memory lane

I have an affection for the nostalgic-evoking,
whether it be the abstract or the tangible.

Yesterday, my husband & I went on an antiquing excursion but really just a day of wandering together. The drive, listening to the radio, meandering around spaces overflowing with treasures of the past all evoke warm thoughts of our times “just married” to chasing after young ones to still enjoying each other’s company after so many years. 

Continuing with my walk down memory lane, I was carrying a Coach Stewardess Bag which I remember as the first style of Coach bag I found thrifting back in the day. This is the smaller version with less hardware to reduce weight & an ID holder window under its flap for credentials. Some have a strap with the UA embossed logo stamp that were for United Airlines Stewardesses. This classic beauty sweetly reminds me of where I began with my handbag thrifting adventures.

vintage Coach Stewardess Bag, 11 x 8 x 4.25.

give & receive

The first time I saw a Taft Bag in real life, I was actually taken aback by it. I had seen a woman carrying it in a grocery store & complimented her in passing. She stopped to say thank you & that it had belonged to her mother. Although I can’t say for sure, I felt there was happiness & melancholy in her statement. She also said with a warm smile that she had another of her mom’s bags that she should take out & carry. I was moved by what a small exchange seemed to evoke & remember it whenever I think of the Taft. Even now, my heart feels a gentle squeeze. 

Coach Taft Bag, style #9980, 13 x 10 x 4.

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.

feels like Spring

Sunshine, temps in the 60s + a cool, crisp breeze...
feels like Spring!

And there’s nothing quite like a casual pair of sandals, the soft billowing of a tea length dress & a perfectly matched handbag on such a lovely day. 

The Coach Dinky’s size makes it cute & carefree; its style makes it easy & versatile. Nicely suited when you’re carrying the essentials. With numerous Dinky versions & the option to personalize, there are plenty of reasons to have more than one in the collection. Check out Coach to see what’s currently available. 

My BOTD: Coach Dinky in Peony, Style #37296, 9” x 5” x 2”.

Also wearing: (previous seasons’ purchases) Express dress & Frye sandals.

SxS: top handle crossbody bags

Manor | Crosby

Derby | Manor | Regina

Derby | Regina

I‘m a fan of side by side comparisons. I find them quite helpful in getting a perspective on size, especially when researching handbags online. 

I thought I could try a fun, hopefully informative blog series: Side by Side (SxS). 

Today’s comparisons are some Coach top handle crossbody bags

(measured in inches):

Crosby, Style #9905, 12.5 x 9 x 4.5

Manor, Style #9977, 9.75 x 8.5 x 4.25

Derby, Style #9904, 7.25 x 7.5 x 3.25

Regina, Style #9983, 8 x 6.875 x 4

Please let me know what you think of this series!

casual lady

While I enjoy all types of bag silhouettes, recently, I’ve been especially drawn to top handle bags in the ladylike style. Some are sophisticated & proper while others have softer lines & are more relaxed. I really like the juxtaposition of the latter...
a casual lady of sorts.

I’ve already shared some examples of top handle styles here & here on the blog. This is another... Meet Crosby. In beautiful glove tanned leather, it is structured with a laidback feel. Crosby can be dressed up with a scarf-wrapped handle or a novelty strap in place of its shoulder/crossbody strap. Its size is impressive & similar to that of Hermès Kelly 32.

My BOTD: Coach Crosby Bag, Style #9905, 12.5” x 9” x 4.5”.

‘tis the season

Living in an area with four seasons, I look forward to the changes that occur as one ends & another begins. It is quite amazing when the sun reappears alongside cool breezes, birds return chirping, flowers begin blooming...
The sights, smells & feel of Spring remind me of childhood. I adore it beyond words. Yesterday was a beautiful example.

With Spring within grasp, I carried another Tea Rose bag. They encompass this time of year for me — sweet, whimsical, carefree. This Coach Saddle 23 is a convenient crossbody with a great silhouette. It perfectly holds my daily essentials.

My BOTD: Coach Saddle 23 with Tea Rose, Style #38195, 9” x 7.75” x 3”.

Additional outfit items: Old Navy Ruffle-Trim Top + Mid-Rise Distressed Rockstar Jeans.

nostalgic

My first Coach bag was a surprise gift from my husband. It was a Signature Demi. I loved it. Even now, I smile whenever I think of it.

Almost a decade & a half later, I see this Coach Parker bag with its bits of signature canvas & I fall for it. With modern details—multicolor leather, rivets, snakeskin, chain strap & tea rose turnlock—it’s  nostalgic & edgy at the same time.

The Parker’s structure & divided interior keeps my items well organized. The chain strap allows for instant change from a shoulder bag to a crossbody.

My collection has come a ways since that Demi. I do still own (& cherish) it. I think the Parker is one of those bags that seems to bring it all full circle.

My BOTD: Coach Parker with Rivets & Snakeskin Detail, Style #29416, 10.25“ x 7“ x 4“.

Still currently available at COACH.

I’m also wearing another absolute favorite brand of mine... UGGS. These are the Zea Wedge boots that I’ve had for several years now. They are comfortable, waterproof & keep my feet cozy in cold weather.
I spend much of the winter in UGGs!

living up to the hype

The Pony Express... not just because it’s a collectible vintage style made long ago in New York City, not just because it’s constructed of beautiful glove-tanned leather & has a super cute name... I love this bag.

The Pony Express Pouch is convenient, allowing me to carry a decent amount within its body-hugging profile. And, with a shorter strap, it sits comfortably at a higher spot on me when worn crossbody.

I think this one is a lovely example of a bag that shows it has lived. Its worn-in leather has developed a warm patina that comes from a life outside of a closet & carried more than just on occasion. I imagine a vintage bag’s life prior to me & find it particularly sweet thinking we’re more like a part of their story.

My BOTD: Coach vintage Pony Express Pouch: Style #9670, 11” x 8” x 2”.

grey day

Carrying the grey Coach Bleecker Mini Brooklyn Messenger on this beautiful snowy winter day. Deceptively small, easily holds my essentials. 

MY BOTD: Coach Bleecker Mini Brooklyn Messenger: Style 32279, 9” x 6.5” x 3.25”.

Also wearing red touchscreen leather gloves from Amazon. 

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