Let’s Chat About The Coach ‘Parker’ Handbag…

Let’s Chat About The Coach ‘Parker’ Handbag…

As we all know, over the past few years I have become a big fan of Coach, mainly because their Creative Director, Stuart Vevers is a is flippin’ genius. The Rogue is my favourite style of their bags and I was obsessed with the Disney Collaboration they did a few years ago (the clasp bag with the ears was SO cute!). The latest Coach bag on the block is the Parker handbag and I thought was about time I shared a few thoughts on it with you all… Let’s go!

Colourways & Variations

Firstly, there are oodles of options for the Coach Parker bag to choose between, so the version you can see in the pictures is just one of them, but there are many. They all follow the same structured silhouette and chain strap, but some have monogrammed canvas or snakeskin side panels and there are varying colours of hardware and some have stud detailing. Most of the Parker bags have a flower clasp, but there is also a version which has a ‘C’ clasp which is available in paired back black or white leather. There are also a few options of sizes, for instance, I have the smaller sized Parker, but there is also a larger size which has a internal middle zip section too. The Parker you can see in the photos is a mini Parker with two tone flower turnlock clasp and contrasting blue leather with monogrammed coated canvas. Whilst the simple black or white Parkers are beautiful and classic, I personally love the mix of the slightly retro monogram canvas, with the soft leather and suede side panels. Along with the flower clasp, it gives the handbag a bit of a 70’s feel. Think summer of love with a motorcycle-riding boyfriend!

Styling

I’m a bit of a casual girl, so personally, I wear my Parker with a vintage lace dress or casual Summer co-ord skirt and top. However, because the Parker is beautifully structured, you could also wear it with smart jeans, leather pants or something a little more ‘business formal’. Right now it’s Summer and the Parker looks great with carefree billowing dresses, but I have a feeling in the winter, the dark leather and brown monogram print canvas will give the bag a bit more of a Autumnal feel and will take you way into the colder months. Whilst the side panels are admittedly made of suede (not so great for rainy days) I’m confident the refined leather and coated canvas will wear well in Winter weather.

Quality & Craftsmanship

Since Stuart Vevers took over as the Coach Creative Director, I’ve personally noticed a huge shift in the quality of the brand. Whilst they always made a good quality handbag, now they make a GREAT quality bag. I adore the think pebble leathers and the slightly larger stitchers with thicker threads, it’s a real nod to their equestrian heritage. The Parker bag is no exception, the stitching is faultless and the leather is thick and smooth. The bag is suede-lined with brass coloured and gunmetal hardware. As for the the chain, it is lightweight but not tinny, which is GREAT as a heavy chain strap can add SO much weight to a handbag. Oh and the monogrammed canvas is coated and the leather has been treated, so both materials are nice and robust. It’s always nice when your designer handbag is beautiful enough to take for dinner, but study enough to take to a festival!

Price

OK, so the damage! The Coach Parker handbags vary in price depending on the size, leathers stud detailing etc. but most seem to retail for between £295 and £495. Obviously, it’s not an impulse purchase, but the Parker is a great bag for the money, it’s beautifully designed and great quality. I’ve said it before with Coach and I’ll say it again, I think other brands are producing half the quality at double the price. I flippin’ love Coach! PS. The handbag in the photos has sold out on the Coach website, but you can buy my exact bag here for £265 (plus you can get £15 off if you sign up to their mailing list!) otherwise there are oodles of beautiful Parker bags on the Coach website….

Watch My Coach Parker Bag Unboxing Video!

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