Vintage Coach Photos & Chat

[houseof999]

S

Soooo.....that pretty little Lunch Box looks bigger than I thought it would be now that I see it sitting there next to a Station bag. I always thought they would be too small. And that blue....! Lovely!!!!

Yes! I too thought it was smaller. Maybe because the top is shaped like the Abbie 9017. The top handle is a bonus!

 

[CoachMaven]

I feel bags are getting more and more expensive even in awful condition. I'd go thrift but thats picked clean too! I dunno what we're gonna do if we run outa bags!

I too have noticed that. I remember having a plethora of options on Ebay 5-10 years ago with $50 and under vintage bags. People wanted the new stuff. Now it seems everyone is into the older versions and driving up the prices.

 

[valv54]

I've noticed that too! My first couple of bags were about 10 to 20 bucks I think and now even the ones in awful condition seem to be going for about the same as some of the rehabbed bags. It's insane.

I know! Filthy, busted piping, scratched to hell, cracked straps, ink stains, and they still want $65 and won't move on the price. Like come on.

 

[valv54]

I too have noticed that. I remember having a plethora of options on Ebay 5-10 years ago with $50 and under vintage bags. People wanted the new stuff. Now it seems everyone is into the older versions and driving up the prices.

Definitely, as with anything, flippers start emerging and start buying up these bags and selling at exorbitantly high prices, and then everyone thinks they are going to sell bags for that much. It's getting frustrating.

 

[Lake Effect]

My newly thrifted Willis in Mahogany from 1997. I keep wondering to myself “how is that a 22 year old bag could possibly appear brand new?” I picked this up for under $20.00 and it is literally pristine! What a lucky day!
I can’t believe it but I’m sure that it has never even been used! The hand of this leather makes me weak in the knees!!!
View attachment 4380052

Congrats and enjoy!
I am convinced there are a lot of Coach bags sitting in climate controlled closets! I found a BT Ollie circa 1990 just over two years ago with a very small scrape. Other than that it was pristine! First vintage bag I bought that I did not dunk. I think it was $26 shipped. Although I spent hours and hours pouring over Mercari listings to find it. It was simply listed as a Coach bag.

Patience is a virtue!

Every vintage Coach collector may want to print this out and put it where they can see it!

I too have noticed that. I remember having a plethora of options on Ebay 5-10 years ago with $50 and under vintage bags. People wanted the new stuff. Now it seems everyone is into the older versions and driving up the prices.

You do realize that every successful rehab posted anywhere contributes to that problem lol lol.

I know! Filthy, busted piping, scratched to hell, cracked straps, ink stains, and they still want $65 and won't move on the price. Like come on.

I remember GW stores by me selling train wrecks of Coach bags for $40 even 20 years ago, so that will always be a thing. I have done enough looking at posts here and on eBay to be on a watch list for a bag, see it sell, see it authenticated here and even rehab questions asked here, and see it listed on eBay. Sometimes fully rehabbed, sometimes not. For a lot more bucks! Side note, nothing wrong with flipping bags for bucks in my book.
Hey and who wasn’t entertained to watch the journey of red Shoulder Sac with the riveted strap.
I wonder too if people think, hey some one is going to rehab this, or not, and flip it for more $, so why shouldn’t I? Who knows.

 

[Alexa5]

Speaking of rehabbed bags, here is my new to me Regina that was already cleaned up and rehabbed... I am new to this vintage thing and kind of not ready for a not clean bag, lol, so I look for decent prices on ones that are ready to go.

I have one more coming that is a nwt Forest Green Station bag to complete my rainbow of bags. (if it works out--it should because I am using the same seller as one of my other bags, but this green bag search has been a little difficult, lol, so I will just wait and see--but nwt for a Station bag is pretty cool).

 

[valv54]

Congrats and enjoy!
I am convinced there are a lot of Coach bags sitting in climate controlled closets! I found a BT Ollie circa 1990 just over two years ago with a very small scrape. Other than that it was pristine! First vintage bag I bought that I did not dunk. I think it was $26 shipped. Although I spent hours and hours pouring over Mercari listings to find it. It was simply listed as a Coach bag.


Every vintage Coach collector may want to print this out and put it where they can see it!



You do realize that every successful rehab posted anywhere contributes to that problem lol lol.


I remember GW stores by me selling train wrecks of Coach bags for $40 even 20 years ago, so that will always be a thing. I have done enough looking at posts here and on eBay to be on a watch list for a bag, see it sell, see it authenticated here and even rehab questions asked here, and see it listed on eBay. Sometimes fully rehabbed, sometimes not. For a lot more bucks! Side note, nothing wrong with flipping bags for bucks in my book.
Hey and who wasn’t entertained to watch the journey of red Shoulder Sac with the riveted strap.
I wonder too if people think, hey some one is going to rehab this, or not, and flip it for more $, so why shouldn’t I? Who knows.

I know, you are right, I shouldn't knock anybodys hustle lol. We have all done it. I'm just a salty b sometimes. Lol. Forgive me.

 

[Lake Effect]

Rant alert! Keep on scrolling if you're not up for it!

I have a complaint about vintage Coach bags. I am relatively new in the vintage Coach collecting and rehabbing arena and I've bought many bags on eBay now, thinking that each one is "the perfect handbag". I have several Court bags, two Willis bags, two pre-creed Courier bags, three Station bags, one Plaza, a Janice, a Bleecker tote and one with no name because it's supposedly very rare. And those are just my vintage bags, I also have some (note the plurals!) Carly bags, Bleeckers, Parks, Legacy duffles, a Gallery tote, an Alexandra, an Audrey....I'm not gonna mention the wristlets and wallets. This should be a complete collection, right? I am one person. I can carry only one bag at a time. Well, maybe two if I'm carrying a purse and tote. So I'm watching a video on YouTube this morning about rehabbing Coach bags and the lady is working on a beautiful mahogany Rambler's Legacy. I've seen them here on TPF. I've seen them on eBay. But I've never seen them in action, compared in size to other vintage Coach bags that I own and are familiar with. So I see this video and I realize that after all this time, Rambler's Legacy is, in my opinion, really the perfect handbag. It has a back slip pocket, a nicely sized not too cumbersome flap, adjustable strap, front slip pocket, and appears to be the perfect size for carrying everyday essentials plus a book, Nook, or iPad. Maybe even all three. I thought Rambler's were huge. They looked like big, heavy, long bags so I always ignored them. Now I need one. I'm eyeballing my collection while considering which bags I can sell so that I can buy a Rambler's Legacy (or four). This is not a habit that I can afford and my complaint is that these bags don't come with a disclaimer that they are so addictive! Especially when one figures out that old ratty bags can be beautifully restored and enjoyed and passed on to daughters. Or unappreciative nieces in my case, but I'm still working on her. We're engaged in an ongoing Longchamp vs. Coach argument but I think I'm winning because she actually swooned over one of my recent rehabs. That was a good sign at least. Anyway, I digress.

There is no other place in the world where I can go on this rant and maybe find people who understand this exquisite frustration. I thought my search for the perfect vintage Coach was over. I thought I'd seen everything and decided I had what I needed, I could stop spending hours on ebay trying snag a poorly advertised bag super cheap. I thought I could start saving gas money because I don't have to go thrifting any more. Does it ever end? Is there ever satisfaction at the bottom of this rabbit hole?? Or even just a feeling of completeness? I never, ever thought I would enjoy rehabbing so much and I think there are many others who might agree because I've noticed there is not much of a supply of cheap, ratty old vintage bags. They sell quickly! And there is such a feeling of victory in winning a super cheap auction. At least there are far worse habits out there which don't require a carefully timed disclosure on a first date. I should consider myself lucky!

Rant over. Thank you for listening. I'm off to ebay again.....

Side note , One thing I truly appreciate about the Coach forum is that there such an open, inviting atmosphere where we can share about what we like and experience and simply pass over opinions or experiences that we don’t identify with or agree with. Thanks all
I am about 2 1/2 years into my vintage Coach (and now it appears lol non-vintage too!) indulgence/hobby! And I am so happy I have a ready community of people who get my passion. And fuel it by posting fabulous bags. You know who you are lol lol. So I am up from about 5 vintage bags I had prior to this recent turn of events to about 30!
I totally get the search for the perfect bag, the driving around thrift shops (ie driving to a Savers after a long day at work with a long ride back home to have it be a complete bust!) the hours spent scouting websites (I had to ban myself from late night bidding in bed looking at pics in a 7 inch tablet, although I did end up with a Marketing Tote that way for $ 35) and I even *****ed about shipping over on another thread , where two members kindly but firmly helped me understand I was whining. And the endless variety of vintage styles!! Where does it stop??

Sooo, here is a little ( okay, a lot) of my experience to help me find the perfect bag and where do I want to stop, and I completely understand if anyone wants to stop reading and move on.
It stops where ever I want it stop. What has helped me most is understanding what are my Purse Goals for say, the next few months. And then revisit those goals every few months. There is a thread pinned to the Bags, bags, bags Forum called Shopping Your Closet 2019. From reading posts on that thread, I was able to recognize that there is an overlap of Collecting, Hobby and Bags/totes That I Use. Here are a few ideas that I have gleaned from others and formulated myself.
I don’t have to own a bag to enjoy it.
I let go of finding the perfect bag. I concentrate on what I need it to do and carry. I look at the bags I have, and see what elements , sizes work for me and purchase accordingly. My idea of a Working Breed. Yes I have a group of bags that don’t work at all based on trial and error. I buy cheap for the most part so it is easy to part with them in this case.
And I have developed a lot of patience, so I can take advantage of deals when I see them.
I carry a tape measure and notes and my tablet if possible when thrifting so I don’t get carried away while thrifting with I bag I won’t use and is on my collect list.
I gave myself permission to collect vintage small bags. Meaning these bags are purely for fun, used once in a while, my idea of a Trophy Bag. I have a $ limit and have a specific idea of what I’d like ie, anything with a kiss lock.
Of lately, looking at several bags in rehab stages is stopping me from buying more to rehab !!!
It took me about 2 years to get to the above list. Rehabbing has become a hobby I enjoy! When it isn’t fun, I take a step back. Until I get over the momentary frustration I may be feeling. It supplies my little Collection and my assortment of Working Bags!
Lastly, there will always be another bag . . . until then, I will enjoy one (or more !) I already have today.
Okay, stream of consciousness over!

 

[Lake Effect]

I know, you are right, I shouldn't knock anybodys hustle lol. We have all done it. I'm just a salty b sometimes. Lol. Forgive me.

Please, I have thought in a like way and felt frustrated too. I gave an online seller an earful once over fees, that later I was told by learned members here were reasonable. It was fueled by self pity over the lack of local thrifting. Which I can no longer whine about after a few sweet unexpected scores.
I see someone selling a bag for about 3-4 times more than she said she paid for it. But can I blame her that she found an amazing deal on a gorgeous bag and now wants to sell it for she knows she can get for it?
And please, my observations are not meant to rub anyone the wrong way. They are just that, my observations.

 

[valv54]

Please, I have thought in a like way and felt frustrated too. I gave an online seller an earful once over fees, that later I was told by learned members here were reasonable. It was fueled by self pity over the lack of local thrifting. Which I can no longer whine about after a few sweet unexpected scores.
I see someone selling a bag for about 3-4 times more than she said she paid for it. But can I blame her that she found an amazing deal on a gorgeous bag and now wants to sell it for she knows she can get for it?
And please, my observations are not meant to rub anyone the wrong way. They are just that, my observations.

It's ok, sometimes I need to be rained in a little lol.

 

[Catbird9]

Side note , One thing I truly appreciate about the Coach forum is that there such an open, inviting atmosphere where we can share about what we like and experience and simply pass over opinions or experiences that we don’t identify with or agree with. Thanks all
I am about 2 1/2 years into my vintage Coach (and now it appears lol non-vintage too!) indulgence/hobby! And I am so happy I have a ready community of people who get my passion. And fuel it by posting fabulous bags. You know who you are lol lol. So I am up from about 5 vintage bags I had prior to this recent turn of events to about 30!
I totally get the search for the perfect bag, the driving around thrift shops (ie driving to a Savers after a long day at work with a long ride back home to have it be a complete bust!) the hours spent scouting websites (I had to ban myself from late night bidding in bed looking at pics in a 7 inch tablet, although I did end up with a Marketing Tote that way for $ 35) and I even *****ed about shipping over on another thread , where two members kindly but firmly helped me understand I was whining. And the endless variety of vintage styles!! Where does it stop??

Sooo, here is a little ( okay, a lot) of my experience to help me find the perfect bag and where do I want to stop, and I completely understand if anyone wants to stop reading and move on.
It stops where ever I want it stop. What has helped me most is understanding what are my Purse Goals for say, the next few months. And then revisit those goals every few months. There is a thread pinned to the Bags, bags, bags Forum called Shopping Your Closet 2019. From reading posts on that thread, I was able to recognize that there is an overlap of Collecting, Hobby and Bags/totes That I Use. Here are a few ideas that I have gleaned from others and formulated myself.
I don’t have to own a bag to enjoy it.
I let go of finding the perfect bag. I concentrate on what I need it to do and carry. I look at the bags I have, and see what elements , sizes work for me and purchase accordingly. Yes I have a group of bags that don’t work at all based on trial and error. I buy cheap for the most part so it is easy to part with them in this case.
And I have developed a lot of patience, so I can take advantage of deals when I see them.
I carry a tape measure and notes and my tablet if possible when thrifting so I don’t get carried away while thrifting with I bag I won’t use and is on my collect list.
I gave myself permission to collect vintage small bags. I have a $ limit and have a specific idea of what I’d like ie, anything with a kiss lock.
Of lately, looking at several bags in rehab stages is stopping me from buying more to rehab !!!
It took me about 2 years to get to the above list. Rehabbing has become a hobby I enjoy! When it isn’t fun, I take a step back. Until I get over the momentary frustration I may be feeling. It supplies my little Collection and my Working Bags!
Lastly, there will always be another bag . . . until then, I will enjoy one (or more !) I have today.
Okay, stream of consciousness over!

A lot of what you said applies to me too. Well said.

Increased shipping costs have definitely contributed to the higher cost of vintage Coach on eBay.

I have my Coach searches filtered to "under $30." I have to scroll through a lot of pitiful specimens this way, but occasionally get lucky and find bargains to rehab.

I've already found my perfect bag(s), but I keep looking and "test driving" anyway. Some of them are too good to pass up. For example, I recently bought a British Tan Chunky Case. I'll probably never use it, but I love seeing it in the drawer with my other accessories. The leather is so soft....that little Coach cartouche...you get the idea.

 

[Lake Effect]

A lot of what you said applies to me too. Well said.

Increased shipping costs have definitely contributed to the higher cost of vintage Coach on eBay.

I have my Coach searches filtered to "under $30." I have to scroll through a lot of pitiful specimens this way, but occasionally get lucky and find bargains to rehab.

I've already found my perfect bag(s), but I keep looking and "test driving" anyway. Some of them are too good to pass up. For example, I recently bought a British Tan Chunky Case. I'll probably never use it, but I love seeing it in the drawer with my other accessories. The leather is so soft....that little Coach cartouche...you get the idea.

Ahhh yes. I do have a list of HG , Holy Grail, vintage styles and colors, that I keep an eye out for, at the right price I would like to think my collection/group of Coach is fluid . . .
Lol, pitiful specimens. You are kind.

 

[Morgan_Bellini]

Side note , One thing I truly appreciate about the Coach forum is that there such an open, inviting atmosphere where we can share about what we like and experience and simply pass over opinions or experiences that we don’t identify with or agree with. Thanks all
I am about 2 1/2 years into my vintage Coach (and now it appears lol non-vintage too!) indulgence/hobby! And I am so happy I have a ready community of people who get my passion. And fuel it by posting fabulous bags. You know who you are lol lol. So I am up from about 5 vintage bags I had prior to this recent turn of events to about 30!
I totally get the search for the perfect bag, the driving around thrift shops (ie driving to a Savers after a long day at work with a long ride back home to have it be a complete bust!) the hours spent scouting websites (I had to ban myself from late night bidding in bed looking at pics in a 7 inch tablet, although I did end up with a Marketing Tote that way for $ 35) and I even *****ed about shipping over on another thread , where two members kindly but firmly helped me understand I was whining. And the endless variety of vintage styles!! Where does it stop??

Sooo, here is a little ( okay, a lot) of my experience to help me find the perfect bag and where do I want to stop, and I completely understand if anyone wants to stop reading and move on.
It stops where ever I want it stop. What has helped me most is understanding what are my Purse Goals for say, the next few months. And then revisit those goals every few months. There is a thread pinned to the Bags, bags, bags Forum called Shopping Your Closet 2019. From reading posts on that thread, I was able to recognize that there is an overlap of Collecting, Hobby and Bags/totes That I Use. Here are a few ideas that I have gleaned from others and formulated myself.
I don’t have to own a bag to enjoy it.
I let go of finding the perfect bag. I concentrate on what I need it to do and carry. I look at the bags I have, and see what elements , sizes work for me and purchase accordingly. My idea of a Working Breed. Yes I have a group of bags that don’t work at all based on trial and error. I buy cheap for the most part so it is easy to part with them in this case.
And I have developed a lot of patience, so I can take advantage of deals when I see them.
I carry a tape measure and notes and my tablet if possible when thrifting so I don’t get carried away while thrifting with I bag I won’t use and is on my collect list.
I gave myself permission to collect vintage small bags. Meaning these bags are purely for fun, used once in a while, my idea of a Trophy Bag. I have a $ limit and have a specific idea of what I’d like ie, anything with a kiss lock.
Of lately, looking at several bags in rehab stages is stopping me from buying more to rehab !!!
It took me about 2 years to get to the above list. Rehabbing has become a hobby I enjoy! When it isn’t fun, I take a step back. Until I get over the momentary frustration I may be feeling. It supplies my little Collection and my Working Bags!
Lastly, there will always be another bag . . . until then, I will enjoy one (or more !) I already have today.
Okay, stream of consciousness over!

That's a very composed and reasonable set of goals and expectations. Make no mistake, I am thoroughly enjoying this journey down the rehabbing trail. I look forward to spending time on eBay in the morning when 8 hours have gone by and maybe, just maybe, someone listed a cheap bag with a buy it now option. I am having so much fun! And I am ecstatic to have discovered Rambler's Legacy. I love the thrill of the hunt and the excitement when patience pays off. The best part about these vintage bags is that they're a useful item that I use daily anyway and they do hold their value for when I decide a particular style doesn't work for me anymore and I need to sell a bag to fund my habit. I love that they can take a beating and then be completely restored to almost new condition, depending on the abuse. My very first Coach bag ever was a sand colored zebra print Legacy duffle and I wore it just one time to Target. When I was getting back into my car my purse brushed against the car next to me and got a smudge of good ole Minnesota winter road treatment salt. I cleaned that bag as soon as I got home, stored it away in its dust bag where it remains today, and bought an all leather Legacy duffle in Deep Port, which is darker and easier to clean. Thus began my tumble down the Coach hole, ha ha! I love that I do not worry about my vintage bags. They've already survived decades of use. And I love even more that I found this forum and all of you wonderful people and I know that this is a healthy, normal, socially acceptable habit (as long as I'm not using credit cards).

 

[Morgan_Bellini]

Deleted duplicate post....sorry.

 

[Lake Effect]

Family photo! Took me a little while to get down to bags that work best for me, but here they are!

Might I suggest lol that you hug this stunning family until your next score? You do realize what you have here is basically a HG collection??