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

[prncess674]

Don't worry too much though about sweaters being cashmere just yet. Yes, you can tell and appreciate cashmere, but it's not make or break if it's not cashmere. Just some pretty sweaters to wear with those basics would work well. (Although it's hard and harder these days to find nice classic pieces in this economy - everything seems less well made.)

You are correct that it doesn't have to be cashmere. To keep this Macy's centric, it should be noted that Macy's puts all the cashmere on clearance the day after Christmas. They had the basic blah solid crew necks on doorbusters on Black Friday, but the whole kit and caboodle of them are on sale the day after Christmas. I am always there looking for cute ones!

I know this sounds crazy, but a good place for some good starter basics is Target. I have been in consulting for 10 years and still shuffle thru the clothes at Target. They have some garbage but there are also some cute basics. I got a great cowl neck sweater dress that I wear with tall boots and tights. Just yesterday I was there and they had some nice crisp button downs that also had a touch of spandex in them which makes them super comfy.

Some nice earrings, a watch, or necklace might also be a consideration, as accessories do finish off any outfit.

Skip the watch and bracelets. Watches and bracelets are super annoying when typing on a laptop. Everyone I know uses phones and computers for telling time.

 

[kaseyC]

I don't know where the idea that the Macy's F&F coupon is good on Coach came from. I have the coupons and like ALL coupons from Macy's, Coach is one of the excluded brands. You cannot use the F&F on any Coach products. I buy most of my Coach items from the outlet mall.

Not true, Coach online is excluded not the in store Coach counter. I bought my DD a purse yesterday at Macy's and used my FF coupon. Exclusion section from the coupon posted below:

*Friends & Family discount applies to sale, clearance and regular prices, with exceptions listed. EXTRA 10% OFF electrics, electronics, furniture, mattresses and rugs. EXCLUDES: Coach (online only), TAG Heuer (online only), Tempur-Pedic mattresses, baby gear, kids’ shoes, cosmetics, fragrances and toys. Not valid with other passes or discount offers. Not valid on Everyday Values, Gift Cards, Gift Certificates, prior purchases or gift wrap. Friends & Family discount code valid November 30 – December 6, 2010

 

[kaseyC]

You are correct that it doesn't have to be cashmere. To keep this Macy's centric, it should be noted that Macy's puts all the cashmere on clearance the day after Christmas. They had the basic blah solid crew necks on doorbusters on Black Friday, but the whole kit and caboodle of them are on sale the day after Christmas. I am always there looking for cute ones!

I know this sounds crazy, but a good place for some good starter basics is Target. I have been in consulting for 10 years and still shuffle thru the clothes at Target. They have some garbage but there are also some cute basics. I got a great cowl neck sweater dress that I wear with tall boots and tights. Just yesterday I was there and they had some nice crisp button downs that also had a touch of spandex in them which makes them super comfy.


Skip the watch and bracelets. Watches and bracelets are super annoying when typing on a laptop. Everyone I know uses phones and computers for telling time.

Another good option for purchasing basics is the J.Crew Factory store if you have one near you. They carry some very nice classic separates.

 

[prncess674]

Another good option for purchasing basics is the J.Crew Factory store if you have one near you. They carry some very nice classic separates.

Shopping is a sport. The goal is to find stores the carry items that you love and continue to stalk them online for steals and deals. J Crew online is beautiful and great but unless the prices are super marked down they are out of the typical first year staffer budget.

If someone is looking for great career clothing bargains they need to determine what their style is and sign up for those retailers websites mailing lists and start watching the sites like a hawk. Most sites let you keep a shopping bag. The shopping bag will carry over from visit to visit. I will check my shopping bag on many sites to see if my fave items have made it down to my price point.

 

[mrspaha]

I am so glad I asked for advice here--I would have done poorly on my own... By way of update: I hadn't heard back from my daughter, and wanted to get over there this morning before they got too busy, so jotted down all of the suggestions.

Well, there was only one lady working the Coach section and about 3 or 4 of us looking, so it took a while. But anyhow, I checked them all out and debated about sizes, colors, etc etc. Absolutely could not decide..., I really liked them all, so ended up buying 3 -- with the thought that she could pick one or exchange one; I would keep one for myself (why not? --I've never had a Coach purse and I was really impressed with some of them!) and then I'd return one. So, I picked out 2 of the Mia Maggie's --one a larger size that was a metalic dark grayish color, and a regular size one. Then I also picked out an Alexandra that I don't think was on the website. (I can't pull them out now to tell you the exact style because I don't want my husband to see them). I looked at the wristlets; the ones that were about $58, I thought were too small, but the ones that were about $98, the saleslady said were too big to carry inside the purses. So I let that go.

Naturally, after I got home, my daughter called, so I asked her to take a look at the website with me -- that I wanted to see if I could find something similar to what she would like.

Not in order of preference, but just scrolling down, she liked the sophia satchels (which surprised me, but several of you mentioned them), the mia embossed pop art, she liked all of the mia maggie's, but really liked the larger size (one of which I bought -YAY!); she liked the poppy's but said that she really wanted a purse for work and thought these wouldn't work for that purpose. She passed over the alexandra, collette, and kristin.

So, like I said before, she would have been disappointed with my initial choices. So, thanks, everyone for steering me in the right direction.

I didn't have a chance to look at sweaters or other clothes because I was so bogged down with packages (I also picked up a winter coat for my son).

Regarding some of the other things, later in the conversation she mentioned that they're providing her with a blackberry and laptop. Wow! And I just signed last month for a new 2-year period on our family plan. She also said that she wants to go shopping at Express for some business clothes. "Express? - for business clothes?" I said. I haven't been there in a long time, but I sure don't remember them having business-type clothes.

Now I can't wait till Christmas; I know she's going to be thrilled. Thanks again.

 

[shelly3girls]

I don't know where the idea that the Macy's F&F coupon is good on Coach came from. I have the coupons and like ALL coupons from Macy's, Coach is one of the excluded brands. You cannot use the F&F on any Coach products. I buy most of my Coach items from the outlet mall.

My coupon only listed Coach excluded online but the coupon was good in stores. I went to Macy's today and purchased the Mia Tote in black leather. I found one marked clearance (no idea why b/c all the others were full price) and got 25% off. It is my Christmas present to myself. The store was packed but they had tons of inventory.

 

[kaseyC]

Shopping is a sport. The goal is to find stores the carry items that you love and continue to stalk them online for steals and deals. J Crew online is beautiful and great but unless the prices are super marked down they are out of the typical first year staffer budget.

If someone is looking for great career clothing bargains they need to determine what their style is and sign up for those retailers websites mailing lists and start watching the sites like a hawk. Most sites let you keep a shopping bag. The shopping bag will carry over from visit to visit. I will check my shopping bag on many sites to see if my fave items have made it down to my price point.

Yes, I know the regular J.Crew stores may be out of a first year staffers budget. That's why I mentioned the J.Crew Factory store (outlet). Same classic J.Crew style but at a fraction of the price.

 

[sbsteel]

She also said that she wants to go shopping at Express for some business clothes. "Express? - for business clothes?" I said. I haven't been there in a long time, but I sure don't remember them having business-type clothes.

Now I can't wait till Christmas; I know she's going to be thrilled. Thanks again.

Glad you found some great purses!

As far as clothes go, steer her away from Express for work clothes. I used to live in your neck of the woods (I was equidistant from both Oak Brook and the Aurora Outlets) so I'll throw in my two cents. Take her shopping at the Outlets for her start up professional wardrobe. I did a lot of my work clothes shopping there and always did well. I always had good luck at J.Crew, Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Brooks Brothers, Benneton, and Kenneth Cole. There are plenty of other stores there, but between those alone you should be able to find suits, dress shirts, dress pants and skirts, sweaters, accessories, purses, and shoes. There was also a Hanes Bali outlet there I would go to buy good hoisery and undergarments.

Also, don't forget about Nordstrom Rack over by Oak Brook - you could probably find some things there as well. Whatever you don't find at the Outlets or the Rack, you can fill in from the regular malls.

 

[Tinkertude]

MRSPAHA, No fashion advise. Just wanted to say the pride and love you have for your daughter shined thru the whole thread. She is blessed to have such a loving and caring Mom like you. Merry Chrismas!

 

[Anne34]

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!

I am in Downers Grove and drive to the outlet mall. I just let my DD17 pick out a bag there for Christmas. They have amazing deals and the stock changes constantly!! You would have to bring her with you there, because there are so many different styles and they are mostly NOT found in the store.

I just got two new purses there (25% off coupon given at the door -- even off clearance) for about $250.

 

[LaceyLace]

Glad you found some great purses!

As far as clothes go, steer her away from Express for work clothes.

And I'll have to chime in and say I disagree with this. Most of the clothes at Express, I agree, are not for the corporate office, but their slacks are absolutely fabulous. The fabric is high quality and the fit is fantastic. I own pretty much every color in their editor pant style.

Highly recommend their slacks for the office. Just stay clear of everything else.

I also highly recommend Ann Taylor. LOVE their clothes! But I tend to buy my slacks at Express...

 

[mrspaha]

Me again. You ladies are just too nice. But, I have a few final questions.

One of the purses I picked out was an Alexandra Stitch Pattern (it's like a tote) - style 14265, in a silver/anthracite color. When I got back home, I checked Macy's website, and it's not on there. Nor is it on the Coach website. But when I googled it, I found the same style in a raspberry color on a few sites for like $100-$200. Does this mean that it's an obsolete style or what? Macys had it in this silvery/grey color and also in black -- it's kind of shiny leather. It was $328 at Macys, minus the 25% F&F. The saleslady at Macys had told me that all of their stock is new, so I'm kind of confused, especially since it's not on the Coach website, which I would think would have all of their current styles.

I also looked at sophia satchels, which is one she mentioned when she looked at the website. I liked these, but thought the style looked more mature. They did have a deep blue patent leather color (color not on their website), that I really liked; but that doesn't seem too practical, does it?

And then finally I looked again at the Mias, and I think she might like the inlaid Maggie, but I wonder if that might not be classic enough. Any thoughts on that?

F&F actually ends tomorrow, so I'm thinking of taking back the Alex and getting either one of the sophia satchels or the inlaid.

 

[bridget]

Oh dear!

Did they have any Mia in the leather? I like the leather ones better, but the inlaid one is very nice.

I was looking on the Coach website and I'm not seeing the one you got.

Did they have any other colors in the Sophia Satchel?

You are doing a VERY good job shopping

 

[Mickey2903]

Knowing me, I'd probably keep them all and let her choose the one she liked best on Christmas. Then I'd return the rest as soon after Christmas as I could. That way, you don't regret that "other one you didn't get". Good luck. It's hard making those decisions, I know.

 

[Figment1990]

Oh this just hit me. (I must have been brain dead). The F&F ends today!?! I better get myself over there asap to see if there is anything for those on my list (or myself!). I've been so focused on Mrspaha's daughter that I forgot to check dates!

I would like to second the Express pants and also the Limited for some reasonably priced work clothing. Same with Banana Republic and Ann Taylor. However, I do think that many stores have started carrying fewer professional styles and more cheaply made clothing, and these items don't seem to last nearly as long as they used to (I used to stock up and keep things forever). I guess it's all part of the recession.

Like PP said, sign up for emails from these stores, and you'll get nice email offers, or at least sale notifications. And I do the same thing, keep things in my bag until I'm ready to buy at the right price, or I have a coupon. And don't forget about the price adjustment window! (Shopping is DEFINITELY a sport). And especially don't forget to check the return policies. Stores have been modifying (shortening) them left and right in the last 2 years. Some stores will also have a better return policy if you have a gift receipt, so I always get one now, just in case, even if it's for myself.

 

[ilovejack02]

Me again. You ladies are just too nice. But, I have a few final questions.

One of the purses I picked out was an Alexandra Stitch Pattern (it's like a tote) - style 14265, in a silver/anthracite color. When I got back home, I checked Macy's website, and it's not on there. Nor is it on the Coach website. But when I googled it, I found the same style in a raspberry color on a few sites for like $100-$200. Does this mean that it's an obsolete style or what? Macys had it in this silvery/grey color and also in black -- it's kind of shiny leather. It was $328 at Macys, minus the 25% F&F. The saleslady at Macys had told me that all of their stock is new, so I'm kind of confused, especially since it's not on the Coach website, which I would think would have all of their current styles.

I also looked at sophia satchels, which is one she mentioned when she looked at the website. I liked these, but thought the style looked more mature. They did have a deep blue patent leather color (color not on their website), that I really liked; but that doesn't seem too practical, does it?

And then finally I looked again at the Mias, and I think she might like the inlaid Maggie, but I wonder if that might not be classic enough. Any thoughts on that?

F&F actually ends tomorrow, so I'm thinking of taking back the Alex and getting either one of the sophia satchels or the inlaid.

I think the inlaid is amazing, just enough pop, but not to flashy. I think my 22 year old cousin who graduated and works at a Public Relations firm in Austin would love it. I would go for it in the Ivory/beige color they have on the site, not the black silver.

The sophia does seem something more like my 70 yr old Mom would carry : ) , but in the blue color it might be great, esp if she mentioned liking it. The blue will go with her blacks, reds and gray outfits. I know that folks say go for basics, the purse is basic, but a pretty pop of color.