The Leather Surgeon

You probably already know that I'm a big fan of designer handbags. I just am, ok? Sue me. I've been on the hunt for a mini flap Chanel for a while and while discussing said hunt with my friend Heather, she told me about her most recent purchase on therealreal.com Girlfriend pulled the trigger and got herself a 2.55 Double Flap. She got it for a insanely good price but the condition was less than perfect (hence, the bomb price).

Not sure how, but she heard about this guy online who calls himself The Leather Surgeon. Look at the before pics of her bag:

So not in TERRIBLE shape, it's not like it was run over by a truck, but definitely worn.

Now look at the afters!!

Pretty incredible, right? Obviously it's not cheap; this cost about 1/3rd of the price of the bag, but when you're getting a handbag so heavily discounted, it still comes out so much less expensive than what you'd pay retail and brand new.

Here's his website:

It took about a week for the handbag to come back (you mail it into this dude) and voila. It's almost brand new. GENIUS, RIGHT!

Also good for those of us who want to sell our designer bags that we don't use anymore but want to get them in better shape to get a better price.

Have I been living under a rock? Have you guys heard of this before?