Leather From Your Favorite Brands Explained

Photo: The Shoe Lady of the classic Doc Martens 1460 boots in Smooth Leather

Consumer choice is fabulous, isn't it? You get to choose and personalize what to buy to fit your budget, likes and needs.

Have you ever shopped at a famous retailer only to be confused by the many types of leather offered? I created a cheat sheet of 4 popular brands for you, using the leather terms as used by each one below. My cheat sheet doesn't include every textile the 4 merchants sell, but lists the most common types of leather skins/treatments in their collections. So without further ado:

Coach bags

1) Glovetanned💎 - It's the same type of leather used to make baseball gloves. The leather is rich and substantial and can take lots of abuse. It softens and acquires a worn-in charm with wear.

2) Crossgrain💎 - is leather embossed of imperfections at very high heat, it is structured, or stiff, sturdy and lightweight. Both scratch and water resistant and very easy to wipe clean.

3) Pebble💎 - Also strong and substantial, but pebble leather is supple and gets softer with use. It has a raised, refined bumpy texture from the tanning and doesn't show scratches easily.

4) Suede - Dressy and elegant, it is a brushed, more delicate leather. You must take care of it.

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Hermès bags

Although I have examined and touched the bags often, I don't own one, so can't offer any personal anecdotes. The leathers include:

1) Clemence - Comes from the hide of a baby bull, the leather is grainy, flat, matted and scratch resistant. While durable, it is not water-resistant and will blister over time if exposed to water. Said to be a great every day leather, not withstanding rain.

2) Epsom💎 - Finer grains of leather than Clemence, it's extremely light and scratch resistant and water-resistant. An easy to clean leather.

3) Varanus/Lizard - Comes in matte (smooth) and lisse (shinny), the material can dry out. Falls under Hermès exotic leather category.

4) Togo💎 - Tanned from baby calf hide, it's a thicker, heavier leather with a soft pebbled finish that softens and tends to slouch more than the structured Epsom leather.

5) Ostrich - The leather has noticeable pores that run evenly throughout the surface. It's the most durable of Hermès exotic leathers.

6) Alligator and Crocodile - Available in matte (smooth) or lisse (shinier). The alligator is farmed in Florida, the crocodile comes from the Nile region of Zimbabwe. Both are considered delicate leathers, especially Alligator and are more expensive. Oddly enough after being turned into bags, they need to avoid water!

7) Rarer calf leathers include: Bernie Natural; Box Calf; and Chamonix. (Go here for detailed information on all of Hermès leathers.) Often those leathers come up for sell as vintage Hermès bags.

Buffalo Skipper Leather

8) Buffalo Skipper💎 - Made from water buffalo. The leather is water resistant.

9) Vache Liegee💎 - Cowhide, stiff, structured and lasting, it's Hermès thickest leather.

10) Fjord💎 - Flat-grained, matte cowhide that is soft yet heavy and durable, also scratch resistant and water resistant. You can see lines or veins in the leather.

11) 2 Goat leathers💎 - They are called Chevre de Coromandel and Chevre Mysore.

12) Doblis Suede - a soft, brushed, delicate leather.

 

Interesting fact: Suede and nubuck look similar but are different: Suede "is crafted by sanding or rubbing the inside layer of the leather hide. Nubuck is crafted from the sanded outside layer of the leather hide. The outside layer of the leather hide tends to be much thicker, sturdier, and durable," according to theshoelady website which I linked above. Wow, this sure explains why my "suede" all-weather mocs are weatherproof!😉

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Classic Chanel bags

With Chanel, I'm assuming you are a beginner. If you own the classics, you aren't splitting hairs anymore and don't need a cheat sheet. I own an inspired Chanel 2.55 flap (not an illegal replica) jumbo bag in lambskin, and I wish I had bought a medium -- a size more suitable for gala events. The Chanel SAs always think it's a real Chanel bag when I enter their shops, so it gets me offers of bottled water and cups of tea. I take the water, not the tea. I think accepting the tea is dishonest. Every-thirsty-body deserves water. :)

1) Caviar💎 - is calf leather, scratch resistant, and more durable.

2) Lambskin - is a softer, delicate leather that is rich and buttery but scratches easily so it must be handled with more care than caviar leather.

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Doc Martens Boots

1) Smooth Leather💎 - Famously stiff and must be broken in, Smooth Leather is the classic choice that forms to your feet. Once broken in, the boots are comfortable and durable.

2) Patent Lamper💎 - A fine grain leather coated with a high glossy finish, it is a tad stiffer than the smooth leather.

3) Nappa and Virginia - Supple leathers with a pliable feel and matte appearance. The leathers are comfortable to wear straight out of the box.

4) Arcadia - A smooth and glossy leather designed to tarnish with wear. "Over time, it’s two-tone 'rub-off' surface reveals a lighter contrast color underneath," especially "in the toe and heel areas."

From this list of 4 brands we have a rule of thumb to extend to the leather goods of other retailers. Leathers that come from the hides of cows and goats are stronger than lambskin or reptile leathers. Smooth cow leather tends to be stiffer and more durable than Nappa, or suede leather (unless specially treated). Suede or Nappa leather tends to be a dressier (buttery), yet more delicate leather. Patent leather is another dressy, stiff -- yet durable leather. 

For value shoppers, I put a diamond💎 by the most durable leathers offered by each brand. (I could've marked all the Doc Martens boots with a 💎. All are durable and affordable!) When it comes to real life purchases, however, your budget, lifestyle and likes determine what you should buy.

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Bag Alternatives To Hermes, Chanel And Dior Part II

Bag Alternatives To Hermes, Chanel And Dior Part II

The lovely Lady Dior

When I wrote a blog on bags to buy that give you a Hermès or Chanel vibe for less, I didn't expect to write a part II ... yet, if you read the post, here we are. Let me toss the Lady Dior into the mix. 

The following leather bags are not replicas (illegal) nor dupes (inspired and legal). Nobody will mistake them for Hermès, Chanel or Dior ... but perhaps you're not a person who needs to fool anyone. Perhaps you don't want to pay a crazy amount of money to own a French label. You're a fashionista and bag lover, yes! Yet one who seeks quality and value with style. Keep your money in the bank, sister! Alternative bags for less you'll love include:

1) Coach Zoe Carryall (rather than a Lady Dior) - As much as I love the Lady Dior in either black with gold hardware or black with black hardware, at $4,900 for a medium, it doesn't love me back! Instead, I own a Coach Zoe Carryall. And I love it too! In lieu of lambskin with charms, the Coach Zoe Carryall has supple pebbled leather with a gold lock and key that really work. The pebbled leather is scratch-resistant and ultra durable. You don't have to baby it, a trait I like in a bag, not wishing to spend on a bag I can't use. Plus, IMO, it's much more versatile. Diana, the Princess of Wales, was one of only a few people who could take her Lady Dior to work. Frankly, Coach is my brand of choice, but for my readers who pine for the Hermès and Chanel vibes, please continue.

2) Saint Laurent Manhattan (instead of a Hermès Kelly) - Sturdy calf leather for much less moola than a Kelly and yet a customer still has a top-notch designer handbag, luxury craftsmanship included with a Kelly vibe.

3) Tuscany Leather Firenze (in lieu of a Hermès Birkin). Hammered Italian leather with pockets and zippers in several colors and gold hardware. Comes with a dust bag, as well as, almost enough savings left over to buy a car. 

4) Tory Burch has a variety of stylish quilted leather bags (which are well-made yet 3 - 4 - 5 times less than Chanel quilted bags: 4-a) the Fleming Convertible Shoulder bag and 4-b) the Fleming Quilted Leather tote are 2 of several Tory Burch styles to have a Chanel vibe. Kate Spade has a few French-vibe bags in both leather and vegan leather in her line also that are easy to google, or spot at T.J. Maxx.

Kate Spade

What are Dior, Hermès, or Chanel bags worth to you? We all want to get a lot for our money. Perhaps one of the above-featured chic leather bags {along with the cash left in your piggy bank} is fine enough. You decide~

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5 Coach Outlet Bags Reduced And Fabulous

The Coach Emery bag I love costs $395, cheaper than Chanel or Louis Vuitton, yet still steep (see the blog here). As a value shopper, it may be a while before the price drops enough for me to own it. Meanwhile, there's no need to wait to replace a bag! 

The Coach Outlet online store has so many beautiful full-grain leather bags so we can always find quality and style for less equivalent to our budget-buster 1st choice. And since the holiday gift shopping season is here, I'll select several winning Coach bags costing under $100. $100 finds keep $300 in the bank! Perhaps you, too, can replace your own bag, or find a holiday gift for a loved one:

1) First up is the Gallery Tote - (Top image↑) - It is made of cross-grain leather and has outside and inside pockets. Both the body and shoulder strap are of sturdy leather construction. These days many leather totes and purses cut corners with a cloth strap, but not Coach!

2) The Rowan Satchel - is another cross-grain leather bag with exterior and interior pockets for organization. The Rowan has a structured design; zippers; and 4 chic golden feet. I bought this bag in black with gold hardware. It comes in 6 colors of leather, as well as, several colors in canvas.

3) Lena Crossbody - Fans of bucket bags will love the Lena Crossbody for its inside pocket and large capacity to hold lots of stuff. The bag is of cross-grain leather and has a drawstring and snap closures. A gorgeous green color, it has an emerald interior that one reviewer uses turned inside out. As I like to say, once you pay for a product and walk out the door, it's nobody's business how you use it!

4) The Mae File Crossbody - is of refined pebble leather, which is one of my favorite textures of leather because pebble leather is scratch-resistant and stays new looking for decades! Like the other Coach bags, there are inside and outside pockets, and it comes in several colors. Had I had to stick with the same shape as my budget-buster 1st choice, the Emery bag, I would have bought the Mae File Crossbody instead of the Rowan Satchel. However, I like the structured look of the Rowan with its too cute golden feet better.

5) Mini Camera Bag -  Camera bags are wildly popular at the moment. IMHO, men can carry them too without looking feminine, not that there's anything wrong with men who adorn a feminine accessory as what is considered feminine for men evolves. The Mini Camera bag comes in black and an array of colors, as well as, in leather and canvas. The name says mini, yet the purse is a decent, practical size. There's also a bigger size for just over $100.

In life, many of us live on a budget. As a wise person said, "Ain't nothin' wrong with that!" When you can't always get what you want certainly at Coach, you can get what you need and love ... which are stylish bags in full-grain leather of lasting quality ... in black with gold hardware, or a lovely new color to complement your wardrobe. Enjoy!😍

Extra budget tips:

Happy and casual

1) Personally I buy bags in understated, neutral colors to go with all my outfits and coats. But if a unique hue brings you joy and despite its limited use, there's nothing wrong with buying it. On the other hand, if you want a bag to go with everything, stick with understated neutral colors. The bag on the right is adorable, but the combination of colors makes it a casual bag limiting its use. Complements your black or camel coat, yet not your red plaid trousers.

2) Skip the pricey SLGs (Small Leather Goods) - Compared to the cost of a bag, SLGs are expensive. The Coach wallet on the left is stylish and well-make, but it will wear out faster than the bags and for a few dollars more, you can buy a bag! Instead, I buy nice enough SLGs from T.J. Maxx for $8 - $15, which look fabulous inside my better value Coach bags, leaving more dollar bills to put in the wallet! Plus, you never know what brands will end up at T.J. Maxx discounted! I see Italian leather and designer names all the time! Budget-friendly SLGs are equally stylish, durable, and hurt less to replace.🦖

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Chunky Is Autumn Trendy

Photo: Marissa Cox - Suzanne chunky sweater.

This fall's fashion buzz word is chunky. Chunky sweaters, chunky jewelry and especially chunky chains on everything from wearing one around your neck to hanging it off your purse. The following are examples of the chunky chain trend:

Brinker & Eliza Spiral Staircase Necklace 

Pomellato 18k rose gold bracelet

Lovely rings that could probably be worn every day and to galas. Versatility is ideal for what we buy.

This autumn chunky gold cocktail rings replace delicate understated gold bands. To show the trend, I'm using statement rings of what I like😍 (not necessarily of what I can afford). To the left is a & Other Stories Chunky Color Block ring. To the right is a Bulgari East-West diamond ring. What works for me is to find something I like, then let it lead me to something similar in style I can afford.

 

Coach, along with other purse designers, has trendy chains gracing their bags in their new fall collections. The Signature Chain Hobo bag on the left is available on the Coach outlet website, while the Hutton Shoulder bag on the right isn't yet.

I like the chunky chain look but won't go out of my way to buy it. Once the trend ends, it will look dated. Yet I wouldn't say no to the Pomella 18K gold bracelet, the Bulgari diamond ring, or the Hutton ... which leads me to ponder ... how do bloggers get on those luxury goods freebie lists? I'm an apt blogger who isn't on any such lists! At least, dear readers, you know my topics and product reviews are totally unbiased.

ASOS Fashion Union cardigan

Unlike chunky chains, the chunky sweater seems to be a wardrobe staple. Forever fashionable on a frigid fall day. As it happens, I like my sweaters soft and a bit fitted, yet also loose ... more oversized than tight. 

 

Will you be hopping on the chunky trend bandwagon?

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Coach Emery Crossbody Bag

To save money know what you want.

As much as I admire Chanel and Hermes, bags are not an item I spend thousands of dollars to buy. I don't overspend on goods that wear out with use (and in fairness the luxury market isn't intended for value shoppers). Jewelry is more my luxury buy temptation ... yet, I can get a nice piece of jewelry -- real gold and stones -- for thousands less than what either of these designers charges for their bags. $7,100 is crazy for a Jumbo Chanel Double Flap, and $11,900 is too much for a Hermes Kelly bag (it has a shoulder crossover strap). The Birkin starts at $12,000 (and does not crossover).

My purse of choice is Coach which I feature here. I love the indestructible leather and good craftsmanship of Coach bags. I covet their new Emery crossover bag because it is a return to the 2 Coach bags I bought decades ago. Made of thick pebble leather which never scratches or seems to age, you can get it wet in the rain or snow, and it takes the abuse. I don't wish to baby a bag (although I do take care of them).

The new colors of Emery bags just launched at $395, however I plan to wait for this bag to go on sale. If you buy last year's colors, you can get this bag for less than half price. I want black which Coach never discounts, so I must wait for the sales of other retailers who carry the bag.👀 

That's fine with me as I have a bag to use (and no events to go to) while I patiently wait for the best price. 

Some would call it minimalist, others might say sophisticated, the Emery Crossover Bag is perfect for me. Classic black with gold hardware (ahh, reminds me of jewelry🙂)! Sleek and compact with inside and outside compartments to organize essentials. A sturdy shoulder strap keeps my hands free.

The bag just re-launched and isn't going anywhere soon. Tick-tock, the countdown for this gal begins!

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Big Ticket Looks For Less

Macy's offers Effy "Brasillica" Emerald Collection.

For some things you absorb the cost; for other things you don't. Where top quality matters, we must pay the piper, and at other times, budget-friendly is good enough.

With goods (and services), I might look at the apex of quality, then compare it to the tiers, of what's available. (Hey ... your girl needs to know!) I consider what I like about the top of the heap items … separating my ''wants" from my ''needs." Will the merchandise make my life better, easier or happier? When the answer is yes, I (splurge) and buy it. If no, I (save) by buying good enough.

Frequently with apparel, accessories and jewelry, we want them more than need them.😍 Am I right?

If I don't need it, but only want it (whatever "it" is), I ask, can I afford it? Next, if costly, will spending 10 times more give me 10 times more use, satisfaction or happiness? Or will the cheaper alternative do the trick? Can I get the look or convenience I seek without emptying my wallet? Even when not an exact match, often I can find "the look" for less. And if the cheaper item happens to be less durable at a fraction of the cost, I can afford to replace it, still coming out ahead.

The following are 3 proxies for bigger ticket items to give you the look, or satisfaction for less:

1) Effy vs Effy at Macy's - Like other big department stores, Macy's has partnered with several jewelers including Effy's, Marchesa, LeVian, and RARE Featuring GEMFIELDS to offer an array of fine mid-priced jewelry. Real gold and gems: The precious stones (diamonds, sapphires, rubies and emeralds) are consumer, not heirloom grade, yet you get great value for the money and lovely pieces. Moreover, if you buy directly from the jewelers, you will always pay 2 or 3 times more! But with Macy's unbeatable sales, you can get parallel bling for much less. With several independent jewelers under one roof, put your favorite earrings, rings, bracelets or necklaces on a wish list and wait for the Friends and Family, or the Deal of the Day sales for the lowest prices. Plus always check Clearance and Last Acts. You can save 1000s of dollars!

The same applies to clothes. Look for markdowns on designer suits, jackets, or pants by finding them in department stores. Ralph Lauren, Annie Sui, or Oscar de la Renta will never match such sales in their shops.

2) Athleta Santorini Thera dresses vs Old Navy Swing dresses - The Athleta dress on the left is better made and will last much longer than the Old Navy Swing dress on the right. But is it worth nearly $100? It's not where I'd drop a Benjamin Franklin. I'd rather pay $10.93 - $25 for summer dresses, then mindlessly machine wash and dry them, plus get more than one color or pattern.

3) Chanel vs Adele flap bags - During our pandemic Chanel increased the cost of its already over-priced handbags. Who does that with so many people suffering and out of work? Chanel executives, that's who!! The jumbo is now $7,100 [from $6,400 - up 11%], and the medium costs $6,500 [from $5,800 - up 12.1%]. A wallet on a chain, popular to use as an evening bag, rose to $3,100 [from $2,500 - up 26%]. Frankly I don't think the quality justifies Chanel's price hikes. Their purses are mass-produced! So if you like the Chanel classic look, find an inspired bag! Here's an evening wallet on a chain size. Another one from Sakes Fifth Avnenue in leather made in Italy. Good luck on the resale market  -- Fashionphile, the RealReal, Rebag, Vestiarie Collective, Farfetch and others --  will also go up to reflect the new prices of Chanel's handbags.

Savvy Shoppers don't pay for labels alone. We find genuine quality, value and deals for less! Enjoy a splurge that is also a save.💰💸😎


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A Convertible Briefcase

Once upon a time a briefcase was heavy, bulky, full-grain leather and expensive. No wonder the man of the house threw his back out periodically! But times change, and nowadays there are many user-friendly styles available. 

Hands-free of weight, a convertible briefcase is the only way to go! Today I'll feature two briefcases I like, both under $50.

First up, Ecosusi's Woman's Briefcase Backpack is multi-functional. Made of soft vegan leather, it holds a 14-inch laptop; has 2 sections (a wide and a slim) and wears like a backpack. Brass hardware for enclosures. Plus it comes with a separate small purse for pens and small items. Adorable style in 4 different colors, and if you prefer more of a handbag look, this is the one for you.

I have owned the next briefcase for about 2 years. Mine, too, is slender; designed to organize; and it looks more like a briefcase than the 1st one. At times T. J. Maxx sells this 2nd briefcase for half its listed price ($25!).

The name, Solo's Duane Convertible Briefcase, is made of grey polyester fabric and suitable for both men and women. I selected the polyester material for its durability in all types of weather, and it's proven to be rain resistant.

The interior is divided into two large compartments with a 3rd inside slim pocket. One compartment is fully padded to hold a 15.2-inch laptop. Furthermore, there are 2 attached good-sized front pouches with inside slits to hold lists; IDs; credit cards; a phone; or thin electronics. There is also a large slit-pocket in the back by the shoulder straps that fits a magazine. 

The 2 center carrying handles, hold together with magnetic snaps and are padded to make carrying the briefcase comfortable. But I don't carry it very far. I wear it as a backpack.

Lots of zippers make opening and closing the briefcase a breeze! With so many amazing pockets for storage, I confess to sometimes organizing a few of my essentials out of existence. C'mon, you do it too, right?😳

Solo's briefcase is more stylish in person. Since I rarely stuff books in mine, only notes and papers, an iPad, a snack (Yes, a snack. Who are you judging?😏), water, and a small umbrella, it's thin when I carry it. I love how strong it is on occasions I do carry my laptop or extra stuff.

For a 3rd choice of a convertible briefcase that is a full-grain Italian leather with a hefty price tag to match go here to one of my earlier blogs. Senreve's Maestra will last a lifetime versus replacing a cheaper briefcase a number of times. Yet clearly not everyone requires an ultra costly briefcase.

So consider your needs. If an article is durable enough to last several years for much less, I don't mind replacing it. But if you use a briefcase night and day, plus need it for long commutes, it might make sense to spend big bucks. A value shopper buys what s/he needs, nothing more and nothing less.

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