What are the consequences of using older styles?

[lenarmc]

I had that exact Coach bag and gave it to my pre-teen niece. While I loved it, I felt that it read too young for me. Not dated but young. She wore it recently and looks really cool with it. I know that it will not go out of style as the shape is classic.

My last 3 handbag purchases have been older bags (Jimmy Choo Tulita, Miu Miu Bow Bag, and Rag & Bone small Pilot), and I love them. I just wore the Tulita last week. Those were bags that I wanted when they first came out and couldn’t afford. I don’t feel as though I look dated. A college student actually asked me who made my Jimmy Choo. A man today told me that he liked my Rag & Bone bag because the bright color was his favorite.

Do I analyze women’s handbags? Heck, yeah! I love handbags. My husband and sons look at me crazy when I know the price and approximate year of them.

I think that if you wear it with confidence and rock it in your style, it won’t look dated or old. Enjoy your handbag. Life is too short.

 

[AL10]

You are right in that style looks more young and chic but the bag is classic as you mentioned and it really can't be eliminated from style. It may not be the best example of a timeless piece but it's highly adaptable and can be used for almost any occasion.

 

[Lake Effect]

I just wanted to get your opinions on the social consequences of using bags from older collections. I am not only referring to what some might consider vintage bags but here's an example.

I have two small hobo black leather bags by Coach. The styles are 8A01 and 9541. They are identical in contour and style but one has slightly softer leather with tassels. Every time I consider getting rid of these bags, there's just something that prevents me from dumping them.

After all they are in perfect condition, one was hardly used, they are classic, they are simple, they are elegant, and they can be used for just about any occasion. The only design disadvantage is they will not easily freely stand but they are slouchy with flexible contour and will stand with contents.

What comes to mind when you see this particular bag being carried? Do you associate this bag with outdated style? Do you assume the carrier must be middle aged or above? Do you feel the style is bland and boring? Do you find this bag to be cute and subtle?

Coach
Style 8A01
Small Hobo Black Soft Leather

Sweetie, I am carrying refurbished Coach from the mid-80’s on. I would think, oh lookie, a sweet little Soho something or other from the early 2000’s. And then if the mood was right, like we are standing waiting for our baggage, ie, I would strike up a little conversation about some of the great timeless styles Coach made and then proceed to talk your ear off about whatever vintage Coach I was carrying that day, possibly making you feel the single sided hang tag or dump everything out so I could show you the Creed inside.
While I am middle aged, with a more or less give-a-damn’s-busted attitude when it comes to what others think about my style choices, it was very affirming to come to this blog a couple of years ago and share my love of vintage Coach and see others share my view and enjoyment. And imagine my surprise when a 20 something coworker came in with a cute little leather 90s Coach and precedes to talk about how her and her sister love thrifting Coach. I gave her a thrifted rehabbed little Coach when she moved to another office and she was beyond thrilled.
Quality and style will always convey quality and style. Will someone who carries Hermès give my bags a second glance? Probably not. But I can’t imagine a scenario where this would be relevant in my life.

 

[Amazona]

The consequence of wearing a bag that's an older style? You might not be considered trendy. That's all.

If you like the bags, find them both useful and really want to carry them, then do.

 

[cbarrus]

Sweetie, I am carrying refurbished Coach from the mid-80’s on. I would think, oh lookie, a sweet little Soho something or other from the early 2000’s. And then if the mood was right, like we are standing waiting for our baggage, ie, I would strike up a little conversation about some of the great timeless styles Coach made and then proceed to talk your ear off about whatever vintage Coach I was carrying that day, possibly making you feel the single sided hang tag or dump everything out so I could show you the Creed inside.
While I am middle aged, with a more or less give-a-damn’s-busted attitude when it comes to what others think about my style choices, it was very affirming to come to this blog a couple of years ago and share my love of vintage Coach and see others share my view and enjoyment. And imagine my surprise when a 20 something coworker came in with a cute little leather 90s Coach and precedes to talk about how her and her sister love thrifting Coach. I gave her a thrifted rehabbed little Coach when she moved to another office and she was beyond thrilled.
Quality and style will always convey quality and style. Will someone who carries Hermès give my bags a second glance? Probably not. But I can’t imagine a scenario where this would be relevant in my life.

I love vintage Coach, too. I have four made in the USA ones that are just superb. I do not rehab, but I try to find ones in the best condition possible. I had purchased one of the new saddlebags, but I returned it in favor of a Patricia's Legacy, made in the USA, which is just so much better in my opinion. I think what can date a bag are too many embellishments, such as crystals, embroidery, patches, or heavy hardware. I know this is all the rage right now, but I do not see myself carrying one of these in the long term.

 

[eunaddict]

Meh. Do I notice bags? Yes. Do i judge? Only fake designer purses. I’ve never put down a real designer bag regardless of how old it was or even how worn it was.

And as for young and trendy, I’m in my 20s. Generally still considered young (plus I look younger than my age), and i still carry my Gucci Sukey (in the original GG pattern) with pride. Remember the Sukey? Considering how much Gucci has changed as a brand since then, that bag hasn’t exactly aged well. But hey, it was one of the first bags that started my collection and carrying it still makes me smile.

Do what you love, wear what makes you happy. As long as you’re not doing anything “wrong”, care less what everyone else thinks.

 

[whateve]

Too funny. These days I don't wear my Speedy much because I'm scared it looks too YOUNG (as it's typically an LV starter piece)! Maybe that's a sign it really is timeless. I usually see women in their 20's carry the bag or women in their 50's+. The ones in their 50's tend to carry really old, well-loved mono ones which I think looks very chic.

My 95 year old MIL carried a Speedy. She probably wouldn't have picked it up herself. It was given to her by her daughter, who is in her 60s and also carries a Speedy.

 

[whateve]

I love vintage Coach, too. I have four made in the USA ones that are just superb. I do not rehab, but I try to find ones in the best condition possible. I had purchased one of the new saddlebags, but I returned it in favor of a Patricia's Legacy, made in the USA, which is just so much better in my opinion. I think what can date a bag are too many embellishments, such as crystals, embroidery, patches, or heavy hardware. I know this is all the rage right now, but I do not see myself carrying one of these in the long term.

I can't get myself to love the new saddlebags. There is no comparison to older Coach, including Patricia's Legacy. Pat is bigger, softer, and has better leather.

 

[whateve]

I just wanted to get your opinions on the social consequences of using bags from older collections. I am not only referring to what some might consider vintage bags but here's an example.

I have two small hobo black leather bags by Coach. The styles are 8A01 and 9541. They are identical in contour and style but one has slightly softer leather with tassels. Every time I consider getting rid of these bags, there's just something that prevents me from dumping them.

After all they are in perfect condition, one was hardly used, they are classic, they are simple, they are elegant, and they can be used for just about any occasion. The only design disadvantage is they will not easily freely stand but they are slouchy with flexible contour and will stand with contents.

What comes to mind when you see this particular bag being carried? Do you associate this bag with outdated style? Do you assume the carrier must be middle aged or above? Do you feel the style is bland and boring? Do you find this bag to be cute and subtle?

Coach
Style 8A01
Small Hobo Black Soft Leather

The leather on these is so soft! This shape never worked for me, otherwise I would probably have one.

 

[mteat2987]

I often carry a vintage Dooney and bourke that was my mom's from the 80's. I only get compliments on how cool it is.

 

[MamaSleepy]

I often carry a vintage Dooney and bourke that was my mom's from the 80's. I only get compliments on how cool it is.

Would love to see it!