Asking Handbag Experts: Purse Strap Dilemma

Okay so i am starting to realize I shouldn't thrift shop perhaps because I buy "projects"... these pants could be altered by X, this handbag by Y... so can you lovely YLFer's help me with the Y for this bag?

I found this vintage (40's 50's?) Elizabeth Arden leather handbag today for $3.50. I just loved it... cant say why exactly. The small handle was cracked and easy to remove so i did so and tried to replace (to make it cross body) with a piece of brass chain... total failure. The link looked to heavy and was uncomfortable too. I also dont think chain strap is necessarily my style. I dont think ill be matching the warm yellowish tan color easily (maybe i am wrong? if so where would i look for such a thing?) so perhaps a black leather strap with antiqued brass hardware?

Obviously NOT the one pictured, which I have clipped on from my gym bag for perhaps a color/idea illustration...

Thoughts and other ideas greatly appreciated!

ETA: pic 5 on the blue strap from another recent thrift handbag... modgirl is soooo right no more thrifting bags!

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14 years ago

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Great steal, and a classic bag. I wonder if you might not find another inexpensive thrifted bag just for the strap, and do a transplant. I could see going for a black or dark brown strap, or even red or another color.

modgrl

Use it a clutch. Not practical but so adorable. No more purse thrifting!

ManidipaM

How about a beaded strap? If you can find a cheap necklace or bead belt (tortoiseshell? wood? faux pearls would be great too!)... Or maybe repurpose a thin animal-print belt? Or maybe green leather? (Black feels a little too severe for this bag to me.)

christieanne

I like the idea of re purposing a belt and having it made into a new strap by cobbler. They should be able to do that. Of course most cobblers could make you a strap - probably in a darker brown? Something they have on hand - but it will be more $.

What about a scarf or length of ribbon woven into a brass chain?

Do you see using this as an everyday bag or a very occasional use bag? I am a vintage bag maniac - have had to stop myself plenty of times from buying more. I would have brought this home as well! But, I have come to the realization that the small lady like bags don't really fit my modern needs

Suz

This is SUCH a sweet bag. I'd have bought it, too. And I think you can put a different coloured strap on, no problem. The colour would depend on what you think you'll wear it with most often.

Anonymous

You may find an inexpensive bag with a clip on strap that you can use on this bag too. Rita 's idea of using it as a clutch, at least until the right strap shows up, seems a good solution. It's a great looking bag.

Fruitful

I love this darling bag! Honestly, I'd go ahead and wear it with the blue strap.

taylor

I would be all over that as a clutch!! great find!

Maybe three thin leather cords braided together, like white-tan-yellow. Or like modgirl saidp- use it as a clutch.

bj1111

clutch. is that real alligator? if so, that is an awesome find!!!

Deborah

If you love it (and what's not to love) I would have a cobbler see what he could do. You just might be able to match the color. If not it makes a very cool large sized clutch. It is quite stunning.

fashionista

I am with Joy and modgirl in this regard, and that's a great bag. The blue strap looks great as in pic #5, or you could use different colored straps to match some prints in your dress or tops or your shoes too. Use colored straps as accessory maybe!!!

Sarah A

thanks everyone who has taken the time to look and share ideas. I am thinking I will use on the blue strap for the time, but I love the idea of having a few changeouts to be able to coordinate, esp green, red and leopard are calling to me. I have a great cobbler locally so perhaps he can make me these items. Love the idea of a clutch but probably not very practical except for "date night"

@bj1111 ... Yes, I think it is real... It is lined in a fine leather and the hardware seems of very good quality.

@christieanne , yes I would imagine it as an everyday bag... It is quite a bit larger then what I have been using actually which were YLF vetoed as being a poor scale for me (they don't overwhelm their new owner who is 3 yr old if that is saying anything... Lol)

Awesome! I was thinking you wouldn't use a clutch, I know I never do. And my too-small faux-patent cream-that looks-dirty Fiorelli bag is proudly owned by my 3 year old

Oooh, hadn't seen the blue strap before, Sarah. Looks GREAT! Really makes that classic bag look up-to-the-minute retro modern.

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