Coach has actually made an accessory line printed with a red/pink fragrance theme in celebration of their new perfume. They’ve also made up a limited edition compilation of the LE Jasmine XL Straw “Basket” bag filled with pieces from the line, plus a pair of shades and the exclusive to the “gift basket”, bronzer compact (which I think is a pretty awesome little beauty case).

The main feature of this LE gift set is the Jasmine XL Straw Basket ($998 separately, limited on its own as well) which features a rounded body of straw, orange leather and snake skin trim, brass hardware with ringed full-height straps and fragrance-print lining with 5 interior pockets. It’s sized 24″ x 13.5″ x 10.5″!
The official list of items included is: Fragrance-print crusher hat, beach towel, Framed coin purse, Patti sunglasses, and an exclusive Bronzer Set in the Fragrance Print Case.

The cost of the package is $1600 (eek) too steep for me even though I’d love to own this, but instead I can pick up a little piece of the “fragrance” line separately. My choice is the unique “Brush case” which can be used as a beauty case or even a clutch! Love it. If you can’t get the package, which is in limited quantities, perhaps look on eBay for that exclusive bronzer, as I will. (No low price guarantee, though.)

If you have the cash/budgeting and love for Coach or just plain cute accessories, go for it, it’s sold online at coach.com or in select boutiques, but you can always have it shipped free by calling your favorite store location/favorite SA.

Below are photos of what’s included in the Limited Edition Fragrance Straw Gift Basket:

And here are photos of separate items from Coach’s Fragrance-Print collection:

Popularity: 78% [?]

I appreciate the effort and exciting anticipation behind old favorite Coach when they put out something different, but the mix of high saturated colours in their new Hamptons Weekend Patchwork makes me think it was made for clowns, not fashionistas—maybe not even the typical teenage girl!

Featuring far too much going on with all those dark, spotlight-steal-attempting, shades the new Hamptons Weekend Satchel shape is at least something nice. I love that Coach keeps introducing new satchels, my favorite style by far. Another new detail is the hang tags with circular “splotches” of a contrasting colour - although I’m not sure why that’s necessary.

It’s your typical new Spring’s approaching attempt at cheer from Coach, but more. They simply went too far.

The Hamptons Weekend Satchel is sized 13″ x 7″ x 7″ and won’t be setting me back $288.

Popularity: 47% [?]

One of the spanking-new Coach silhouettes for 2007 (since the Fall, this has been a big growing time for Coach) is the Andrea Satchel in the Hamptons collection.

It’s medium-sized with a rectangular shape, contrast stitching and totally modern details. Studs, lots of stitching and great side decoration make up the style’s individual look, with tassels on one gusset and a dog-leash clip attaching the top zip closure to the bag (genius idea!).

In brass hardware, also with a brass lozenge hangtag, the Andrea comes in black, white, cognac brown and a dark olive. At 13.25″ l x 8.25″ h x 7″ w, the new favorite from Coach comes in at $598.

Popularity: 33% [?]

Bringing back so much of a more recently blooming brand, is the Legacy Ali bag by Coach. The style shape is very vintage right from Coach’s archives, and it’s lined in a fabric inspired by their vintage stripe from the Bonnie Cashin days. Add in the modern details that make today’s legacy, and we have an iconic piece from Coach. It’s great in aged whiskey leather, but nothing makes an IT bag or a bag of the year like a true reptile skin leather.

Available only in select upscale stores or by catalog, and not even online, was the Ali in Alligator. Is it long sold out? Probably, but the $12,000 pricetag could be a clue either way. Did the rich buy into this bag? Hmm.. For sure though, Coach fans can only admire this bag of art, but how much they have makes it worthwhile.

For Coach’s 65th anniversary, their entry into our top bags of 2006 is the Ali in Alligator. Certainly worthy of being a bag of the year, from such an upgrade from a favorite brand of so many. Here’s a New Years toast to Coach, may you only grow stronger in your next 65!

Popularity: 31% [?]

This week of Christmas and before New Years, it’s the Top 5 Party Bags. The first is an anniversary evening purse by Coach: Madison Stripe Flap.

The evening shape is a rare one for Coach and the stripes carry “legacy.” Plus, they’re colorful and make for great funky, upbeat party fun. Coach has similar styles in more formal special occasion bags, so check those out too.

This Madison Flap is sized about 10″ x 5″ x 1.25″ and runs $298.

4th Top Party Bag
3rd Top Party Bag
2nd Top Party Bag
Top Party Bag

Popularity: 36% [?]

Yes, on this third week of our New Year countdown, this last week before Christmas, we bring you some holiday amusement with … The Top 5 Ugliest Bags!

And our 5th choice was tough, there were three current Coach contenders. Two had fringe, but we only have room for five on each countdown.

So our number 5 is the Coach Soho Signature Stitched Flap, and I’ll tell you why.

It’s not just because of the embellishments, oh no. About half the bags in Coach’s stitch line are amazing and beautiful, it’s about the embellishments paired with other over-the-top elements.

First, the color, this isn’t such a detraction, but the bland color adds no sense of gorgeousness to this bag. Still we must consider more mixed with this. Second, the Signature (and being large at that). I love Signature of course, but all the bags in this line that are signature are just way too busy. The bags that are leather, on the other hand, are striking especially because of bold colors. Finally, I hate that awkward shape of this style of flap bag. The frame makes the whole bag look weird.

Add all that up and we get an ugly bag … a bag just ugly enough to beat out bags with long fringe!!!

4th Top Ugly Bag
3rd Top Ugly Bag
2nd Top Ugly Bag
TOP Ugly Bag

Popularity: 41% [?]

The Top 5 Wallet #4 is from Coach.

The Hamptons Leather Signature Checkbook Wallet has that luxe imprinted leather, plenty of room, and plenty of room to enjoy looking at the embossed signature!

And the top 3 wallet is the Chloé Paddington Wallet. It’s an IT wallet, without being too heavy on the eyes or the arms. And it’s just pretty, with anthracite leather.

See my previous post on the wallet, as well.

Popularity: 44% [?]

Okay, so the bag that tops off the list of Budget Handbags is a tad more expensive, and considerably smaller, but it really does pack a lot of style, quality and luxe detail into a small punch - er - pouch.

#1 Coach Signature-Leather Pouch

The small purse or travel case is embossed, then finely stitched with their signature C pattern. And the new versions have a longer strap drop, but I can’t say for certain whether it’ll fit on your shoulder. It’s perfect for the younger, just-budding fashionista. The thing that really seals the appeal of this bag is that Signature Leather was not made in anything larger!

The price? $138. Not so bad.

Popularity: 41% [?]

This week, Pursed Lips and Kiss Me, Stace are bringing you holiday gift ideas to make your loved ones smile!

Today I have inexpensive bags from luxury brand, Coach. Namely, the demis and pouches. There are great deals on from-the-outlet bags—you can even find demis for under $100. This is perfect for younger sisters, young daughters and cousins who want to stick a toe into the designer handbag world. But be careful that you don’t let them get too deep, too young. And teach the children well how to take care of valuable belongings! Also, try a multi-look bag, like the Holiday Patchwork bag pictured, to match all outfits—and besides, it’s like a little bit of all Coach bags in one, so she’ll be sure to have her fix of bag style for a while!

Definitely many fashionable young girls would squeal getting a first designer bag as a present, and you don’t have to break the bank!

Hold back just a minute though! Keep in mind that you must know the brand yourself to be able to spot fakes, or have a way for someone else to verify authenticity—or forget it. You can still get a pouch at the outlet for a great, great deal or even a Coach boutique, as those usually start under $150 anyway. New pouches can even be carried under the arm, so they’re great handbags.

Search Signature Demis on eBay. / Search Signature Pouches on eBay. / Browse the new collection of pouches and small bags on Coach.com / Or visit your nearest outlet.

Popularity: 41% [?]

PursePage.com, a site for bag shopping and reviews, is holding a contest in its forums to give away one Coach purse.

All one must do to enter is register and post on the thread (or topic), but read the rules first at the official contest page (thread).

The bag in question is a black Signature Gallery Tote, and it’s quite nice. It comes with bag, box, tissue, bow and a catalog. (Everything one might get when shopping at a boutique.) There are also other giveaways for cash! Visit the site for more info.

I’m entering, I think my aunt should enter, and will you?

Popularity: 33% [?]