Signature or Leather?

Do you all prefer a signature style or a leather style?

I like both. It all depends on what mood I am in when I am at the store. I tend to lean towards leather more though.

I like both as well, it really just depends on the mood I'm in or the occasion.

I prefer signature... When I first began to like Coach, I didn't even know the name of the brand or the price... I just liked the Cs cause my last name begins with a C. I know several people who also like to wear Coach but will only carry all-leather... they think the Cs look tacky. I say to each his (her) own... and I do respect everyone's opinion.

[kitsch_k]

hmmm.. this is hard..i think i prefer signature

Both for me too. Depends on the occasion although I like leather most of the time.

i like both too, but it doesn't depend on my mood, for me it depends on the bag....i put them next to each other (the leather and the signature) and i chose from there! hehe

[agent_orange]

I usually go for signatures eventhough I think signature bags are yay close to tacky because, gah, leather bags make me look way older than I really am. Besides, I'm too immature for leather bags.

Definitely leather. I've only seen one or two signature styles that I even like, but I still didn't like them enough to buy 'em.

I love my Cs... I've looked at and tried on all-leather bags before but I feel that they are too mature for me... and I'm 25.

[QueenMaa]

I prefer the leather styles better.

[kitsch_k]

hmm...but i think crocodile or alligator tops it all..hehe..i know PETA will kill me for this comment.

[bagcrazy]

I got into Coach about 4 years ago and all my bags are leather or suede. This weekend, I just bought my first Signature gallery tote and I love it!! The bags I'm looking at for spring and summer are either leather or fabric (no signature).

[kitsch_k]

Originally Posted by SO_FEMME

I love my Cs... I've looked at and tried on all-leather bags before but I feel that they are too mature for me... and I'm 25.

well i think our style will definitely mature with age...

[CinderellaGirl]

I am trying my best to avoid leather, but its just on everything anymore

[kitsch_k]

Originally Posted by CinderellaGirl

I am trying my best to avoid leather, but its just on everything anymore

why do you avoid leather cinderella girl?

[pinkbag]

i also prefer leather over signature...cannot have too much of Cs on my bags....

[angelthelson]

i lean on leather more but siggies are ok on smaller accessories or small bags (soho and hamptons)

[elaine130]

Hi all - I'm a newbie : ) I JUST bought the Coach Soho Braided leather Mia Satchel in tobacco brown from our nearby factory store and it is soooo sumptious. I like the c's but this leather is gorgeously distressed and very durable. It will hopefully last a lot of wear and tear!

[bagcrazy]

Originally Posted by elaine130

Hi all - I'm a newbie : ) I JUST bought the Coach Soho Braided leather Mia Satchel in tobacco brown from our nearby factory store and it is soooo sumptious. I like the c's but this leather is gorgeously distressed and very durable. It will hopefully last a lot of wear and tear!

I know the exact bag you are talking about (I'm a Coach fanatic!). The quality of the leather used by Coach is very high quality and just gets better with age. Enjoy your beautiful new bag!!

[kitsch_k]

Originally Posted by elaine130

Hi all - I'm a newbie : ) I JUST bought the Coach Soho Braided leather Mia Satchel in tobacco brown from our nearby factory store and it is soooo sumptious. I like the c's but this leather is gorgeously distressed and very durable. It will hopefully last a lot of wear and tear!

so you bought it the factory store?? how big is the price difference compared to the retail stores?

[elaine130]

Leather Soho Mia Braided Satchel = MSRP $428.00
Factory store had it on sale for $299 less 20% = $240!!!

I fell in love with the new Legacy Satchel ($628?) off the Coach website. Tried to find it on Ebay (I've had luck with 2 other Coach bags and a Fendi over the years). There's one Legacy Satchel in white leather currently for auction. I called Sam's club because I recall a Coach satchel there but their price was $240 and it was in black, of which I have too many. I live near the Coach factory in Lahaska, PA so I called to inquire - they had one Soho Mia satchel in white left. So I trekked out there in ice and snow. There was one tobacco brown Mia satchel which I grew to admire over the white, which looked too stiff, almost like pleather compared to the pebbled vintage-look leather. Plus white's too hard to clean and I've got two little ones. And the brass didn't go with the white - they should have used silver instead. So I bonded with the Tobacco Brown Soho Mia Satchel and finally bought it. Also, it should stay in style for awhile. I LOVE IT!!! It's making me so happy - the braid strap is very cool and the body is not too feminine or fussy.

[ctlwyer]

Hi everyone! What do you guys think of this coach bag? I got it in camel.

I usually go for the Signature pattern, but wanted to give leather a try too...

Coach - COACH SOHO LEATHER SATCHEL

[elaine130]

ctlawyer - I love your bag! It's beautiful. If you're a lawyer or in some fulltime office profession, it's perfect. Very professional, classy yet the brown is also on the less formal side. Enjoy it!!!

I took measurements. Your bag is pretty much the same dimensions as mine (which is the Soho Mia satchel - more casual like for jeans, but I work mostly from home and have 2 little ones). The only difference is that yours is one inch taller. I must say that my new bag is wider than other bags I've purchased but I'm getting used to it because it makes things so much easier to find inside the bag - just zip and open wide! - instead of rummaging around by feel instead of sight in a thin but long bag.

[elaine130]

Something I learned (perhaps thru this forum?) about the Coach factory stores - if you see a bag in the online catalogue, chances are it won't be in the factory yet. I also learned that when a bag is sent to the factory, they put a little mark on the top left corner of the creed - sort of like a bullseye. Here are pics of my Soho Mia Satchel - you can supersize these images from this ebay listing.



eBay: COACH NWT AUTH Soho Leather Satchel Braided Tote 10048 (item 150097051410 end time Mar-10-07 15:48:14 PST)

[ctlwyer]

Thanks Elaine130!

At first, I wasn't real sure about it, liked it but I think because for years I have gotten the signature patterns only it was a bit of a shock for leather. I am just like you on the size of the bag, this bag here is by far the biggest one I own, but I am getting used to it. I work as a Contracts Legal Analyst, so it is good for work. Maybe I'll buy a little signature one for the nights on the town haha. Thanks again -

[bagcrazy]

Originally Posted by ctlwyer

Hi everyone! What do you guys think of this coach bag? I got it in camel.

I usually go for the Signature pattern, but wanted to give leather a try too...

Coach - COACH SOHO LEATHER SATCHEL

It's a great bag. I have been tempted by this bag in camel also. Do you like it? Is it too wide? That was my only concern. You'll love the leather, it will last a life time!

[bagcrazy]

Originally Posted by elaine130

Leather Soho Mia Braided Satchel = MSRP $428.00
Factory store had it on sale for $299 less 20% = $240!!!

I fell in love with the new Legacy Satchel ($628?) off the Coach website. Tried to find it on Ebay (I've had luck with 2 other Coach bags and a Fendi over the years). There's one Legacy Satchel in white leather currently for auction. I called Sam's club because I recall a Coach satchel there but their price was $240 and it was in black, of which I have too many. I live near the Coach factory in Lahaska, PA so I called to inquire - they had one Soho Mia satchel in white left. So I trekked out there in ice and snow. There was one tobacco brown Mia satchel which I grew to admire over the white, which looked too stiff, almost like pleather compared to the pebbled vintage-look leather. Plus white's too hard to clean and I've got two little ones. And the brass didn't go with the white - they should have used silver instead. So I bonded with the Tobacco Brown Soho Mia Satchel and finally bought it. Also, it should stay in style for awhile. I LOVE IT!!! It's making me so happy - the braid strap is very cool and the body is not too feminine or fussy.

I wish I lived by a Coach Factory store. I heard that you can take them the catalog and they can order whatever you want at thier discounted price. Do you know if that's true?

[ctlwyer]

Originally Posted by bagcrazy

It's a great bag. I have been tempted by this bag in camel also. Do you like it? Is it too wide? That was my only concern. You'll love the leather, it will last a life time!

Thanks! I like it, but I am finding I do prefer the signature. It is pretty big, it's 14 inches in length. It doesn't get in the way on my shoulder (like it doesn't bump people when I move) but I am petite (5'3) and when I try to get my wallet out the bag is all fumbly. It's really cute otherwise (I think I just need to adjust to the leather.)

[ctlwyer]

Originally Posted by elaine130

ctlawyer - I love your bag! It's beautiful. If you're a lawyer or in some fulltime office profession, it's perfect. Very professional, classy yet the brown is also on the less formal side. Enjoy it!!!

I took measurements. Your bag is pretty much the same dimensions as mine (which is the Soho Mia satchel - more casual like for jeans, but I work mostly from home and have 2 little ones). The only difference is that yours is one inch taller. I must say that my new bag is wider than other bags I've purchased but I'm getting used to it because it makes things so much easier to find inside the bag - just zip and open wide! - instead of rummaging around by feel instead of sight in a thin but long bag.

Thank you! I think I am partial to the signature, so I was having second thoughts about the bag. It is nice leather, and pratical though. I am a Legal contracts analyst, so it does fit in nice with work attire...

[elaine130]

Originally Posted by bagcrazy

I wish I lived by a Coach Factory store. I heard that you can take them the catalog and they can order whatever you want at thier discounted price. Do you know if that's true?

Bagcrazy - I'll call and find out about your question.

What I do know is that when I was browsing around at the factory store the other day, I asked about any other satchels and they said that they did have some current Legacy satchels (in the backroom) but they said they were full price so I didn't even want to tempt myself by looking and falling in love! I've only seen the Legacy in pictures and not in person so chances are I would have gone ga-ga, bought it and then my husband would find out and divorce me!

[bagcrazy]

Originally Posted by elaine130

Bagcrazy - I'll call and find out about your question.

What I do know is that when I was browsing around at the factory store the other day, I asked about any other satchels and they said that they did have some current Legacy satchels (in the backroom) but they said they were full price so I didn't even want to tempt myself by looking and falling in love! I've only seen the Legacy in pictures and not in person so chances are I would have gone ga-ga, bought it and then my husband would find out and divorce me!

Thanks for taking the time to find out for me. I too had only seen the Legacy flap handbag on-line then I was in the Coach store and a girl who worked there was leaving and she has the bag (in Natural). I went running over to see it in person and it is beautiful! I'm waiting for their Customer Appreciation sale, which is supposed to begin on 3/18/07, but I haven't received my invitation yet.

[elaine130]

Originally Posted by ctlwyer

Thank you! I think I am partial to the signature, so I was having second thoughts about the bag. It is nice leather, and pratical though. I am a Legal contracts analyst, so it does fit in nice with work attire...

Hi ctlawyer - I must say that now that I've been carrying my bag for 2 days (while toting around my kids and shopping bags, etc), my Soho Mia Satchel is on the heavy side. I guess that's the negative side of having a bag made of durable pebbled vintage letter. I mostly had it on my forearm, but could wear it on my shoulder in a sort of vertical position (zipped or else stuff might fall out). I still love it and get compliments and stares. I really like the contrast stitching, too, a nice touch. I guess I just have to get used to it because I had been carrying smaller, lighter Coach bags (suede, nylon) with only essentials in the past few years. And the leather smell is intoxicating

As for signature - I love the style but they can be somewhat too trendy for me - a stay-home mom in semi-rural PA. Signature style, to me, is a younger look, more cosmopolitan, chic... I think of someone who vacations in South Beach (the people who live there probably own LV's). I'm on the practical side, like you, and wanted something more classic and enduring without making too much of a statement.

I have one signature coach bag in black my husband purchased for me six years ago at the store and it was outdated by the next year. For the past 2 summers, I've been carrying a small black nylon Coach tote purse (w/ pool handles) and it's soooo practical. It will be my alternate bag this summer for going to the pool, playdates, etc.

Coach - HAMPTONS WEEKEND SCRIBBLE SMALL TOTE

The positive about either signature or nylon (anything not leather) is that they're lighter and signature is more eye-catching. Having said all this, I saw a woman at the factory store wearing this awesome bag (Hampton Optic Signature Satchel in brass/white) and it looked great! Maybe this is the signature satchel for you

Coach - HAMPTONS OPTIC SIGNATURE SATCHEL

[elaine130]

Originally Posted by bagcrazy

Thanks for taking the time to find out for me. I too had only seen the Legacy flap handbag on-line then I was in the Coach store and a girl who worked there was leaving and she has the bag (in Natural). I went running over to see it in person and it is beautiful! I'm waiting for their Customer Appreciation sale, which is supposed to begin on 3/18/07, but I haven't received my invitation yet.

Bagcrazy - I called the factory store with regard to ordering a current bag and then buying it at a discounted price. Unfortunately, they said that they cannot do that, but the retail stores can order a bag from the catalogue (I guess if it's not in stock) and then sell it to you (probably full price).

The factory store said that they usually get bags in from the retail stores once the season is over. Instead of the retail stores putting the prior season's bags on sale in their shop, they ship the bags to the factory. My Soho bag was from the Sept. 06 collection. The factory then initially discounts the bags from retail price to about $30 or $40 less. Then maybe corporate will tell them to add an additional discount of 20-30%.

[ctlwyer]

Originally Posted by elaine130

Hi ctlawyer - I must say that now that I've been carrying my bag for 2 days (while toting around my kids and shopping bags, etc), my Soho Mia Satchel is on the heavy side. I guess that's the negative side of having a bag made of durable pebbled vintage letter. I mostly had it on my forearm, but could wear it on my shoulder in a sort of vertical position (zipped or else stuff might fall out). I still love it and get compliments and stares. I really like the contrast stitching, too, a nice touch. I guess I just have to get used to it because I had been carrying smaller, lighter Coach bags (suede, nylon) with only essentials in the past few years. And the leather smell is intoxicating

As for signature - I love the style but they can be somewhat too trendy for me - a stay-home mom in semi-rural PA. Signature style, to me, is a younger look, more cosmopolitan, chic... I think of someone who vacations in South Beach (the people who live there probably own LV's). I'm on the practical side, like you, and wanted something more classic and enduring without making too much of a statement.

I have one signature coach bag in black my husband purchased for me six years ago at the store and it was outdated by the next year. For the past 2 summers, I've been carrying a small black nylon Coach tote purse (w/ pool handles) and it's soooo practical. It will be my alternate bag this summer for going to the pool, playdates, etc.

Coach - HAMPTONS WEEKEND SCRIBBLE SMALL TOTE

The positive about either signature or nylon (anything not leather) is that they're lighter and signature is more eye-catching. Having said all this, I saw a woman at the factory store wearing this awesome bag (Hampton Optic Signature Satchel in brass/white) and it looked great! Maybe this is the signature satchel for you

Coach - HAMPTONS OPTIC SIGNATURE SATCHEL

hi elaine130!

Yeah I do think I like the signature better, though the leather in a smaller bag would be nice too. I am a working professional, but am only 28... so I am stuck in between the more professional, classic leather look for work and then a fun signature for nights out in DC with my husband and friends... I guess that means I just have to buy some of both tee hee. (Somewhere right now my husband's wallet is weeping and doesn't know why haha.)

[ctlwyer]

Originally Posted by elaine130

Hi ctlawyer - I must say that now that I've been carrying my bag for 2 days (while toting around my kids and shopping bags, etc), my Soho Mia Satchel is on the heavy side. I guess that's the negative side of having a bag made of durable pebbled vintage letter. I mostly had it on my forearm, but could wear it on my shoulder in a sort of vertical position (zipped or else stuff might fall out). I still love it and get compliments and stares. I really like the contrast stitching, too, a nice touch. I guess I just have to get used to it because I had been carrying smaller, lighter Coach bags (suede, nylon) with only essentials in the past few years. And the leather smell is intoxicating

As for signature - I love the style but they can be somewhat too trendy for me - a stay-home mom in semi-rural PA. Signature style, to me, is a younger look, more cosmopolitan, chic... I think of someone who vacations in South Beach (the people who live there probably own LV's). I'm on the practical side, like you, and wanted something more classic and enduring without making too much of a statement.

I have one signature coach bag in black my husband purchased for me six years ago at the store and it was outdated by the next year. For the past 2 summers, I've been carrying a small black nylon Coach tote purse (w/ pool handles) and it's soooo practical. It will be my alternate bag this summer for going to the pool, playdates, etc.

Coach - HAMPTONS WEEKEND SCRIBBLE SMALL TOTE

The positive about either signature or nylon (anything not leather) is that they're lighter and signature is more eye-catching. Having said all this, I saw a woman at the factory store wearing this awesome bag (Hampton Optic Signature Satchel in brass/white) and it looked great! Maybe this is the signature satchel for you

Coach - HAMPTONS OPTIC SIGNATURE SATCHEL

Hi elaine130! Thanks for recommending the optic signature bag, it's gorgeous! Yeah I think I'm stuck in between the two styles. On one hand the leather is a classic, professional look for work and then the signature is nice for nights out in DC with my husband. I am 28, so I am struggling between work image and social image I guess that means I just have to buy some of both styles.... hahaha ...my poor wallet...it won't stop crying.

[bagcrazy]

Originally Posted by elaine130

Bagcrazy - I called the factory store with regard to ordering a current bag and then buying it at a discounted price. Unfortunately, they said that they cannot do that, but the retail stores can order a bag from the catalogue (I guess if it's not in stock) and then sell it to you (probably full price).

The factory store said that they usually get bags in from the retail stores once the season is over. Instead of the retail stores putting the prior season's bags on sale in their shop, they ship the bags to the factory. My Soho bag was from the Sept. 06 collection. The factory then initially discounts the bags from retail price to about $30 or $40 less. Then maybe corporate will tell them to add an additional discount of 20-30%.

Thanks so much for finding out for me. Guess I' have to take a trip up to the outlet mall and check it out. I'm still waiting for my "Customer Appreciation" invitation (which is supposed to start on 3/18/07) and then I'll order it from the store (they don't have any in stock). I also know that if you go to the store and they order an item for you, you don't have to pay any shipping charges (every little bit helps!). Thanks again!