I have to agree with this! It's unfortunate that the quality of the outlet Coach bags are sub-par compared to the ones sold at the Coach boutiques. It goes to saying that outlet Coach bags, you're just paying for the logo/brand...
The useful time of a coach bag
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I have to agree with this! It's unfortunate that the quality of the outlet Coach bags are sub-par compared to the ones sold at the Coach boutiques. It goes to saying that outlet Coach bags, you're just paying for the logo/brand...
But OP talked about a Zoe and a Borough.....were those outlet bags? Just asking because I'm really not sure.
Zoe was an outlet version of the Carly, I believe. The two I had I passed on to friends and are still carries by them.
I thought the Borough was FP and have seen them currently on the site.
Thanks for the info Murphy, I'm not familiar with Zoe but was pretty sure that the Borough was a boutique bag only. From what I've seen on the Coach forum some aren't happy with the current Borough offerings because they say it's not like the original B bag, different leather, etc. They were hoping to snag one of the original bags but it's Coach so who knows? They probably manufactured a newer version with a slightly different leather. I don't own one so can't speak to that.
Borough began as a boutique bag but later had a few mff versions. They then made them again for this current summer sale. My SA said a small amount of originals that were manufactured a few years ago were sold during the sale along with the majority that were made very recently.
the Zoe though, the only MFF bag I have, is actually very well made for the outlet, I think there were retail versions of the zoe that were not carly though as well.
Yes they did and I have two of them. The Zoe's a great shoulder bag.
I have a Zoe that was a boutique version, not from the outlet. That is the only bag I've ever owned that I experienced cracked edge paint. I have bought and sold easily over 60 bags over the course of 17 years of being a fan of Coach. That being said, I do take very good care of my bags overall, with the exception of my work bag, which is a men's work tote. Ironically, it is an outlet bag, which tends to be lesser quality, and that sucker has been a workhorse like none other I have ever seen! I have used it every weekday for 5 straight years and it still looks fantastic. In terms of handbags, I don't wear the same one for months on end. I rotate them out based on season and wardrobe. The oldest one I own is from 2000, and it still looks great. I plan on wearing it tomorrow for date night, as a matter of fact! But overall, if the owner is using the bag daily for months or years on end, and not taking care of the bag like some of us do, yes, it will wear down quickly.
I liked that the Zoe didn't have the side Turnlocks as I always got them caught on things.
On a side note: doesn't it drive your crazy that items for men across the board seem to last longer than women's?
Yes! I always loved loved loved the old men's Bleecker leather and wished and hoped they'd do handbags in that. I was told it would make them too heavy. I say, so what? If you have the right designed straps heavier bags can be worn. Besides, if you are making work bags for everyday use, you're already lugging a heavy, every day bag!
I have the heavy leather bags made in the USA or Costa Rica from the 80s where they did not even have linings - just the raw side of the leather - the leather just gets better and better with age - like a baseball glove - a patina and and softness - no edge coat - brass is heavy and solid but the problem is that these bags are heavy and not very practical - no crossbodys - no cell phone pockets because most people did not have cell phones back them - they are really impractical now - but cool looking - I even see these bags in Goodwill - just get out the leather cleaner and conditioner and they look like new - some people even wash them! These bags are indestructable.
I guess thus is just a case of, YMMV. I have been indulging myself in vintage Coach over the last 18 months and I find many of the styles work quite well for me and are very practical for everyday routine. However cross body is not a necessity for me. I find the Patty, Plaza, Pocket, Oliver, City, Ranch all work well for me and I slide my phone into the outer slip pocket or inside zip pocket, which I usually don't zip. If I need to carry alot of stuff, love the Light Tote, Classic Compartment, Bancroft, and my original vintage love, Bleeker Basket tote. I have to restrain myself from buying duplicates of all these styles in other colors! Love the Monterey hobo and Shoulder Sac too. Several styles out there on my wish list, when the price is right, like the Manor and Willis. Yes, shock, I don't own a Willis lol.
When I used to only have one bag at a time, I’d generally kill it in 12-18 months. Now that I have 15-18, they all are in like new condition. I keep them stuffed and in dust bags, but condition and clean them periodically too. My oldest Coach is coming up on three years old (Prince Street Satchel) and it still looks brand new. It will definitely still be around in another year or two. I am careful about humidity; I keep an Eva-Dry 500 in my closet and rechareable silica packets in every bag. It’s only in the summer heat that they tend to chage colour, but I have enough invested in my collection to take precautions.