Coach Boutique or Factory? Three Easy Ways to Tell

Since losing my Coach virginity last week, I’ve gone on to learn a lot about the brand. From it’s modest origins, to it’s recent drop in the stock market; from fears the brand is losing it’s edge as a result of stiff competition, diversification and outlets, to claims its return to classic looks is reviving their image - I’ve read it all. 

By far the most interesting thing I’ve learned this weekend, however, will empower any Coach outlet (or internet) shopper looking to score a deal.   Most bags in the outlets (as many as 80%) were designed for outlets - also known as Made For Factory (MFF). 

MFF bags were never intended for the boutiques and therefore are not necessarily up to the same standards that boutique bags are held to. Furthermore, because outlets always have sales off the sticker price, the suggested retail price is a scam - Coach never assumed the bag would sell at that price. 

Now I have no objections whatsoever to mass market sister-lines for designer brands.  It’s wonderful to have stores like Armani Exchange and fashion partnerships between high end designers and accessible stores like H&M. It’s kind of fun to pick up something  inexpensively that represents the mood and ‘flavour’ of your favourite brands and designers.  

Having said that, I resent designer lines opening outlet stores under their official brand identity but selling merchandise they would never put in their real stores. The assumption is that the outlet sells products that are out of season, over produced or left over inventory from around the country. It’s insulting to customers to develop entire product lines of a lesser quality to fool them.  

I am fighting back against that dishonesty by sharing three simple ways to ensure you’re making an informed purchase at Coach outlets. 

1) The logo on Coach boutique bags’ price tags are different than factory bags. The boutique bags feature the full horse and carriage logo, while factory bags just have the Coach symbol and “established 1941” print.  

Boutique tag on the left with horse and carriage.  Factory tag on the right.

2) Coach boutique items have serial number that begins with a number.  Made for factory bags have a serial number that begins with an “F”.  This is clearly visible on the price tag as well as on the logo inside the bag. 

Boutique item serial numbers don't start with an "F" (left).
Made for factory items  do (right). 

3) Coach boutique items come with a dust bag inside - factory bags don’t.  Even when a boutique bag is sold in an outlet, you will still find a dust bag inside. 

Happy deal finding! 

The Coach Park Leather Mini Duffle Crossbody - My Review

For my very first Coach bag, I went for the Park Mini Duffle Crossbody in eye-catching magneta. I love that the “Coach” reference is subtle and secondary to the purse’s inherent merits.  I find the repeated-C signature Coach pattern to be tacky. A bag should be capable of making an impression based on it’s design - it shouldn’t have to scream “look at me, I’m brand name!”

I love that this bag is just solid leather with the tiniest “Coach” stamp in silver on one side.  The bag’s stunning colour alone ensures it pops against any outfit. Given that magneta is so vibrant, the merlot lining and embellishments tone it down to keep it sophisticated. 

I always gravitate to crossbody bags because they are so darn practical. As much as I might like the look of a dainty satchel or clutch, it’s simply not worth the sacrifice of giving up one of my hands. 

This little bag is great because, on the rare occasion when a hand-held purse is required, I can remove the crossbody strap for a more elegant look.  With a four inch drop, the top strap is just long enough to slip over your shoulder and tuck the purse under your arm, but only if the bag is sparsely populated, otherwise it will bulge uncomfortably under your arm. 

I also love the hardware on the crossbody strap. It’s a swivel hook lobster clasp that makes unclipping and re-clipping a cinch - perfect for mom’s like me who may need to attach it to a stroller handle.  

Great hardware for easy crossbody
conversion

The bag is very small. I had initially purchased it as an everyday work bag, but it will only work on days that I’m packing the bare essentials (wallet, work ID, lightly-packed makeup bag, work blackberry and personal phone). If I intend to carry any extras, like lunch or a layer of clothing, I need to switch it up for another bag. 

For many, it will be the perfect little companion for running errands because it’s so light and unobtrusive. For those of us with kids, however, it will probably work best as a compartment for mommy’s personal items as a companion to a larger duffle/baby bag. 

The bag’s “retail price” was $228, but after the tagged discount and 50% off everything in the store promotion, I paid about $93.  

What I didn’t know when I bought this bag is that it was Made For Factory (MFF), meaning that it was never sold in the full-price Coach boutiques.  Knowing what I know now, would I still have bought the bag? Honestly, probably not, simply because I feel the disingenuous marketing of MFF products is disrespectful to customers. On the other hand, I’m partly grateful I didn’t know about MFF products when I made the purchase because the bag is a lovely addition to my wardrobe and will be a fun statement piece for many of my outfits. 

It is after all, my very first Coach bag. I’m bound to be fond of it!

Lexia thinks it works well with her pink pyjamas

My First Coach Bag - From Anti-Designer to Frenzied Shopper

Overpriced designer accessories have long bewildered me. When I see a frumpy, poorly-dressed woman carrying a several hundred dollar bag, I just feel embarrassed for her. Does she really think that a brand name bag compensates for the fact that she put zero effort into finding clothes that fit or brushing her hair?  

Save the $400 you invested in the bag to get your hair done and buy a fresh, well-fitted dress (designer brand not required). I guarantee you there is not a straight man in the world who ever ogled a woman walking by because she had a great bag!  

On the side of the spectrum is the super-groomed, heavily made up brand .. er.... worshiper.  These women invest most of their energy and money in looking good and, as a result, they often do, but they can also come off as looking a bit desperate.  Desperate to stand out, desperate to feel superior, desperately willing to go into financial hardship just to know their bag is the most expensive in the room. 

I would also argue that these women are also guilty of giving men too much credit.

The high-quality, well-fitted, curve clinging clothing will surely get you noticed - but the extra $200 you spent to get the designer tag is probably wasted from the perspective of enhancing sex appeal.

I have always taken a more balanced approach to brands. I love shopping and have great respect for the power of clothing to transform your image. It’s important to me to look well put together and dress in a way that compliments my figure. I do take brand reputation and material quality into account when making purchasing decisions (I do own a Coach watch bought at a very competitive price during Bay Days), but I don’t break the bank for the swank appeal of a super brand.

Of course, from a ‘luxury goods’ point-of-view, I’m dirt poor, so I have an built-in motive to see through the hype of designer brands. I suppose you could accuse me of turning a matter of necessity into a virtue. 

Okay, so you now you understand how I’ve managed to get into my mid-thirties without every feeling compelled to get a Coach bag. Given I’ve made it this far, why the sudden change of heart? 

Firstly, as I mature, I am really starting to appreciate the value of well-made pieces. While it’s fun to update your closet with a few inexpensive, trendy items each season, I am increasingly gravitating to superior fabrics and well-crafted items that hold their value over time. 

Secondly, I’ve realized that I have underinvested in accessories over the years. I may think that a great dress will always do more for a woman’s allure than a  great handbag, but a great handbag can be incorporated into of your look up to seven days a week. I think it’s time to get a few accessories that mean as much to me as my favorite garments.  

Thirdly, a great handbag has exceptional longevity. No matter how much I may adore a garment, I guarantee you it will not be in my closet five years from now. Clothes fade, fray, stretch and don’t evolve with your personal style. A truly awesome, classic handbag may bring me joy for years to come. 

A Coach Outlet store recently opened up in my area, so the timing was ripe to strike. 

My Review of the Croozer for 2

Lexia Napping in the Croozer

I’ve been eyeing up the Croozer for 2 since I starting thinking about having a second child. Running is something I really enjoy, but since returning back to work after maternity leave, I have found it almost impossible to leave my daughter behind to get out for a run. 

After months of denial (“I’ll find time to run by myself eventually”), I’ve finally accepted my new reality - if I’m going to run with any regularity at all, I will need to take my daughter with me. 

With a new baby on the way, and a great deal on the Croozer at my local SportChek, I decided now was the time as any to invest in this chariot. My hope is that I’ll maximize my investment by running with it throughout this pregnancy as well as when Lexia’s little sibling joins us.  Here’s What I love About the Croozer: 

Easy to Control - Easy to Push 

Overall, I got what I was looking for. The Croozer makes running with children possible and pragmatic. Even with one 26 pound child on one side, and nothing to counter the balance on the other, the stroller was balanced and even-keeled. The wheels are great to keep moving over bumps and mixed terrain. I can even control it with one hand on straightaways. 

Fun and Comfortable for Baby 

The side-by-side seating was a big selling feature for me.  I imagine that if I were a child accompanying mom for a run, I would much rather share the view with my sibling, rather than be isolated and/or staring at the back of their head. My daughter enjoyed the ride and quickly fell asleep in the comfortable bucket seat.

Adaptable

I think it’s fabulous that this works perfectly with one child but will soon accommodate two.  With the purchase of the infant sling attachment, a child can ride in this as young as one month old, yet the bucket seats are spacious and the Croozer boats a combined weight limit of 100 pounds. I believe it’s possible that my family will be using the Croozer in one form or another (be it a stroller for two, or a bike trailer for our youngest) for many years to come.  

Built-in Protection

I live in cold climate where crisp weather is the norm.  The Croozer cabin keeps kids out of the sun and has a built in plastic layer for wind, snow and rain. 

Here’s what I don’t love about the Croozer:  

Big and Bulky 

I knew this going in, but the sheer volume of this stroller truly does require serious consideration before purchase.  The Croozer doesn’t fit through either my front or back door.  While the wheels pop off easily to thin out the overall width, there is a large metal bumper at the front of the stroller that prevents it from fitting through a standard door. 

Not being able to bring the fully constructed stroller into my house is a big sacrifice. It means I have to coordinate getting two children ready and plopping them into a stroller outside my home without leaving anyone unattended.  If my children fall asleep on our outing, I have to risk waking them up to lift them out of the stroller and bring them inside. 

I think the manufacturer should consider adding hinges to the bumper so that users can  pull the two sides upwards to better fit through small spaces. They could also put mini wheels on the bottom of the cabin (picture something like suitcase wheels) so that one could still push their kids through a doorway even if they must remove the outer wheels.

Can’t See Your Kids

If any stroller ever needed a peek-a-boo window, it’s this one.  We’re talking about putting two small children side-by-side with open access to each other (one of whom may be as young as one month old).

In order to get a good gage on what your children are doing, you really need to stop pushing and walk around to the side of the stroller. That’s a real cramp in one’s running style! 

Not Great For Tall Folks 

I’m only 5”7, but even I kicked the back bumper a couple of times during my first few runs. Now that I’ve found my Croozer-flow, it only seems to happen occasionally on my walking breaks, but I’m not sure how well this would work for a taller person. 

My husband is 6”4. There’s not a stroller in the world that would convince him to run, but it would be nice if we found one with a push bar high enough that he felt comfortable walking with it. This isn’t that stroller. While the push bar is the perfect height for me, it would be great if it was adjustable so that people of different sizes could customize it to suit their stride. 

Overall, I’m very happy with my Croozer. It’s got me out running again - money well spent!