Coach calls this bag a pleated framed satchel, but I see this shape as the famous hobo. Calling it by that name also adds to its visual appeal the fact that a framed hobo is rare, if unique, and done well by Coach, to boot. The side view (below) shows a kiss lock framed closure, neatly tucked behind a rounded (hobo) shape and those pleats. Its straps continue in patent leather from the bag’s top “hem” area, which combined with the pleats lends to this bag a vintage feminine charm. The bag comes in pink, navy and camel patent leathers. Running $498, this purse is sized 15.5″ x 8.75″ x 4.5″ w. Buy this bag from COACH.

This post is part of our Early Gift Guide Week.

Is definitely THE Coach bag of the year (chosen upon the merits of my Coach devotion and knowledge): Legacy Signature Satchel (preferrably the 2nd version of this style, available now on www.coach.com). This bag has it all (Classic Signature, famed new Legacy, its black and brown/tan people!, and this Fall’s rendition on the style has the added bonus of side buckles, which is my personal favorite touch to a purse) and then some (unfortunately it’s heavy). But there’s another bonus, the dogleash clip on the front does not flap over the closure, so it’s a bit more practical than last year. It’s the ultimate, this year (and the entire year!), for the biggest COACH fans (so be sure she doesn’t already have one, ha).

Such an important purse does come with a higher-end pricetag; $698, but GOD will she love you! (I would!)

Red. It’s the hottest color of the season. And why not? We’re living in spicy times, and autumn is aflush with warm hues that fight any bad weather.

I’m scouting red bags around the web - preferrably more affordable ones, since it’s trendy, bold and we DO want to collect collect collect! So .. how about COACH?

Hamptons Leather-Signature Hobo - $368

Carly in leather - red - $398 (I personally want this one)

Hamptons Leather-Signature Flap Satchel - $498

Plus there’s more! Search Coach bags by color at www.coach.com!

Fresh from an “event” held by COACH (anyone got the scoop on that?), here is Mandy Moore, with new guy pal, and a fab Coach bag. Forget the guy, it’s the bag that’s interesting! I’ve never seen this exact style before, but I know what it is. It’s the Coach Soho Large Satchel in alligator and it must be super, super limited edition and expensive. No, Coach just does not do croc-embossed!

Here is a close-up of Mandy’s satchel next to a regular-leather version available now for $458 at www.coach.com.

Click for more (photos: angles, colors, etc.) »

Coach has actually made an accessory line printed with a red/pink fragrance theme in celebration of their new perfume. They’ve also made up a limited edition compilation of the LE Jasmine XL Straw “Basket” bag filled with pieces from the line, plus a pair of shades and the exclusive to the “gift basket”, bronzer compact (which I think is a pretty awesome little beauty case).

The main feature of this LE gift set is the Jasmine XL Straw Basket ($998 separately, limited on its own as well) which features a rounded body of straw, orange leather and snake skin trim, brass hardware with ringed full-height straps and fragrance-print lining with 5 interior pockets. It’s sized 24″ x 13.5″ x 10.5″!
The official list of items included is: Fragrance-print crusher hat, beach towel, Framed coin purse, Patti sunglasses, and an exclusive Bronzer Set in the Fragrance Print Case.

The cost of the package is $1600 (eek) too steep for me even though I’d love to own this, but instead I can pick up a little piece of the “fragrance” line separately. My choice is the unique “Brush case” which can be used as a beauty case or even a clutch! Love it. If you can’t get the package, which is in limited quantities, perhaps look on eBay for that exclusive bronzer, as I will. (No low price guarantee, though.)

If you have the cash/budgeting and love for Coach or just plain cute accessories, go for it, it’s sold online at coach.com or in select boutiques, but you can always have it shipped free by calling your favorite store location/favorite SA.

Below are photos of what’s included in the Limited Edition Fragrance Straw Gift Basket:

And here are photos of separate items from Coach’s Fragrance-Print collection:

I appreciate the effort and exciting anticipation behind old favorite Coach when they put out something different, but the mix of high saturated colours in their new Hamptons Weekend Patchwork makes me think it was made for clowns, not fashionistas—maybe not even the typical teenage girl!

Featuring far too much going on with all those dark, spotlight-steal-attempting, shades the new Hamptons Weekend Satchel shape is at least something nice. I love that Coach keeps introducing new satchels, my favorite style by far. Another new detail is the hang tags with circular “splotches” of a contrasting colour - although I’m not sure why that’s necessary.

It’s your typical new Spring’s approaching attempt at cheer from Coach, but more. They simply went too far.

The Hamptons Weekend Satchel is sized 13″ x 7″ x 7″ and won’t be setting me back $288.

One of the spanking-new Coach silhouettes for 2007 (since the Fall, this has been a big growing time for Coach) is the Andrea Satchel in the Hamptons collection.

It’s medium-sized with a rectangular shape, contrast stitching and totally modern details. Studs, lots of stitching and great side decoration make up the style’s individual look, with tassels on one gusset and a dog-leash clip attaching the top zip closure to the bag (genius idea!).

In brass hardware, also with a brass lozenge hangtag, the Andrea comes in black, white, cognac brown and a dark olive. At 13.25″ l x 8.25″ h x 7″ w, the new favorite from Coach comes in at $598.

Bringing back so much of a more recently blooming brand, is the Legacy Ali bag by Coach. The style shape is very vintage right from Coach’s archives, and it’s lined in a fabric inspired by their vintage stripe from the Bonnie Cashin days. Add in the modern details that make today’s legacy, and we have an iconic piece from Coach. It’s great in aged whiskey leather, but nothing makes an IT bag or a bag of the year like a true reptile skin leather.

Available only in select upscale stores or by catalog, and not even online, was the Ali in Alligator. Is it long sold out? Probably, but the $12,000 pricetag could be a clue either way. Did the rich buy into this bag? Hmm.. For sure though, Coach fans can only admire this bag of art, but how much they have makes it worthwhile.

For Coach’s 65th anniversary, their entry into our top bags of 2006 is the Ali in Alligator. Certainly worthy of being a bag of the year, from such an upgrade from a favorite brand of so many. Here’s a New Years toast to Coach, may you only grow stronger in your next 65!

This week of Christmas and before New Years, it’s the Top 5 Party Bags. The first is an anniversary evening purse by Coach: Madison Stripe Flap.

The evening shape is a rare one for Coach and the stripes carry “legacy.” Plus, they’re colorful and make for great funky, upbeat party fun. Coach has similar styles in more formal special occasion bags, so check those out too.

This Madison Flap is sized about 10″ x 5″ x 1.25″ and runs $298.

4th Top Party Bag
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Top Party Bag

Yes, on this third week of our New Year countdown, this last week before Christmas, we bring you some holiday amusement with … The Top 5 Ugliest Bags!

And our 5th choice was tough, there were three current Coach contenders. Two had fringe, but we only have room for five on each countdown.

So our number 5 is the Coach Soho Signature Stitched Flap, and I’ll tell you why.

It’s not just because of the embellishments, oh no. About half the bags in Coach’s stitch line are amazing and beautiful, it’s about the embellishments paired with other over-the-top elements.

First, the color, this isn’t such a detraction, but the bland color adds no sense of gorgeousness to this bag. Still we must consider more mixed with this. Second, the Signature (and being large at that). I love Signature of course, but all the bags in this line that are signature are just way too busy. The bags that are leather, on the other hand, are striking especially because of bold colors. Finally, I hate that awkward shape of this style of flap bag. The frame makes the whole bag look weird.

Add all that up and we get an ugly bag … a bag just ugly enough to beat out bags with long fringe!!!

4th Top Ugly Bag
3rd Top Ugly Bag
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TOP Ugly Bag