<p>I purchased a Coach handbag some years back & after a while, it started getting tacky to the touch. I took it to a Coach store & they collected $20 & sent it to their HQ to see if it could be “repaired.” It was sent back & I was informed it was NOT defective, could not be repaired and offered the opportunity to purchase something else full-price with a 40% discount.</p>
<p>I called them today & the statement was reinforced but they offered to send me back a $20 check and apologized that was all they could do at this point. Any suggestions on a favorite purchase anyone has made at Coach? I’d like a LIGHTWEIGHT handbag that could hold my array of “stuff” that I carry about on a regular basis. The Coach leather handbags were very heavy but the fabric one that I tried to get serviced ended up feeling “tacky” to the touch after some years of use.</p>
<p>Suggestions are welcome! I carry about a wallet, 2 cell phones, a 9"x6" calendar, checkbook, and some pens, so the purse should hold those items. Possibly, I could stop carrying ONE of those cell phones & maybe even the checkbook. I would like something durable and not too heavy.</p>
<p>I’m not the person who can help you, though I own some Coach fabric bags inherited from my mom.</p>
<p>But I am laughing because I opened this thread based on the title of “Coach Recommendations/Reviews” and thought it was going to be about getting recommendations from one’s athletic coaches for college admissions. I think I need to get my head out of college admissions! :D</p>
<p>HIMom, there is a huge site dedicated to purses called The Purse Forum. I believe that there is a fairly active Coach subforum. I can’t link to it, but you can look it up. There is a LOT of superficial materialism in there, but the ladies who post there are pretty knowledgeable about all things bags.</p>
<p>I personally really liked the looks of this very lightweight bag I saw at Macy’s, however, it is not leather:</p>
<p>I have two Coach bags and a Coach briefcase from the early 1980s (when they had amazingly high quality leather)–and the only things I’ve bought since then are their dog collars, which used to be higher-quality leather than they are now (so I buy the old ones on EBay).</p>
<p>Frankly, I think most current Coach stuff is priced 40% higher than a lot of stuff that’s much nicer. I don’t think you should limit yourself to a Coach bag. If you want a new purse, determine what you want to spend and then shop for a new purse at a few different places, including your local Coach store (or the Coach outlet store, where prices are about half).</p>
<p>OK, thanks for the feedback & fixing the title. I’m ambivalent about the Coach brand. Way back in the day when H & I met, Coach did seem to have much higher quality than in their more recent products. I’m glad it isn’t just me that thinks so. Also, there are a lot of imitations out there these days.</p>
<p>Will look around & see what I like. Not sure what I’ll end up doing. It doesn’t appear urgent as there is no expiration date on the 40% off letter I received. Sorry for those I disappointed because they were thinking it was sports coach topic. I don’t know much about that area at all.</p>
<p>HImom - FWIW, I knew what you were talking about with the old title. :)</p>
<p>I have three coach bags that are over 20yrs old. I went through a time with each that I carried them day2day and then stored them. I bring them back out every few years and carry them again as they feel new again. The new bags are not the same quality. It’s not that I wouldn’t buy one…my disposable income isn’t what it used to be with tuition and all! You are not the only one that has noticed this. Good luck on your search for a new bag. With 40% off you should have all sorts of fun! :)</p>
<p>Well, nearly anything would be an improvement on the nylon convertible waistpack/shoulder bag I carry around. I have a huge stash of handbags. Maybe I’ll start using those regularly while I contemplate switching to something else. Will see whether anything “grabs” me at any of the stores. I guess I’m eminently practical & see spending huge $$$ on purses as wasteful. Also, can’t figure out what size I want.</p>
<p>The old Coach bags tended to be pretty heavy to carry, as they had a LOT of leather. The newer ones tend to be significantly lighter & thinner & perhaps a lower grade of leather as well as many fabric handbags.</p>
<p>Taking a break from my painting job… Coach and many other, even higher end brands (e.g., Prada and Gucci) manufacture bags for outlet sales. These bags are definitely lower in quality (mass produced, sewn by apprentices, etc.) and may carry special tags/markings indicating to a trained eye that the bags are from outet lines. However, some seasonal bags also end up at outlets… I would use the 40% off coupon (that is a GREAT deal) on something like a wallet on a chain for the checkbook, cell phone and cards, and get a Longchamp or another classy tote for the rest of the stuff. This setup works great for me. I leave my big bag at my desk and only carry the tiny WOC if I have to run a lunchtime errand.</p>
<p>I have a large black fabric Coach bag with the C’s in the fabric (all black, so the C’s don’t stand out that much). It is by FAR the best purse I have ever owned. I like it so much that I seldom use my other bags. It has two shorter grab handles and a longer strap, a convenient side pocket that zips, and a pretty lavender lining. It is so sturdy and everything works so well. I just love it. I’ve had it about three years and it doesn’t show any signs of wear.</p>
<p>They don’t have that exact model any more but I’ll look on their site and see if I can find one that is similar. I had a 25% off coupon when I bought it, but it was worth every penny of full price for the wear I’ve had from it and for what a great product it has been for me. I still get compliments on it.</p>
<p>@ BunsenBurner - That’s actually an excellent idea. I just got a Longchamp tote and am really enjoying how lightweight it is. I know a lot of people carry the larger tote for laptops, etc. I have the smaller one for everyday use and it would easily carry what HImom needs. I carry my kindle in it along with all kinds of goodies. but it never feels too big. The only weight is the contents.</p>
<p>Not as snazzy , but Sports Sac is very lightweight and washes nicely in cool water . They are great for travel , and come in many sizes and colors . Macy’s carries them .</p>
<p>This is the closest I can find to my bag. Mine is taller and not this wide, but about the same capacity inside. I chose the fabric style because I also find the leather styles too heavy for the amount of stuff I need to carry (wallet, sunglasses case, and two checkbooks).</p>
<p>There is also a similar style that’s a little smaller.</p>
<p>Me too…but I bought the current model this summer and I LOVE LOVE LOVE it. BUT then I love Coach bags. I also have a Coach wristlet, wallet, and a small summer Coach purse…LOVE them all.</p>
<p>I carried nothing but Coach bags for decades (the old leather ones). They were of great quality, and I could still use them. My last two have been Dooney & Burke. They are also great. </p>
<p>I should explain that my parents have been keeping me supplied with bags for the last 40 years, so I am totally dependent on whatever they give me: hence the switch to D&B! :)</p>
<p>Another one who has carried coach bags for decades. I am a fan of the leather ones, I could never get into the fabric bags. I had a couple of nice D&B leather bags (Chicky took them back to school with her). As I am getting older, I do not like the weight of heavy bags (the old coach bags are heavy empty). </p>
<p>I am carrying chicky’s old Chapelier & Longchamps bags that she left behind at home (I might as well get my money’s worth).</p>
You are not the only one that has noticed this. Good luck on your search for a new bag. With 40% off you should have all sorts of fun! :)</p>