Purse poll June 29, 2008
Posted by charmingbutsingle in Uncategorized.trackback
I am looking for a bag I can wear across my body for weekend errands, including, but not limited to, shopping (grocery and otherwise), lazying about, seeing movies, late lunches and (possibly) tailgating and other casual outdoor type events. Something I can wear with a cute jersey knit dress and flip flops.
My quandary is that I have long been confused by two handbag phenomena – crazy Vera Bradley printed purses and Coach logo satchels. I’ve always wondered how adult women could adorn their hips and arms with terribly preppy quilted handbags or mini billboards full of Coach “Cs.”
But lately, as I’m searching for a cross-body purse to carry just my weekend essentials (cell, wallet, keys, sunglasses, powder and lip gloss) during the day, I’m drawn to that which I’ve hated – the Vera Bradley hipster purse and the Coach Signature Stripe Swingpack.
My sister has the Vera Bradley hipster and it is light and holds the essentials. Has an adjustable strap and comes in several cute patterns. I’m leaning toward Peacock (below), Puccini or Mod Floral Blue. And given that it is fabric, I wouldn’t be too worried about spilling something on it. And it is less than half the price of the Coach bag.
The downside is that I worry the Vera Bradley is too young looking. I see adult women, some older than I am, carrying Vera Bradley bags, but I often catch myself rolling my eyes at them. I’ve always thought the larger totes would make great diaper bags if I were to have a child someday.
Then there is the Coach bag. I’ve rolled my eyes with equal disdain at the Coach logo. In general, I find logo patterns to be annoying. If I wanted to advertise for a company, I would, but I don’t and I’d rather not pay to. But the Swingpack appears to be well made and large enough for the weekend essentials. In general I feel as if the Coach bag looks more like something someone in her (gasp!) late twenties would carry. But I worry that I’d carry a $128 bag with a bit of concern for getting it dirty or wet, which is simply no way to live of the weekend.
So, your thoughts?
Any way you could stretch to both?
The Coach bag will go with more outfits that the Vera I would think, as it’s nice & neutral?
They’re both cute, but my bag of choice on the weekends is a small backpack type thing. Goes well with jersey knit and flops, and if I stop by the beach I don’t have to worry about it hanging so low while I flit about in the surf.
I think these are so adorable, and much less recognizable: http://www.janemarvel.com/shop.html
hmmmm honestly neither of those are really my style, but i’d probably go with the vera bradley or a coach one that doesn’t have the C’s on it.
i do feel you for the cross bag, i NEED mine for concerts and sporting events.
I would definitely go with the Vera Bradley, but only because it seems cool and casual for weekend errands while the Coach purse seems fancy, and it seems as though it would not be as friendly to the casual environment, as well, as the price tag on the Vera is less, so I dunno…
i would get both!!
Coach bag is nice if you are meeting at a cafe for breakfast etc. It is also a little more ‘grown up’ …
The Vera bag is great for grabbing as you walk out the door to do some casual shopping…and no way, not too young
Go with the Vera Bradley. Trust me, there is no age limit on them! LOL Everyone from little girls to old ladies carry them here. Just pick a nice pattern, as some of them are HIDEOUS!
Have you tried Hobo or The Sak? Zappos.com carries both bags and has free shipping each way. They may have a more neutral or solid colored bag that has a similar style. Also, try shopping at Aldo shoes. They often have very cute handbags and all different styles. I wouldn’t limit yourself to these two bags if you don’t love either one. Personally, I love Vera Bradly, but only for big pieces, I don’t love the purses they make. I like coach, but I don’t love the C print! Good Luck!
I’d go for the Very Bradley…I really hate the Coach C’s.
i’m kinda surprised that no one has brought up the tendency that vera bradley bags have to bleed when wet. now, it might be that my friends tend towards less color-fast colors (reds, etc), but i’ve heard horror stories. i know the coach bags have an incredible warranty attached with the price tag — but i can understand not wanting to wander around advertising for them. it’s the main thing that keeps me from buying most of their bags (although i loved the vintage striped purses from last autumn). the vera bag looks a little more fun and weekend-y to me, but - as someone else pointed out - is apt to “go” with less things (if you care about that)
best of luck.
It’s interesting to me that you think of Vera Bradley as “too young”. In NYC, especially on the upper east side, lots of late 20-somethings sport the Vera Braley bags especially the duffels. I think they’re adorable!
I’m with you on the Coach thing. It’s kind of…over. When you see moms holding Coach bags while wearing elastic waistband jeans and t- shirts, you know the brand kind of lost it’s cool factor.
For me, this would not even be a question. I would get neither and I would spend three hours at thrift stores until I scored an amazing bag for $10.
Ok, but if I had to pick between these two, that wouldn’t be a question either. The Vera bag is gorgeous and the Coach bag is a billboard. I can’t even imagine grocery shopping with the Coach bag, I would feel absurd!
p.s. I 100% second the suggestion of Aldo! OMG, I have found the MOST amazing bags there on sale for $20. Several times.
i’m afraid i’ve got no good advice here. like you, i’ve been against both fads. when my BFF put $400 down on a Coach bag the other month i silently whispered “please tell me it doesn’t have a logo” and yet it did. i don’t get the logos either… quite honestly whenever i see a bag covered in any high-end logo i assume it’s a knock-off. because i don’t think people who have class and money enough to purchase them would purchase something so tacky. it’s about knowing that you’ve got something quality, not screaming it out to the whole world.
so if i’m no help with this decision, why did i comment? i dunno. the issue of logos apparel is one i have a strong opinion on, so i guess that’s why.
I’m sorry, I just have never understood why people would want to carry purses that look like my grandmother made them out of some of her old quilts……
Neither! Your first instincts were right. Vera Bradley is too young (and not very attractive, IMHO). And Coach is just a billboard that I am so tired of seeing. Keep looking, there are better bags out there.
I vote for the Vera Bradley in Puccini. I used to really dislike the Vera Bradley, but it’s growing on me. I must be getting older
I’m actually thinking about getting one of the largish totes for a carry-on bag for all the air travel I have to do for work the rest of the year. It’s something highly cleanable after sitting on the floor of the airport and the airplane, but has more useful pockets than my tote from The Strand in NYC.
Neither, but if you MUST, go with the logo-whoring, adult bag. Vera Bradly is silly unless you’re under twenty or it’s filled with diapers.
I heart Vera Bradley and disdain the logoed Coach bags. You have to be comfortable with what you’re carrying all weekend so my advice is to check out a Coach factory store. I just got the black leather hobo flap for $65. If you hit at the right time, you can score great deals.
Or you could cruise http://www.etsy.com for a while and I bet find something fabulous!
I say keep shopping around. Check out etsy or some of the other online shops until you find something you love. Heck Target usually has some neat and interesting bags. Good luck.
I bought a Vera Bradley duffel earlier this year and it was the best purchase I’ve ever made.
I say go VB - but yes, pick a good pattern, because some of them? UGH.
Both are ugly and typical. I see them as something someone like my middle-aged mom would buy– trendy, not cheap, immediately recognizable as a “name brand” yet bland, overdone… sad. I don’t understand how purses like these become desirable… on first instinct, everyone thinks they are ugly or dowdy, and yet the more they see them the more they like them. I agree with the etsy.com suggestion for something lovely and made with care… something UNIQUE with PERSONALITY. Or really, ANYTHING but these cliched bags would be an improvement.
P.S. I think VB reads more “soccer mom” than teenage. Maybe it’s a New England thing.
My vote is the Vera Bradley, its much more fun and laid back and weekend-ish. Up here every sixteen year old has that Coach bag…
Hey Charming, remember the word “fugly”? Well honey bunny, that first teal thing is exactly that! If you are choosing, go with the black and grey! It’s cute and goes with almost anything, however it isn’t very summer-like. Whatev. Go with your gut.
Amen to Ally’s comment (except my mom has great, classic, taste): Vera Bradley screams “soccer mom.” I liked the Jane Marvel prints Caitlin suggested (and they’re incredibly reasonable and waterproof), but would also recommend the Gryson for Target pouch, which looks terribly cheap on the website, but doesn’t in person (when not surrounded by other Target items). I have the larger version and have been asked several times where I got it. My friends are shocked to find out it’s cheap (I’m not usually a cheap purse gal).
Target or Gap never entered into consideration?
Hold off for awhile, attend a few craft fairs or art fests a well made hand made bag might be just the thing ie; good leather or fabric and wider choice of design.
I can’t help but think of Chinese kid labor or 3 cents an hour kids in Pakistan when I see high fashion logos.
Your welcome.
I just bought one of these in the dark brown color.
http://www.fossil.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=12052&catalogId=10052&categoryId=30005&parent_category_rn=30000&productId=22047621&Ne=29&N=4294959785&imagePath=ZB9939001
Its very classic and perfect for casual weekends, but can also be dressed up if necessary. What I like about it is you can’t tell what brand it is. It is kind of expensive but I bought something similar almost six years ago and it held up fine with daily use. I do like the Vera Bradley bags but I try to go for more a classical look that will last instead of trendy ones that will date you in a few years (imho). Good luck!
Have you thought about checking etsy.com? tons of handmade bags.
I say neither. I think Vera Bradley bags look like something my grandma would have worn, but that’s just me. As for Coach “c” bags, I also agree that they’re kinda over and obnoxious. Maybe Coach has another style? Happy purse hunting!
I’m pretty sure that Coach makes that bag in a solid print. Vera Bradley is ick… so grandma!
The Vera Bradley would make you look like a grandma, not a kid. Personal preference i know, but the Coach is more classic looking. i agree with your Coach theory but i’d buy a knock off Coach and hardly anyone will know the difference, think Ebay or New York City. Aww the nerve i know! Yes, i’m cheap but i did it and wasn’t too crushed when it got stolen (prob cause my legit Coach was stolen too, all blk leather though no C’s). good luck!
Maybe I was living under a rock (or maybe it was the whole Northerner thing), but I’d never encountered Vera Bradley before last summer. Then one day a girl from Florida walked into class carrying a large, dark green paisley messenger bag and my first thought was, “Why is that girl carrying a diaper bag?”
Nix the Vera because loud prints like that come and go really quickly and the fad will soon run its course. I don’t get the Coach obsession, either. I’m partial to Fossil. Then again, you might not want to take advice from someone who’s been living out of the same fraying black bag from Old Navy for the past two and a half years.
PS- Longtime lurker/fan. Hello.
Not a fan of the Coach C’s either, too trendy. But I do have an all black leather Coach bag, same size & shape and I love it. Look on line and you can probably find one without the C’s. I love VB, but it will clash if you wear something with a print. I also have a couple of Kipling purse’s I use for travel and slinging over the shoulder for movies, errands, etc. They are really casual and easy to keep clean. Plus less expensive than Coach. Love them!
Search at Macy’s online for the Fossil Sutter Crossbody Bag in Camel. It’s just soooooo much cuter AND under $100… and leather!!!
I second the vote to get a bag from Etsy. Lots of sellers will even do custom orders. That’s how I got my perfect swing bag (altho the shop I got it from is temporarily closed).
Vera Bradley is for soccer moms. And not the fun soccer moms who smoke weed. The sad soccer moms who wonder where the hell their lives went to.
I would personally go with the Vera. Seriously. I have a travel organizer (in peacock!). its amazing and light weight. plus. they never go out of style. its also easier to clean than a coach bag.
I have to agree with the one poster that said to check out Aldo (click on the accessories part of the regular Aldo website). They have the cutest bags. I get almost all my bags from them. Otherwise I would go with the Vera Bradley bag. The Coach one looks a little too 80’s for me. I have the peacock in the side tie bag and love it!
Good luck!
Hmmm– to echo some here: neither
I think your gut instincts are pulling you toward something with a bit more character.
Not to steer you off course (okay, maybe slightly off), but check out these…
http://www.slaintebags.com/messenger.php
I’m the proud owner of one and have gifted to old and young. They’re fun and made of durable upholstery fabric.
I say couch hands down!
I WANT to like Vera Bradley. I really do. I’m surprised that you think they are too young looking. To me, they scream old lady purse. Maybe that is because it was all of the old ladies that came in the salon that had them first. I just can’t bring myself to own one.
I love Coach. I’ve had my first Coach bag for two years now. I used to buy a new purse every couple of months but I just can’t get away from my Coach.
My vote…
Coach. Duh.
Wow! I just read over the other comments. This is quite a hot topic. I still say that Vera Bradley is for old ladies and as far as the young girls carrying them, they look like they are obligated to use what Grandma gave them for their birthdays.
And the others were right. The other group that uses Vera purses are soccer moms.
If you don’t want to spend the money on Coach, I would definitely go with Fossil, like some of the others also suggested. But if you did go with Coach, why not a wristlet? I have two (the black one I have is black on black so the C’s aren’t that visible). They fit my money, ID, credit card, pack of gum, cell phone and my car keys. You can also loop the strap through belt loops making it hands free. With a wristlet, you may have more pattern options.
This is a topic that definitely separates out the crowds. I’m disappointed (but unsurprised) to note that it took to 27 responses until someone suggested some home grown handmade bags.If you truly want something unique and not on the arm of many people, craft shows & art fairs are the way to go. They’re also pretty reasonable too.
But generally, If you’re going for functionality, that tends to send you in one direction. If you’re going for fashion, that will send you generally in another. Here at the ranch, we’re big on functionality, and durability. This usually means leather. The wife has a handmade leather briefcase-satchel that I picked up for her years ago at a crafting show in Atlanta. It may be close to 10 YO by now. So an old trooper. I recall that we were both aghast at the $250 price tag but the gent was willing to make ready alterations on the spot, so the bag was not only handmade, but customized for her. It’s hard to describe, it’s got a lovely buttery light brown & tan patina by now. It’s soft sided, but it’s got more pockets than any we’ve ever seen on sale, and just holds a tremendous amount. She’d regularly use it to carry her laptop & her regular business papers at the same time.
So that was a good catch. But it’s mainly for business and travel, and not the typical uses people may have for around town. If pressed and we were tasked to buy someone who was itching & needing to get something dependable, reliable, sturdy and decent looking (remind you of anyone?), I’d go by JW Hulme Co. for their homemade handmade leather goods and stuff. [http://www.jwhulmeco.com]. Look for their discontinued products as this stuff does not come cheap, and is more expensive than the Coach bag cited. (But it’ll last longer and has an unconditional Lifetime warranty).
Me, I’m using several nylon canvas RBC ’swag’ bags I got from some event months ago. Like 4 of them. Before that it was swag bags from a prior event & business association. Did I mention that we also like ‘cheap’ & Free?! But you can get really beautiful leather bags, very reasonably priced from almost any craft show from coast to coast. Some may even have some truly remarkable designer stuff too. Just some thoughts here. Cheers & Good Luck, ‘VJ’
No Coach Cs! (Even worse is a knockoff. Covering something with a logo is tacky enough when you are trying to project how much you spent. It’s even tackier to falsely project how much you spent, when really you just dropped a few bucks supporting a sweatshop run by organized crime.) On the other hand, I know a really hip girl who carries a VB and looks great. I think with bags like that, it’s really the overall look of the woman carrying it that determines whether it looks too old or too young.
Also, I’ve never seen a VB bag on anyone under the age of 45, so I’m surprised that some of y’all associate them with “younger” people!
Hate the coach C’s. Think Coach is overpriced with or without the free advertising. I have a VB duffel that I use as a carry on bag while traveling and love. I’m under 45, never had it bleed (I sometimes carry a wet swimsuit in it), not a soccer mom (don’t have children) or live in New England. So I guess I’m breaking most of the rules of the commenters feelings about VB.
I forgot to mention that I’m probably not a good judge of dowdy looking anything, since I’m elderly. And I note with some regret but still secret pleasure that the bags I recommended from J.W. HulmeCo can most be described as one or more versions of this:
“This delightful handbag in classic green canvas/leather is fashioned after the traditional English speed shooting bag. This Shell Handbag is sharply tailored with leather bottom, sides and lower front and back to keep the bag’s shape.” http://www.jwhulmeco.com
So all of them were patterned after sturdy classic English shell/cartridge or ’shooting bags’. Beretta and other suppliers have the modern, less attractive but more functional versions.
So yes, possibly cast a bit for the older audiences. But they’ll hold plenty and everything is usually right at hand and easy to find. Which was the original purpose, BTW. But probably an acquired taste for the younger set. Mostly Orvis moms. (Orvis.com) There the same product is described as the ‘Battenkill Field Shoulder bag’. (It’s cheaper & <$80), and it’s still made In the US by Hulme (most likely). Just some more thoughts. Cheers & Good Luck, ‘VJ’
I would recommend a handmade bag too - check out the small, artsy shops or a vintage store. You’ll get something much more attractive and likely, cheaper!
i vote for the Coach one! i heart some V.Bradley, but it wont go with as many outfits as the neutral Coach bag would. also, Coach is way more mature, color wise, for a handbag. i do love her big duffel bags though, and her curling iron cover is fab… the pattern though… just not for your daily, most important accessory!
I would recommend taking a peak on Like.com and see what else comes up.
I really don’t understand the “soccer mom” mentality for Vera’s. Its a way of life in the South. Perhaps other places it makes it for older women, but as a Southern Belle in her mid 20’s I use mine everywhere and all my friends when I travel want to know how to get one. It doesn’t matter if it doesn’t match your outfit everytime. Thats boring and soccer-momish if you ask me!
SB
wow…52 comments on this! must be a hot topic! I’ll weigh in…… go with the Vera Bradley.. it’s hip, modern, goes with tons of things, light weight, easy to wash, and I don’t think it’s old ladyish.
the coach one is too formal for weekend fun! you wont feel comfy laying around with draped across your body…
Coach bags are well made but the logo is so ubiquitous. It’s everywhere!
Tignanello bags are very well made and they have some cute Cross Body designs
http://www.ebags.com/tignanello/tt_signature_cross_body/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=100768
http://www.ebags.com/tignanello/perfect_body_east_west_cross_body_organizer/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=100814
Also - I think they are only on eBay now but the Michael Kors Montauk Cross Body slings are super well made and really cute!!
I’m biased on this because I carry a Vera Bradley myself. I think it’s the better choice. It’s cheaper, it looks fun and you can easily wash it if you spill. What’s not to love?
I’m waaaay late on this but I have a plain black leather Coach swingback in this same exact style. It doesn’t have a Coach log on it at all and I adore it. : )
girl we have the same style! i love both bags (can’t really go wrong with either vera or coach!) i have a ton of vera i use for everything (all of it monogrammed…) but if i were you i would go with the coach. classy, classic.
Vera Bradley! The Coach one looks as if you were carrying audiovisual equipment.
as if you need a comment #58, but whatever…..
from a practicality standpoint, here are my pros/cons:
the vera bradley will get/look dirty more quickly and easily. it will also fray at the corners eventually. my sister’s looks like rags now! the coach will retain a “newish” look longer, and the leather makes it more durable overall.
i agree that coach is better suited to our *ahem* age group.
the coach bag goes with more outfits and in a pinch, can be worn with something dressy-ish.
all my other reasons in favor of the coach are not practical at all. example:
i personally think vera bradley stuff looks like the knitting bags my mother carries around, so therefore, i would not be caught dead wearing one. but i guess that’s more of a personal baggage issue. no pun intended.
So, I made a decision … sort of. I’m going on vacation at the end of July and will be making a trip to a Coach Factory Outlet store. I have a good friend who loves Coach bags, but only buys them at the Factory stores and she recommended that as well. There is a leather sidepack that doesn’t have the Coach C on it that I’m going to look for.
As far as the Vera goes, it might be a Southern thing, but I can tell you that van driving soccer moms aren’t the only people who carry those bags here. In fact, almost every Preppy Preteen I’ve seen has the Backpack strapped on. The older teens and young women wear Hipsters, Hobos or Maggies. And there are women my age and older who carry their work papers in the Vera tote. I swear. Like business suits and Vera Bradley totes. (Oh! Oh! That’s a PERFECT blog name.) True story. (I couldn’t do this — I would hate being the youngest person in a work meeting who also happened to show up with a pink flower tote.)
So, we’ll see what the Coach factory outlet has … and keep the Vera as a backup.
Bradley wins with me.
you must check out Matt and Nat bags. (I think you can just google it) I have a friend with a few of them, they are affordable and awesomely cute. The vegan ones are really neat. All different styles. Okay, that doesnt answer your question, I go for the coach one!
I’m all for the Bradley bag, too!
I’m all for either Coach or Vera Bradley as I am a huge fan of both.
“I would hate being the youngest person in a work meeting who also happened to show up with a pink flower tote.” This has actually happened to me. Oh well, win some lose some.
I’m a proud owner of BOTH a Coach and Vera Bradley bag. The Coach bag that I have is the patchwork style which I think is more unique then your average “C” print bag. I totally agree that the “C” print Coach bags are a bit too conventional and overdone in style.
As for the Vera Bradley I do agree that you have to find the right print since some of the prints are a bit too preppy for my taste. I have the Cambridge print tote and I absolutely love it. My favorite prints are the new Pucchini print as well as the Peacock and Java Blue and Mod blue. They kind of have the upbeat, eccentric look to it since eclectic, bohemian fashion is my fortay because of being an artist at heart;-)
I think the Vera B. bag is a little more casual for weekend fun.
I realize I’m weighing in late but I just found your blog. First of all let me say that I’m a lover of Vera and Coach and own both. But for the activites you’ve described I must say Kavu, Kavu, Kavu! The Kavu Keeper to be exact. I picked one up for tailgating purposes and have gotten SO much use out of it! It has several pockets and stores everything so well! It’s holds a little or a lot. I use on Saturday’s a lot, it’s great for tailgates, shopping, concerts, anything where you need a purse but you just want to be able to throw it on and go. I could just never use my Coach for stuff like that because I’d be terrified it would get dirty. And they’re cotton so they could be washed and $25 bucks, how can you beat that!? I’m not crazy about the patterns on their website:
http://www.kavu.com/store/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=23&idproduct=1404
but they’re always offering new patterns. I have a black and white pattern that goes with everything. They sell them at most outdoor stores as well and they usually have a larger selection. Not that you have to be outdoorsy to use them, the only way I’m outdoorsy is that I like to drink outdoors! Anyway, I just had to put in my two cents, I promise, you would not be disappointed!