Okay, so I’ve been on this vintage Coach bag kick lately, and I found this really cool pre-Creed pouch. I gotta share the whole process, ’cause it was a bit of a journey!
The Hunt Begins
First, I started scouring the internet. I spent hours on vintage sites, online marketplaces. My eyes were practically glued to the screen, looking for that perfect pouch. You know, the one that just screams “vintage cool” without being totally beat up.
Spotting the Potential
I finally found one! It was listed as a “vintage leather pouch,” no mention of Coach, which is kinda what you want. That usually means it’s pre-Creed (before they started stamping them all). The pictures were decent, not amazing, but I could see some potential. It was a bit dirty and had some scuffs, but the shape was good, and the leather looked like it had that nice, worn-in patina.
Taking the Plunge
I decided to go for it. I messaged the seller, asked a few questions about the size and any major flaws, and then hit that “buy” button. I was nervous, but also super excited! The price was reasonable, and I get satisfaction from the process.
The Arrival and Assessment
A few days later, the package arrived. I ripped it open like a kid on Christmas morning. The pouch was definitely in need of some love, but it was even better in person. The leather felt amazing, that real, thick, old-school leather. No weird smells, which is always a plus with vintage stuff.
The Cleaning Process
This is where the real work began. I gathered my cleaning supplies:
- Leather cleaner (a gentle one!)
- Leather conditioner
- Soft cloths
- A soft-bristled brush (an old toothbrush works great)
I started by gently brushing off any loose dirt and dust. Then, I tested the leather cleaner on a small, inconspicuous area to make sure it wouldn’t damage the leather. All good! I applied the cleaner to a cloth and carefully wiped down the entire pouch, inside and out. I repeated this a couple of times until the cloth came away clean.
The last step which I did was, conditioning. After the pouch was completely dry, I applied a thin layer of leather conditioner. This helps to keep the leather supple and prevent it from cracking. I let the conditioner soak in for a few hours, then buffed it off with a clean cloth.
The Transformation
The difference was amazing! The pouch looked so much better. The leather was clean, hydrated, and had a beautiful, soft sheen. The scuffs were still there, but they just added to the character. It really felt like I had brought this little piece of history back to life. It’s now a piece of me, and I’m happy I made it.
Enjoying the Reward
Now, I’m using this pouch all the time. It’s the perfect size for my essentials, and it just adds a little bit of vintage flair to my everyday style. I love the feeling of carrying something with a history, and knowing that I played a part in preserving it.
It’s my daily companion now, and I’m totally hooked on this.
