The Sheridan line is pebbled leather, which is processed differently from the caviar leather of the Madison bags. I have a Sheridan, it reminds me of vintage Dooney All Weather Leather, which I have owned.
Coach Rehab and Rescue Club
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Oh yes, I'm still hanging around looking for thoughts. You just confirmed some of the concerns I already had about that style, which are reasons why I've never bought one for myself. I like soft leather, even soft pebbled leather, and these bags look scaly-feeling to me, does that make sense? But I have seen that many here do love them, and I think my mom would like one, so here I am.
BeenBurned just verified it's authentic so I'm ready to buy when I make up my mind - after considering more opinions.
I've had the Bleecker small flap. I like the look, but I found the flap difficult to open because of the way the strap kinda blocks the edges. Also it was too small for what I need to carry.
I've never had the satchel but I love the whipstitching and the detailing with the belt across it. I wonder how big it is and if its easier to get into than the Bleecker. But I'm really not much of a satchel person and prefer shoulder bags. That's an important difference to consider.
I love all the detailing on the Hamptons. The Bleecker small flap is missing the details I love about my Bleecker large flaps. If you prefer crossbody, neither are an ideal bag for you.
I think of the Madison’s as “special”, not everyday bags. They are more structured and elegant, in my opinion, than the glove tanned work horses. Very lady like.
Thanks Catbird9, this reminds me one bag I have that is difficult to open and close, I almost never reach for it. The satchel is 14 in wide, it is a big bag opening should be big too, weight may be an issue. Still I am going to make an offer on the satchel .
Thanks for the help, I will make an offer on the Hampton, I use satchel once in a while. I like the stitching on Bleeker, but Catbird9 mentioned it is difficult to open， so I will pass on that. The detailing of Hampton is nicer too.
I have a few of the Madison made in Italy bags. They definitely have a different feel, very slick to touch but also a slight texture if that makes sense. I would say they are not durable lol When they are in good shape they do look luxurious (at least to me) but when they are beat up they look BAD lol I think because they have such structured shapes that when a corner or flap is a little out of whack it looks so obvious. Someone mentioned in another post some pics about the insides of these bags and that was me that posted them! I was surprised to find out they are really only made of cardboard and foam on the inside. It definitely burst my bubble about this line, especially since they were so expensive when purchased new back in the day! I do still love them though.
The hardware is brushed metal with a coating over it and tarnish can happen under the coating and then you’re out of luck polishing them. Unless you want to completely remove the coating. Some of mine look amazing but then have some tarnished hardware, kind of annoying.
with all that said, I do still really love the look and style of these bags. To me they really capture that mid 90s fancy-elegant-old-money-I-have-14-pure-bred-horses-look lol
Lets start with durability, the 4 bags I have here right now are an average of 25 years old and only the beechnut Carlyle showed signs of ware, I took some Cpr to it and the worn spot on he one side all but disapeared.I do think there very durable.
They do feel incredibly luxurious, I don't think you can compare that Madison line to the Sheridans like that.That would be comparing a Nike leather sneaker to a pair of evening pumps.
The Carlyle has a structured flap that needs support and I think the Royalton that your looking at has that same stiff front.If you want something softer feeling consider a Pierre.
Now please remember that my "hrmp expertise" cough...comes from a one week ownership of a Carlyle and 3 day's on the Pierre.
By all means people that have owned these bags a lot longer that I have chime in.
If I went by my moms feelings Coach leather for the week and the Madisons come out for church, going out to dinner and other occasions.
Going by how they feel, if you go from regular leather to vachetta thats about the same feeling I get going from a Sheridan to a Madison.
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I'm partial to the Bleecker, I have the larger size in wine and LOVE it. I dislike rolled handles on bags for myself, they never stay on the shoulder and the carryall style if I recall, was cumbersome on the should in general because of how it fits under the arm.
This wasn't much of a rehab because its in terrific shape, but I did condition this large Carly with Leather CPR and Blackrocks last night, and then gave it a good buff with the horsehair brush today. This will become my new knock around red bag, I just know it.
be careful when you show @RuedeNesle ...make sure she is sitting down...cause its a fabulous red.
Someone get her the oxygen tank!