Coach Madison Flagship Embossed Croc Caroline Dowel

Coach bags rarely get a nod, let alone turn heads but I have turned my head every time I passed by the Coach store at The Paragon Orchard just to take a second look on this bag. Don’t let the glam look deceive you as this bag heavily referenced vintage Coach styles so it is not the come-and-go kind. Priced at USD798, for a limited edition, Coach seems to make this sell by itself.

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Coach Bleeker Weekend Tote

Coach leathergoods was once an American pride, an embodiment of the spirit, passion, attention to details and finest craftsmanship of the best of the best Americans. Over the recent years, however, the brand has grown a little too rapidly, outsourcing production and reducing prices to win market shares. It managed to please teens and young women with blatant display of logos, including (and worst) new kiddy pop-arty logos that look like cheap rip-off of Vuitton Monogram Multicolore while alienating its core clients who appreciate fine craftsmanship in the process . The result is an inevitable surge in revenues at first, followed later by brand dilution, which is the last thing a luxury brand wants for its brand.

Frankly speaking, out of 10 new Coach bags now, only a very rare one would catch my eyes so imagine how pleasantly surprised I was to find out that Coach had brought back its original line, inspired by super soft, premium leather baseball gloves used to be made of back in the 20s and 30s. The Bleeker Legacy collection is a premium collection, made not only of the best Coach leather but also with the best attention to details it could get. This Legacy tote is a perfect bag for weekend getaway, it will last forever and will never goes out of style. The red and grey color are limited edition colors while the black, rich mahogany and fawn (tan) are the classic colors. The price is nice at USD598 and is good for one of those very few Coach pieces worth putting your money into nowadays.

Images are courtesy of Coach

Christmas Gift Ideas for Men

It is the time of the year where everyone is shopping for his / her loved ones. Ladies, if have any trouble finding a gift for that most important man in your life, here might be some appropriate ideas to choose from.

Let’s admit it. There are not many things out there to beat this baby with as THE gift of the year for your man. Trust me on this! The ipad is available at your nearest Apple store or online store with free engraving and shipping. Price starts from USD499 to USD829. The Apple ipad case is priced at USD39.

Just in case your man has got himself an ipad, it does not mean you could not do anything about it. There are in fact many choices for ipad case out there from our favorite designers at the moment, such as Gucci, Vuitton and Burberry. Then again, not all the designer ipad cases were created equally. Out of the lot, Tod’s has emerged to be the best, simply because the it is the only one convertible to a reclining seat, perfect for typing like the Apple ipad case itself. Price starts from USD495 for the full calfskin option while the full alligator skin option is USD4,900.

Now for other ideas not related to ipad at all if it is beginning to drive you nuts. Every man needs at least one sharply tailored cardigan. 100% wool is great but cash(mere) it if you could. I am loving this beautiful classic button front cardigan from Maison Martin Margiela Line 14. Price is USD900 at Barneys.

An old saying goes “A pen is mightier than a sword”. Regardless of what paperless technology has become, there is always something gentlemanly about taking notes on a piece of paper out of a leather folder like this one from Coach. Price is USD298.

Lastly, how about a new briefcase from Bottega Veneta? Price is USD1,980 but is currently on 20% off at bluefly.com.

Images are courtesy of Apple, Tod’s, Barneys, Coach and bluefly.com

Coach Sydney Flap Bag

The Coach Sydney bag is a chic piece where fashion meets function. Look at the number of pockets on this bag and the fact that (this never gets old) it is convertible between a tote and a shoulder/messenger makes this bag perfect for work/day/weekend and travel so basically a well-rounder. Starting from USD798 for a full leather bag, Coach bags are no longer as affordable as they used to be but with the quality and material plus all the things I mentioned about on this bag, the price tag is easily justifiable. Sydney is available at Coach stores worldwide.

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Coach Kristin Satchel

The newest Coach Kristin bags are inspired by vintage beauty, blended with beautiful summer hues. The leather is divine touch and the quality is certainly impeccable, as any Coach leather goods would be. The large satchel, which is perfect for work and weekend is priced at good USD398 for small and USD498 for large.

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Coach New Peyton Leather Drawstring Crossbody

This bag reminds me of Louis Vuitton Noe bag and I think it is a smart move to add on the drawstring to make it convertible. Made entirely of leather, the bag is available in black, bone, melon and metallic. At only USD258, the price does not break your bank and is a roomier and perfect alternative to a wrislet or clutch for a casual to semi-formal events.

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Coach Op Art Crossbody Satchel

I always regarded the new Coach Op art signature as a lame attempt to modernize their signature CC. It was tiring even before it started and it is all over Coach bags, really for amateurs. Yet, being embossed on leather and especially on this beautiful bag, it does not look that bad. I saw the bag first on Coach site and I tried it on myself in the Coach Paragon last weekend. The verdict? It is the first Coach bags in the last 3 years which I truly want. There is something about the embossed signature on the leather that is fun, not boring and makes the whole bag not overly serious. The design of the bag itself is already cool to begin with so I guess that helps. The price is perfect at USD398 only too. I know what I want if Dee really visits the US later this year.

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Coach Metallic Large Audrey

Coach continues impressing me with the Audrey. The textured gold leather is so unique it looks like a million bucks when it is in fact USD898. What a bargain!! Not forgetting the generous size and the tone-on-tone brass details which make it super eye-catching of couse…

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Coach Madison Audrey in Jade

The Coach Madison collection is already the house’s best selling line now and while the Sabrina has ruled the sales, the new kid, Audrey might overule her anytime soon. There is in fact not much difference between both designs but minor tweaks such as changing the handles of the bag somehow makes Audrey edgier and more youthful yet still keeping the functionality and classic design we love of the Sabrina. Well, I have approved the Audrey as soon as I saw it last week. It comes in this beautiful Jade color among few and I think you should snatch it right away. Karl Lagerfeld  at Chanel has made Jade hot for the upcoming season so why not jump on the trend wagon with a beautiful bag at USD398 only? Available at Coach stores worldwide or at Coach.com.

Image is courtesy of Coach