updating a classic

The Willis is an iconic Coach bag. I‘m always drawn to them in photos & in real life, in addition to enjoying those in my collection. Recently, I’ve been thrilled to pair them with novelty straps. The pairing brings some fabulous updates to this classic. It offers a fresh look, shorter strap length & more comfortable carry. I was excited to finally get photos of a combo to share today.

Coach Willis Bag, style #9927. Coach Outlet embossed novelty style #F31539.

come what May

With May comes flowers, flowy dresses, a feeling of carefreeness
& yo-yo weather to boot. Today had a bit of it all.

I was out & about in a vintage style maxi dress that feels straight out of the 1970s. After having ran through several handbag options in my head, I decided to just roll with it & continue carrying the Coach Convertible Clutch that I have been for the past few days. These bags are great for me when I want to carry something that’s compact yet has a nice capacity. This one is 24 years old and the leather on it is just so smooth & supple. I love that I can switch the leather strap out with a novelty or chain one like this boutique Dinky Chain Strap.
I’m a fan of this bag style, check out my burgundy one I posted here.

As for today’s weather, it began crisp, warmed up, rained a quick minute as I was snapping photos & is currently the loviest of Spring evenings.

vintage Coach Convertible Clutch in British Tan, Style #9635, 11 x 7 x 2.5. Coach Dinky Strap in light gold, Style #58847, 48” long.

rediscovering & refashioning

In recent months, I’ve seen some great reviews of the Coach Dinky 24 so imagine my delight as I realized I already have something similar in my collection....

My BOTD: vintage Coach Convertible Clutch, Style #9635. This burgundy one was made in New York City. At 11” x 7” x 2.5”, it’s close in size & look to the Dinky 24. I’ve refashioned this classic piece with a metal chain/leather strap from a newer Coach 1941 Tea Rose Dinky giving me the option to wear it 3 ways: crossbody or as a shoulder bag with either a shorter doubled or longer single strap.

How exciting is it to rediscover an item in your own closet & simply restyle it to make it feel like something current & new again to you?!

This bag also dresses up wonderfully with a new Outlet novelty strap. Stay tuned for that future look!

fresh & ladylike

I’ve been carrying my Coach Gramercy Top Handle bag these past several days. I love its sophistication, structure & hardworking textured leather. 

For a bit of freshness, I’ve added a Tea Rose bag charm. 

I’m seeing Coach’s Parker Top Handle bags currently available at COACH as reminiscent of this lovely style. 

My BOTD: Coach Gramercy Top Handle: Style #7002, 9.25” x 7.5” x 3.75”. 

handling winter

I’m finding that my Coach Large Bennett Satchel works nicely in the fluctuating winter weather of late. It’s large enough to easily toss in my gloves & sunglasses.

To keep this smooshy, soft pebbled leather bag structured & organized, I recently purchased a felt insert from Amazon. This one’s a perfect fit & the red color brightens an otherwise dark interior.

A Coach skinny scarf dresses up the exterior. 

My BOTD: Coach Large Bennett Satchel: Style F36672, 11.25” x 7.75” x 6“.

something old, something new

The Tea Rose Novelty Strap in Peony brings a fresh look to my classic vintage Coach Manor Bag. And replacing Manor's original thin strap with a wider one makes the bag so comfortable to carry. I am really loving this pairing!

My BOTD: Coach Manor Bag: Style 9977, 9.75" x 8.5" x 4.25". 
Coach Peony Tea Rose Novelty Strap: Style 22887, 42.5” long. 

vintage sweetness

This Coach Isla Chain Crossbody with Floral Bundle Print & Bow has such a vintage sweetness to it. Comfortably fits my necessities. Outside back slip pocket perfectly holds my iPhone 7 in its case. 

Coach My BOTD: Isla Chain Crossbody: Style F28031, 8.75” x 5.5” x 3”.

What's in my bag?

• iPhone 7 & case with a cat phone ring
• Coach pleated pouch holds key fob
• Coach vintage skinny make-up kit holds a mini mechanical pencil, eye drops, lotion, nail file, bandaids, hand wipe, concealer stick, hair elastic & pins
• Coach card pouch as wallet (with added ring & chain) holds ~6 cards & bills
• mint tin with mirror (very old but I just keep refilling)
• EOS lip balm
• reading glasses
• DIY matchbook sticky note holder