Which Coach handbag would you buy for a 23-yr old?

[mrspaha]

I don't trust my judgment here. I want to buy a Coach purse for my daughter, who has been wanting one since last Christmas. Since I'm going to Macy's to take advantage of their F&F, I'm wanting to get something that she won't want to return for a different style and thus lose the discount. She's very fashion conscious (I'm not), so can someone tell me what is popular with young professionals? (She's graduating from college in December, and is fortunate to have a job lined up with a large accounting firm come January).

I know she likes BIG purses, because she carries an incredible amount of stuff.

I was looking online at the Alexandra tote, and also the Kristin something. Do you think those are good choices? And also, should I get one that has those Coach design things that look like "C" on them (it looks like they call it "Op Art".

 

[ilovejack02]

Thats a hard one. It depends I guess on her taste. I really would prob take her with you , I know it wont be a surprise, but you will get exactly what she wants.


I think the Alexandria and Kristin is a bit more mature in taste. I love it, but not seeing my 22 year old cousin who just graduated from college loving it. She likes something with a bit more shine, even though she is in the corporate world, she still goes for a more pop with her purses.

I would lean towards the Mia , but goodness knows, picking a purse is very personal lol. So hard to do .

Are you sure you can use the F&F coupon , majority of the time, Coach is never on sale.

 

[kt_mom]

I agree with the previous poster. I would either take her with me or look at some together online and have her give you some ideas. I have several coach bags that I love and all of them for different reasons. There are several coach bags out there though that just aren't my taste. With what you spend on them, you want to make sure she will love it.

 

[mrspaha]

Thanks to a poster on a thread about northface jackets, it appears that you can't use F&F online for Coach purses, but it didn't say anything about in-store purchases. That's why I'm hoping to jump on this now. Can't take her with me, because she is away at school.

 

[bellarella]

I think the Kristin looks way too old. Alexandra is better. If I were picking from the Macy's site, I'd go with the Mia Embossed Croc Maggie.

I'm very anti-logo prints. Some people love them. Since she's going to be using this in a professional setting, I'd advise against the prints. You want people to notice that she has good taste, not that she has a Coach purse.

 

[kt_mom]

See if you can get her to look online and give you an idea of which ones she likes or even which ones she just really doesn't like.

I have some with logo prints and some without and I carry them all to work when I choose. I don't that's really an issue.

What's more important is finding the right one. Does she one yet at all? If not a classic looking black one is always a nice idea and it will go with a lot of stuff. I tend to carry my black one the most.

The Poppy line is cute. I have one from that line that my DH and kids gave me for mothers day and I love it. Some of them are bright and young looking.

 

[java]

Yes you can use the F&F at Macy's on it- also Coach is having a 25% off sale (I don't know if that's a coupon required I got a phone call about the favorite customer's sale)

Personally I am not a fan of the design all over C bags- But I know my mom friends like them-- so for a 20ish I vote no.

I really like the look of the Kristen Pleated Satchel in Emerald!(but I am 45 not 21) I want the Madison Patent Sophia in Cobalt!

I really like the look of the Madison Embossed Exotic.

Is she going to be an accountant?

 

[DVCBELLE]

Do you have a Coach outlet store near you?

These are the two in Illinois: Chicago Premium Aurora, IL
Tanger Center at Tuscola Tuscola, IL


I have gotten incredible deals at the coach store - you might want to check there!

 

[ilovejack02]

Thanks to a poster on a thread about northface jackets, it appears that you can't use F&F online for Coach purses, but it didn't say anything about in-store purchases. That's why I'm hoping to jump on this now. Can't take her with me, because she is away at school.

I said I was leaning towards the Mia Line specifically the Mia / Maggie line. I adore the patent , but the inlaid is gorgeous even though it is a C print and the embossed leather C. Just the plain leather in the Brass is gorgeous also.

My Macy's here don't carry a big selection of Coach, but if you have a high level tier store, they should have a great selection.

Now I am off to tell Santa , I want a Mia bag haha!! I got a 25 % off coupon for the Coach store here in town , I saw Santa put it in his wallet yesterday . : ) Unfortunately our outlet is not a great outlet store. mainly outlet only products, but I always manage to find something to drool over at the actual store .

 

[aaarcher86]

I'd definitely have her look at the site and give you her top 5 or something.

I'm 24 and consider myself pretty fashion oriented, but my least favorite sections were the 2 that you were looking at lol. It just goes to show you that everyone is different!

 

[kbheap]

I looked at the Coach Purses on the Macy's site and looking at only those bags, I think the Madison is great. Either the Madison Lurex Zebra Sophia Satchel or the Madison Embossed Exotic Sophia Satchel are both super cute and very practical. A friend actually has the Zebra and she gets more compliments on that bag than any other. It goes with black, whites, grays, silvers, and any other colors. I would love to get the Embossed Exotic in brown to go with warmer colors but it doesn't look like that color is available to purchase on their website. Hope that helps and the previous posters are all correct, a bag is very personal. I'd hate to ruin the surprise of the gift but each person does have very different taste.

 

[SalandJeff]

I also think that purses are a very personal decision...does she want a shoulder bag or satchel type, need outside pockets, zip or flap top, double or single handle, logo or not, etc.

Have her look online and give you a couple of options. Also, as someone suggested, if you have an outlet near you, they have some great deals and right now there is a coupon for an additional 20% off everything at the outlet. I just got a bag that was ticketed at $398 for $129 (it was marked down and then got the 20% off). They have nice wallets, wristlets, etc. also.

 

[mrspaha]

Wow. Thank you everyone for your replies. I actually printed everything out and looked at all of the ones mentioned. I can see where I am way too conservative to do this on my own.

But several of you have suggested that she pick out something, and you're right. I know, over the years, I myself have begged by own mother to please not buy me another purse because I have certain preferences, and I always felt guilty when she bought me an expensive purse and I didn't like it.

Inasmuch as I really want to surprise her, because this will be the most expensive present I've ever gotten her (This will surpass the tall classic uggs I got her 2 years ago), I think I might try to weasel some specific information from her. I texted her to call me when she's done with class; I'm thinking of telling her that everyone's raving about a kiosk in a nearby mall that has a bunch of new coach knockoffs, and could she look at the Macy's site and pick out a few that she likes so I know what to look for.

Then, I was thinking, why not buy a couple -- different prices -- I noticed a lot of them were $398 or $358 or $498, get gift receipts, tell her to go find what she likes (with one of the same prices I picked) and do an even exchange. Since it's already Dec 2nd, by the time the credit card pmt is due, I'll return for credit whatever doesn't work.

Anyhow, I'm still going to try to buy something I think she'll possibly even like and keep.

Yes, she is going to be an accountant - her degree is going to be in accounting and finance. She sat for 1 part of the CPA exam over Thanksgiving break, and will do the other parts sometime next year after the busy season.

I have a question about the outlet stores -- I'm about 1/2 hr from Aurora, never been to that outlet strip - just driven by on I-88. Is it worth going to? Do they just have like previous season styles that didn't sell well or what? I'm very close to Oak Brook, which is where I was planning on going to Macys. Assuming there's going to be exchanges/returns involved I thought I'd be better off there, especially with 25% off. Gosh, that's like saving a hundred bucks!

 

[java]

Outlet store is hit or miss and the BIG thing to be aware of is that there are straight to outlet bags- (lower quality never retail kind of bags) that will have the "suggested mfg price" hundreds higher so you think you are getting a great deal.-me not so much.
If you ask specifically they will tell you which ones are from retail stores. Generally a season or 2 prior kind of bags. The selection is limited. However sometimes you can score a great deal on a good bag- but for a Christmas gift in the price range you are speaking of I would buy retail. Another way I think you can tell is by checking out the lining of the bag- the retail bags have a more elaborate silk lining.

 

[ilovejack02]

Outlet store is hit or miss and the BIG thing to be aware of is that there are straight to outlet bags- (lower quality never retail kind of bags) that will have the "suggested mfg price" hundreds higher so you think you are getting a great deal.-me not so much.
If you ask specifically they will tell you which ones are from retail stores. Generally a season or 2 prior kind of bags. The selection is limited. However sometimes you can score a great deal on a good bag- but for a Christmas gift in the price range you are speaking of I would buy retail. Another way I think you can tell is by checking out the lining of the bag- the retail bags have a more elaborate silk lining.

5-7 yrs ago, nothing better than shopping at a Coach outlet. Nowadays as Java said, very hit or miss. You can find some AMAZING deals in the clearance area, where the straight from store to outlet bags are. The rest is outlet purses and there are some cute ones, but the quality is just not as good, but with that comes a pretty big price difference . Some folks don't mind, and I used not to not mind the straight to outlet purses, but in the last two years, I have seen a big difference in quality. I stick with the Coach store bags or I buy different brand, which a big departure for me. I used to be loyal Coach only.

She is going to very excited, bet that will be a fun Christmas morning. If she is anything like me lol, I can stare at new purse for hours haha!!

 

[eliza61]

Op,
I wouldn't go with an outlet bag if this is going to be a gift basically because of quality and limited selection. Does anyone know how the outlets are for returns/exchanges.

I know at Macy's or at a couch retail store if she does not like the one you picked out for her, no problems exchanging it for one she really loves.

I love the Mia satchel.

 

[Eastern]

I just got the Mia leather maggie bag in black. $358 plus my coupon (I had a $100 one that I got in the mail!) I really like the compartments in it, keeps everything straight.

I don't care for the logo bags. I usually buy a classic style in a neutral color and use it for years. This is the first one I've bought in awhile because the designs have been so wacky lately.

I also like the Madison sophia satchels another poster mentioned above.

 

[Melrosgirl]

Maybe something from the Poppy collection. Very popular with the young girls (and some of the styles we more mature women like too). LOL.

The 25% off at Coach boutiques is just for super lucky Coach customers who get the call/postcard in the mail. Starts tomorrow I think.

 

[Figment1990]

Oh darn... now you've made me go log onto the Coach site and look at purses... (I should be working so I can afford to buy another one, no?)

Anyhow here's my two cents...

I was an accountant, and interned at one of those big firms. At least 10 years ago, I had to wear suits most of the time. Me personally I would consider something understated but classic, if I was going to use it for work. OR I would go the opposite and make it be the one fun thing I could wear (like maybe a jewel tone color, or nice pattern, or unique construction). Also I don't know just HOW big I would go, since she'll probably also have a laptop bag to either carry or wheel around (if she's in auditing, maybe even in tax). Likewise, we often had to go to happy hour or client things, so that's another thing to keep in mind.

I have both logo and non-logo coach bags. My first was a simple black and white logo, smaller shoulder bag that my mom bought me around the same age as your daughter. I loved it. It was the perfect smaller purse. It was my shopping go-to bag, b/c it stayed on my shoulder so well.

Since working in advertising now, I have two coach totes - a sleek black leather one and the brown/teal holiday logo patchwork one from 2007. I carted work home in them, since I don't bring my laptop to and from anymore. DH just got me a beautiful berry colored bag this summer and I ADORE it. I can't put my work in it so well, but it's large enough I can stuff a planner, giant sunglasses, wallet, phone, blackberry, ipod, lunch, water bottle, my nook, and some emergency diapers or kid snacks. I'm not sure what is was called, except I love it and it's not on the site anymore.

The 25% coach store is a coupon sale. Tip: at our Macy's Friends and Family you can have them set aside a purse ahead of time during that week, in case you are afraid it will sell out.

Good luck to your daughter on sitting for the exam. It's SO hard! And you're a fabulous mum for supporting her and putting this thought into a wonderful christmas gift!

 

[jessicaerv]

I know Coach makes really nice laptop bags that your DD may appreciate when she's a career gal...