New bag...yay or nay?

[E B]

I have a hard time spending money on things I don't absolutely need. A really hard time. I grew up with the most frugal of mothers (understandable, since she was a single mother) and because of this, I have trouble justifying spending money on things other than food and bills (and stuff for my pug-daughter).

I have a Coach signature bag that I've had for four years. I love this bag. It's my everyday purse, my only purse, and it's held up beautifully until very recently...the fabric has started to wear. It's black and grey, but now the grey fabric has started turning black and in between the "Cs" are big smudge marks. It's a small bag, so it's tucked under my arm and the friction's finally done some real damage.

To make a long story short, it looks pretty awful. So, in the quest for a new bag, I've looked to Coach again, this time for something leather. I've heard good things about leather bags and want one that'll last a looooong time.

I found one.

Coach Soho Leather Small Flap (in Camel)

It's approximately the size of my old one (a little bigger), and it's gorgeous. A bit clunky though still classic (IMO), totally my style.

...and it's $218.00.

Should I buy it? Why? Why not? I need some advice. Please note that I go back to school in a week and am on a limited income (I just ended a year of working full time). However, I do have quite a bit in savings, but it makes me guilty pulling money out. $218 could pay a month's bills (my share, of course).

Help!

 

[monarch64]

Buy it! Are you kidding? I commend you for carrying your current bag for 4 years...I think you are very frugal and that''s not a bad thing at all. I rationalize handbag buying the same way--I buy a bag for around $100 every year and always second guess myself by thinking I could''ve paid a bill or put the money in savings..but that is due to my dad always telling me to save for a "rainy day." Whatever. I am seriously much happier with new purchases for a year than I am knowing there''s money in my savings account, lol! Question, though: would you compromise going with a Coach bag by choosing, say, a Kenneth Cole Reaction or similar for about $100 less and being able to put the rest of your budget towards a bill? I guess I''m asking if you would be willing to sacrifice the label and spend less on a handbag so you could spend what you would save on bills?

 

[E B]

Date: 3/20/2006 1:51:43 AM
Author: monarch64
Question, though: would you compromise going with a Coach bag by choosing, say, a Kenneth Cole Reaction or similar for about $100 less and being able to put the rest of your budget towards a bill? I guess I'm asking if you would be willing to sacrifice the label and spend less on a handbag so you could spend what you would save on bills?

The only reason I'm even thinking Coach (I'm not too much of a brand girl...well, I was when I received the "signature" bag, but now it's not a big deal) is because I know they make wonderful, top quality bags. If my Coach cloth bag has held up this nicely after 4 years (of everyday wear!), a leather one should last much longer, right? I love that they're so well made...whenever buying anything for myself, I always seek out classic pieces. Much of the price, I assume, is because of it's craftsmanship. Weirdly enough, I'm afraid to try another brand. What if it fails me?

The money I'd be putting towards this is coming out of our "rainy day" fund (well, rather, MY rainy day fund) and even without the $200, it's still quite a rainy day fund. Alas, it's hard to pull the trigger on something so costly. You want to know how bad I am? I have a hard time spending gift certificates. My fiance gave me an Urban Outfitters gift card for Christmas I haven't spent yet...I'm waiting for the right piece to come around!

I guess I'm just needing a nudge in either direction. Someone to slap some sense into me if I'm spending carelessly, or someone to block out my mothers voice, echoing in my brain ("Who cares what your bag looks like? Does it still carry things? Then it's good!").

 

[Mara]

Girl...if you can make a $200 bag go for 4 years, that is great amortization!! That's $50 for each year so in reality if you bought a $60 Nine West bag or something every year (which is easy to do!!) then it would cost the same...and if you really love the new one then it's worth it. Then again I have started to get a little purse crazy BUT I adore my bags and wear them well...I used to get alot of cheaper bags when I was younger and in reality I just had a bunch of cheap bags laying around that eventually fell apart or went out of style. In my opinion many of the more expensive bags do hold their value, esp if you get a classic piece rather than trendy, and I feel like I am more excited longer about some of these bags. I had my $200 LV pochette for 2-3 years and wore it all the time and kept going back to this one bag! It is so beat up it's embarassing. But I just really loved it and the size. Now I am wearing another LV one but it goes across the body and I just love the ease of it.

Anyway you have a bunch of purse whores here on this forum, so doubt anyone will say DONT GET THE BAG...but I feel like whatever it is, a bag or a new outfit or a new car or a new diamond, if it will make you so ecstatically happy and you will be proud to have it and wear it and rock it and you can afford it or are willing to do less of something else in order to have it....then just do it...life is too short to second guess things that make you happy...good luck!

 

[dani13]

Oh my goodness! Ok, I really feel bad after reading your post...I would never hesitate to spend $$$ on myself !! You made that bag last for 4 years-what Mara said was right, in actuality, if you make the new bag last even half as long as the other, that is good ($100 per year for a bag)? I am embarassed to say how much I have spent on my bags in the past. I AM A TOTAL HANDBAG WHORE!! But I say if you can spare the extra $$$ it is nice to treat yourself now and then...go for it!!!

 

[sunkist]

Well I'm not a purse whore, and so I'll say DON'T GET THE BAG!

Actually I've never had a Coach bag, so I can't vouch for it's quality, though I'm sure it's great! But $200 on a purse seems rediculous to me. I could never do that (of course I say that now, someday I suppose I might). But a few months ago I really needed a new purse and I saw one at Banana Republic that was $100 and almost bought it. But then I stopped by Marshals and got a great deal on a leather Jones NewYork purse for $25!!! So I say check out Marshals, TJ Maxx, etc. for a good deal. They have Coach bags there too.

BTW: that is a cute purse you found!

 

[Mokey]

Hi Ebree, I had to add my .02 here. I am a very frugal person for the most part and have always put everyone else first. I bought cheaper bags for years, just to have them lay around or given away or fall apart. My husband asked me why I bought so many, I told him that they were just cheap and crappy so it didn''t matter, he explained that it did matter because they added up. I told him I had always wanted a nice bag, but there was no way we could afford it. Well, for our anniversary he bought me my first Dooney and Bourke, and I was so upset because he spent over $100 on it and we could have done XYZ with that, and he explained that I never buy stuff like that for myself, I always buy the kids the best stufff and him the best stuff and get myself the cheapy stuff. He said that if it made me smile, then he was all for it. Well, that was the biggest snowball he ever stepped into! I am the worst Dooney and Coach whore on the planet! I still get them their stuff, and skimp on me, but not the bags! The kids and him are all cool with it, so we are all happy! He thinks that it actually saves us money. I have to commend you for using the same bag for 4 years!!! I can''t use the same one for a week straight! I say go for it, you deserve it and if it makes you smile, then that is worth it! They come with a warranty so if they need any work done they stand behind their products, and you already know about the wearability! They are totally worth it! Just my .02 Mokey

 

[jetmal]

$200 for a Coach purse really is not too bad.....I have been coveting a Coach satchel that costs $358.00.....and its not even leather!

I got super lucky on Ebay last night( dont throw anything at me ladies!) and I got the bag for $102.00!!! Yes, it is authentic....it comes with the receipt, dust bag, Coach booklet, etc...
authentic or your money back, seller has 100% positive feedback....

you are like me, I only have one purse at a time, I retire them when they need to be. I''m not a big purse whore, but I do like a nice Coach purse once every few years!

 

[hlmr]

Hi Ebree:

I think you should buy it!!! It will be a great back to school transition piece, after working full time for a year. It is a reasonable price and you deserve to treat yourself....especially with something you will be using every day and with how happy it will make you feel to carry on your shoulder/arm!

Heather

 

[rainbowtrout]

My mom has a coach leather purse that has lasted for 10 ys. One thing I''ve found is that some of the non-"fashiony" high end brands (Brooks Brothers, some of the classic Coach bags, etc) is worth the extra money because it really does last longer. I have cole hann boots I just threw away after 9 years of wearing them all the time!


Go for it...the purse will last if you take care of it.

 

[belle]

i tried this bag on and loved the look. you'll have to decide for yourself whether or not you want to make the investment. if you can make a bag last 4years...i think you should do it.
have fun deciding!

 

[XChick03]

I think its completely adorable, but I know how you feel. We''re on a pretty tight budget right now and I have to fight with myself about nearly everything I buy. If it will last as long as your previous Coach though, I say go for it. $200 for something that will last for years really isn''t that bad of a deal.

 

[Sundial]

That is a beautiful bag and you obviously take good care of what you buy so I say splurge on yourself a little as long as you can swing it!!!

 

[AmberWaves]

Ebree, I say Do It, I mean, it''s nice to treat yourself, and it''s not as if you buy a new bag every month. Go ahead, you deserve it.

 

[Tacori E-ring]

I *LOVE* that bag!

$200 really isn''t that bad for a coach. I am like you, I wear my bags for years. Some of them are at least 5 years old! They are like old friends. I just can''t give them up....What I do when I am on the fence about something is to ask myself "If they stopped making *fill in the blank* and I could no longer buy it would I be sad?" If I would, I buy it. If not I know I really didn''t love it enough in the first place.

 

[E B]

Thanks for all the replies! After a night of sleeping on it, I''m gonna go ahead and get the bag. I never treat myself, and sometimes, you just have to. Mokey, I forgot about the warranty...that seals the deal.

Yay! A new bag!

 

[AmberWaves]

Another reason, I wanted this coach bag (last year''s spring collection) that was white/sage green (which is my fave. color) and had ladybugs (the thing I''m known for around my friends and family) on it, embroidered, and beaded.. blah blah blah. Well, I saw the 400.00 price tag, and said no. Now I would kill for that bag.

Glad you''re getting it!

 

[E B]

Amber,

Is it this bag?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=6860351757&ssPageName=MERC_VI_RSCC_Pr4_PcY_BID_Stores_IT

It's adorable!

There's a smaller version on ebay as well, but I wasn't sure.

 

[Tacori E-ring]

I am really glad you are getting it! Enjoy!

 

[Kaleigh]

That''s a great bag. I love it. The price ain''t bad either. I have a Coach bag and they hold up very well. I bet you will love it!!!

 

[GGLW]

First of all, I would say that you deserve a nice bag! I have a bag that''s a little bigger but very similar to the one you are getting, and I have found that the Coach leather is very sturdy and wears nicely.
I would check if there are any Coach outlets near you. I actually bought my bag at the real Coach store, then happened to be at the outlet and it was about $40 cheaper than the sale price in the Coach store. Maybe you won''t feel quite as guilty if you can get it on sale...
Can''t wait to see pics!

 

[AmberWaves]

That''s it!! Yikes! Thanks!

 

[E B]

Date: 3/20/2006 1:10:34 PM
Author: GGLW
First of all, I would say that you deserve a nice bag! I have a bag that's a little bigger but very similar to the one you are getting, and I have found that the Coach leather is very sturdy and wears nicely.
I would check if there are any Coach outlets near you. I actually bought my bag at the real Coach store, then happened to be at the outlet and it was about $40 cheaper than the sale price in the Coach store. Maybe you won't feel quite as guilty if you can get it on sale...
Can't wait to see pics!

The closest outlet is 60 miles away, and my FI groans every time I mention it. I'm afraid we'd drive all the way out there, and I'd find nothing I like! I DO have a couple of coach gift items (a wallet, a keychain) that I'm going to return for credit on the bag. Hopefully that'll bring the price down quite a bit.

 

[AmberWaves]

Date: 3/20/2006 1:10:34 PM
Author: GGLW
First of all, I would say that you deserve a nice bag! I have a bag that''s a little bigger but very similar to the one you are getting, and I have found that the Coach leather is very sturdy and wears nicely.
I would check if there are any Coach outlets near you. I actually bought my bag at the real Coach store, then happened to be at the outlet and it was about $40 cheaper than the sale price in the Coach store. Maybe you won''t feel quite as guilty if you can get it on sale...
Can''t wait to see pics!

I think there is a Coach outlet on the way to Palm Springs, PS field trip anyone?

 

[E B]

Date: 3/20/2006 1:12:28 PM
Author: AmberWaves

Date: 3/20/2006 1:10:34 PM
Author: GGLW
First of all, I would say that you deserve a nice bag! I have a bag that''s a little bigger but very similar to the one you are getting, and I have found that the Coach leather is very sturdy and wears nicely.
I would check if there are any Coach outlets near you. I actually bought my bag at the real Coach store, then happened to be at the outlet and it was about $40 cheaper than the sale price in the Coach store. Maybe you won''t feel quite as guilty if you can get it on sale...
Can''t wait to see pics!

I think there is a Coach outlet on the way to Palm Springs, PS field trip anyone?

I''m in!

 

[E B]

Oh no....searching on eBay for Amber''s bag, I found another I like. Does it look authentic? If it doesn''t work out, no big deal...I still love the one I posted above at Coach.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Coach-Soho-Doe-Large-Flap-Bag-Purse-NEW-9248_W0QQitemZ6858367456QQcategoryZ63852QQcmdZViewItem

 

[ChargerGrrl]

Date: 3/20/2006 1:13:28 PM
Author: EBree

Date: 3/20/2006 1:12:28 PM
Author: AmberWaves

Date: 3/20/2006 1:10:34 PM
Author: GGLW
First of all, I would say that you deserve a nice bag! I have a bag that''s a little bigger but very similar to the one you are getting, and I have found that the Coach leather is very sturdy and wears nicely.
I would check if there are any Coach outlets near you. I actually bought my bag at the real Coach store, then happened to be at the outlet and it was about $40 cheaper than the sale price in the Coach store. Maybe you won''t feel quite as guilty if you can get it on sale...
Can''t wait to see pics!

I think there is a Coach outlet on the way to Palm Springs, PS field trip anyone?

I''m in!

I''m so glad you decided to go for it!

I was just about to recommend you check out an outlet. I''m a Coach gal, and the majority of my purses came from their outlets. There''s also one in Camarillo, and down in Carlsbad. I always stop in when I''m around there. Be sure to sign up for their mailing list (in the store). They sometimes send out coupons & offers. It''s kinda sporadic. Come to think of it, I haven''t gotten a mailer from them in about a year!

 

[E B]

Amber, you''re going to kill me, but......have you SEEN these?

http://cgi.ebay.com/NWT-COACH-SIGNATURE-LOGO-Green-Lady-Bug-SHOE-heel-s7-5_W0QQitemZ7751276911QQcategoryZ63889QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

I''m not much of a shoe gal, but these are fabulous. SO CUTE.

 

[Caribou]

Ebree, I love that purse, I''m glad you decided to buy it.

Those, although not really me, are so cute.

 

[Mara]

Coach outlets are all over, there is one in Carmel and I think one in Gilroy too....for Northern California anyway, there are a bunch. There is also that one over near Palm Springs too.

That said the outlets are not always that much cheaper than the regular stores, which is kind of frustrating. Sure you can find good deals sometimes (I got a Coach evening purse a few months ago, a small black satin clutch which is very cute and classic) for something like $50 when retail was $100.

But some of their stuff, of course most of the stuff I really like tends to be like 10-15% off retail and it's like well $30 off a $300 bag seems so not worth it...but if you can get in there to check it out I guess the savings would be worth it if you found the bag you really wanted and it was cheaper than retail!

I'd be a little leery of buying on eBay just because so many people are great at faking things like tags and I hear in China they can make replicas of dustbags and tags and stuff, eBay is getting worse and worse with that kind of stuff unfortunately. I won't even buy Juicy sweats on there anymore because so much of it is fakes from China WITH FAKE TAGS on. I don't even know that I'd trust a 'receipt'. Hard to say.

One thing is that discount retailers like Loehmanns carries brand name bags...I think they may carry Coach, I know they carry Kate Spade and Kenneth Cole and BCBG and some other brand names that I recognize. And their prices are more like 20-40% off depending. So I'd check around with your local retail discount store as well, Marshalls and Ross too maybe or similar. Nordstroms's
Rack. Just in case!