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

[prncess674]

Big 4 accounting manager here. If she doesn't already own a designer black leather bag then that is really the way to go. While the fun colors and designs are cute, they aren't practical. Another option is to go for a large tote that could double up as a computer bag. Rolling audit bags that a previous poster mentioned are just about extinct. Everything is electronic and the laptop is all they carry these days.

A lot of the women in my office carry a black coach diaper bag. It has tons of pockets inside, super stylish and that outside "baby bottle" pocket is perfect for a water bottle. It is roomy enough to hold a laptop, a file folder and various other sundries. Honestly if it didn't say diaper bag on the price tag you would never know. Throw in a wristlet and that is all you need to take when popping out for lunch breaks.

The firm issued laptop case is tacky cheap ballstic nylon and no one carries it in that case past the first month so she will need to set aside money to buy a stylish laptop case.

 

[mhsjax]

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.

I agree. I have one Coach and one reason I really don't want another is because everyone has them and with the logos everyone know what they are. With her profession I would go with something very classic. NOthing with the Coach Logo. JMHO.

 

[Figment1990]

Big 4 accounting manager here. If she doesn't already own a designer black leather bag then that is really the way to go. While the fun colors and designs are cute, they aren't practical. Another option is to go for a large tote that could double up as a computer bag. Rolling audit bags that a previous poster mentioned are just about extinct. Everything is electronic and the laptop is all they carry these days.

A lot of the women in my office carry a black coach diaper bag. It has tons of pockets inside, super stylish and that outside "baby bottle" pocket is perfect for a water bottle. It is roomy enough to hold a laptop, a file folder and various other sundries. Honestly if it didn't say diaper bag on the price tag you would never know. Throw in a wristlet and that is all you need to take when popping out for lunch breaks.

The firm issued laptop case is tacky cheap ballstic nylon and no one carries it in that case past the first month so she will need to set aside money to buy a stylish laptop case.

That is wonderful to hear. We HATED those things (both the laptop case and the rolling ones...) I'm so glad you chimed in!

I'll second the idea of the "wristlet" for lunches. A good friend of mine does that everytime we meet for lunch.

Although I would still disagree about the color. Yeah yeah, I know it's not as practical as black, but a berry, or a grey (both popular right now), would be a different option for a handbag that isn't too far out there. Neither would call too much attention. As long as she has a plan for clothes that would clash. And sometimes you just have to have a little moment of creativity. Or perhaps basic good quality black leather work bag, and then a more creative wristlet inside.

And while I know it was practical, my mom bought me a baby bag once as a bag so that I could carry my laptop in it and everything and even though it was beautiful and no one could tell, I still knew it was a baby bag and I was SO not ready to be carrying a baby bag. I took it back.

Lesson: Above all, remember your daughter's personal style! If possible, consult her.

 

[bridget]

I'm overly opinionated when it comes to purses I would stay away from the C bags, but that's just me. I have a leather coach bag (in black) and I love it. I get so many compliments on it!

http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=525412&CategoryID=51794
My only "issue" with this one is the snap closure, because sometimes people like zippers. Overall, I think this is my favorite.

This would be my second choice
http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=505525&CategoryID=52068

I'm not a fan of the Poppy line. I think the Kristin hobos can look kind of sloppy.

 

[prncess674]

I'm overly opinionated when it comes to purses I would stay away from the C bags, but that's just me. I have a leather coach bag (in black) and I love it. I get so many compliments on it!

http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=525412&CategoryID=51794
My only "issue" with this one is the snap closure, because sometimes people like zippers. Overall, I think this is my favorite.

This would be my second choice
http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=505525&CategoryID=52068

I'm not a fan of the Poppy line. I think the Kristin hobos can look kind of sloppy.

I like both your choices! Very classic and a good classic will be useful for years to come. Hopefully the OP's daughter will stick around a long time in the "Bigs" and will soon have a closet full Coach, Prada, Choo & Manolo. A good classic will have a forever spot in a great collection of shoes and bags.

 

[mrspaha]

I'm really getting excited about this. I've looked at all of the suggestions, and actually when I looked at the mia patent maggie, I realized it was somewhat similar in style to what she's using now (but much classier, more detailed). I think when I first scrolled thru, I assumed it was small, and just bypassed it. But several of the suggestions, I really think she'll like.

I did talk to her between classes, and I told her I saw a kiosk with some great-looking Coach knockoffs, and asked her to look at the Macy's site later and give me a list of the ones she likes; maybe I could find something similar. I really don't think she would suspect that I would actually spend the money to buy the real thing...

And I like the idea of the wristlet too. I looked for laptop/diaper bags --didn't see any on the Macy's site, so I did check the Coach site. I'll probably let that go, since my plan was to use the F&F discount at Macy's

I do have a different question for prncess674 (or anyone else in the corporate world). Since she's going to be working in their audit group and going to client companies, do they still dress "business professional"? I've already told her I'll take her shopping to get some quality basics to get her started--not sure how businesslike her wardrobe should be.

Thanks everyone, for all your advice. I know she's going to be thrilled to get a Coach purse. (And I'm so glad I didn't just go ahead with one of the first ones I picked out)!

 

[princessfionasmom]

I was at the outlet in Tolton NH today and they were handing our 30% off coupons. Lady working there said this will be going on until sunday. I got a really nice black bag orig price $328, outlet price was $129 and I got it for $90. It's now wrapped under the tree for DH to give me for Xmas lol. I also got some cute wristlets for my 2 nieces for $20 each.

 

[shelly3girls]

Where can I get a Macy's F&F coupon? I am in need of a new bag and this will definitely come in handy.

 

[julluvsdisney]

poppy is pretty young and colorful!

 

[prncess674]

And I like the idea of the wristlet too.

Wristlets are cheap and start looking at places like Marshalls and TJ Maxx. You can sometimes find them for cheap (~$25) I usually buy my wallets and or wristlets in crazy colors so I can find them inside my big purse or computer bag.

I looked for laptop/diaper bags --didn't see any on the Macy's site, so I did check the Coach site. I'll probably let that go, since my plan was to use the F&F discount at Macy's

This is something she will want soon after starting. You don't figure out that you want it till you have the bad firm issued bag.

I do have a different question for prncess674 (or anyone else in the corporate world). Since she's going to be working in their audit group and going to client companies, do they still dress "business professional"? I've already told her I'll take her shopping to get some quality basics to get her started--not sure how businesslike her wardrobe should be.

The typical rule is to start out with one good business suit in a classic boring style (grey, black or navy) because you just never know when you will be called to a business formal event/client. As a new staffer she will be in the bowels ticking and verifying boring accounts probably in some windowless conference room. Accountants will always follow the minimum dress code of the firm when visiting client sites, which is smart biz casual and if the client is more formal than the firm you dress to the client standards. As a new staff she may be assigned to many small clients or she could be sucked up into one giant client and only have to think about one dress code. Young staff accountants can get away with a lot in the hazy middle ground of clothes and a good basic blazer that you can throw on with most pants and skirts will get you a long way. I always have a black blazer with me. Many days I just carry it back and forth and never actually wear it, but I am glad that if I am suddenly called into a meeting with big wigs I can grab it and feel much more put together.

Good basics are:
Quality heavy weight fitted white button down (French cuffs are super stylish)
Black pencil skirt
Black trousers
A crew neck cashmere sweater
Traditional one or two button blazer
tights
proper fitting bra (um yes, plenty show up in ill fitting undergarments)
basic leather pumps (2 or 3 inches)
Good basic knee length wool coat (Northface and ski parkas are only acceptable if it is horrible weather)
If she will be taking public transportation a good pair of ballet flats that can be tucked in your bag when reaching the office

 

[mrspaha]

You can get a coupon by googling Macys friends and family. Sorry I don't know how to put links on here.

prncess674, you are so helpful! I could even pick out a few things to wrap up for Xmas. Maybe I could even use F&F now for a good sweater and I love the suggestion of the white button down blouse and french cuffs!!! Thank you so much.

 

[prncess674]

You can get a coupon by googling Macys friends and family. Sorry I don't know how to put links on here.

prncess674, you are so helpful! I could even pick out a few things to wrap up for Xmas. Maybe I could even use F&F now for a good sweater and I love the suggestion of the white button down blouse and french cuffs!!! Thank you so much.

Sounds like your DD won't be starting till the spring. Sure picking up a few basics is a great start, I would focus on the after Christmas sales. Most stores do inventory in January so they vastly reduce on Dec 26th. If she doesn't need it right away I wouldn't buy a lot of clothes just yet. I bookmark all the things I really like and then check about once a week on the price.

 

[clh2]

proper fitting bra (um yes, plenty show up in ill fitting undergarments)

I laughed with this comment. We had auditors in a few years ago (well - they are in every year) but the ones from a few years ago were
not wearing bras. Cold office, white blouse, no jacket..it was disgusting.

 

[mrspaha]

Actually, she's starting January 3rd. She graduates in 2 weeks on Dec 18th. I think she said they'll have some kind of inhouse training for 2 weeks, and then she'll be part of a group going to various companies. (doing the grunt work, I'm sure). I just wanted to use Christmas to help her get started with a few nice things.

 

[prncess674]

Actually, she's starting January 3rd. She graduates in 2 weeks on Dec 18th. I think she said they'll have some kind of inhouse training for 2 weeks, and then she'll be part of a group going to various companies. (doing the grunt work, I'm sure). I just wanted to use Christmas to help her get started with a few nice things.

You sound like a great mom She will do great. I would not over buy on clothese because you never know where you will end up for project work. Also style and formaility is dictated by office. I have been on a variety of clients over the years and my weight flucuates so I have the bare min in many sizes and start to augment my wardrobe based on my current assignment. The good thing is you can never really be overdressed. If she can only afford a few pieces then the natural choice is to go biz professional and be a bit over dressed. You never want to be under dressed.

The great thing about a classic "AB FAB" Coach carry all is it is universally stylish.

 

[Figment1990]

I'm overly opinionated when it comes to purses I would stay away from the C bags, but that's just me. I have a leather coach bag (in black) and I love it. I get so many compliments on it!

http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=525412&CategoryID=51794
My only "issue" with this one is the snap closure, because sometimes people like zippers. Overall, I think this is my favorite.

This would be my second choice
http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=505525&CategoryID=52068

I'm not a fan of the Poppy line. I think the Kristin hobos can look kind of sloppy.

The first one in this link is very similar to the one I have (in berry). I like both of these choices.

ITA with all of prncess674's clothing suggestions. You can never go wrong with the classics and she will need a variety of "levels" of professional I'm sure. In auditing, she could be at a manufacturing company one day or an insurance or financial firm another. Button downs (with a proper bra) are always perfect! A cardigan to go over that can also make for a nice look depending on the client (and their A/C).

I also second the second pair of shoes.... Nice shoes can go a long way to making you feel put together and well, one of the perks of sitting at a desk is you can comfortably wear those 3 or 4 inch beauties but you do have to consider if she'll be walking far to get to work. (Another argument for a great size bag that can carry shoes!)

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.)

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

prncess674 (or any other acctg/professionals out there) - would you say that a GPS for her car would be a nice gift, if she were driving her own vehicle (and not doing public transpo)? I know that it was never fun to be wondering if I was going to get lost going to/from a new audit location.

 

[prncess674]

prncess674 (or any other acctg/professionals out there) - would you say that a GPS for her car would be a nice gift, if she were driving her own vehicle (and not doing public transpo)? I know that it was never fun to be wondering if I was going to get lost going to/from a new audit location.

Every consultant these days has a blackberry or iphone and both have built in GPS programs (or you can download one) from the app store. I personally travel a lot and am always in a rental car and don't want to haul another piece of technology nor do I want to worry with taking down and putting up a GPS unit in my personal car. Also if working downtown you can just pop out your blackberry/iphone for walking directions to different locations.

 

[Figment1990]

Every consultant these days has a blackberry or iphone and both have built in GPS programs (or you can download one) from the app store. I personally travel a lot and am always in a rental car and don't want to haul another piece of technology nor do I want to worry with taking down and putting up a GPS unit in my personal car. Also if working downtown you can just pop out your blackberry/iphone for walking directions to different locations.

Hmmmm... Good point! I didn't think of my blackberry, as I usually use the Nav system in my car. Do the iphone and blackberry apps recite the directions aloud? That would be great to have for traveling, as you mentioned.

I'm just amazed at how much the consultants are "hooked up" now. Very nice.... I haven't thought about the Big 4 world in a long long time. Interesting to get a glimpse into how things are now.

(And now I'll stop, as I officially hijacked this poor woman's thread)

 

[APB513]

Every consultant these days has a blackberry or iphone and both have built in GPS programs (or you can download one) from the app store. I personally travel a lot and am always in a rental car and don't want to haul another piece of technology nor do I want to worry with taking down and putting up a GPS unit in my personal car. Also if working downtown you can just pop out your blackberry/iphone for walking directions to different locations.

I just got an iPhone a few months ago and I'm still learning it.

Last week I had to rent a car. As soon as I got in the car, I reached up for the Onstar button (I have Onstar in my Saturn Vue) so I could figure out how to get home. I panicked when I didn't see one. I check the iPhone App store, found and downloaded a GPS app. It was awesome!!! I love this phone

 

[bdcp]

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.