You may remember that last year I did two posts regarding Coach and their bags – more specifically in the style of unisex or mens accessories such as a commuter bag or briefcase. One was a Billy Reid collaboration, here. The second was regarding the menswear or menswear-inspired options from the Coach Legacy collection, here.
Well, three weeks ago I went ahead and bit the bullet. I purchased this gorgeous black calfskin leather menswear briefcase from Coach. I believe it is called the Lexington leather metropolitan tote. There are vintage ones with a flap, mine is the five-section version with three zippered top pockets (one which is an outside pocket) as well as two large pockets with magnetic closure. It is perfect for a laptop, iPad, legal-sized note pads, legal files and the like.
It really looks like a legal-sized briefcase with a removable shoulder strap. I am absolutely delighted. The Bleeker commuter is currently available from Coach directly and it is similar in style.
The Lexington was displayed and available in a chestnut color with brass trim, but I felt as though the black gives it a bit more polish, looks more luxe and appropriately formal for a work bag. I think when I get a chestnut bag I will go for a satchel silhouette.
The bag was in the menswear section of the Coach outlet in Williamsburg. I know, outlet shopping. When entering the store, I noticed that the women’s accessories were only available in that weird brushed fabric – maybe it is coated leather – and that isn’t what I am looking for. (Unless it is a solid color, and then it is just not in my personal taste). Not one single bag in that women’s section was calfskin, so I am going to assume that Coach store was just an exclusive factory outlet with zero discounted regular store handbags in stock.
When I went into the men’s section it was completely different. Every bag was calfskin. It was like walking into a leather goods store, which is what I had intended on finding in the women’s section. Regardless, I zeroed in on my bag. Interestingly, the Lex tote is factory-exclusive, as there is an F in the style number for the bag. So I cannot really figure out the quality difference, but it was quite telling.
Benefit of outlet shopping is the deal I got for the bag:
Original MSRP: $598.00
Priced at: $459.00
The store was having a 30% off promotion: $321.30
I had an extra 20% off promotion: $257.04
In terms of price point, this purchase made me quite happy.
Being in the UK, I know nothing abut Coach but saw your comment on Lisa's blog today – and just wanted to come by and rub your shoulder by way of old internet.
What a beautiful bag! Congratulations. 🙂
i have been looking for a leather briefcase too, and have also been looking at leather bags from roots. i like how sleek this one looks. too bad there are no coach outlets near where i live! congrats on a great buy. M is right. you deserve it! xo
great find! i bet this will last you years.
stop by! im hosting a rikshaw design giveaway! xo jillian – cornflake dreams
Coach is wonderful if you look at their more classic pieces and their Legacy collection! Across the pond, I would compare it to Anya Hindmarch or LK Bennett. Thank you for being so kind to comment.
Thank you – I really cannot believe how much fits in here without it getting too heavy or annoyingly bulky (although it is big, as I learned at a RVA Fashion Week event last week).
I am not familiar with roots – do you think I'd like their stuff? This bag really is so sleek! BTW, I know there is a Coach outlet at the Niagara Falls outlet mall… and a few others in upstate NY? 🙂
xo
Hi Jillian! Thank you for the comment, I will be sure to check out the giveaway. (In my long-day-at-work state, I honestly thought you were giving away a Rickshaw. haha!)
Hugs,
W
I think that's gorgeous, and wonderfully appropriate.
Classic, useful, & stylish!
~Sophia
http://plaidismyfavouritecolour.blogspot.com/
Thank you so much, TM!
I agree – each of those boxes were checked when I got this purse! So happy!
Oh wow, that's like the PERFECT work bag!
It really has become a saving grace during my commutes to and from work – one bag, less bulky than a tote… love it!
It's beautiful and perfectly classic! Great choice, and way to go with the discounts! xo
Thank you! I feel like if a brand makes a retail option and a outlet option, and I really like the outlet option more than if not the same as the higher-priced (never on sale) retail bag… why would I spent $800 vs. $250 and change? Just seems like common sense to me! Thank you for the comments on here.
XO
You really can't go wrong with Coach products. So cute!
That is how I feel! I really love their classic pieces and feel like maybe I have aged out of their more fun-colored/patterned collections. It really is so useful!