Which one should I get?

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Thanks for everybodys opinion! I haven't actually seen the Legacy handbag in person yet. The department stores in my area doesn't carry that one yet. But I plan on going to the Coach store (which is an hour away) sometime in December. Once I see both in person, I'll probably be able to decide. Who knows I might end up with both of them:yahoo:
 
I'm going to give a long-winded answer because I have both and love them equally.

Gallery tote - this is light-weight and very roomy. I use it mainly for going to my office at school, so I carry a lot in it (small lunch, wallet, wristlet, phone, magazine, water bottle, small travel mug, etc.). I also use it in place of a diaper bag sometimes. I like that it's got a few outside pockets (although these don't hold a lot - just my keys in the side one, and some lipglosses and kleenex in the end ones). I used it this weekend for a ferry trip, where I knew that I'd need to throw all kinds of odds and ends in it and be able to reach them quickly (my kid's stuffed animal and toque, leftover lunch, snacks, etc.). I couldn't have used the Legacy for that.

Legacy shoulder tote - this is also very roomy but doesn't really fit bulky things like a travel mug, big magazine or book, big water bottle. I use it when I need a true shoulder bag - e.g. one that will sit comfortably on my shoulder without slipping down. I like it for when I'm going to be pushing the stroller a lot, for example. The drawback to this bag is that it's not really comfortable to carry in the hand because it has such a wide strap. I can carry the Gallery tote on my shoulder, in my hand, or in the crook of my arm. However, the Gallery tote doesn't sit as comfortably on my shoulder for long periods.

Really, they're both GREAT bags, just very different. Between the two of them, plus my swingpack and my soft duffle, I've got all my purse needs almost completely covered! Anyway, it really depends on how you think you'll mainly be using the bag. If you want something to use as a work tote, small carry-on, etc. then go with the Gallery tote, but if you want something as a roomy but not bulky everyday shoulder bag, then go with the Legacy.

Oh, here are pics of both of them on my shoulder to give you an idea of size (I'm 5'5" and about 130 lbs).

Gallery tote on shoulder.jpg

Legacy on shoulder 2.jpg
 
I was between those very two bags, so here's what I decided. I wanted the Gallery tote in patent, I was sold, going to get it, etc. But I don't like the fact that it's open, the double straps bother me on my shoulder, and I LOVE the white of the Legacy. It's very roomy, and I guess I have plenty of bigger totes I can use. I hope I'm not sorry!!!
 
Gallery tote - this is light-weight and very roomy. I use it mainly for going to my office at school, so I carry a lot in it (small lunch, wallet, wristlet, phone, magazine, water bottle, small travel mug, etc.). I also use it in place of a diaper bag sometimes. I like that it's got a few outside pockets (although these don't hold a lot - just my keys in the side one, and some lipglosses and kleenex in the end ones). I used it this weekend for a ferry trip, where I knew that I'd need to throw all kinds of odds and ends in it and be able to reach them quickly (my kid's stuffed animal and toque, leftover lunch, snacks, etc.). I couldn't have used the Legacy for that.

Oh, here are pics of both of them on my shoulder to give you an idea of size (I'm 5'5" and about 130 lbs).

View attachment 98139

View attachment 98140

Hi Sialia:smile1: - How well does the Gallery tote fit under your arm? Do you feel like you have enough room, or does it feel too tight and/or not give enough clearance? Thanks!
 
Hi Sialia:smile1: - How well does the Gallery tote fit under your arm? Do you feel like you have enough room, or does it feel too tight and/or not give enough clearance? Thanks!

Hi Pompilit - It fit perfectly under my arm earlier in the fall when I was wearing my lighter coats but now that I'm usually wearing my wool peacoat, it's a bit tighter. I can still do it but I usually end up carrying it in my hand, unless I'm carrying my computer bag, too. It's not uncomfortable under my arm with my large coat, though...just a bit more snug. Hope that helps!

Edited to add: It also depends on how full it is. When I have it crammed with piles of stuff (e.g. travel mug, water bottle, etc.), then it's a little too bulky to fit under my arm comfortably. But when I'm just using it as a regular shoulder bag (just a wallet, wristet, etc. in it) then it's fine under my arm.
 
Okay, here's my opinion. I have both - The Legacy shoulder bag in Whiskey and I have 2 of the gallery totes - the khaki signature and the brown signature. My favorite right now is the brown tote. Everyone always complements me when I use it (and I just got it a few weeks ago) I've had the Legacy bag since summer (when it was a "preview-limited edition" or whatever they first call them) and I just don't love it quite as much. I also think the gallery tote looks better on me - I'm 5'1". The size is ideal - I've used many different purses over the years, and this is by far my favorite style. Also, the gallery tote just "feels" more convenient when I use it. It sits on my passenger seat and when unzipped I can reach into it for my cell phone or sunglasses. Oh yeah - that's another thing - the zipper can lay flat when you don't want to close it, or you can zip it when you want to.
I am even considering getting it in black too. The only thing holding me back is that I prefer silver hardware with black and this one has gold. Besides, maybe 3 the same style is a bit over the top, LOL.
 
I have the Gallery Tote and the size is great, but I don't really care for the structure. If its not filled with stuff the sides droop or sag a little. Another con is that the bottom is all suede. I still love the bag, great design and the handles are the perfect size for shoulder or elbow. If I were in your shoes I would go with the Legacy bag though, because it marks the 65th anniversary of Coach, and who wouldn't want to be part of that?? Also, the lining on those bags is adorable. JMO, :smile1: .
 
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