Saint Salvage

I was trolling the local thrift stores, and I bought this abused vintage Coach crossbody bag at a local Goodwill store. It was priced for $19.99, but it was 50% off, because green tags were the "special" color. It was "ridden hard and put away wet", so to speak. It's a Coach, for fashion's sake! No logos all over it. I really like the vintage Coach bags that don't have logos. It even had an ink mark on the underside of the flap. Ugh, so sad. But, it became a great candidate for a makeover! The creed (aka serial number) is 767-1839. So, I got some thin masking tape from the tool box.... I taped up everything that shouldn't get sprayed: the hardware, and a beaded tassel that was on an old bag that has passed on. I also took great care to get a can of Dupli-Color Vinyl & Fabric Coating in  HVP-107 Deep Red  to match the original purse color. I bought it for $1.39, at a local hardware store. I sprayed the...

This is another blog post created to solve a problem of mine. I know I can't be the only one who has had a purse ruined by an exploding pen. Here's how I did it.  Step 1: Gather your supplies Gather everything you need for the project: Purse with dried ink. Yes, I waited for it to dry. Paper towels, scrub brush with nylon bristles (tough enough to lift the ink, but not too tough that the lining will get chewed up). Carbona Stain Devils #3: Ink & Crayon De-Solv-It "APC" All Purpose Cleaner & Orange Powered Degreaser Gloves *** Keep your trash can close by! *** Step 2: Scrub and Remove that Ink! **** Safety note: I performed the scrubbing in my bathroom, with the fan running. **** I started by using the Carbona Stain Devil first. I dribbled a little bit on a small area, and scrubbed and blotted. Then, I dribbed and repeated MULTIPLE times.... the stained paper towel shows it.  I followed the sc...

How to color a leather purse.... This one happens to be a Prada bag. Yup, real deal. Here's the story behind this post. I bought a beautiful Prada bag at an estate sale earlier this year. Sadly, we had a fire in our house (in May 2013), and whatever could be salvaged went out to the professional cleaning service. It came back to me physically intact, and not reeking of smoke. But.... it needed (ahem) color adjustment. Step 1: Collect your supplies This step is a "no duh" step, but sometimes it really needs to be said. I got the purse, latex gloves and a can of Meltonian  Nu-Life Color Spray in 645 Chocolate.  I made sure sure to read the can, since the dye in this can is basically a can of spray paint that is suitable for use with vinyl, plastic and leather.  The directions state very clearly to use this in a "well-ventilated area", so I decided to take this project outside.  Step 2: Spray the "Color Spray" on the...

I went to my local Goodwill store in Cardiff, NJ, to purchase a suit for my older son. As I was getting ready to check out, this bright red purse caught my eye. It looked like purses I saw as a teenager in the 80s. It's red leather with dyed python stripes.         The back looked great, including the back flap external pocket.   I opened the flap, and it looked immaculate inside!   Then, the payoff: Carlos Falchi! Score!!!!!!! 

I was at my local Goodwill store, and I came upon this purse. It's a 1970 vintage John Romain straw and leather "doctor bag" style. It's in great condition, with the straw/ raffia intact, and the whiskey brown leather straps and trim with a little bit of wear. The brass metal studs, feet and clip look great.    The wooden rods through the leather at the top of the bag ensure the shape.    Check out the bottom. It has five brass stud feet.       Here's the back. Again.... typical wear for its age. I'll end up polishing the leather.       The only bummer about it is that the flap and twist lock was missing. Note the Romain lion logo on the front flap.    The interior John Romain logo and the date of "DEC 1970" is clearly seen.     But, the price was right at $3.99. I had to get creative to make this truly functional. So... I scoured the rest of t...

Isn't interesting that Coach is getting back to its classier and historic roots? I guess they're tired of riding the wave of conspicuous consumption "logo whores"? I'm really glad they are. I do like a quality label, but I don't like the things I own to BROADCAST it. Hello.... tacky!!!! Anyway.... I have a 1993 Coach bag (in British tan) in my personal collection (photo below). I added a modern chocolate leather Coach tag and a modern Coach ladybug charm for a little bit of fun color. I've had this bag for several years now, so I wanted to verify that it was real. So, I hit up Purseblogforum . Below is a close-up photo of my creed, with serial number of A9C-9927. I found one that is darker than mine being sold on eBay Authentic COACH Medium Brown Leather STATION WILLIS Brief Bag Anyway..... I am so thrilled that I bought this bag at an estate sale a couple years back for $10. The "New Willis" bags are going for $298.00 + tax....