In another thread...I went and physically checked the boutique Black leather Soho Shoulder Flap with my outlet black leather Soho Hobo and the leather thickness and quality and shine were identical--as if they cut the leather from the same animal!
I don't see any difference. Now that they're doing cost-cutting measures, the latest Bleecker shoulder flap has a simple strap while the 2007 Bleecker shoulder flap has a braided strap. This new one is $20 less than the 2007 model. So, go figure....now the boutique quality is the same as the outlet made bags. Before the cost cutting measures, the outlet bags like the Soho had the simple straps whereas the boutique bags have the braided straps.
So, I think we've reached full circle. Get it from the outlet or the boutique and it is the same Coach quality.
Take care,