprised it worked with a thin top and light hoodie jacket. My body weight/bulk is pretty evenly distributed all over, so I found the bag rested nicely toward the side of my hip and the wide strap was comfy. I’ll experiment with other bags in the warm weather and no bulky winter coat.
I only carry small bags crossbody. I find bigger bags stick out too much. If they have skinny straps, the bags feel too heavy. I also find it awkward to lift the strap over my head when I'm taking it on and off.
 
Hello everyone. :smile: I'd like to request opinions about a potential purchase, please.

To you, does it look like this bag is missing a chunk of leather on the strap, near the hardware?
Or is it just me? Optical illusion?

If it looks like it's missing a chunk, has anyone seen this on vintage Coach? Or have a bag that has a strap like this?

Is this something that would stop you from purchasing?

Strap - Missing bit.jpg

Another perspective for the same end of the strap (i.e. for the end of the strap shown in above image):

Strap - Another perspective.jpeg

*Other* end of strap (which looks ok, I think):

Opposite side - Picture 1.jpeg
Opposite side - Picture 2.jpeg
 
Hello everyone. :smile: I'd like to request opinions about a potential purchase, please.

To you, does it look like this bag is missing a chunk of leather on the strap, near the hardware?
Or is it just me? Optical illusion?

If it looks like it's missing a chunk, has anyone seen this on vintage Coach? Or have a bag that has a strap like this?

Is this something that would stop you from purchasing?

View attachment 4436623

Another perspective for the same end of the strap (i.e. for the end of the strap shown in above image):

View attachment 4436624

*Other* end of strap (which looks ok, I think):

View attachment 4436625
View attachment 4436626
It's very hard to tell, but the second picture seems to show a raw edge that I would be a little concerned about. Whether it would stop me from purchasing would depend on the asking price.
 
I actually thought the Manor was much lighter, because it is so much more comfortable on me than the Willis. I just hauled both bags out and I think it's close. Maybe the nickle hardware has a different weight than the brass. I wish I had a scale for small items!

Anyway, I'm taller - just over 5'9 1/2". I thought the longer strap would be great for me as both bags can be worn cross body on a taller frame. Something about the Willis just bashes into my hip, though. The Manor is much, much more comfortable on me, but sticks out a bit so is not the most flattering look for the bag. I get now why the Court is so popular - it's a bit small but slim to the body when worn by the strap.

To answer your question, I think the Willis may hold more stuff, but it's all chucked into one space. The Manor is more civilized :smile: with better organization capabilities.
That Willis is beautiful! :loveeyes:
 
Thanks for the reply!

The divided interior of the Manor is appealing. You're right, it would depend on what's being carried on a given day. I tend to switch up my bag frequently too.

Since you have both, do you find the Manor feel heavier than the Willis when you wear it crossbody? Or is the Manor any more comfortable, even if it's a bit heavier than the Willis?
I do think the Manor is a little heavier, yes. I tend to carry the Manor to work where I can set it down for the day. If I'm going to be walking around a lot (shopping, running errands) I will carry a Willis or Court. I also feel that I can fit more in the Manor than I can in a Willis. Everything stays more organized in the Manor and is easy to locate whereas all my stuff gravitates toward the bottom of the Willis and I have to dig for it. Doesnt change my opinion of either bag though, I enjoy them both for different reasons.
 
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