Coach Rehab and Rescue Club

[honkers]

I think the steam is a good solution.

It is unacceptable for a seller to ship a bag in a way that allows it to get damaged. I had this happen to me and when I complained to the seller, she said I should file a claim with the post office, like the post office was responsible for her poor packing decision. She didn't even save any money by shipping it in an envelope - it would have been cheaper in a flat rate box, since it weighed 3 pounds. She was willing to take it back but never admitted fault, and I still wanted the bag so I gave her a negative for being rude.

I guess how you approach the seller depends on how much you want to keep the bag and the deal you got. Sometimes it just isn't worth the hassle. I just got a mini skinny that was sold as new with tags. The seller didn't show the back side where there are two ink smudges. It was only $19.99 and I can't get up the energy to bring it up.

I decided to return it. It was pretty bent up and I knew that if I couldn't fix it, I would never use it. Seller agreed to take it back.

 

[Zealous]

I decided to return it. It was pretty bent up and I knew that if I couldn't fix it, I would never use it. Seller agreed to take it back.

Honkers, sorry she wasn't in better shape but good for you for deciding what feels best!

 

[honkers]

Honkers, sorry she wasn't in better shape but good for you for deciding what feels best!

Thanks, Zealous. It's a bit of a contradiction buying used bags and being picky but that's me in a nutshell! (note that even being picky, I have amassed more purses than anyone needs in a lifetime!) The hunt is part of the fun!

 

[Zealous]

Thanks, Zealous. It's a bit of a contradiction buying used bags and being picky but that's me in a nutshell! (note that even being picky, I have amassed more purses than anyone needs in a lifetime!) The hunt is part of the fun!

Hehe! I am the same... I think that's why TPF is a good place for me! A number of my local friends would probably wonder what do I expect from a used purse. And, yeah, there's many a purse to be found but I say I could have some worse obsessions.

 

[Farmer Cyndy]

Certainly in the used ( and exp. vintage) Coach bags, some have been well taken care of and some are far gone. But, if it is very cheap ($10 ish) I can still use a strap or the hangtag ( still can't discard the rest, they are in a pile for making tassels someday.) But, how thrilling it is to get one in almost perfect shape! Or at least with a bit of cleaning and rehab, come out almost perfect! Of course, I only have leather Coach.

 

[Farmer Cyndy]

If it isn't hard enough for friends to see my growing "purse collection" it is even more of a head shaking to see the "too far gone pile" to think I have gone completely over the hill! Ha ha.

 

[Zealous]

Certainly in the used ( and exp. vintage) Coach bags, some have been well taken care of and some are far gone. But, if it is very cheap ($10 ish) I can still use a strap or the hangtag ( still can't discard the rest, they are in a pile for making tassels someday.) But, how thrilling it is to get one in almost perfect shape! Or at least with a bit of cleaning and rehab, come out almost perfect! Of course, I only have leather Coach.

If it isn't hard enough for friends to see my growing "purse collection" it is even more of a head shaking to see the "too far gone pile" to think I have gone completely over the hill! Ha ha.

Hi, FC! Oh, yes! I love rehabbing! With my obsessiveness & impatience, I have to resist amassing a rehab pile. I hope I didn't make my friends sound disapproving. I usually feel like I have too much excitement for vintage & rehab... except here in the forum! I've been keeping in mind getting cheapie bags for hardware or leather but haven't yet. I would really like making tassels!

 

[whateve]

I decided to return it. It was pretty bent up and I knew that if I couldn't fix it, I would never use it. Seller agreed to take it back.

I think you did the right thing. When I first started collecting vintage, I did it because I was inspired by Katev's rehabs and wanted to try it myself. But the first bags I bought didn't need rehabbing. I got many that were in almost new condition for fairly reasonable prices. I think there are still plenty out there that are in great condition.

 

[Zealous]

Just got a Lightweight Drawstring Sac authenticated by Whateve.

For the Lightweights collection: I read through some posts & see that it's fine to dunk & condition but how will stuffing to dry work? I'm worried about it just flopping over.

Thank you!

Good afternoon!
May I please have this checked out?

in possession
*possibly: Lightweight Medium Drawstring Sac #4015
measures 10.5" x 11.5" x 5.5"
with 44" adjustable strap

Thank you!

View attachment 3124807View attachment 3124808View attachment 3124813

 

[whateve]

Just got a Lightweight Drawstring Sac authenticated by Whateve.

For the Lightweights collection: I read through some posts & see that it's fine to dunk & condition but how will stuffing to dry work? I'm worried about it just flopping over.

Thank you!

I've learned not to overstuff. I would open up the drawstring all the way and stuff the bottom. You might try hanging it while it dries. Maybe having a table underneath it to support the bottom. Condition it before it is completely dry. These tend to dry out easily.

 

[Zealous]

I've learned not to overstuff. I would open up the drawstring all the way and stuff the bottom. You might try hanging it while it dries. Maybe having a table underneath it to support the bottom. Condition it before it is completely dry. These tend to dry out easily.

Thanks for your speedy response! It's Friday evening rehab time!

Also, I saw the recent post of a new drawstring bag with added fobs. This bag is missing its hangtag & while it's easy enough to replace, that post has got me keeping my eye out for some brass/gold-colored pretties.

 

[Zealous]

Rehabbed: Vintage Lightweight Medium Drawstring Sac #4015

After some old-thread research & great advice from Whateve (Thank you!), there was dunking, stuffing, a strange rig-up in the kitchen to dry, Leather CPR x2, paint/conditioner mix on strap edges & a coat of Blackrock. As a replacement hangtag, I added a Coach medallion & a tassel crafted from leather scraps. I included a photo of it but don't look too closely... it's was a quick throw-together of what I had on hand.

I think the bag cleaned up nicely.

before:



after:

 

[whateve]

Rehabbed: Vintage Lightweight Medium Drawstring Sac #4015

After some old-thread research & great advice from Whateve (Thank you!), there was dunking, stuffing, a strange rig-up in the kitchen to dry, Leather CPR x2, paint/conditioner mix on strap edges & a coat of Blackrock. As a replacement hangtag, I added a Coach medallion & a tassel crafted from leather scraps. I included a photo of it but don't look too closely... it's was a quick throw-together of what I had on hand.

I think the bag cleaned up nicely.

before:

View attachment 3125902

after:

View attachment 3125899
View attachment 3125901

Looks beautiful! You did a fantastic job and oh so quick too! I love the tassel and medallion on it.

 

[Zealous]

Looks beautiful! You did a fantastic job and oh so quick too! I love the tassel and medallion on it.

Thank you! That's my obsessiveness & impatience at work again! This leather did dry quick. This morning, only the interior pocket & bottom (from sitting on the counter) were still damp. It's ready to wear now but I will wait for this rain to pass.

Your help is very appreciated!

 

[Catbird9]

Hi, after reading some of the posts on this amazing thread, I decided to look for a vintage Coach bag to rehab. Well, the Coach stars aligned for me today. I found this treasure at a local church thrift store!

I'd like to give it a bath and condition it. I see no major stains or damage, and the inside is clean. Any tips or suggestions would be welcome. I'll post AFTER pics when I'm done. Thanks!