Coach is a brand I’ve not spared a 2nd glance at for a long time. I was not terribly impressed with their latest designs or quality and needless to say, the super marked up prices here. But when the new Coach Kristin Collection landed in my mailbox, I did not only give it a 2nd glance, I went to check out the whole collection online and I found myself impressed.
The Kristin collection is something I can associate with Coach – the clean simple lines and classic designs that was what got me into Coach bags in the first place. I do have one caveat. My interest lies solely in the leather bags which come in one plain colour and gold or silver hardware, and look classic and elegant. The monogram canvas is still sadly getting two thumbs down from me.
Here are some of my favourite designs from the new Coach Kristin collection.
I am partial to hobo bags and the Kristin Leather Hobo (US$298) is a lovely simple design in some great colors. The yellow colour in fact, resembles a Coach hobo I own! The difference is that mine has no pocket on the front and does not come with a separate strap but has a strap that can be converted to a long one to carry the bag cross body. Also comes in a larger size.
The Kristin Leather Satchel (US$358) too appears to come with a separate strap so you can sling it on your shoulder. Personally, I feel satchels look best hand carried or carried in the crook of your arm. This one reminds me a little of the Rebecca Minkoff Morning After Mini bag that I own in terms of shape. It does look very roomy and I’m sure can fit a ton! I’m also very partial to satchel bags – the number of top handle bags I own is testament to that :)
I love the look of the 2 Kristin clutches in Metallic Python and Embossed Exotic leather (both US$348). For those who are shuddering at the thought of carrying snakeskin take heart. Its not really python or snakeskin but a new Juno leather for Kristin that is embossed to look and feel like snakeskin. Another thing I like – the interior is bright pink! How’s that for contrast :D I’ve love to check these two out. If you’re still “geli” anyway, the clutches come in normal leather too :D
And finally the last item that caught my eye was the Kristin Crossbody bag (US$158). If you pick it up in Turquoise, its cute and fun and great for a young girl or even a not so young girl ;) Its great for travel that’s for sure which makes it darned tempting for me!
I haven’t been to the local Coach store yet to take a look at the Kristin collection in person. From past experience, Coach stores here do get the latest collections in quite quickly. The mark up will probably dampen my spirits I’m sure. But still, one never knows ;) I’m currently on a bag ban but if I could get these at USA prices, I’d definitely find my resolve crumbling.
You can view the whole Kristin collection online. Go shop virtually and then come back and tell me which is your favourite so we can all share – you already know mine :)
Paris B
UPDATE MARCH 2010
I saw the Kristin Collection at the local Coach store! Apparently, we don’t get the leather crossbody bag here which is a bummer as that was the one I was keen on. In terms of colour, here are my thoughts:-
- Turquoise – More blue and muted in real life. Looks better online. Potentially difficult colour to match.
- Yellow – Lighter in real life. Cheery summery bright colour. My favourite!
- Peach – Too red in real life. Overkill in a full peach bag. Ok in leather trim.
- Taupe – Gorgeous unusual brown-grey. A good alternative to a classic brown bag.
The Satchel is adorable but looks much better carried in the hand or on the arm. Not on the shoulder. Its also a little small though its cute as a button! I think the larger satchel would be better for everyday.
The Hobo is a good choice. Not heavy and slouches well. The clutches were HUGE. I was expecting something small but these are oversized. The Exotic python was disappointing in real life.
Prices here range from RM1600 for canvas hobo to RM1950 for full leather satchel. The canvas crossbody bag is RM700 if I recall correctly.
I agree with you. Coach has not been particularly interesting in recent years. The Kristin leather hobo is cute but I don’t like that the shorter strap is not detachable if used messenger style. I always find those extra straps a bit of a hassle. If I were to pick a favourite from this line, it would be the Kristin rouched leather drawstring large hobo in silver/navy as I do prefer big, slouchy bags.
I know what you mean. Having so many straps on a bag can be super confusing especially if its a long strap. The drawstring bag is cute too – I’m loving the look of the plain leather colors aren’t you? :)
I rather like Coach bags, because they’re usually very fun hahaha. But they’re not currently in my budget range, as a broke college student. Heck, I can’t even afford Guess.
Well there’s always later when you start work :)
Kristin Leather Satchel is gorgeous! You made me salivate! :)
I know right? I’m wiping up drool even as we speak :P
I like Coach and I have only one.It is very pricey though..My friend is coming back from US and he can get one coach for me.Any suggestion?
If he can get to a Coach outlet and you aren’t fussy about owning something from a past collection, it can be very cheap (relatively speaking). Otherwise how about something from Kristin? Its new :)
Kristin might be too pricey for me. hmmm.. i will ask him to try on outlet =)
Thanks!
I kinda like the Kristin Leather Hobo… not that I can afford it, but a girl can dream anyways, right? :P
Yeah gotta dream or there’s nothing to aspire towards ;)
Ooh those peachy taupey colours are so nice! Likin the Kristin exotic clutch!
You too? High 5! I love how it looks but I just know its going to be so crazy priced here :(
i used to love coach during my early years working and not earning much. but after awhile, i realised that they’re too pricey here and doesn’t truly justify the big difference. so, i only had one which i got in Singapore years ago and i don’t think i will be buying any new ones from them unless i travel to the US and get it there directly.
I’ll have to agree with you about the prices here. I find it hard to justify the prices for the quality unless I can get it from the USA where its much more affordable.
I love leather bags in one colour too :D I’d been drooling over Coach bags for ages and recently, Hubby bought me one as a present for the past 2 labour pains I’d endured LOL. You can read about how crazy I went at the Coach outlet in KLIA here (esp with toddler in tow!):
http://apregnantpause.net/2009/08/04/choosing-a-coach-handbag/
I love the soft, dark brown leather and its 2-in-1 large hobo design…until I found out one can get it way, way cheaper on eBay or some blogshops. Pure heartsick when I compared the price he paid vs the online price, you know?
Love the clutches but I am ‘geli’ over the snakeskin LOL And yes, that Turquoise Kristin Crossbody is very, very cute! I don’t like monogram bags either – free advertisement :P
Just hopped over to the online link – I love the totes and the drawstring large hobos. But so expensive, guess I’ll continue to dream for now :D
That’s so sweet of your husband to get the bag for you :) I’m ok with monogram bags if tastefully done, but Coach tends to shout too loudly for my liking :)
I like the Leather Satchel, and the Kristin Crossbody. You’re right, the previous Coach collections haven’t been impressive. In fact, I was just moaning to Geek about how crappy their collections have been, and that the old classic ones were so much better (ironically, also a lot cheaper, if you can get them from factory outlets). But I have to say, this collection’s beautiful. I’m glad they finally had the wool which was over their eyes for a while removed :P
Yes! If you don’t mind older designs then I’m told the outlet stores are a great place to shop at. I’m very happy to see this collection too. Finally, a Coach collection that wasn’t made for kids :P
I’m quite hesitant to get Coach bags. There are so many people in Sg who has them. They are so common that I don’t find any interest in them.
Its starting to be the same here. But i don’t think that should be a barrier to getting a nice bag eh? ;) The leather ones will be less common I’m sure – like here the monogram canvas bags are everywhere but the leather Coach bags are fewer due to their higher prices. Hence I’d go for a leather bag.
Yes. Good choice!
this looks like a collection from coach’s old days. it is simple and elegant. not those logo with big coaches all over with tacky colours. (i am ashamed to admit that i miself got some even though i bitched about them all the time.)
this is definitely something a lady must have her hands on some, if only i can afford them in the aussie dollars. i guess not! but then again, it may not reach here by the time i move back to KL. LOL
Yes! This is precisely like how Coach started – bags for women. By the time you get back here, knowing Coach, they’d have come up with another collection. I wish they’d stop that!
I like this collection, it’s nice and elegant. The Kristin Leather Satchel, in particular, is gorgeous! Not that I could ever afford it.
Haha… prices aside, looking and virtual shopping is always free ;) This collection sure is something eh?
Oh dear… I love those clutch bags :) It’s so classy and beautiful!
Yep! Best I’ve seen from Coach in a while.
OK, I’m waiting for these to go on sale in Melbourne, I’ll get the leather satchel. I love the colour! Finally, a collection of Coach that does not have me cringing and wincing.
Do you reckon they’ll be cheaper in HK? :D
I don’t know about the prices in Australia but Coach is usually cheapest in the USA. If you know someone who can get it there, it’ll be the best deal.
oh my! i love the leather hobo and the satchel bag! but the price, isn’t something i can afford right now and that makes me pretty sad :(
maybe i should start getting myself a leather wallet first as my old one is tearing into bits and pieces~
Save save … :) Maybe when you are ready to purchase the bags, they’d still be around, or there might be just as elegant and classic designs available ;)
Love the look of the leather hobos, I shall check it out, thanks for this post!
Oho! If you get it and I see you any time soon you MUST show so I can live vicariously :P
I was just thinking the exact same thing about Coach, until I saw this collection! I LOVE!!!!
Sigh… same but I’m on a ban :( If you can get it in the USA, they are pretty decent prices you know :P
…and I’ve forwarded pictures to hubby! :):)
Sneaky sneaky! :D Ada lobang? :P
I think a great bag can stand the test of time. Hahhahaa….
If its a pricey bag, I won’t hurry to go and buy it. If I still really like it after some time, then its shouldn’t be a fashion fad which I would outgrow it very soon.
Yep a great bag does especially if you like it and use it often. I prefer to stick to classic designs – that way it won’t “age” ;)
Thinking of getting a medium wallet from Coach . Waiiting for the sale ! Do you think their wallet is lasting??
I have a Coach wallet. Within a week of getting it, the leather pull tab for the zip compartment inside came apart. I never got it repaired so instead of a loop its now a long tab. I don’t know how long it will last that way. Otherwise, the rest of the wallet is still in good condition and I am rough with my wallets. I won’t pay above RM500 for one though.
i just got my hands on the large leather hobo in the color chalk (the off white color) i love it! its so perfect for spring i purchased a colorful scarf to put on it for the season, but what i love about the color is that is transitions well with each season, although the bright colors are adorable i found the off white color to be classic and elegant, it was definetly worth it! i love it!