Michael Kors Making my Selma a functional shoulder bag....

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Minkette

Minkette

Bags are my comfort… and my child’s snack holder.
Dec 22, 2013
1,247
512
#1
Hi everyone,

As someone who has always wished I was taller, I have come to terms with the fact that I am not actually going to grow any taller. As a result, I'd say I'm 5 foot on a good day.

With that being said, I find the thin strap on the Selmas and most MK bags for that matter, to be too long. Even on the shortest setting, the bags hang below my waist. Not a good look when I'm already not too far from the ground as it is. Makes me look frumpy. Not to mention the fiasco that happens when I try the crossbody look. So what's a girl to do?!

I'm too cheap to take it to a shoe cobbler. Terrible but true. So I decided to reach into my desk drawer at my office and pull out a one inch book ring that opens easily and clips to the hook where the strap typically clips. I doubled the strap by feeding it thru the book ring and clipped both MK strap hooks on the same strap ring. Boom.

Shoulder bag. It allows for a way nicer look and even weight distribution as the bag is higher and the double straps reduce the pain of one thin strap digging in my shoulder as my bag swings by my knee caps. I usually have a brief case and therapy kit so carrying any bag by hand isn't a choice.

I have attached pics for those interested!

Book rings come in various sizes and can also be used to attach purse charms!
 

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#2
Great alternative to punching additional holes in the strap, as previously suggested by others. Also, provides added support on the shoulder from the double strap. :goodpost:
 
#3
I have done this before and regret it. I also worry about how your metal ring will look with DOUBLE the action on one side with both clips rubbing it. Also, you will end up with a "bend" in your strap going through the other ring and could possibly crack the edge coating like I did on a Dooney florentine satchel that had a too long strap. Saffiano is a lot stiffer than florentine leather and this may not be a good idea with saffiano, it wasn't with soft leather. Not throwing any shade, just do not want you to regret doing this like I did. My edge coating became weak and loose where I bent it through the ring, and my other ring with double clips became really scratched up. Adding "stuff"to the bag increased the weight pull overall.
 
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#4
BAGLADY 3375 said:
I have done this before and regret it. I also worry about how your metal ring will look with DOUBLE the action on one side with both clips rubbing it. Also, you will end up with a "bend" in your strap going through the other ring and could possibly crack the edge coating like I did on a Dooney florentine satchel that had a too long strap. Saffiano is a lot stiffer than florentine leather and this may not be a good idea with saffiano, it wasn't with soft leather. Not throwing any shade, just do not want you to regret doing this like I did. My edge coating became weak and loose where I bent it through the ring, and my other ring with double clips became really scratched up. Adding "stuff"to the bag increased the weight pull overall.
Click to expand...
I understand the risks. However, I don't use the bag very often as it is completely uncomfortable and I have to reach down to my knees to get anything out of it. For me, bags are meant to be worn and enjoyed. This allows me to do so. Do I expect it to last forever... nah. I will never wear the bag as a crossbody so either I don't use the strap or find that I am perfectly okay with the strap bending. I have it.. might as well use it in a way that works for me. The other aspect you mentioned was scratches on the rings... I don't mind at all. The hardware is silver and unlike the dooneys... I don't have to worry about the brass wearing off (I've seen a few reviews with the florentines)...

If the worst outcome of making the bag functional for me is a bend in the strap, potential for cracking with regard to the edge coating, and scratches on a small ring that realistically... nobody in my life is going to look at and go... wow... you have a scratch there (insert judgey eyes)... Then it is all good in the hood.

Do I want to make it functional so I actually get my moneys worth... Indeed! Also, with a recent shoulder injury, I just can't take the pain of the thin strap and a ball and chain like feeling when the bag is dragging close to the ground.

:-)
 
#5
Ok. All I was thinking was "oh no". Your absolutely right, what's the point in having it if you can't use it? You understand the risks I spoke of and your fine with it. If your good, I'm all good LOL!! I still use my Dooney too, scratches, bends and all. Enjoy your pretty grape selma!!
 
#6
BAGLADY 3375 said:
I have done this before and regret it. I also worry about how your metal ring will look with DOUBLE the action on one side with both clips rubbing it. Also, you will end up with a "bend" in your strap going through the other ring and could possibly crack the edge coating like I did on a Dooney florentine satchel that had a too long strap. Saffiano is a lot stiffer than florentine leather and this may not be a good idea with saffiano, it wasn't with soft leather. Not throwing any shade, just do not want you to regret doing this like I did. My edge coating became weak and loose where I bent it through the ring, and my other ring with double clips became really scratched up. Adding "stuff"to the bag increased the weight pull overall.
Click to expand...
Good points Baglady3375. Thanks for bringing them up because I would have never thought of them. Minkette is okay with the risks, so all's well, but good to know the risks in any case. :smile1:
 
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#7
Minkette said:
Hi everyone,

As someone who has always wished I was taller, I have come to terms with the fact that I am not actually going to grow any taller. As a result, I'd say I'm 5 foot on a good day.

With that being said, I find the thin strap on the Selmas and most MK bags for that matter, to be too long. Even on the shortest setting, the bags hang below my waist. Not a good look when I'm already not too far from the ground as it is. Makes me look frumpy. Not to mention the fiasco that happens when I try the crossbody look. So what's a girl to do?!

I'm too cheap to take it to a shoe cobbler. Terrible but true. So I decided to reach into my desk drawer at my office and pull out a one inch book ring that opens easily and clips to the hook where the strap typically clips. I doubled the strap by feeding it thru the book ring and clipped both MK strap hooks on the same strap ring. Boom.

Shoulder bag. It allows for a way nicer look and even weight distribution as the bag is higher and the double straps reduce the pain of one thin strap digging in my shoulder as my bag swings by my knee caps. I usually have a brief case and therapy kit so carrying any bag by hand isn't a choice.

I have attached pics for those interested!

Book rings come in various sizes and can also be used to attach purse charms!
Click to expand...
On some bags you can do this without adding an extra ring. I double up my straps all the time for the same reason. Very petite. When the ring isn't large enough to slip the clip through it, I have added my own rings as well. Works great!

I have also purchased chain straps online and order them to my desired length. I find this not only shortens it for me, but chain straps look really nice and add a bit of bling to my bags. Thanks for sharing. Is a great idea!
 
#10
I thought MK stores will add a hole to the strap for you at no charge if you go in and ask. Is that not true?

This is a good idea for those needing an alternative.
 
#12
paula3boys said:
I thought MK stores will add a hole to the strap for you at no charge if you go in and ask. Is that not true?

This is a good idea for those needing an alternative.
Click to expand...
I would need the strap to be so short that there wold be a longgggggg piece hanging down past the buckle. Plus.. the closest MK store is 2.5 hours from mi casa.

Thanks everyone for the kind words!
 
#13
Minkette said:
Hi everyone,

As someone who has always wished I was taller, I have come to terms with the fact that I am not actually going to grow any taller. As a result, I'd say I'm 5 foot on a good day.

With that being said, I find the thin strap on the Selmas and most MK bags for that matter, to be too long. Even on the shortest setting, the bags hang below my waist. Not a good look when I'm already not too far from the ground as it is. Makes me look frumpy. Not to mention the fiasco that happens when I try the crossbody look. So what's a girl to do?!

I'm too cheap to take it to a shoe cobbler. Terrible but true. So I decided to reach into my desk drawer at my office and pull out a one inch book ring that opens easily and clips to the hook where the strap typically clips. I doubled the strap by feeding it thru the book ring and clipped both MK strap hooks on the same strap ring. Boom.

Shoulder bag. It allows for a way nicer look and even weight distribution as the bag is higher and the double straps reduce the pain of one thin strap digging in my shoulder as my bag swings by my knee caps. I usually have a brief case and therapy kit so carrying any bag by hand isn't a choice.

I have attached pics for those interested!

Book rings come in various sizes and can also be used to attach purse charms!
Click to expand...

Just wanted to show you this Naomi cross body satchel, because you are petite like I am, I think you might like it, because you can double this strap through the rings that are already on there. Makes it hang up higher just under the armpit. You don't have to modify the bag at all, or add any extra rings. You also don't have to worry about cracking the leather from bending / doubling the strap, because it is a soft, durable goat leather that bends easily and you really can't hurt it. Unless you don't care for the style of it, it really is perfect for us shorties! lol! Because I am so petite, I can't wear many of the bigger bags. This is a perfect size for me and is large enough, but not too large,for my size, plus it has way more compartments than most bags. There are two outer compartments on the front and the back! They have them in the gold hardware too if you prefer gold. Actually, the Naomi in gold hardware is much easier to find. I had a heck of a time finding one in silver. This bag retails for 448.00. I got mine for only 125.00!!
 

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#14
CinthiaZ said:
Just wanted to show you this Naomi cross body satchel, because you are petite like I am, I think you might like it, because you can double this strap through the rings that are already on there. Makes it hang up higher just under the armpit. You don't have to modify the bag at all, or add any extra rings. You also don't have to worry about cracking the leather from bending / doubling the strap, because it is a soft, durable goat leather that bends easily and you really can't hurt it. Unless you don't care for the style of it, it really is perfect for us shorties! lol! Because I am so petite, I can't wear many of the bigger bags. This is a perfect size for me and is large enough, but not too large,for my size, plus it has way more compartments than most bags. There are two outer compartments on the front and the back! They have them in the gold hardware too if you prefer gold. Actually, the Naomi in gold hardware is much easier to find. I had a heck of a time finding one in silver. This bag retails for 448.00. I got mine for only 125.00!!
Click to expand...
That is cute! Thank you!

I am currently on a ban from buying handbags! I need to buy a new couch! :-)
 
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