10 Tips On How To Store Vintage Purses

Photo Credit:  Anna Barcelona

Welcome Vintage Purse fans!  Ever wonder how to store all those vintage bags so they stay as fresh (and good smelling) as ones 20 years newer?  It is possible to have that, if one is diligent about the environment that your delicate purse is in.  Think of your purse as a living sponge that is more porous than when it is newer, a little less moist, and could pick up nearly anything from the environment. You would never leave your purse in a smokey room, for example, if you really cared about having it fresh and new(est) as possible.

So, since vintage purses often need more help when it comes to storage than newer ones, here are some tips to "baby" your precious ones and giving them lots of TLC...they will thank you for your loving care with many more years of usefulness as the high quality bags they are meant to be...

1)  Be sure that your vintage purse is stored in a place that has temperature control between 50 - 80 degrees with the use of central air and heat.

2)  Humidity can wreak havoc on leather and other fabrics - the true sweet spot for optimal humidity for delicate materials is around 55 percent, according to Diane Piegza, VP of corporate communications at Sovran Self Storage.

3)  Store out of sunlight since it can cause fading.

4) The room would ideally be cool and dry, but not in a garage since temperature fluctuations, pests and sunlight can cause damage.  Cooler temps help prevent mold growth, discourage pests and drying out of leather. 

5)  Do not store any purses in air tight containers since these contribute to mold and mildew growth.

6)  Proper ventilation is critical to keeping your articles fresh smelling with no mildewy, moldy odors.

7)  Keep away from cooking areas or cigarettes.  Smoke and other elements in the air can permeate fabrics and leather.

8)  Chemical desiccants (like the packets found in pill bottles and food) are excellent for preventing mold growth due to moisture.  Purchase these at self-storage facilities.

9)  Keep your bags in areas where they will be protected from dust, also.  They should ideally be placed in breathable bags made of fabric or paper.  Or, they could be stored in wooden boxes or drawers.  It would even be acceptable to use cardboard boxes to protect them from environmental elements.  
10)  Occasionally remove your bags from storage for them to spend a day airing out in a climate controlled, well-ventilated area free from dander, dust, moisture, smoke or excessive sunlight.

Well, hope you liked these tips...if you follow them, you will keep your "babies" in tiptop vintage condition. : )

This has been lots of fun but gotta go..., until next time... CHOW!! : )

Check out Newprairiestore to see all the cool vintage!!

What's Different About The Leather On Vintage Coach Purses? (with pictures)

Hi Vintage Purse Fans! Have you ever wondered what really is DIFFERENT about the leather on Vintage Coach Purses? Coach uses various types of leather, but something they all have in common is that they are of a nice quality leather. This is one way that you can tell whether your bag is authentic or not. Coach leather is not thin, does not crack when folded in half...instead, it is relatively soft, moderately thick, and durable. It should not be easily damaged by folding or compressing. And, under most circumstances, it should not peel.

Most of the leather on the vintage bags is made of gloved-tanned leather. So, what exactly is glove tanned leather? It is made with the similar process that is used in making baseball gloves that are made to last. More specifically, the designation of being "glove tanned" means it has a high oil content and the amount of oil used in tannage is key to the desired softness (as well as the milling process). Also of interest is that the vintage glove tanned leather is NOT the same as the leather seen in the Coach purses made today since the vintage leather is thicker - made of heavier cowhides. Plus, these bags were all handmade by workers in the US or oversea companies. Coach discontinued using gloved tanned leather after the late nineties due to cost effectiveness and wanting to change the look of their bags. Here are some pictures of some beautiful glove tanned leather for you to see...

Well, that should give you a pretty good idea about the leather characteristics.  If you have some of these beautiful vintage bags, you should already know the difference that their quality leather makes in their looks and durability.  They just seem to last and last!

Guess that's all for now...
Until next time... CHOW! : )


Check out Newprairiestore to see all the cool vintage!!

Fall Is For Brown Vintage Purses...Coach, Dooney, Fossil, Western Leather...ya!!!!!!

Hi Vintage Purse Fans!! It's hot today, but the weather is cooling off in the next week or two...time to get out the BROWNS and ORANGE clothes! And, what could be nicer than a BROWN vintage bag to carry? Actually, they would work any season, but they are in their heydays during the fall, for sure. Coach, Dooney & Bourke, Fossil, Brighton, Nine West...ya!! So, just for your enjoyment...here are some really cool BROWN(ish) vintage bags...

Here is one of my FAVS...a gorgeous Dooney & Bourke that just looks like "Fall and Winter" to me...

Vintage Dooney & Bourke All Weather Purse - BUY NOW 

And, this bag doesn't need much said about it...the workmanship is FABULOUS!...

Vintage Western Tooled Leather Purse - JUST SOLD

And, if you like a medium-smallish bag - this one should fit the bill

FOSSIL Vintage Basket Weave Leather Shoulder Bag - SOLD 

For all you Vintage Western Aficionados...

Repurposed Vintage Tony Lama Western Boot Purse - SOLD

This is definitely for those with a romantic side to them!...

Vintage Wooden Handbag - BUY NOW

And, go in style with a large Fossil leather bag...it would fit nearly anything (minus the kitchen sink and I'm not sure if that wouldn't fit...hehe) ...

Vintage Fossil Leather Tote Bag Purse - SOLD 

Well, Vintage Purse Fans...there are more where these came from and so I'll have to work on this for another post, too!  But, I'll be getting my own BROWN bags out - you can bet on it!

So, until next time... CHOW!! : )


Check out Newprairiestore to see all the cool vintage!!

Caring For Your Vintage Purses

Photo Credit:  Nancy Qian

Hi Vintage Purse Fans!  Owning Vintage Purses requires some care that you may or may not give to your newer bags.  They may be a little bit more delicate, have leather that is a little bit more worn, or just need a treatment to bring them back to life.  Whatever the case...here are some good tips for your Vintage Purses:

1.  Always store your bags in a cool, dry place that is free from dander, dust or smoke.
2.  Keep them in storage bags - if you don't have any, you may use something as simple as a pillow case.
3.  Clean the leather ones with a good leather cleaner or saddle soap.  Finish by rinsing well, drying, and applying a moisturizer like mink oil
4.  Apply a small amount of toothpaste to an old toothbrush and carefully polish metal hardware.  Buff dry with a soft cloth
5.  Wipe the interior of the bag with a damp cloth (could use a small amount of soap).  Do not do this to any silk or satin interiors, only cotton or nylon.  If the interior is suede, it is not good to get it wet, so use a brush instead.
6.  Rub zippers with beeswax to keep them in good working order.
7.  Brush suede exteriors with a good suede brush, brush in an upward fashion.
8.  Stuff purses with paper when storing to help them retain their shape.
9.  Take to a professional leather cleaner or shoe repair shop if there are any major repairs needed.  But, if you have a Louie Vuitton or similar bag, contact the company since they will often do the repairs.

And, last but not least...enjoy all your vintage bags! : )

Until next time.... CHOW!! : )

License:  https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/legalcode

1. • Clean leather by applying a small amount of leather cleaner or saddle soap to a cloth and lightly rubbing soiled areas in a circular motion, wipe clean and allow to dry. Moisturize the purse by applying a small amount of leather moisturizer to a piece of cloth, then rubbing the moisturizer onto the exterior of the purse using small circular motions.
   • 2
     Clean suede by brushing the suede in an upward motion using a suede brush or thick towel. Remove dry stains with a tip of a coarse eraser.
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   • 3
     Clean the interior of the bag by removing small particles of dirt with a lint or fabric brush. Wipe the interior of the bag with a damp cloth.
   • 4
     Add a small amount of silver or brass polisher to a piece of cloth and lightly polish your purse's hardware. Remove excess polish and buff clean.
   • 5
     Rub zippers with beeswax to keep them running smoothly and easily up the zipper track. Apply a small amount of WD-40 to a rusted zipper to remove rust.
   • 6
     Sew loose seams and interior lining rips with a sewing machine or by hand, using an appropriate needle type and matching thread.
   • 7
     Stuff acid-free tissue paper inside the bag, place the bag in its original dust bag or into a cotton pillow case, then store the bag in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight.

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Read more : http://www.ehow.com/how_4818169_care-clean-vintage-handbags-purses.html

1. • Clean leather by applying a small amount of leather cleaner or saddle soap to a cloth and lightly rubbing soiled areas in a circular motion, wipe clean and allow to dry. Moisturize the purse by applying a small amount of leather moisturizer to a piece of cloth, then rubbing the moisturizer onto the exterior of the purse using small circular motions.
   • 2
     Clean suede by brushing the suede in an upward motion using a suede brush or thick towel. Remove dry stains with a tip of a coarse eraser.
   • Sponsored Links
     

     • Used Rolex Price Guide
       Find Out What A Rolex is Worth. Get Free Quotes - Visit Us Online!
       www.bobswatches.com
   • 3
     Clean the interior of the bag by removing small particles of dirt with a lint or fabric brush. Wipe the interior of the bag with a damp cloth.
   • 4
     Add a small amount of silver or brass polisher to a piece of cloth and lightly polish your purse's hardware. Remove excess polish and buff clean.
   • 5
     Rub zippers with beeswax to keep them running smoothly and easily up the zipper track. Apply a small amount of WD-40 to a rusted zipper to remove rust.
   • 6
     Sew loose seams and interior lining rips with a sewing machine or by hand, using an appropriate needle type and matching thread.
   • 7
     Stuff acid-free tissue paper inside the bag, place the bag in its original dust bag or into a cotton pillow case, then store the bag in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight.

Sponsored Links

Read more : http://www.ehow.com/how_4818169_care-clean-vintage-handbags-purses.html

Check out Newprairiestore to see all the cool vintage!!

Vintage Purses for Fall

Hi Vintage Purse Fans!  It's practically fall and summer is ending fast...time to put away the summer clothes and get your closet ready for fall and winter!  And, since Vintage Purses are IN again this season (many designers are even making their new purses have a "Vintage Look"...we've got some that would mix nicely with the current fashions...

This purse has a romantic, western look to it...

Vintage Wooden Purse  - BUY NOW

And, this vintage western bag is sooo pretty!...

Western Vintage Tooled Leather Purse - SOLD

This rust leather vintage Nine West bag is PERFECT for fall...

Vintage Nine West Leather Purse ~ BUY NOW

Browns are IN and this Coach Saddle bag is just gorgeous!...

Vintage Coach Brown Leather Saddle Bag Purse - SOLD

A Horse lover would look stunning with this bag!...

Vintage Straw and Leather Basketweave Equestrian Purse - SOLD 

Rust leather in a Coach bag...yes!

Vintage Rust Leather Coach Purse - SOLD

 Well, Vintage Purse Fans...that's all for now - but, we will be back SOON for more Vintage Purse News!

Until next time... CHOW! : )

Check out Newprairiestore to see all the cool vintage!!