Purseonals: Coach Willis Bag

The first bag I ever begged my parents for (and eventually started off my handbag addiction with) was a classic Coach bag. It was the beginning of what has changed my life and turned into a full-time job, so as you can imagine, Coach holds a very special place in my heart. Over the years Coach has changed, offering more and more options for everyone, whether it’s your first bag or your 50th bag.

I was so excited to see Coach re-launched the Willis, a bag inspired by one of the most iconic bags in Coach company archives. This is the first Coach bag in the past few years I knew I had to have and once it hit the site I clicked to buy. I’ve been carrying it for a couple weeks and now I can break it down to share with you guys exactly how the Coach Willis stacks up.

Here is how my Coach Willis scores in our PurseBlog Purseonals ratings:

Aesthetics

I wouldn’t have bought this bag if I didn’t dig the look. I’ve had a few friends who actually asked, “Who makes that bag?” and were quite shocked (in a positive way) to realize it’s a Coach bag. A return to form, and to its heritage, is precisely what I’ve been wanting from Coach, and that’s what I got with the Willis.

The rounded corners are fresh and modern and I adore the longer strap for crossbody wear. There is a classic turnlock closure on the outside that is clearly Coach, but the overall design is not overwhelmed with logos which makes this bag much more subdued. There is of course a Coach charm and long leather tassel, but both can be removed. I opted for the brilliant pink leather offset with white stitching, a combination I have always been drawn to. The combination of the shape and color immediately lured me in.

breannesp

I love love love my New Willis! Every once in a while, I’ll remove the long strap and carry it with just the handle. It’s a totally different vibe. Either way, it’s one of my favorite handbags. Good write up!
Shay

Hi you mentioned you have no problems with Coach bags. i have a black coach bag with white worn marks on the area that rubs on my clothes. So one corner looks horrible. I took it to Coach and they told me all I can do is wipe it with a wet cloth because of how it is made. This does nothing to get the worn marks off and I was told you cannot use leather cleaner. So after a while this bag will be looking horrible.
. So disapointed with Coach. Even if the bag is $ 300 – 400 this should not happen. So I would think twice to buy a Coach bag again.
Suz

So happy Coach is going back to the more classic designs. Even when they “went off the rails” you could usually find at least one classic bag. But it was sometimes a struggle. Their price point is just to much more manageable/doable than so much of what’s out there.
Suz

Oh….and I love the surprise lining…what fun!
PhotoGirl

“Handcrafted in China” is NOT the Coach legacy that I remember. Shame on them!
- Jan
  
  I know! I will NEVER buy another Coach bag until they return their manufacturing to the United States!
Tina

I am glad that Coach has gone back to its roots finally! I hate all that logo, print, and graphics all over their handbag collections in recent years. I have several Coach bags in my archives (as I like to call it) because I just couldn’t imagine parting with them ever. I will take a look at the Willis because I am in the market for a crossbody and this price point is infinitely better than the other luxury designers I am considering….
Laura

The color is gorgeous!
Sandra

I applaud Coach for the product that they produce. While some of us come accustomed to spending $2000.00 or more for their bags….not everyone wants or can spend that amount of money. Coach and several others (Marc by Marc Jacobs, Michael Michael Kors, Rebecca Minkoff, etc…..) allow stylish people a mid range option that is both beautifully crafted and on trend.
Vanessa Balli

Love this bag, great buy! I also love that Coach is going back to classic styles and not monogramming every piece. I currently have my eye on the Legacy Candace Carryall. Stunning!
unknown2cherubim

I’m not one of those people who are used to nor desire to (nor could!) pay for a $2K handbag. I love Coach’s quality. I just bought a Coach tote this week and I’m very pleased as usual. It is very suitable for my work as well. ITA with other commenters here on hating the Poppy and Signature lines.

Due to this write up I’ve just added the new Willis to my list.
pixiegirlie

My handbag collection also started with Coach. Which started about 10-12 years ago. I will say from my personal experience their quality has gone down hill. It’s not just their handbags but also their accessories too. Every so often I get enamored with something from coach and get it and usually 2-3 weeks after using it, it starts falling apart which is very disappointing. In fact the only thing I can think of that I’ve purchased in the past few years by them that hasn’t fallen apart is a scarf. I was very excited to see the legacy collection come back as it was some of their better quality leather. However I didn’t like any of the colors or styles the closest that I came to liking is the willis bag but other than black none of the colors really do it for me.
dnfl

“while not still being accessible to a wide consumer base”? lol
- http://www.purseblog.com/ Vlad Dusil
  
  Fixed, thank you!
Jessi

Adorable bag! I own two and LOVE them. I am a vintage Coach collector. This was my very first brand new Coach bag simply because of its crossover from vintage to modern. Though the bags made in China aren’t over all as good as the USA vintage, this bag was worth its price point. And I have to really budget to even spend this much!!
http://www.facebook.com/lexi.commander Lexi Commander

Will an iPad fit in it?
http://twitter.com/RoddyJonesStyle RoddyJones.com

Love Coach. Coach was my first designer handbag and after having my 3rd child I couldn’t resist purchasing the diaper bag. Love it!!
shueaddict

Hi Megs, how about a new purseonal ??? It’s been like … 3 months. Do I have to beg?