Coach Is An Easy Bag To Love

As readers know, Coach is my bag of choice. I've written 2 blogs featuring the retailer which I'll link below, and I've included Coach in blogs devoted to elite bag roundups as well.

My Foley & Corinna, "liberated" leather purse that I paid less for is starting to wear out, so I thought it was a good time to snatch up the Coach Marlie Top Handle Satchel* I've been ogling for months. Moreover, Coach persistently tempts me by

sending daily emails reminding me to buy it! Finally last night they got me to put it in my online shopping cart by offering the bag in Coach's Early Black Friday Preview Flash Sale -- and I had an additional 15% off promo code plus free shipping. Now leave me, alone Coach, I've taken the bait!

Suffice it to say, Coach sells full-grain leather luxe quality bags without the inflated French designer brand price hikes. The reason the merchant is less expensive than its French counterparts is Coach doesn't market itself as an exclusive, lavish label with the hype and 4-times-per-year price increases. Coach is a straightforward fine leather goods retailer that dates back to 1941. Customers get superior craftsmanship and classic style without the over-the-top markups. What's more, the retailer has a stellar outlet where you'll find true bargains.

So while Coach bags are never dirt cheap, you don't pay for the snobby ballyhoo of its French competitors. Don't get me wrong, I love Hermès, Chanel, and Dior, and will at times write about them. They're such beautiful eye candy how can you not cover them? But if I'm being honest, I just don't want to fork over that many zeros for a handbag, and with Coach we get affordable, well-made fine leather bags. It's the bag for value shoppers who have a fashionista gene.

The Marlie Top Handle Satchel comes in an assortment of leathers, colors, and patterns. It's adorable in red, and often, I gravitate towards pebble leather for its durability. However, I'm choosing black Nappa quilted and smooth leather with gold hardware in order to use the crossover bag as a universal everyday and evening purse. At 9 inches wide, the bag is a tad small for my everyday only bag -- I already know, but I can just make it work on enough days. It's perfect as an evening bag. I hope I don't have chain issues ... but with Coach you seldom do. Moreover, if anything breaks, Coach repairs it over the life of the bag, and to be sure, Couch bags last over a human lifetime plus! (BTW: Coach has a program where they'll buy back their vintage bags.)

The Marlie Tote

Additionally, my lovely readers, I'm showing you the Marlie Tote ... also super chic and on sale, but I dare not grab its image from Coach Outlet's website, or the company will start online stalking me again. Stop it, Coach! Lead me not into temptation -- I can find it all by myself!👜🦖

* Wow, I paid Coach Outlet $130 (including taxes) for my Nappa leather Coach Marlie bag, and now people are trying to resell them for twice and triple the price, which unfortunately is not a deal at all. 

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Zoe Carryall bag in pebble leather

Sometimes Luxury bag YouTubers feature their Hermès, Chanel, or Dior collections ... but readers as you know, I'm a Coach gal. Moreover, I have a capsule, not a collection of Coach bags that I bought over a period of years. And yet, in the spirit of a YouTube bag maven, I'll show you my Coach capsule of handbags. Two of my Coach bags have sold out since I bought them (I have like-alternatives for you) -- and if you check back with Coach periodically they so often launch very similar bags in the style you like, therefore you need not go without. Use my Coach capsule as inspiration for the type of bags that are right for you!

In fact, Coach has so many fabulous bags, there's a stylish, enduring, and practical bag for everyone. Today is Cyber Monday, but it is only the start of all the sales that will be offered from now until January at retailers including Coach.

Here are the bags I loved enough to buy:

Rogue 25 in pebble leather

1) My Zoe Carryall bag - (See top image.👆) Why I love it: At 11 1/2'' (L) x 8'' x (H) 5 1/4" (W), it's the perfect compact size to hold lots of stuff. The refined, durable, soft, pebble leather is beautiful, and the inside suede-lined pockets are functional. A leather crossover strap is a must-have in Manhattan, as is a top handle.

Unfortunately, this bag has sold out, but you can still get a Coach bag that is nearly the same look, size, and functionality. The closest carryall bag available now is the Coach Rogue 25, which comes in several types of leather, colors, and textures. The adorable gold lock and clochette on the Zoe have been replaced on the Rogue 25 with a lovely Coach horse and carriage emblem tag. I love how an extended zipper makes getting into the bag and seeing your essentials a breeze. The Coach Zoe is available on Amazon undiscounted, but I would be happy with either bag. BTW: Pebble leather is what Hermès calls Togo leather in a Birken, which is full-grain leather.

Rowan Sattchel in Crossgrain leather

2) Coach Rowan Satchel - One of Coach's bestsellers, it is Crossgrain leather making it scratch-resistant, water-resistant, and looks brand new after much use and abuse. You don't have to baby this bag! Again, I love its compact size that still holds lots of stuff functionality. The bag is made of the same exact leather as the Hermès Kelly bag. Offered in several colors and textures.

Quinn Crossbody in Glovetaned leather

3) My bag is similar in design to the Quinn Crossbody bag (👈over to the left), which I bought in black decades ago at age 16, and at the time, it had no style name. Back then, I knew nothing about handbags, and yet I recognized quality when I saw it. Just like its twin Quinn Crossbody, my handbag is Glovetanned leather -- so-called because it's the same robust and supple leather that baseball gloves are made of. I got mine at a discount fashion shop for $20 bucks -- the best $20 bill I ever spent as I still own the purse today! It also began my love of the Coach brand -- that when full-priced my parents thought was an extravagant luxury bag for a teenage girl. And so their worries began, "Oh, no, she likes the finer things, just doesn't have a job! Well, she'll have to find one," was their answer.

4) Coach Marlie Top Handle Satchel - The last in my capsule of Coach bags was the subject of last week's blog. It is my Christmas gift to myself and fills the need for an everyday bag that can also double as an evening bag. The Nappa leather I selected is sold out, but the Marlie is still available in other leathers, colors, and textures. Plus there are similar Coach bags in Nappa leather (and textures), like the Kip Turnlock Crossbody or Lane Shoulder bags.

So right now I have every bag I need. Unlike the YouTube influencers who collect bags, I won't buy another Coach bag until one of mine wears out. Coach bags last for years, so I'm good!

I'll toss in some cute Coach Stocking Stuffers offered that make terrific holiday gifts since the holiday season has begun:

1. Horse And Carriage Bag Charm - Usually I don't spend money on bag charms. They add weight and bulk to your handbag, and a bag is enough of an expense for me. I don't need decorations. But this is so darn cute, I'd buy it for a friend who loves Coach bags. It also appears to have a function if you want to hang a few keys on it. The charm also comes in silver.

2. Airpod Cases that double as keyrings - I usually get my SLGs and purse accessories at T.J. Maxx for less. Sometimes rules should be broken if you see a thoughtful, pleasing gift or perhaps a splurge to put a smile on a face. These airpod keyrings are super cute and reasonably priced. 

3. Card Holders - Coach offers an assortment of cardholders with different functions. Do you need a key ring, an I.D. card window, or a zipper and slot to hold coins? Features I like are the slimmest cardholders I can find with lots of slots to hold cards. I always need to carry more cards than I think!

Let me know which Coach bags and/or other goods you like most.

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Timeless Coach Bags

Interior Couch photos courtesy of Yelp

Although it's fabulous fun looking at Chanel or Hermès bags costing thousands of dollars at high-end stores, many of us can't justify buying one. The money spent is several mortgage, or car payments plus! Moreover, it can take years of cock and bull hoops to jump over before buying the exclusive French manufactured bags; and they never, ever (like never!) go on sale. Who wants to deal with such nonsense?!

Today I'm featuring Coach, a straightforward American company, specializing in luxury handbags and accessories. Founded in 1941 on 34th Street in Manhattan, the merchant makes men's and women's bags, coats and jackets, footwear, jewelry, watches, eye wear, fragrance and small leather goods (like wallets, belts, luggage tags, etc.). The handbags are full grain, leather, expertly tanned and stitched. Bags are also available in fabric. For sure, Coach stands toe to toe with its French competitors for thousands of dollars less per piece. No rubbish to endure either. Just save up your money; walk into the store; buy your bag; and leave with it. Ok as an American, I am biased ... but isn't that the way it should be? As a paying customer, I'm not groveling and won't wait years to buy a handbag.

At around $350 (or $450 for top handle/shoulder Tabby  bags), Coach bags aren't cheap, yet unlike the French bags, customers can find bargains. Not only do Coach bags go on sale, (at Coach!) they are sold at outlet stores and T.J. Maxx for less. What's more, they start at prices people who work can save up for if paying full price. Of course Savvy Shoppers find deals!

I bought my first Coach bag at a discount store (now defunct) when I was 16 years old (for $20) before I knew what a Coach bag was. What I saw was a pretty, full grain leather bag I could afford! That was decades ago, and I still own the bag. They are nearly indestructible. In my youth, I definitely didn't take good care of my handbags. My Coach bag got the same workout as a dedicated mailman: Used in rain, heat, sleet and snow but still looks good enough to use today.

Couch "Cassie" crossover bag, the newest launch with interor compartments and pockets.

I notice Coach bags are even more stylish than they photograph. Up close you see the craftsmanship and quality of the smooth, thick leather. The bags are modern and classic.

When in Manhattan I highly recommend visiting the Couch flagship store at 685 5th Avenue. Friendly staff invite visitors to float through the spacious tri-level store, sometimes with leather work in progress on the 2nd floor. The leather worker will customize your bag with a few embellishements at the store if you wish. And look for the huge Coach dragon (see above↑) created with hundreds of Coach bags on the ground floor.🦖


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Tapestry Owner of Coach Is Buying Versace

Although I examine and admire many luxury bags I don't own any such as Hermes, Chanel, or Louis Vuitton. I'm a lover and owner of 5 Coach bags.

 

As it turns out Tapestry, Coach's parent company, is buying Capri Holdings, the parent company of Versace and Jimmy Choo, brands that position themselves as luxury goods. On the other hand, Coach since 1941 has always marketed itself as a fine leather goods company, not a luxury brand despite the stellar craftsmanship of its fine leather goods, and I hope with the acquisition of its new luxury targeting holdings Coach never lowers its own standards or raises its prices. Time will tell. Some well-known luxury brands in spite of hefty price tags aren't made as well as Coach!

Among its inventory, Coach offers several totes of different sizes and leathers. The Rae Tote is my newest favorite. At 11.1"H x 13.1"W x 5.1"D it's the perfect size to carry all our essentials including a 13" laptop, and yet it's compact and more roomy than enormous. I'm also hugely fond of its glovetan leather, named after the leather used to make baseball gloves. It has 2 inside slip pockets to hold smaller items plus a removable leather zip pouch and crossbody straps. The inside lining is suede. The handles are made to fold on the interior or exterior of the tote and when folded cleverly form 2 perfect "C"s for Coach!

Nothing about the Rae Tote gives me pause except its $750 price tag. Priced well below luxury bags, customers get superb quality and craftsmanship for the money. Still yikes! I want this one more than truly need it, and knowing that a change is coming ... oh Coach lead me not into temptation!👺

Let's hope and pray Coach stays Coach, a fine leather goods merchant outside the luxury market, and its bags won't double, triple, quadruple, quintuple, sextuple ... decuple in price!🙏🙏🙏

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COACH In Lieu Of Jacquemus

I sound like a broken record, in saying I'm not a luxury bag maven. Instead, I'm loyal to COACH because you can't beat the leather, craftsmanship, or durability of its bags while spending far less money than what you'd pay for similar in-quality, luxury handbags. I hope the fantastic value of COACH continues into the future as Tapestry, COACH's parent company, recently bought Versace. How disappointing if we start seeing steep price hikes on COACH bags! So far, so good!

Certainly, I appreciate a well-made handbag, and can understand the appeal and temptation of procuring the top-tier luxury brands! Yet, even luxury bags that aren't as exclusive, well-made, or insanely overpriced as Hermès are expensive! Let me show you one example that sells for around $1,000 then I'll show you a COACH handbag to consider costing about 1/7 less in price. Wouldn't it be great to keep a tidy sum of your own money in your bank account?

The Jacquemus Le Grand Bambino Crossbody at $1,025 is a stunning classic handbag. If you bought it in a department store like Nordstrom, or Neiman Marcus at the right time, you could shave off roughly $130 from its full retail price. There is nothing wrong with this bag ... it's notable in leather, style, and craftsmanship.

And yet, if you're willing to compromise a tad on style to still end up with a smart, classic, and stellar leather handbag, consider the COACH Large Morgan Crossbody. At COACH's Outlet, the Morgan costs between $135 - $199 depending on color. It comes in black, white, light violet, light blue, dark green, red, and blocked canvas. While stock lasts, the Morgan is offered in either refined calf or crocodile-textured leathers. The workmanship of COACH is impeccable, plus guaranteed for life.

Obviously, the Morgan and Bombino aren't replicas of one another, but both bags have a similar shape, size, and classic vibe. Although I love the top handle and edginess of the Jacquemus, personally I wouldn't pay an extra $800 for it because the bags are enough alike in the ways that matter. You get the effect for far less moola. A true handbag aficionado would likely want the Bombino at any cost. Are you a bag enthusiast who'd part with an extra $800 if you had a similar cheaper option?

COACH is accessible to everyone with a job. I prefer sales to exclusiveness. COACH possesses everything I need: Classic style, fine leather, excellent craftsmanship, and durability at a fair price.

Of the two brands featured, which bag would you buy? Please explain.

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The Heart Shaped Bags Are Back

Coach Crossover bag

For 2 years in a row, retailers are bringing out their heart-shaped bags in time to buy for Valentine's Day. Last year I featured Valentine's Day themes in luxury brands such as Chanel and Louis Vuitton (see that link below). You can now look for their inventory + several inspired labels at 2nd hand stores, outlets, and discount retailers this year.

Kate Spade New York

Customers should keep an eye out at T.J. Maxx for Kate Spade's heart-shaped bags and Karl Lagerfeld's bags have landed at Saks Off Fifth Avenue.

Karl Lagerfeld Paris

My favorite brand Coach has 2 styles in 2023, a top handle in crossgrain leather at the Coach Outlet plus this year's edition in glovetanned leather sans a top handle at Coach's flagship store, as well as, selling in major department stores -- catch the sale days, or you may have rewards dollars to spend for it.

BTW, you must see all the things Coach has launched with a Valentine's Day theme in 2023, as they are so darn cute!

Coach in glovetanned leather -- which I prefer when I can get it. It's a preference as all of Coach's leathers are beautiful and durable.

Although Forever 21 (in bankruptcy) cut down its store count to 450, the retailer is making a strong comeback by opening 100+ new stores together with its e-store, where you'll find a less expensive faux leather heart-shaped bag for under $25 because sometimes it's all you really need to pick up a novelty or trendy bag. A structured bag that looks to be a sensible size to hold essentials! I've missed popping into Forever 21 in New York City to browse inexpensive accessories.

Forever 21

Unsurprising to readers, I love the Coach Outlet bag and despite its $199 price tag, 2022's crossgrain leather is a bestseller for the retailer and nearly twice the cost of my ampler rectangle-shaped Coach bags. Charming isn't cheap!!

Paying the piper depends on how often you'll grab it. What is Valentine's Day cuteness worth to you?♥

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5 Coach Bags Going From Office To Dinner

When you spend the day at the office but plan to have coffee, drinks, or dinner with friends after work you want a bag that holds all your essentials and yet can easily travel with you. As a big Coach fan, it's where I would always look first for fine leather or canvas bags at affordable, sane prices: See Coach, Coach Outlet and the Coach page on Amazon.

I'll feature 5 recommendations for bags that are compact and come in several colors or textures plus share one huge benefit that makes each one travel-friendly. All have straps, either a shoulder or crossbody strap for hands-free portability!

The following are 5 Coach From Desk to Dinner Bags:

The above 4 also have side compartments and pockets to organize all your necessities so you can reach in to grab items without a search or emptying your bag. It makes it simple to travel light. Still, there's a 5th bag I'm obsessed with right now for the woman who can't travel quite as light. Perhaps you need a tote to take papers, water, a computer, or an umbrella home after leaving work: 

Maggie Tote Bag

The Maggie Tote, our 5th bag, is bigger, professional, dressy, and ultra gorgeous! What a stunning and versatile bag ... as are all 5 Coach bags. Dressy in the right color! Of course, patterns or canvas tend to be a bit more casual. You can pick your color, according to lifestyle and how you wish to use your bag.

Golly, I really love the tote! Want, need, want, Ahhhhhhh😱Coach temptation strikes again!!👜🦖

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Coach's Lana Shoulder Bag

Regular readers know I'm a huge Coach leather bag fan. Coach is a designer-level in quality bag that doesn't market itself as a designer bag company but rather as a fine leather goods company. Established in 1941, consumers get superior craftsmanship at reasonable starting price points plus frequent 30% - 50% off sales. Sometimes bags end up on Coach's Outlet website, for even less.

What bag am I loving at Coach right now? My answer is the Lana, which is one smart, stylish bag! Its polished pebble leather will last forever, and its glossy surface makes it both a dress and casual bag.

The bag is so well thought out with a detachable strap, an inside snap pocket, a zip compartment, and metal protective feet. It also comes in two sizes. Both roomy and compact, the bag lets you organize all your stuff! To boot, if anything ever goes wrong with a Coach bag, the retailer repairs it for free.

Although personally I've never gotten in on the trend, Coach too offers accessories such as scarves and charms for its bags, including our featured Lana, for customers who like to style their bags.

There is nothing wrong with adding accessories to style a bag, but for me, an expertly crafted, solid, leather bag that holds up is style and purchase enough! 

Coach delivers again with another aesthetically pleasing, practical, and superior leather bag that people with jobs can afford!

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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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