Disclosure: This is a sponsored post.
One of the very first designers I splurged my pennies on was Coach. Over the years, their designs have evolved and my tastes have shifted, but I keep thinking back to (and hunting on eBay for) the original, classic leather bags from the past that made the brand iconic.
This year, Coach is paying homage to that history with the Legacy collection – a modern collection inspired by iconic styles from their archives. The main material in this line is glove-tanned leather, and it comes in basic neutrals as well as four punchy colors (carnelian, sunflower, emerald, and cobalt). As someone who’s trying to move away from logos and towards quality items that stand on their own, I am very excited to see Coach revisit their heritage of making simple leather goods.
That approach carries over to other accessories as well. In addition to bags, the Legacy collection has shoes featuring the same quality leather and details. I was asked to choose my three favorite pairs from this line to share:
My top picks span a variety of designs and material types. The smooth leather Sondra bootie is a cold-weather basic, perfect for pairing with a textured mini and opaque tights. The neutral Sue heel can help tone down busy prints, while staying interesting with snake-embossed leather. Last but not least, the Zoee emerald suede pump provides a splash of color on dreary winter days, and the low heel lends to easy walking. My style must’ve gotten rather predictable, as my boyfriend clicked on over to the website and quickly guessed my picks. What can I say…I’m a sucker for classic styles with small updates. See the full collection here.
Great post! I have two pairs of Coach flats that are pretty simple, and I'm really liking the Legacy collection's return to a sleeker, more classic style. Also, I'm dying to know- where is that purple-y cape from in the second outfit?? Thanks!
Loving the clean lines and leather of the new Legacy collection. Those booties sure are classy!
I was never a fan of the logo items but I do have several (probably way too many) all leather bags from Coach. I also have a pair of leather teal gloves that I always look forward to breaking out in the colder months! I like the classic styles too and it's nice to see them reverting back to what made them so popular.
I love the pants and top in the middle outfit. Where are they from??
same here. i don't normally comment but i just wanted to say that i plan on purchasing a handbag shortly because of your post. i haven't purchased one in a long time since i haven't been impressed with any of their handbags but i am interested in a couple of the legacy collection ones. thanks!
Coach was the first brand I spent my money on too. I got the Carly white leather and I loved it! The white leather matched every outfit I wore, and it was good to me for a few years. The bag is currently hibernating in my closet. I do like the vibrant colors of the Legacy Collection. Can't go wrong with classics. =)
Thank you.
Just want your sponsors to know that I'm looking at Legacy bags because of your post and will buy one for myself as a bar-passing (assuming that I do!) gift. 🙂 They're exactly what I was looking for!
I'd love to own the Sue Heel!
– Ididtellyou.blogspot.com
I didn't know they were from the same design teams..will have to read up on it!
Thanks for the suggestion, Sophie! I am definitely working towards that post…I was thinking right after recent acquisitions that I am very happy with the current collection! It's small, but functional, and carefully selected. I always like seeing other women's collections and hearing the stories behind each choice, too.
Very sweet of your mom…curious how do you keep the white leather clean?
Your carnelian duffel and MamaTamTam's carnelian shoulder bag sound beautiful. I only recently introduced a red bag to my collection and can't stop reaching for it to spice up outfits.
Hi Brella – I'm learning as I go and don't know enough yet to be able to do an informative post. Like you, I still find myself surprised at how well or poorly things last. It's also hard to generalize based on fabric content. I've seen 100% polyester that gives me static hair within 2 seconds, and I also own some 100% polyester items from H&M; that last wear after wear, wash after wash, and look similar to silk. I've also owned 100% wool that keeps in great shape and never wrinkles, and then some that crinkle up after 1 sitting. I wish there were an easier way to gauge fabric quality.
Hi Bara – here it is http://www.madewell.com/madewell_category/SHIRTSTOPS/silkboyshirts/PRDOVR~98777/98777.jsp
Hi Cee – it's from here http://www.madewell.com/madewell_category/SHIRTSTOPS/silkboyshirts/PRDOVR~98777/98777.jsp
This story made me smile, your mom is right, a Coach bag was my first bag as a working girl too!
I think it cute that Nick know you so well. When I was younger I love the Coach bag with the C s but as I got older I want something more classic. I'm liking the Legacy Collection.
Nice post! I love that colourblock top you paired with the emerald shoes. may I ask you where it came from:-)
Love, Bára
First off….I love that bootie!! It's sooo beautiful with the buckle.
I had a Coach bucket hat and matching purse in 2003 that I thought was the most fabulous thing I'd ever owned 😉
XOXO
My comment has nothing to do with Coach, but I really like that blue and green blouse in the third outfit. Could you tell me where I could find it? Thanks!
It's ok 🙂 you're entitled to your opinion; I agree with Jean in that it just wasn't delivered in a very respectful or nice manner. Your second opinion sounded much better! :))
I'm sorry, you're very much right. I wrote that comment quickly and without thinking (plus I should realize people might actually read it, I'm so used to comments getting lost in the shuffle!). While I do really hate the C's and I wasn't intending to be rude (genuinely sorry to both the anons if I angered you), I do like what you've posted about their Legacy collection.
Here's a more respectful way of what I was trying to say–I agree with you, in that their style has changed from what it originally was, that it IS different. So I DO think it's nice that they're paying homage to their roots with this collection, and I do LIKE what you picked and how you paired them (that first look is my favorite paired with the camel-colored cape). I'm also the same way (classic styles, etc, though I obviously don't achieve that desired look, like, ever).
Also, it's okay to disagree and think I'm an idiot. I do it sometimes (a lot) too (to myself, I mean–the disagreeing and wondering what in the world did I just say). I didn't mean to offend! And you're definitely right, Anon 2, I should have at least tied in my comment to the post. I hate it when people comment and it seems like they took one look at the title and pictures and then tried to just promote their site or something like that, so you have every right to berate me for doing something similar!
I dont own anything from coach – but I love the chunky old leather look. I saw their new collection in Bond Street London – after reading your post – and I think some of their new leather bags are very nice too.
I will request that at some point you do a post on the ultimate bag collection.;-) I just adore the brown clutch you have from H&M; its inspired me to get clutch too as I think it s an excellent choice when you do not want the line of your jackets ruined…
Sorry, Samantha – all sorts of opinions are welcome on here but I think it's common courtesy to express them in a respectful manner.
You hate Coach because of the C's yet not one picture posted contained the Coach logo or is from the outlet. Next time, try to actually comment on what is posted.
I just checked out the legacy collection – I also stole my mom's very first coach bag which is black and looks very much like the same shapes as the ones in the legacy collection.
Mine was a pair of logo sneakers! lol. My second was a beautiful black leather bag for my college graduation. It's made from vintage leather. Now I have a couple of pairs of coach shoes that I snagged on super-sale: black leather booties and brown suede sandals.
wow. rude much?
Great selections! My fave is the one in the middle! 😀
I hope to see you at backtofive! 😀
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Nice and cool post about Fashion trend mostly all woman like it.
so funny- just reading from other comments, I can probably certify my first Coach as a vintage bag. o_O
I don't think I own any logo'd Coach items! My very first Coach bag was purchased almost 10 years ago, a gift from my mom when we went to Vegas. You can find a picture of it here. I'm not sure what collection it's from, but it looks kind of like some of the Kristen bags I'd purchase a few years later. It feels NOTHING like any of them, though.
Great choices! Love that cape you chose in the first one 🙂
Those are such classic shoes that you picked. I've also strayed away from Coach since my first bag splurge purchase, but I've been liking more of their simpler, clean, cut designs lately. I too have been eyeing the vintage classic bags on Ebay but haven't pulled the trigger =)
xoxo,
Suzie Q
http://www.StyleCueBySuzieQ.com
It's funny, when I first think of Coach bags, I think of the heavy logo purses, and it's not something that I like. I prefer a more subtle style, with good quality material. I'm not sure if I'm ready to change my mind about Coach, but it is interesting to know that Coach didn't start out that way!
Coach was my first splurge too- a black leather number that is still glossy and supple to this day (10 years later…!)
I'm glad that Coach is going back to its roots. It's a shame that some young readers' first taste of Coach is of their logo cloth bags, but perhaps they will appreciate more of the classic looks.
I have Coach bags that are older than you are!! I bought two in the mid-70s from Lord & Taylor — a HUGE splurge for me at the time! I saw them one day and thought I had never seen anything so beautiful, simple and classic. One was a brown shoulder bag that's long retired, and the other was (and still is!) a black with a short strap. I used that one everyday for about a decade, and it's still in great shape. I haven't bought anything from Coach for years — not a fan of the "C"s and just not a fan of their recent styles. I will have to check out their Legacy collection!
A month before my college graduation, my mom asked me to go to the Coach store with her to pick out a bag for herself that my father wanted to buy her for their anniversary. She said she wanted my opinion on certain bags so I gave them to her. Turns out, she was tricking me into finding out what I liked. A month later, the day I graduated from college, she hands me this huge box. I had no idea what was inside – until I opened it to find a beautiful white leather purse. I was to start work the next week, so she said it was the perfect purse for " a working girl". I use it every day during the warm months 🙂
my very first coach item was a black hobo. i haven't purchased any coach handbags for a couple of years now since nothing has really caught my eye but i have purchased several shoes and pieces of jewelry. some of their legacy collection looks pretty nice. thanks, jean!
Personally, I hate Coach bags that are heavily logo'd with C's all over them. They seem so pretenious.
I got my first one as a free points prize from Westlaw. A small black hobo. I also have a turquioise satchel and a champagne shoulder bag. Plus 2 id card holders and a blackberry case.
I also have not bought a Coach purse for YEARS, but I really fell in love with the new Legacy collection. I purchased a Penny Shoulder bag in that gorgeous orangey-red Carnelian color and I adore it! You can wear it as a crossbody, shoulder bag, or clutch. The quality is excellent and I am very happy with my purchase! Love your picks, especially those emerald green Zoee heels.
I just made my first Coach bag purchase in many years (I haven't been crazy about the C logo prints either). I bought the Legacy duffel in the carnelian color. I also got the ocelot print wristlet (with carnelian trim) which I can use as a wallet in the bag or carry on its own. My older Coach bags (one I bought myself back in the 90s when I first started working and the other was a gift from my mother-in-law about 10 years ago) are black and cognac brown, and are classic enough styles that I could still carry them today, so I figured I should get a bag in a fun color.
I love the lines of their carryall bags and would definitely consider getting one if I didn't already have a similar sized bag.
QUESTION for you, Jean: You talk a lot about the quality of fabrics a lot in your posts. I'm not sure if you've already done this, but I'd really appreciate a holistic guide on specific materials, highlighting their ability to stay wrinkle free, longevity, etc. Also, materials to avoid, such as rayon, etc.
I'm getting better at recognizing quality fabrics, but I'm still often shocked by how well or poorly things look after one wash!
Thank you!
I think a pair of blue jelly thong sandals with a kitten heel. Back when jellies were in, obviously. 😛
Not a fan of the Legacy collection, only as a matter of personal taste as the style isn't for me. But I hear the quality of the leather is great!
I'd purchased keychains and such before, but the first (and only) Coach bag I have is a lavender nubuck satchel from a few years ago. I tend to stay away from the brand as while it's good quality and will last for years, I feel that the majority of the price is the name, logo, and statement. I prefer to purchase something that isn't mass-manufactured at that pricepoint.
That being said, I've loved the Reed Krakoff designs from the past few years and it seems he's using the same structures in the Legacy line. I'm loving the Candace right now. Considering that they are manufactured in the same place and from the same design teams, I think it's a more affordable alternative.
I love their new Legacy line of bags – one of the first via Coach that have captured my eye in a long time! You're right that they are reminiscent of the old vintage Coach bags that used to be only on eBay 🙂 Good for Coach!
I do not yet own any Coach items – mostly due to the busy C print that was so popular for so long. I'm happy to hear they are going back to their traditional and classic roots.