Vintage black handbag - yay or nay?

Kirti

A local vintage store has this bag up on their Facebook page and I adore the shape! It is by designer Charles Jourdan from the 1980s.

What do you think? I would love your honest opinions!

(I am getting SO obsessed by bags off late!)

ETA: It is priced at €50. Slightly pricy, I know. But shoes by the same designer cost $200-$300 today and most bags seem to be between €50-€150 on Ebay.

This post has 1 photo. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

14 years ago

Shopping

17 replies

Latest reply was from christieanne

LoP

Veteran

I vote yay, but it would also depend on how much it costs. It has an interesting shape.

14 years ago

Kirti

(website)

Veteran

It costs €50. Now what do you say? I'm editing the post to add the price.

14 years ago

missvee

Veteran

The shape is so unusual I can see why you are drawn to it. For a real leather bag it's definitely worth 50 euros, so why not check it out? You may find it's not in pristine condition and then the decision is an easy one!

14 years ago

Kirti

(website)

Veteran

missvee: I will go check it out next week for sure! The owner (who I messaged on Facebook) said 'etat impeccable' so I'm hoping to find it in really good shape! Let's see

14 years ago

Meredith1953

Veteran

It is very interesting looking. Hope it is as nice as you want it to be!

14 years ago

Kirti

(website)

Veteran

Thanks Meredith

14 years ago

DonnaF

Veteran

Interesting shape -- unless you are a person who needs to have a bag stand upright by itself. Also, would the strap be too long even if worn cross-body? It looks like it could hang down to your knees. And if yes, could it be shortened? Finally, is it very deep front to back? I have a structured bag that is very shallow that way and it drives me nuts because it doesn't hold what I want it do. I can see why you love that bag!

14 years ago

Vildy

Veteran

OTOH, there was just a designer collection where the bags were deliberately hanging super low. I kinda liked it, though I don't know how it fares off the runway.

I like this bag you've found very much. I used to wear the Jourdan shoes years ago. Seems much further back than the 80's. Used to find them on deep sale at Saks, I think.

14 years ago

Kirti

(website)

Veteran

Donna F: Thank you for your comment - you've asked some very thought provoking questions!
I love the shape the most, so I wouldn't mind it not standing upright. The strap does look too long on the mannequin, I wouldn't want ti to be longer than my other crossbody bag (http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SIli.....C_0376.JPG). I will check this out when I go try it on next week (if it hasn't sold by then) and I will also see if the strap is adjustable. I will also carry my wallet and coin purse with me to see if they fit in the bag.

Again, thank you so much

14 years ago

Kirti

(website)

Veteran

Vildy: I'm sure someone taller than me could carry that style off! Being short, I'm hoping it doesn't hang too low. Wow, that's so cool to know! I didn't know anything about the brand - had to google it!

14 years ago

Anonymous

This has such an interesting shape. It almost reminds me of the art-deco period.

Kirti, back in the 80's we used to tie a knot in the top of the bag's strap if it was a bit too long for our liking. Since you're young, I think this would be a super cute bag, as long as it's practical. I bought a really cute little coin purse-shaped bag and it wasn't quite big enough to bit my bulky wallet and since it was plain black, it never really felt festive enough to use as an evening bag. I finally passed it on.

Don't you find there is even more pressure to decide on something when thrifting? There is only one item, and you feel like someone else is going to snap it up if you don't! Hopefully bag-fever will have passed by the time you go to look at it and you can make a rational decision. Hugs to you too, by the way! <<<>>>

14 years ago

Kirti

(website)

Veteran

Claire: For €50, I don't want to resort to knot tying, so I'm kind of hoping it isn't too long! I do agree that it needs to fit my wallet - otherwise, what's the point? My monthly budget is just €100 so if I'm going to spend half of it on a bag, it better be amazing!

And yes, I'm DYING to go snap it up tomorrow, but I can't afford it till next week so I will have to wait. I'm planning to go with a long checklist - length, size, condition etc. so that I don't end up purchasing something I'll regret.

Thanks for your comment

14 years ago

Debby

(website)

Active Member

If you really, truly love it, as in, you can't stop thinking about it, and plan outfits around it, I would get it before you lose it. You can always re-sell/consign it if you do change your mind.

I have lost too many vintage things (not clothes) and even current things because I waited too long to make up my mind.

14 years ago

Vildy

Veteran

Kirti, knot tying is so cool, though. It's only a couple steps removed from Birkin pasting stickers all over her own Birkin bag. Shows you're not too much impressed with the item.

14 years ago

ManidipaM

Veteran

Very cool bag, and like Claire, reminded me of Art Deco, which is so on-trend for RIGHT NOW!

Also, Debby makes a good point of being able to recoup your costs if it doesn't work out, seeing as it is a seemingly sought-after designer and this is one of his best-loved shapes.

Btw, how do you feel about stuffing the strap in and using it like a clutch, if it proves to be big enough? Being black, should be great for evenings too...

Good luck!

14 years ago

Kirti

(website)

Veteran

Debby: I wish I could, but I won't be able to go till next week! I just hope it will still be there!!!

Vildy: I never thought about that

Manidipa: I like the idea! But frankly, I'm not a 'going out' kind of person at all. I don't go to parties where I would need an evening purse!

14 years ago

christieanne

Veteran

Oh my Claire - I do remember the knot tying in long bag straps! That's quite a flashback.

I like the bag but you should consider if it melds well with your fashion style (I have not seen enough of your posts to advise - sorry) or if it is a fantasy style item? The last thing you would want is to invest in something you never wear.

There are vintage cross body alternatives - I am all of a sudden seeing a renaissance in 80's Coach bags for example. They were well made and pretty classic.

Will be curious what you think when you try in person!

14 years ago

Category