Review of the Coach Legacy Metallic Duffle!

This review will be short ....this bag rocks! I didn’t realize how I was unnecessarily suffering with a not-quite-big-enough handbag until I started wearing this one, officially known as the Large Legacy Metallic Leather Duffle. 

I’m a multi-method commuter, using a mixture of car pooling, public transportation and walking during my work week. I carpool halfway to work with my husband and then walk or bus the rest of the way. 

As such, everything I need for the day has to be hauled in my bag - but it also has to be easily transportable. The Legacy has more than enough room for a lunch, phone, wallet, make up bag and extra clothing. There is even room left over for shopping errands I may need during the day. 

On those days I have the time to walk, I really need a bag that is comfortable on my back and shoulders. The larger-sized Legacy does not disappoint! The thick, adjustable shoulder strap keeps the roomy bag from slowing me down (even with my achey third trimester body)! 

I love that the bag is not black (yawn) and yet looks absolutely amazing with everything.  The shinny, metallic leather adds a flair to any outfit and has held up beautifully to anything I’ve exposed it to (including the rough Canadian elements). 

The zippers are super high quality, always gliding easily and never sticking. The front pocket is roomy enough to keep all my instant must-grabs (i.e. phone, keys, shopping list) close at hand.  

Finally, the bag looks gorgeous whether stuffed to the brim or two-thirds empty. It doesn’t matter where my day takes me, the Legacy is ready to go! 

Michael Kors Outlet Shopping: How to Tell the Difference Between Boutique Items and Made-For-Factory Merchandise

While I still have a lot to learn about Michael Kors, I have picked up key insights to empower an MK outlet treasure hunt. Here are four simple, practical tips to distinguish products designed for a boutique from the products that were designed to be sold in an outlet. (More on boutique vs. factory)

TIP 1: The interior logos on boutique handbags repeat the MK circle logo. 

The MK logo is repeated throughout the interior
of a boutique bag

This simple tell makes outlet shopping so easy - and it will also empower you when purchasing merchandise second-hand or online.  

The interior lining of handbags made for the boutiques repeat the classic “MK” logo. By this I mean just the letters “MK” in a small circle. Here’s an example from my own handbag purchased full-price at a mall boutique (right). 

"Michael Kors" spelled out on two lines signifies
a made-for-outlet bag 

In contrast, made for factory bags (MFF) repeat a different logo in their interior that spells out “Michael KORS” in full, as in the bag on the left.  

This logo is on two lines (“Michael” in smaller letters on the top line and “KORS” in larger letters on the bottom). Here is an example of the outlet bag logo. 

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.