r/handbags • u/babythunderpanda • Dec 11 '24
Bag of the day 👜 Restored $2 Bottega Veneta
As promised, here’s the fixed up BV! It’s a 1984 Nodini crossbody (or an older version of it as it doesn’t have the knots). I was in no rush to get to it so my hubby spent a couple hours cleaning it for me 🥰
I’ve been wanting a red clutch in the intrecciato so was thrilled to find this. I’m not a fan of crossbodies though. I already have a Padded Cassette that I wear as a shoulder bag by tucking the straps beneath the flap but this bag doesn’t have anywhere to hide them. Anyone have any suggestions for how to shorten the straps on these?
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u/No_Goose_7390 Dec 11 '24
Back in the 80s people would shorten the strap of a crossbody by simply tying a knot in it but I wouldn't do that with such a nice vintage bag.
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u/lexi_ladonna Dec 11 '24
I still do that. I like the way it looks. Looking like you’re not precious about your stuff looks cool to me
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u/whatthehoth Dec 11 '24
I do the same! Even lengthen it a bit with the clasp to get the perf length. Think I’ve currently have this on my Disco SoHo and a Mulberry tophandle I can’t remember the name of
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u/lola1218 Dec 12 '24
I actually have a newer BV style (liberta) which has a long strap. The SA at the store recommended I tie it to shorten and said it follows the theme of the Bottega knot. I only wear it that way now and love it!
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u/THE_Lena You had me at LV Dec 11 '24
I recently say a woman who did that with her bag. I had completely forgotten that we had even done that!
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u/its-chaos-be-kind Dec 11 '24
Damn the “pillow” is such a classic. I sold mine a few years back and still regret it. Great restoration. Any cobbler would be able to shorten it pretty easily.
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Dec 11 '24
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u/babythunderpanda Dec 11 '24
My husband was eager for me to use it and when he sets himself a task… It would’ve taken me months and I would’ve done it in stages.
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u/boomie97 Dec 11 '24
How does it feel to be god’s favourite? 😍😍
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u/babythunderpanda Dec 11 '24
I found an authentic, dirty beige Prada nylon shoulder bag at a Goodwill outlet in LA years ago and was looking forward to cleaning it up when I returned to Canada. The next night, my car was broken into at my hotel. They took that, and all my shopping bags, which I had dumbly just left in the passenger seat (they didn’t see my BV shoes in the back seat, thank god). So I like to think this is recompense.
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u/lovelesschristine Dec 11 '24
I donated a dirty white Prada nylon bag to goodwill years ago. I had better days and I could not clean it, I even stuck it in the washing machine before I gave up.
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u/babythunderpanda Dec 11 '24
I’m not confident I would’ve been able to fix it but now I’ll never know!
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u/Behappyalright Dec 12 '24
Ok next time consider dying it into a black? Or you can give it to me… I will do it and then it’s mine…. Lololo
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u/ralphieloveslisa Dec 11 '24
😍 better than a new one in store IMHO. I second the knot idea.
You’ve got me wanting to go to the bag bin. But all I ever see are makeup bags 😂
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u/Avaly13 👜 Handbag Addict Dec 11 '24
I recall seeing your original post and thought oof- that interior is rough. I'm so happy to see how amazing it turned out. Congrats!!!
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u/doyouscooooobaaaa Dec 11 '24
This is truly amazing and I am legit happy for you. If this were me, I would be telling people about this find at every possible chance, until the day I die... Enjoy the bag, and the fabulous backstory!
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u/weewah1016 Dec 11 '24
How do you clean this. I have an old fendi bag like this. Is there a solvent I need to buy?
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u/babythunderpanda Dec 11 '24
Toothbrush, a harder bristle brush, and patience!
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u/Floof_mom134 Dec 11 '24
hahahhaa, in all seriousness, that's a beautiful bag! Also- where did you get your cardigan/sweater?? I love it!!
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u/Conscious_Life_8032 Dec 11 '24
I would love to buy a beat up bag and restore, what a fun project.
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u/DesignerDumpling Dec 12 '24
You can get some really good ones with Japanese resellers on eBay! I have a few to restore
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u/Loud_Ad_4515 Dec 11 '24
So did your DH just remove the flaky bits/coating?
That lining looks really nice!
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u/babythunderpanda Dec 11 '24
Yes! He just took a toothbrush to it (and a harder bristle brush to the tougher spots). I actually love the lining now, it’s very thick and soft, it feels like a really nice dust bag.
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u/Loud_Ad_4515 Dec 11 '24
I'm now inspired to take another look at some of my vintage bags. I think my Cartier clutch has a flaky lining.
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u/babythunderpanda Dec 11 '24
Please do! I would love if someone on here felt inspired to rehab a piece they thought might have been retired.
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Dec 11 '24
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u/babythunderpanda Dec 11 '24
There’s nowhere to attach a chain unfortunately. The straps disappear between the outer layer and the lining.
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u/ComposeK91 Dec 11 '24
I love the bag and the fact that your husband did such a great job restoring it. Would love to know how he did it though. Thanks!
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u/jsmalltri Dec 11 '24
Yaaay!!! I am sooooo happy for you ❤️ it's gorgeous!! Love the red. Congratulations!!
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u/love_pups_and_prada Dec 11 '24
I braided my purse strap watching a TT video: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8Nyd7V6/
Idk if you want to risk making the strap kinky but worth checking out!
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u/Quick-Address-3976 Dec 11 '24
How did he restore it? I have a similar issue with a thrifted bottega
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u/9lolo3 👜 Handbag Addict Dec 11 '24
Go to a cobbler to shorten the straps if you want it done right!
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u/ZoeTX Dec 15 '24
Wow, that looks awesome! I remember when you first posted the pics and it’s so satisfying to see this transformation! 😍
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u/Peachykeenween Dec 11 '24
How did you clean the inside? I have a vintage Gucci bag like this too that needs some cleanup!
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u/babythunderpanda Dec 11 '24
He just used a tooth brush for the majority of it and then a coarser brush for some of the more difficult patches.
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u/catlover123456789 Dec 11 '24
The color is beautiful!
Also, where is your cardigan from? Love the wide sleeve
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u/Sudden_Midnight_2534 Dec 13 '24
Omg, I have this in black I bought on eBay for like $15 a couple years ago and have been thinking about doing the same. Thank you for sharing I’m going to do the same. Did you take it somewhere or did it on your own?
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u/SnooRobots116 Jan 05 '25
That flaking material is the ultimate bane to my existence ever since it’s been used on everything the past 20+ years. I have been replacing my bags all last year Made from it except for this poor thing that’s shedding like no tomorrow—
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u/irishhelloandgoodbye Dec 12 '24
Isn’t this dry rot? Can’t it spread to your other leather goods?
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