Here are some before and after pics of the problem areas. I picked this bag up for $10 in 2013 and I will tell you next why I was suddenly in a hurry to rehab it now.
Coach Rehab and Rescue Club
- Thread starter greenpixie
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The reason I decided to rehab the Lexington Briefcase now is because I needed a briefcase for my husband right away.
About 5 years ago I gave him a coach transatlantic commuter briefcase and it held up well to heavy usage, but the piping had finally split on 2 of the corners so I decided to get a new briefcase for his birthday in February.
I shopped for a new briefcase and was thrilled when a $600 FP delete Bleeker Briefcase showed up on the FOS for only $171.
I gave him the Bleecker for his birthday and he really liked it a lot, so I rehabbed his old Transatlantic Commuter and gave it to a friend that admired the bag. I repaired the corners as best I could but I advised him to have them repaired professionally and gave him the name and address of a good leather repair shop.
I always give my husband a rough time about being hard on bags, but his briefcase is in daily use and I have noticed that he has been more careful with the Bleecker since he received it. But the other day he showed me that, after only 5 months, the corners are splitting and the piping is sticking out of one corner!
I called Coach and they said that it is still under warranty and to bring it in to the store to have it sent back to JAX for evaluation and possibly repair. I bought it on the FOS and the receipt is for the online FOS purchase, but it is a FP delete and there is no bullseye on the creed patch. Do you think I should take it to the outlet or to the boutique to have it sent in for evaluation?
Anyway, that's why I pulled the Lexington out of my rehab pile and worked diligently on bringing it back to life, because my DH needs a briefcase while I have his sent in for evaluation and/or repair!
I know that I got a great deal on the bag but I sure expected it to last a lot longer than a handful of months! I actually don't want it back. I would prefer a refund or credit so that I can look for a different briefcase for him.
Here are a couple of pics of the Bleecker when it was new and then current pics with the damaged corners.
About 5 years ago I gave him a coach transatlantic commuter briefcase and it held up well to heavy usage, but the piping had finally split on 2 of the corners so I decided to get a new briefcase for his birthday in February.
I shopped for a new briefcase and was thrilled when a $600 FP delete Bleeker Briefcase showed up on the FOS for only $171.
I gave him the Bleecker for his birthday and he really liked it a lot, so I rehabbed his old Transatlantic Commuter and gave it to a friend that admired the bag. I repaired the corners as best I could but I advised him to have them repaired professionally and gave him the name and address of a good leather repair shop.
I always give my husband a rough time about being hard on bags, but his briefcase is in daily use and I have noticed that he has been more careful with the Bleecker since he received it. But the other day he showed me that, after only 5 months, the corners are splitting and the piping is sticking out of one corner!
I called Coach and they said that it is still under warranty and to bring it in to the store to have it sent back to JAX for evaluation and possibly repair. I bought it on the FOS and the receipt is for the online FOS purchase, but it is a FP delete and there is no bullseye on the creed patch. Do you think I should take it to the outlet or to the boutique to have it sent in for evaluation?
Anyway, that's why I pulled the Lexington out of my rehab pile and worked diligently on bringing it back to life, because my DH needs a briefcase while I have his sent in for evaluation and/or repair!
I know that I got a great deal on the bag but I sure expected it to last a lot longer than a handful of months! I actually don't want it back. I would prefer a refund or credit so that I can look for a different briefcase for him.
Here are a couple of pics of the Bleecker when it was new and then current pics with the damaged corners.
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The Lexington looks great! You did a wonderful job! It is unbelievable that the Bleecker is already falling apart. I don't think it matters where you take it for repair. I've taken FP things into the outlet, and vice versa. If you have a good relationship with an SA, sometimes they waive the fee. That is more likely to happen at a boutique.
The Lexington looks great. Your husband is lucky to have a skilled rehabber at home who so diligently looks after his needs.
Thanks! I am really disappointed in the Bleecker. The Lexington was very beat up but it was still in pretty good shape after being around for about 35 years!
Thank you, but I am disappointed in his birthday gift.
He gave me a generous Coach giftcard for my birthday in March and I've finally used it to order something special for myself and I'm waiting impatiently for it to arrive!
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I'm waiting for the reveal - but no it's not oxblood - I'm not taking chances with this one!
Hi katev, I love your rehabs on the Basic bag and the Lexington. You do such a wonderful job with them. I really love Coach's black leather on the older items. It's so deep and rich looking.
I'm sorry to see the Bleecker and it's unfortunate corner wear. I hope everything works out with a refund or credit as you wish!
Thanks so much for your kind words! I know that it is disappointing when I advise new rehabbers to start with a black, unlined bag in fairly good shape as their first rehab - but it is the surest way to get good results and a great learning experience.
I try to be selective about taking on big challenges but sometimes I give in. I am looking at one right now and thinking about starting a new rehab!
I really love the work you do, and the affection and appreciation you have for vintage Coach leather. Your explanations and photos make for excellent record keeping! I love vintage and antique items myself because of the connections to the past. I'm looking forward to seeing your next project!
Thank you so much, but I benefit greatly from the advice and examples that I glean from this forum!