When you’re carry a tote with letters around, you’re bound to attract some readers, and the poetic inscription of “Poppy is a girl, is a flower, is a state of mind, Poppy is now and forever, Poppy is love I am Poppy”, isn’t necessarily the brightest statement most would want to advertise. To add more dazzle to this statement making tote, Coach adds a bright aqua and glimmery silver trimmed double handles that screams fun summer bag, that’s if you like this look. Look beyond the funky letters and white classic C’s lines the fabric, that way everyone will know that this is in fact your fun and casual Coach bag. The $198 price tag is fairly reasonable, but personally, I would much rather invest on one of the more classic pieces that Coach has to offer.

Shop Coach Handbag Boutique at Dillard’s

The Off-Whites

Salvatore Ferragamo Mediterraneo Vitello Calfskin Satchel
This sophisticated satchel would be perfect for work. It’s structured shape and clean lines create such a polished look.
$850
Salvatore Ferragamo at Bloomingdales!

Kooba Millie Vertical Shopper
A fun shape and angled, linear lines give this shopper a casual feel. It would make a great everyday bag!
$595
Kooba at Nordstrom!

Sands and Beiges!

Marc by Marc Jacobs Perfect Linda Shoulder Bag
Inspired by the whimsical world of Alice in Wonderland, this shoulder bag would be cute for day or night. The gathered “bow” detailing at the front makes this bag both fun and chic.
$328
Marc Jacobs at Bloomingdales!

Coach Julia Op Art Perry Tote
This cute tote bag would be perfect for the office or a day of shopping. And since it’s pebbled leather, it is sure to last a long time!
$298
Coach at Nordstrom!

Tans and Taupes!

Marc by Marc Jacobs Flash Leola Hobo
The angled zippered detailing gives this hobo an architectural edge. This bag is both trendy and neutral!
$498
Marc Jacobs at Bloomingdales!

Rebecca Minkoff Heavy Metal True Love Hobo
Featured in one of my previous posts, this bag is totally rocker-chic. It would make a great everyday bag for the gal with a little bit of edge in her style.
$495
Rebecca Minkoff at Nordstrom!

If you are considering on purchasing a handbag from a questionable source, then go to the coach website or even go into a reputable store that carries Coach products.

The simplest way in determining authenticity would be examining the layout of the signature C’s. The C’s should be lined up perfectly to the center. However, it is not uncommon for the mini-signature C collections to be off by tiny bit only on the sides. So don’t panic.

Difference between real and fake Coaches

The signature style for Coach will always be the two C’s next to each other in doubles, not as the picture shows below, in a single row of C’s

If the overall figure of the bag appears to not resemble one that coach would produce, then chances are it’s a replica.

You can tell by not only the style of the bag, but also the pattern. If the pattern is not the famous Coach signature C, but rather a different letter, such as an O or a G then it’s an obvious fake.

Dust bags should be dark chocolate brown with a red drawstring. In the bottom right the words in all caps “COACH EST.1941″ written in white. Coach does not use cheap material to make these. There are many replica dust bags floating around on the Internet. So if you see one stay away, chances are that bag is fake.

Up until 2002 about 75% of coach handbags were manufactured in the US. Now, most are assembled in China.

The interior serial number should start with “No”, the abbreviation for number, and have 4 numbers after the dash, not 3.

The writing should be neat on the authenticity tag, not crookedly stamped on. Also the paragraph above the serial number should be in all caps, and in English.

Make sure that the authenticity number matches up with the style of the bag that you are interested in purchasing. If you are about to purchase from an unauthorized dealer, call Coach, their representatives will be more then willing to verify if the authenticity number matches the style.

There also needs to be a serial number.

Coach commonly uses logo tags that are attached by a beaded chain. Usually, the tag should match the trim of the bag. The words “COACH” should be raised, not imprinted.

Some styles to have metal tags. Do your research to make sure that the tag goes with the bag you are getting. It is not uncommon for counterfeiters to mass-produce these metal tags; it’s the cheaper more profitable way. Tags are never made out of hard plastic.

Other minor flaws
Coach uses ykk zippers. Be sure to check if the markings are on the zippers.

The seams of the bag and interior authenticity tag should not be glued on but rather neatly stitched on. Coach takes pride in experienced craftsmanship on each and every piece. If the stitching is of poor quality, by being raised in some areas, or if you see the string knot then it is a replica.

The bag should look neat and sturdy, not slouching to one side or lopsided. This is caused by either uneven lousy stitching or not quality material that’s to thin. Coach uses leather or suede trim, not pleather or shiny plastic.

It’s easier to tell the difference between leather and plastic in person. You can usually tell by the smell, however, there are handbags out there that are made of plastic and sprayed with leather perfume, which smells more like a new car than a purse. If you are looking at a picture, you can generally tell if it looks too shiny or cheap looking.

Main point
Coach in my opinion degrades their image by having discount stores. However, this could be a reason why there are less fakes online. More people are going to the outlet stores or purchasing them on sale, only to turn around and resell.

I also must applaud the US government for a attempting to end the importation of counterfeit items coming into the US. It is a big goal to accomplish, considering the fact that the law making it illegal to sell counterfeit items was recently passed in the mid 1990’s. The government at this time does what it can to catch these criminals. However, lets just say I won’t be too impressed until it’s illegal for vendors to sell them on the streets! It’s not only the governments lack to enforce which keeps this multi-million dollar industry in business, but you as a consumer must not purchase these items. Most people do not know the trail of money when purchasing a counterfeit item.

You ask your self how they could get away with this? They import them without the fake designer labels. Then upon purchase by an unsuspecting person, the vendor will glue on a cheap label.

There is such thing as a good deal. However, if someone claims to have a handbag for sale that isn’t even in stores yet, you should pass. If purchasing from an unauthorized dealer or from an auction site, the only understandable good deal would be if it were a bag from a past season.

If you’re unsure if you are purchasing from an authorized Coach dealer, then contact Coach. Just call their 800 number and they should tell you if you are dealing with a certified seller. Read into the website by checking the “about us” or “customer service” section. If anywhere on there sounds suspicious then stay away. Con artists try to hide the fact that they are selling fakes. Commonly when describing their products, they would state they are “designer inspired”, or “grade A replica’s”. They put these words in there to protect themselves from any lawsuits.

How do I report counterfeit Coach merchandise?

Combating counterfeiting of Coach product is an important objective for Coach. Please e-mail your information to lawdepartment@coach.com or use the Coach anti-counterfeiting hotline to report counterfeiters and unauthorized distributors of Coach merchandise at .

I kinda really like the beach bags in this collection — especially the cabana!

PIERRE LE-TAN SEAHORSE TOTE
$268.00
style:14999
The work of illustrator Pierre Le-Tan evokes the relaxed elegance of summer. Part of a limited edition collection.
Canvas with patent leather trim
Inside zip, cellphone, multifunction pockets
Open turnlock closure fabric lining
Handles with 9 1/4″ drop
16 (L) x 15 1/4 (H) x 14 1/4 (W)

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new PIERRE LE-TAN CABANA TOTE
$268.00
style:14998
The work of illustrator Pierre Le-Tan evokes the relaxed elegance of summer. Part of a limited edition collection.
Canvas with patent leather trim
Inside zip, cellphone, multifunction pockets
Two outside gusset zip pockets
Open turnlock closure fabric lining
Handles with 9” drop
15 1/2 (L) x 15 (H) x 4 (W)

new PIERRE LE-TAN UMBRELLA TOTE
$268.00
style:14962
Part of a special limited edition collection, the elegant whimsy of illustrator Pierre Le-Tan captures the fun of summer.
Canvas with patent leather trim
Inside zip, cellphone, multifunction pockets
Open turnlock closure fabric lining
Handles with 9” drop
15 1/2 (L) x 15 (H) x 4 (W)

My feet are sore with all the high heels I’ve been wearing in the recent past. So how about a pair of comfy sneakers for today?

I actually don’t wear sneakers unless I have to mostly because I don’t want to look like a tomboy. Yeah, strange I know. Anyway, if you’re looking for sneakers that are comfortable and classy at the same time, I would recommend Coach. They have a small but wonderful collection in many many colors. I picked these because they’re cute and the signature fabric with leather make it extra exclusive and I know I’d wear these in a heartbeat!

Price: $88 at Coach.com

I was checking out what was new at Coach the other day when I stumbled across the Ali Collection. According to Coach, “this summer is all about Ali”. The collection offers a new take on the classic hobo style, with each piece having it’s own unique little twist. All of the bags in the Ali Collection, however, are adorned with a pierced signature C medallion charm that resembles a jewelry line Coach introduced not too long ago.

Out of all of the handbags that make up Coach’s Ali Collection, I think I like the Ali Large Hobo the best. I like how nicely the leather on this bag slouches, creating almost a draped effect. The leather on these bags is just amazing and I especially love the pearlized finish that the Tangerine version possesses. So soft and yummy! This bag would be perfect for someone wishing to pull off a boho-chic look without having to commit to a bag with fringes, beads, or studs. In other words, there is no need to worry about this bag going out of style once all those trends have faded. Sounds like a win-win situation to me!

The Coach Ali Large Hobo measures 16″ x 13.5″ x 5.5″ and it retails for $378. The bag comes complete with a detachable long shoulder strap. It is currently available in Tangerine (pearlized leather), Mahogany (pebbled leather), or White (pebbled leather).

It’s also available in these other colors.. rose/gold and classic black.

rose/gold
black

It is both practical and stylish, not to mention it looks like it would make a great work tote. I love the contrasting trim and flap pockets on the front. Plus the pretty metallic colors are fabulous! The only thing that worries me is the rolled leather handles. I think I would need to try this bag on to see how they feel first. But, all in all, this looks like a pretty good bag from Coach. Did you hear that, Coach? Keep up the good work!

The Coach Legacy North-South Tote measures 16″ x 14″ x 5″. It is available in Silver/Ivory or Silver/Navy. And for those of you that don’t have an obsession for metallics, this style is also available in several non-metallic colors. It retails for $858. You can pick one up at the Official Coach Website. Or you can shop Coach at Nordstrom

COACH SHOULDER BAG

While juggling adorable daughter Suri, Katie Holmes keeps her Coach “Parker Hippie” bag ($358 at coach.com) safely secured messenger-style while out and about in Los Angeles.

Pictured above is Mrs. Katie Holmes / Cruise and her little darlin Suri while out-and-about roaming the streets of sunny Beverly Hills. The perfect bag for the busy mom on the go:the new Coach Parker Convertable Hippie Bag!

If I were to put a list together of all the amazing handbags for this season, the Parker Hippie would be at the top. When it comes to designer handbags the $360 price tag is totally amazing – you get more quality and style for your buck.

The super lightweight bag is made of leather with fabric trim and features a small exterior easy-access zip pocket with tassel detailing, and a hidden magnetic snap closure at the mouth of the bag. The interior is lined in fabric and features one single large interior zip pocket, two small interior multi-functional pockets. Measurements are 14 (H) x 14 1/2 (L) x 3 (W) with a 37” strap can be worn on the shoulder or crossbody and a 15” handle with 9” drop. Price: $358

The Hippie Parker is available in Mushroom, White, Pale Yellow, Sand and Black.