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.........

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

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

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

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 experts…time 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 chameleon…she 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 lines…Zoe 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 queen…known 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 installment…we 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

A History of Coach - For The Love of Vintage

Coach was established in 1941 in Manhattan, New York.  At that time it was run by a small family who produced mainly wallets and billfolds.  In 1946 Miles Cahn joined the company, and by 1950 he was running the Coach factory.

Cahn was influenced by the durability of leather baseball gloves and subsequently began producing women's handbags our of cowhide.

In 1961 Cahn bought out Coach and in 1962 hired Bonnie Cashin who was known for her unconventional costumes for 20th Century Fox.  However, her personal esthetics were much more serene and this was something that she brought to the Coach brand.  She favored fun with function, and her signature striped madras cotton lined her bags.  Her designs were sleek and streamlined, very Mid Century Modern that has made a huge comeback recently.

Cashin can be credited with the swingpack design, a bag that was pared down to its most functional elements.  She then added a coin purse to the front of her bags and they were called Cashin Carry.  She introduced the shopping bag totes to Coach, as she herself carried a lot of books around and focussed on her bags fitting the modern woman's needs of something more than the ability to carry just lipstick and keys. Cashin left Coach in 1972.

In 1979 Lew Frankfort joined Coach and is the CEO today.  He credited with establishing Coach as the affordable luxury line between such high end designers as Fendi and Gucci and their knockoffs.

By the 1980's Coach went back to it's traditional leather designs, producing sturdy and sophisticated and briefcases  in blacks, browns, tan, and navy. But in 1993, former Tommy Hilfiger sportswear designer Reed Krakoff joined Coach, as the company expanded to outwear and luggage. Once again, the handbag line got new, modern colors and fun, young designs that were updated every season. Within a decade, Coach introduced the double “C” logo print, produced in a wide range of styles and colors.


Below are just a few examples of the vintage Coach bags we are featuring in our All Coach Auction tonight:

                                   Vintage Leather Lexington brief case

                     Coach Legacy Willis Messenger Bag # 9927 British Tan

Vintage Coach bags were made with a variety of leathers, but most common was what we've come to know as Glove-tanned leather. 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.  We will go into depth on the types of leathers used in a subsequent article.

And Here is our drawing for tonight: 

a Rafflecopter giveaway