I saved a $35 bag that looked unassuming to the untrained eye — but as soon as I saw the lining, I knew its true value

A FRUGAL discovery turned out to be much more valuable than one might think at first glance.

One savvy shopper said she knew the value of the secondhand style as soon as she checked out the lining.

Helena (@yooon_ie) filmed herself shopping at a thrift store in a viral video on TikTok.

She took out a black leather bag, examining the quality of the piece.

“Unassuming black bag to the untrained eye,” she said.

The real value of the thrift store find was hidden inside the lining, revealing its value.

TALE SIGNS

As soon as Helena opened the bag, she found the key to her true origins.

“Made in New York City Coach?” she added. “For $34.99? You know the drill.”

Helena started working on the bag, first washing it well to clean off any unwanted debris.

After some investigation, she concluded that the bag must be from the early 1980s – and the signs of aging were there.

She pointed out several stains on the bag and even a problem with the zipper, but she didn’t seem to be bothered by it all.

Helena used a small vacuum cleaner to clean the inside of the bag, conditioned the leather and adjusted the hardware.

The result was a revived Coach bag that clearly looked shiny.

CROWD REACTION

Several TikTokers chimed in to praise the results of the designer handbag revival.

“You inspired me to try restoring a vintage Coach bag I have,” one wrote. “Thanks.”

“I bought this brown bag in the early 90s and I still have it,” added another. “Thanks for showing me how to clean it.”

“I have this in olive green,” commented a third. “I saved too, for the same price.”

“I recognized it immediately,” wrote another. “That’s my grandma’s bag.”

“I bought a bag at my local thrift store for $7,” said another. “It was basically new.”

ABOUT THE BRAND

Coach is a couture brand known for its quality leather bags and purses.

The brand was founded in New York in 1941, according to their website.

“Inspired by the vision of Creative Director Stuart Vevers and the brave, inclusive spirit of our hometown, we make beautiful things, made to last – so you can be yourself,” Coach wrote.

Coach sells men’s and women’s pieces, ranging from accessories to clothing.

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