Coach bag or not?

[hrh_disney_queen]

If you are going to a Coach outlet, you can find a beautiful bag for half of your money. Every time I go into the one near me, the bags are outlet priced, then 30-50% off that, sometimes an extra 20%, and usually I get a coupon at the door for another 10% off. Unless you carry a purse the size of a duffle bag, you will keep a lot of that money. Go and look at what they have, personally I would rather put $35 and a little more toward a good quality bag than buy a knock off. Although I really question the ability of someone to be able to spot some of the "better" fakes out there from 10 feet away (they had better not get any closer to me), the bag will probably fall apart in a couple of months. If you take good care of a Coach it will outlast any other bag you could buy.

 

[ilovejack02]

I was thinking that since I missed the July 4th sales at the outlet, maybe I'll wait until they have the Labor Day sales. Yes, I'll have to wait a month or 5 weeks to buy it, but I'll probably be able to get some coupons or something to use. Of course, I'll check out the sales before then and if they have a good sale going on, I'll be there!

I think I'm going to go for it! I didn't realize the prices at the Coach outlet were so reasonable. I can buy the bag and keep whatever is left and put toward Christmas or back to school for my DD.

I really think they must be having all kinds of sales now, I was there two weeks before the 4th and they were running an extra off the clearance. It must be the bad economy stimulating the extra sales. The other times I have been it was always after Labor day.
Can you tell I am passionate about my purses? Hubby laughs because I am such a clearance girl with my clothes. It all comes from Ann Taylor loft or White House Black Market and must be super sale. Target is the only place I will buy clothes full price. He is amazed Im willing to pay what I do on purses , but he understands it and sees that I use them for years.
He has his own hobbies that are super expensive, so he is pleased that I try and save us money at every turn so he can have his fun.

 

[ilovejack02]

Although I really question the ability of someone to be able to spot some of the "better" fakes out there from 10 feet away (they had better not get any closer to me), the bag will probably fall apart in a couple of months. If you take good care of a Coach it will outlast any other bag you could buy.

I think it is more about knowing the Coach purses or any other line. I keep up with what bags Coach puts out year to year, so I can spot a style that Coach hasnt put out. Now of course if it is a direct knock off sometimes its harder and no i would never get close enough to check LOL!! I wouldnt even want to bothered to check that hard LOL no point, people tend to love what they carry and I cant argue with that. I just know how I feel spending money on a fake.

 

[MeeskaMooshka]

I say go for it too!

I think treating yourself is so important to staying motivated to working hard and save money.

I have had knock offs and real designer purses. I think real is def. the way to go. Unless you don't intend to carry it for very long. They always fall apart.

Coach outlets are amazing! We have one by us and the bargins are awesome! You will def. be able to get a great purse for under 300.

Enjoy your new purse!!!!

 

[jt'smom]

you absolutely should spend the money on yourself and get it if that is what you want my suggestion would be to buy one of the classic styles though because it will last forever! i got my first coach bag for christmas in 1979, when i was a freshman in high school and i STILL have that same bag in my closet 30 years later!!! i keep it in its original storage bag and have wiped it down with leather cleaner every once in a blue moon, but it looks the same now as it did then. i've never even had to replace the hardware, although i did get the longer shoulder strap for versatility. i think my mom paid about $100 for it in 1979 so you figure it has only cost a little over $3 bucks a year to have it... i think that is a definite testament to quality

 

[hrh_disney_queen]

I think it is more about knowing the Coach purses or any other line. I keep up with what bags Coach puts out year to year, so I can spot a style that Coach hasnt put out. Now of course if it is a direct knock off sometimes its harder and no i would never get close enough to check LOL!! I wouldnt even want to bothered to check that hard LOL no point, people tend to love what they carry and I cant argue with that. I just know how I feel spending money on a fake.

I understand that, and I agree. I was just stating that some knock offs are REALLY good. I bought a Coach signature backpack back when I was young and stupid-5 years ago from EBay where the seller guaranteed authenticity. I got it, it looked GREAT from the outside. But the inside didn't look quite right. So I went to a department store and looked their Coach backpack over and sure enough-different fabric inside! So I sent it back and actually got a full refund without any problem. Never buying from that kind of Ebay seller again-stock pictures, etc.

As for loving what you carry, I do get that too. I have Coach, D&B, Brighton, all either gifts or HUGE mark downs. I also have a couple of $30 purses I got from TJ Maxx. I bought a fake Dolce & Gabbana at a flea market, I knew it was fake even though I have NO clue about that designer. But I really liked the look of the purse. I carried it for one summer and it started to get holes in the seams inside. I got more compliments on that purse than any other purse. And not, "Oh what a great D&G bag!" but, "what a great purse!"

I hope the OP treats herself to this after scrimping and saving and not buying stuff for herself. A beautiful handbag is a real treat. No spas for me, give me something I can carry around!

 

[bittersk]

I went to a local coach outlet like 3 weeks ago. And i got a medium size purse, leather wallet and nice larger wristlet and i only spent $120. Which is awesome. The store was also closing the next day so there was 50% of all the stuff i bought and then an extra 20%. My reciept told me i saved OVER $330. I'm sure you will find something for much less then half of the money you have saved. With some of the rest, get yourself a nice new outlet to go with the new purse and then put the rest away for christmas.

 

[windycitymom]

Well, since you asked...my answer is NOT!!!!! Save the money and apply it to your bills! I'm giving you a little tough love to suck it up and do what is right for your family. How would you feel if your hubby wanted to buy $300 power tools (or some other manly toy) instead of paying off your bills? Once you are debt free, go ahead and buy it, but until bills are paid off, indulgences should be off-limits. You need to stay focused on the goal of being debt free.

 

[PolyndianPrincessJes]

I love Coach! Definitely an affordable luxury. I have a ridiculous wardrobe of wristlets. They're my fave. I think I've got about 20 of them, and about half of them are from the outlet. Believe me, you could spend the entire $300 at the outlet, but you'll walk out with more than one bag (or maybe just one great piece of luggage). You could also walk out with one fab bag filled with $150. I spent $400 last time we were at WDW at that outlet and walked out with five things!

Buy the real thing. Fakes are almost always horrid, and people will spot it a mile away. I always go for quality over quantity. No offense to the PP, but I'd much rather have one quality piece of clothing, a purse, etc. than a whole wardrobe full of Ross items. Those kind of stores always seem so dirty and disorganized to me. It's worth the extra to shop in a more serene, clean environment.

Besides, do you really want to say you got a fake Coach or paid a bill for your birthday? Treat yourself, it's your day!

 

[LIFERBABE]

Since you have put this money away for yourself, a good compromise would be to take half and buy a nice purse at the outlet and apply the other half to a bill.

A good purse is essential for a woman. Just 1 good bag that you can carry and not worry about the handle breaking or your lining tearing up and everything being lost in the bottom of it. How can you be diligent about paying bills when your purse is a hot mess?
Yes you can buy cheaper bags, but you will buy many more of those over the years. I have a tote that I carry everywhere. It is a book bag, travel bag, beach bag, laundry bag, shopping bag etc. It is a Coach and I have had it for over 5 years now. It just needs a little cleaner and will be good to go for another 5. I still get compliments on it to this day! Also, Coach will guarantee their items even when purchased at the outlets. If your bag breaks, you take it back and they either repair it or replace it. Cant do that with a knock off or most other brands.

 

[sylvenmaid]

If it were me, I wouldn't spend that much on a single purse. I personally love Nine West and I haven't had a problem yet with the ones I own. I have several that I still use and 2 of them are older than 10 years. I paid less than $20 for each one on end of season clearance. I don't really care about purses and names so that's just me.

I would take some of that money and buy yourself some new clothes on clearance. I got some great deals this past weekend and spent $15 with tax. I got 3 tops, a pair of jeans and slacks. I did have a $10 off coupon, but it was still a great deal before coupon. I prefer to treat myself to new clothes each year. I usually spend about $50 a year since I only hit end of season clearances. I hit a 70% off clearance rack with an extra 20% off. The best part was my coupon was good on clearance items.

 

[jlima]

Any opinions?

Buy a gently used bag! Charities such as Goodwill have their own websites (ShopGoodwill dot com). You get a Coach handbag; and it benefits a good cause.

 

[AuroraBeauty]

If you are going to buy a luxury good like a Coach bag, don't buy a fake. The only thing that does it keep the counterfeit market going and young children employed in sweatshop conditions.

Would you buy a counterfeit car? Counterfeit drugs? How would you feel if you were arrested b/c you were unknowingly passing off counterfeit $20s?

If you want a Coach bag and have saved for it, then buy a real one. For $300 you can go crazy at the outlet store -- especially if you have a coupon.

Last year I got Coach bags -- wristlets, evening bags, backpacks, shoulder bags -- for all women on the gift list (teachers, girlfriends, MIL, BFF, niece, sister) and it cost me less than $300!!

Now, if you're late on your bills or can't put food on the table then buying yourself a Coach bag should be put out of your mind. But, if after saving coins and foregoing a latte here and a mani/pedi there then buy yourself the Coach bag you want.

I can't complain about buying a Coach bag b/c I have more than should legally be allowed. My 6 year old even has one! But, I've never thought of buying one if I couldn't pay cash and was current on my bills.

I'm a firm believer in having no debt and not using credit cards. But, I also believe that if I save for something there is no reason I shouldn't be able to buy what I want.

Happy Shopping and I'm sending you pixie dust for an extra %off!

 

[CC12005]

I love taking my daughter to B'way shows and we have a jar that we throw coins in. Once we have enough, we find a discount code and get tickets to whatever show it is that we want to see.

Well, I've been saving coins and dollars in a separate (secret! LOL!) jar
Any opinions?

Ok. I'm sure I'm overthinking this. But I would feel a little guilty spending the money on myself if I had a deal w/my kids & they honored their part. I know your daughter probably only put a couple of quarters in (that you gave her). But was your agreement to save all the coins or just throw some coins in the jar? I'd spend all the dollar bills on myself though.

The only reason I feel this way is because I would love to spend all the coins we save on myself. But ever since I told my husband we should save it towards a trip to Europe (for spending), I feel guilty, even though I save more than him.

I do believe you should find someway to treat yourself.

 

[*KeepMovingForward*]

I would go for it and not even give it a second thought. As others have said, you will probably get more than one bag at the outlet for $300. The quality can't compare with a bargain store bag. I've had many of mine for over ten years and they still are in excellent condition. The best part is that if you ever decide your done with the bag, resale on ebay is excellent. I've gotten rid of a few of mine that I knew I would never use again-almost getting what I paid for the bag originally years later and after much use.

 

[tomthebarncat]

this is alot of money for a bag made in China, if you really want a good quality bag, go to Saks or Neimans and ask to look at the bags that are made in Italy/France. Take a good look at the quality and then ask your self if a bag made in China is worth the same amount as a good bag made in Europe. Some of the more reasonably priced lines are Furla, and Longchamps. For those handbag fashionistas who insist that all bags are made in China and then sent back to Europe for finishing are wrong. Most of the bags are made completely here in Europe, where intellectual property rights and copyright laws having meaning. A good bag is worth the money as you will get many years of wear from it, I just cannot imagine any bag made in China that will last as long. Please remember that not only is this an emotional purchase but should also be cost effective. You have worked so hard to save this money, that I just want you to get the very best quality bag you can! you deserve it!

 

[Avonlady1001]

No way would I ever spend more than $10 on a bag (my sister has a couple of Coach bags, but I just don't get it)...and I disagree w/ those that say they inexpensive bags don't last. I've been using this bag for about 3 years now. Every day, all year, every year. I've had people comment on my coach bag, and I say, Ummm, no. Look again. It's MICKEY!! It was on clearance for $10!!

 

[RobinFabulous]

I love handbags. I have several Dooneys, a couple of Coach, a VB and two Betsey Johnson (not Betseyville, but the nicer leather ones)

That being said, think about it a while. SHop around, you can often find them at TJMaxx or Marshalls, and the outlet does do extra % off sales.

I enjoy all of mine, and swap them around a bunch, but I think my most expensive was $200 or so. Do you want fabric or leather? Leather is going to cost more, but last longer. Do you want small, medium, or large? Obviously the larger the bag the more it costs. What do you carry with you? Don't be afraid to pull out the stuffing and try to put your junk into one while you're looking. That way you know what you carry will fit.

Good luck & post what you decide and buy!!

 

[Mililani Mouser]

Yes! Buy the Coach bag!! I would wait for a sale (they even have them on non-holidays). I got a $400 Coach bag for $110 last month at the outlet here. Coach has great quality and lasts a long time. I even got the $99 mini signature fanny pack for $40, which I plan on using on my next Disney vacation.

 

[kmvand1]

I just got my first coach bag last week! We went to Disney to celebrate our 20th anniversary and the first stop when we got to Orlando was the Coach outlet. We were handed a 20% off coupon when we entered the store so my bag was $140.00. More than I had ever paid for a purse, I am usually a Sak girl. I am so happy I finally got one, and am staying with Coach from here on out!