I said it once, and I’ll say it again. Coach is back.
I’ve had my eye on Coach’s ever-changing assortment for the last two years or so, and I knew they were destined for a comeback. I’ve said it to friends, to industry connections, and I’ve said it here on PurseBlog too. More and more, I’ve found myself truly fascinated with the brand again. The 90s and 2000s are having a major moment in fashion, and Coach was truly a huge part of the lives of those that came of age during those decades. I know I’m not the only one whose first bag was Coach, and feeling a connection to the brand again just feels right.
There have been many new Coach releases that have caught my eye recently, but the bag that had haunted my dreams the most was the Pillow Tabby that was released earlier this year. Then, Coach released a smaller version of it, the Pillow Tabby 18, and I just knew I had to have it. I reached out to our friends at Coach to see if I could review the bag further as I desperately wanted to add one to my collection, and they were gracious enough to gift me my very own Coach Pillow Tabby 18 in the most beautiful ivory. Since it arrived, I’ve been using the bag a ton, and I’m excited to give you all the low-down on this bag. Spoiler alert: it’s even better in person!
Aesthetics
I can’t say enough good things about the style of this bag; then again, I’ve been enamored by pillow bags for a while now. I’ve loved seeing more and more brands jump on this bandwagon, and this silhouette just does it for me. While overall it’s a simple silhouette, the puffy, padded leather paired with the monochrome leather C makes the bag fashionable and fun, but not overly so. The mini size is petite and compact, and it really is just SO cute.
The matte gold hardware works really well here too, and I like that it’s not super-shiny, giving the bag a more casual appeal if you choose to dress it down. I debated between the pink and the ivory, especially since the pink would match my new (to me) coat so well, but ultimately I decided the ivory would go with more. Truthfully, I would have given this a full 5 stars, but the leather on the flap does pull ever so slightly, so I knocked off half a star.
Usability + Functionality
In terms of usability, this bag is small, there’s no doubt about that, but it’s fairly easy to organize your belongings with two interior compartments and an internal slit pocket. Not to mention, the snap flap closure is very easy to get in and out of on the go. I wore this bag on the subway twice, so I can definitely attest to that.
I was able to fit a small card case (with my license, 3 credit cards, and MetroCard) in the back slit pocket, freeing up the main two compartments for my iPhone, a pair of sunglasses in a microfiber pouch, my keys, headphones, and a lipgloss. There are two straps in terms of carrying, and both are completely removable, allowing for top-handle carry or shoulder/crossbody wear with the long adjustable strap.
Overall dimensions are: 7.25″ L x 4″ H x 2.5″ D.
Quality + Construction
I absolutely cannot say enough good things about the quality of this bag, especially given the price. The leather smells absolutely divine and is so incredibly soft. I wore this bag out to dinner with friends on a Friday night and then again with a different set of friends the next day, and both groups remarked on how cute the bag was. I took it off and made them feel it because I truly was so impressed with it, and they all agreed! I did knock off a star because the Nappa leather is prone to scratches, and you have to be pretty gentle with it. Additionally, as mentioned above, there is a slight pull on the front flap, but nothing that would deter me from purchasing this bag had I not been gifted it by Coach. It’s truly so worth it.
Price + Value
The Coach Pillow Tabby 18 retails for $395 via Coach, which I think is more than a fair price for a leather bag (note that it’s lined in fabric). As mentioned previously, I was truly impressed with the quality upon seeing it in person, and I think its price is more than warranted. The only reason I didn’t give this a full five stars is because I believe nothing is perfect, but also this bag isn’t an everyday bag, and if you’re used to carrying a lot, this bag won’t do it for you, so you need to be mindful of cost per wear.
Staying Power
Coach is truly a timeless, American brand that is beloved by many and known by almost all. Yet, we know that the brand has been through many iterations of change, so I’m not entirely confident that this bag will stick around forever. Additionally, its pillow shape is on the more trendy side, leading me to question how long this bag will be ‘in.’ For now, though, the Coach Pillow Tabby 18 is here to stay, as it’s a big part of the Coach lineup and was recently released in new metallic colors for the holiday season.
Overall Rating
The Coach Pillow Tabby 18 is a big part of Coach’s current lineup, and fans both new and old can’t go wrong with this on-trend shape. It’s not only cute and fun, but it’s seriously a great value for the price. It can be dressed up or dressed down, perfect to wear with sneakers for a day out or with high-heeled booties and a sleek blazer for a night out. Whether you’ve been a fan of the classic American brand for years, are new to it, or are rediscovering the brand with fresh eyes, the Pillow Tabby is a great bag to wear now and beyond.
