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Thursday, October 9, 2014

Welcome to the New Exclusively Coach Auctions!

We have spun off into our own group now, bringing the same great variety of Coach merchandise, brand new, pre owned, vintage and hard to find pieces, all guaranteed to be authentic.

Our auctions will be on Tuesday's at 10am.  Our first auction was on Tuesday, October 7th and was a huge success.  Don't miss our next auction on Tuesday October 14th at 10am.

We have a lot of new and exciting things in store for our customers, giveaways, contests and more.

Stay tuned.........

Monday, February 10, 2014

Authenticating Your Coach Bag

Although most of our customers are familiar with Coach, there are a lot out there who are not.  And even those who are familiar with Coach probably have not seen every bag ever made, so here we're going to give you some tips and some resources.

The biggest one is the creed patch. The lettering should be well spaced and there should be no misspellings in it.  Here is a clear example of a bag that is counterfeit, the word "enduring" is misspelled and the style number, when you research it shows a completely different bag.  This happens to be a very commonly counterfeit style number.

This is the bag the creed patch above is from


And this is the bag for that style number


So, if the creed patch appears fine, next, take the style name and number and do a search on google.  Go to "images" and there you should see pictures of your bag.  Now, the lack of pictures does not automatically mean your bag is a fake, so take a deep breath.  Many of the bags we sell are no longer in production and people may not be willing to part with them, so you won't see them for sale.  I would say that 98% of the time you will see at least a couple of bags that will match so, while it's not foolproof, it's a good first step and may be all you need.

NOT ALL COACH BAGS HAVE CREED PATCHES!!!!

A very common misconception is that if it doesn't have a creed patch, it's not authentic.  WRONG, WRONG, WRONG.  Typically Coach does not put a creed patch in wristlets, wallets, swingpacks and other accessory type bags like the top handled pouch bags.  Occasionally they will have one if they are a limited edition or otherwise special production, but it's quite common to see them without.  Your larger bags that are termed "handbags" according to Coach will always have a creed patch.

Here we searched for the COACH Poppy Storypatch Shoulder Bag 44088

As you can see, there are plenty of these bags available to verify that your bag is authentic.  Don't worry about the bags that don't match, sometimes people get the names or numbers wrong, or if there are no other bags that match the search query you'll get the next thing on the list.

You probably won't question a bag that has the sales tag still attached, but in case you do, here is the tag for the Poppy bag above. It's true that tags are not necessarily proof, as sales tags can be counterfeit as well.  Usually they lack some of the information that an authentic tag will have.  It will have the style number and it will have an abbreviation of the style name.  Here is an example of the Poppy Story Patch. You can see the abbreviation for the bag Poppy Story Patch Top Handled Bag and the style number 44088 and the color is the Blue. It matches the bag you have and the bag in the search.




There is a misconception that the pattern must match at the seams.  This is not true, what is true is that the pattern will always be centered.  It's almost impossible on some patterns to match it exactly, but as you can see here the pattern is not centered at all.


Here you can compare, notice the symmetry


In addition to symmetry, Coach always has the signature c's in pairs, never in single rows:




YKK zippers are not always used on Coach bags, despite the fact that many so called experts will tell you this.

You have to be very careful using random websites out there to get your information.  Many of them have false information.  There are only 2 places I trust to get my bags authenticated for free, and that is The Purse Forum  Those gals know their stuff.  The second place is ebay's community forums in the Clothing, Shoes and Accessories Forum

The best thing to do if you question the authenticity of your bag is to talk with your seller.  Most times they can calm your fears and reassure you as to the bag's authenticity.

We, at The All Coach Partner Auction do purchase directly from Coach, but much of the variety that we are known for comes from other resources.  We spend a lot of time authenticating our bags for you.  We don't bring you the bags until we are certain they are authentic.  Our reputation is important to us, and you, our customers are important to us.

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Coach Leathers

Coach was first known for their leather bags and accessories.  They use something like the top 10% of the highest quality leathers in their products.  But not all leather is created the same, there is glove tanned leather, saddle and bridle leather, vachetta leather, saffiano leather and they all have specific qualities and characteristics.  Today I'd like to touch on glove tanned leather since the majority of all vintage bags were made with this material.

Vintage Coach is not quite the same as the purses today, because they used heavier leather cowhides. Each were truly handmade by individual artisans, including the overseas plants.

The vintage full-grain glove tanned leather was from a heavy/medium-weight cowhide with very specific processing and tanning. It was described as such because the method the leather was processed and tanned was similar to baseball gloves. This method gave it extra durability and certain characteristics that made Coach unique. There was also a process of chroming, which is still used today in their hides. Although the cowhide is full grain, the process would fill in most of the grain, giving it a more slick appearance and allowing the patina to form beautifully. It would darken over time, similar to a baseball glove. They would scar easily, but lasted for a long time. There are still Coach items made today with the glove-tanned method. 



Baseball leather is tanned using a process known as "chroming".  Chrome tanned leather is tanned using chromium salts, and it is much more supple and pliable than vegetable tanned leathers. Initially this leather is stiff, however with use it becomes broken in, just like a baseball glove, and it actually gets better over time.

Because of our love and dedication to Coach, we very often carry vintage leather bags in our auctions. I hope this article gives you a new appreciation for the enduring quality of Coach leather products.

And here is tonight's auction giveaway entry, and remember you do have to be present to claim your prize at the end of the auction.  And don't forget to follow/join our blog to be entered into our monthly giveaway!:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday, October 4, 2013

Celebrities and Coach!

I thought it would be fun to find some pictures of celebrities carrying Coach bags, so I went on a hunt to see who I could find!

Here is Mandy Moore carrying a Legacy tote!


Here is Sara Chalke from Scrubs carrying her Coach bag:


Here is Jessica Alba:

Here is another Jessica Alba with a Straw Legacy Tote, She sure does love her Coach!


Here is Denise Richards with her Daphne bag:


Here is Eva Mendez with the Bonnie Convertible Foldover Tote:


Here is Hilary Duff:



And here is Fergie carrying her Bonnie Metallic Chain Tote:


Ok, so maybe you aren't a celebrity,  but now we can look like one with our Coach bags!

And here is tonights All Coach Partner Auction Raffle question:


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Cleaning of Coach Products

How do I clean my Coach product?

We make our products with various types of fabrics and leathers. The smooth leather can be 

cleaned with our Coach Cleaner and Moisturizer Set. The signature jacquard fabric can be 

cleaned with our Coach Signature Fabric Cleaner. We do not suggest the cleaners or 

moisturizer be used on ink, grease or oil stains. We offer a brush and eraser to clean our 

Nubuc products.

 
Sig C Fabric Cleaner: 



Directions: 


Apply a small amount of cleaner to a clean soft white cloth and rub in gentle circular motions.


 Wipe away excess with a clean white dampened cloth. Blot dry with a clean white cloth and 

allow to air dry completely before reuse. For best results, use the product sparingly and blot dry 

completely after cleaning to minimize wetting the surface and to reduce the likelihood of 

leaving rings.The Sig C Fabric Cleaner can be used for the following  collections, which are 

crafted in signature jacquard fabric that has been specially treated to be water and 

stain repellant:


Classic Signature


Mini Signature


Optic Signature


Graphic Signature


Signature Stripe


****includes footwear styles made of above signature fabrications


Leather Cleaner: 



Directions: 


To remove dirt, apply a small amount with a clean, soft cloth using circular strokes. Wipe off


 residue and let dry for 30 minutes. We recommend using Coach Leather Moisturizer after 

cleaning to enhance the luster.To be used on the following collections: 


Soho Buck Leather


Soho Vintage Leather


Legacy Buck Leather


Hamptons Buck Leather


Polished Calf Leather


English Bridle Leather



Leather Moisturizer: 



Directions: 


To remove dirt and condition after cleaning, apply evenly with a clean, soft cloth using circular


 strokes. Wipe off residue and buff gently to produce a natural luster. We recommend using 

Coach Leather Cleaner before moisturizing.To be used on the following collections: 


Soho Buck Leather


Soho Vintage Leather


Soho Retro Treated Leather


Legacy Buck Leather


Hamptons Buck Leather


Polished Calf Leather 


English Bridle Leather



Suedes: 


For suede styles, please follow the directions in the suede care kit that is included with each 


bag.

 Hamptons Suede 

Hamptons Mosaic

Soho Suede


Chelsea Nubuc


Although the following Coach collections are treated to be water and stain repellant, mild soap 


and water can be used on the following collections (Coach cleaners can not be used): 


Hamptons Weekend Scarf Print

Hamptons Weekend Patchwork

Hamptons Weekend Solid

Hamptons Weekend Scribble C

Chelsea pony hair


Chelsea metallic


Patent Leather


Soho Twill


Weekend Denim


Quilted C


Metro


Signature Patchwork


 Vintage Sig Tie Dye

Legacy Cotton


Legacy Straw


Beach Stripe 


Soft Pebble


Hamptons Pebbled Leather

Chelsea Pebbled Leather



Coach Suede Cleaning

Brush gently with a soft suede brush to remove stains or marks. For stubborn 

stains, use a suede eraser first, then brush gently with a suede brush. These 

directions are applicable for the 

following fabrications: 

Nubuc

Suede

Kid Suede

Although the following Coach collections are treated to be water and stain 

repellant, mild soap and water can be used on the following fabrications:

 
Quilted Signature C

Webbing

A soft bristle brush can be used on the following. Treat with Scotchguard if 

weather-proofing is desiired: 

Hamptons Twill


This information was taken from the Coach Website

And here is the entry for tonight's All Coach Partner Auction Giveaway, and please remember you do need to be present to win:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Counterfeit Coach Part 2

Because the All Coach Partner Auction also deals in vintage and pre-loved Coach merchandise as well as brand new factory and boutique items, I think it's important to let our customers know just how extensive our knowledge is on the subject.  At least once per auction someone pipes up and asks if the Coach;s are real or fakes.  I don't blame them for asking, as the counterfeiting of designer brands is rampant and you really do have to be knowledgeable about your subject.

Selling counterfeit merchandise is illegal.  I think most people know that, but did you know that sales of $1000 or more of counterfeit merchandise is a felony?  There are people who take that risk every day, and every day there are people who are caught and fined and jailed for doing it.  It's not something the All Coach Partners want to risk.  Our dedication and loyalty to the brand is stronger than our desire to make a buck and risk everything we've worked for.  And aside from the financial loss to the brands being replicated, (approx. 500 billion dollars), counterfeiting also accounts for an estimated loss of 750,000 jobs in the US.  Moreover, the profits from counterfeiting fund other crimes ranging from abusive child labor to drug trafficking and terrorist activities.  

Ok, so we've established our dedication to the Coach Brand, so let's move on to some examples of counterfeit Coach Bags.

This is a bag I recently bought (and returned as being counterfeit).  I suspected from the start that it was not authentic, but because there were no photos of the creed patch and it did look an awful lot like an authentic bag I saw, I figured it was worth a gamble.




Here is the authentic bag that I thought it might be, the Coach Madison Ombre Limited Edition Multi Calf Leather Sabrina Satchel 12952:





At first glance they look pretty similar don't they?  Well, when I got it home and checked the creed patch (sorry, I forgot to get a picture of it) it was obviously fake, but there was one obvious detail that tipped me off right away, can you spot it?

Here is a close up to help you:


I do have to say, everything else about the bag seemed authentic, the leather felt ok, the stitching looked even, but not having the authentic bag in hand to compare it to, it's hard to say if the "feel" was the same.  I would bet that someone with less knowledge would have accepted this bag as authentic and never questioned it.

Here is another example. the Coach Bubble Fish Tote:



And here is the authentic one:


Once again, they are very, very close in detail, the placement of the coral and the fish, the leather on the rope handles, but the linings are completely different and the creeds did not match.  As far as I could tell, there were other pieces to this limited edition line, but nothing that matched the tote I bought (and returned as counterfeit).

There are plenty of other examples out there, but I thought I'd share my first hand experience with seeing counterfeits "in the flesh".

And as always with our weekly articles, here is the link to the All Coach Partner Auction giveaway for September 24th.  And remember, you do need to be present to win.  Also, don't forget to follow our blog to be entered into our monthly giveaway, which is this Friday!!!!!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thursday, September 19, 2013

The Ladies of Coach

 In the last few articles we have discussed the history of Coach, attending the auction, providing feedback and creed patches… Whew! Now that you are all Coach and Tophatter mini expertstime to go shopping? Wait, not so fast… there are still a few more basics to learn! Let’s get acquainted with some of the gorgeous ladies of Coach and help you decide which one might be the right one for you! Today we will talk Alexandra, Chelsea, Carly, Zoe, Ashley and Peyton

Alexandra, characterized by her grace and poise, can often be spotted in signature or leather as a tote or her most exotic form, python or most recently as an over the top satchel (watch out Ashley)… Alexandra Chain Tote
  














Is it a classic you’re looking for? Chelsea likes to be seen in pebbled leather and often has a turnlock closure… usually a medium sized shoulder bag… she is a more serious bag… but she is also a chameleonshe has special bags which have two first names… Chelsea Ashlyn, Chelsea Jayden,








Maybe Carly is your girl… with her brass O rings, studs and signature C fabric… she exudes confidence as a large shoulder bag and is quite sassy as a demi




Zoe… loves fun and shows it in flashy patent and she sometimes gets glammed up in patchwork… sleek with clean linesZoe Top Handle Pouch


Ashley is the grand dame of the Coach ladies and can often be found as both a small and large satchel in leather and signature fabric… she also takes the form of sateen and op art C to show off… she is also well known for her wallets and her life as a hippie… Ashley Satchel



Peyton… the drama queenknown best for her sometimes triangular silhouette, her python trim and big bold turnlocks… Coach Peyton Shoulder Hobo



Now that you’ve met some of the ladies which one might be the one for you?!!!
The bag(s) you love and carry the most should complement more than just your outfits, they should flatter your body type; it is just as important as getting the right fit in your clothing.

This season’s oversized bag is a must have, so sometimes we break the rules to carry the bag of the moment, but for the most part, your bag should always balance the proportions of your body.

Choosing your bags based on their relationship to your shape and size is key…

For Petite Women
Smaller styles are best, with shorter straps or handles. Choose a bag with minimal hardware and flash. When the body is petite, you need to keep your accessories clean, simple, and tonal to your outfits. Your bag should not compete with your small frame. Zoe Top Handle, Carly Demi or Ashley small satchel

For Taller Women
Most styles will flatter your figure. You're the coat hanger of the body types, so you wear accessories well. But keep in mind that a super-sized bag will only play up your lankiness and small delicate bags will get lost on you. Long shoulder bags, bucket bags and hobos are all winners. And bags with bold patterns and details will also play well against your model height… Large Carly or Peyton Hobo

Women with Fuller Figures
Carry a bag that has some volume and size to keep things in proportion with your silhouette. Keep your outfits simple and let your bag do the talking. Smaller pochette bags carried under your arm will only play up your fullness. Make sure the bag sits above or below the fullest part of your body not on it. Try and keep your bag away from your body if possible by carrying it in your hand, in the bend of your arm, or dropped low at your knees. Chelsea or Large Carly

The American "Average" Size 8 to 12 Woman
You should have an easy time choosing the size, shape and style of the bag you'll carry, since most will flatter. Keep things in the middle just like your body. Avoid extremes, large and small, and you should be fine. Alexandra, Peyton or Ashley…
These are just some of the many famous ladies of Coach… who suits you best?

Wait, before you decide, tune in for our next installmentwe will look at Amanda, Leah, Julia, Penelope, Mia and Hailey… more gorgeous Coach ladies you should get to know…


And here is tonight's All Coach Partner Auction giveaway question! And don't forget, you need to be present at the end of the auction in order to win!

a Rafflecopter giveaway