Coach Mini Borough Bag in Retro Colorblock

Tuesday, April 01, 2014

Every time I think that all the holes have been filled in my bag family, out comes another that I could make justifications for. I should just give up on this insane notion of the perfect collection. My most recent acquisition is the Coach mini Borough bag in retro colorblock leather in gold/tan white/warm grey (sold here).

Coach Mini Borough Bag in Retro Colorblock
Prior to this purchase, the honor of that everyday brown bag went to the H&M snakeskin clutch that doubled as a crossbody bag. Space was extremely limited, but the cheap price won me over. I've actually gotten a decent amount of uses from the clutch, but am now happy for an upgrade. Although the Borough I chose isn't a solid brown color, there is enough in the color scheme (the colorblocking was actually the first thing I fell in love with). So that, along with the mini size, was what convinced me that this bag will work well for casual days.

Coach named this bag after NYC's five boroughs, and the number is also reflected in the five interior compartments (two opened sandwiched between three zippered) of the larger size. In the mini [photo below] the number was reduced to three zippered compartments only. Thank goodness because multiple space dividers just limit the amount (and size) of items that one can place inside.
compartments - Coach mini Colorblock Borough
I'd say the leather on this bag  is fairly high maintenance and is not the type that will stay pristine for long. If I look closely enough, there are already slight creases along sewn edges/corners and visible scuff marks. Eh, this doesn't bother me as I think they add character to the bag. Coach does use other types of leather throughout their Borough line, pebbled (low maintenance), polished calfskin (looks quite luxurious), boarskin, etc. But for this exact bag, this is it.

Bag dimensions:
9.75" length / 6.5" height / 2.75" width / 3.5-4" handle drop / 23" long strap drop
Coach mini Colorblock Borough

Options:
The colorblock Borough bag comes in two sizes: the mini and the regular. I actually had a hard time deciding between the two initially, before I took a hard look at my lifestyle and the bags I already own. I did have the chance to see and compare both sizes in person, but I forgot to take photos. Sorry :( However, here is a comparison photo of the two on a Coach model.

Pros / Cons of:
Mini size
Size: Adorable when worn crossbody. The first time I tried on this bag was at a near-empty Coach store. A customer on the other side of the room called out and told me that I must buy this bag over the larger size because it looked so cute on me. I think she was swayed by how the bag complemented my outfit that day :) As a handheld bag, the proportions look off. It looks (and feels) like I'm carrying around a toy bag [photo below].
Regular size
Size: Can be worn crossbody, handheld, and over one shoulder. I feel the bag looks more like a briefcase in the larger size, so it didn't look right when worn crossbody. Perfect for handheld and over one shoulder occasions. It also felt substantially heavier.
modeling Coach Mini Borough Bag in Retro Colorblock
Oh geez, please excuse the dirty mirror

Mini size
Long strap: Non-adjustable. I'm lucky the bag hits right around the hip on my ~5'4" frame when worn crossbody.
Regular size
Long strap: Adjustable. Has a shoulder pad.

Color: There's a good amount more white space on the regular size, and so I worried about the potential for denim color transfer. I actually should've been more worried about any type of color transfer as the red dye from my jacket already rubbed off onto my mini after a few hours of use! I'm guessing it was due to rain spots on the jacket. Sigh.

Practicality: Except for my camera, everything else I normally carry on an everyday basis fit easily in the mini with room to spare [photo below]. I'm used to the miniscule space of Chanel WOCs, so the mini feels quite roomy. If you're used to more space and/or prefer to wear your bag a variety of ways, the regular size would be the more practical choice.
size reference - Coach mini Colorblock Borough

Where to buy:
Retail price is $598 for the regular size and $378 for the mini.

Online: Coach [mini, regular] / Bloomingdale's [regular - 20% off w/code FF14 through 4/6] / Dillard's [mini] / Lord & Taylor [mini, regular] / Macy's [mini, regular]

Coach has been excluding the Borough line from their PCE coupons (usually 20-30% off I believe), but according to the TPF ladies, it looks like the restriction was recently lifted. So it may be worth waiting for a steeper discount than the current Bloomie's F&F 20% event.

For other colors/styles from the Borough line:
In stores: All the aforementioned retailers from above should also be carrying Borough bags at their brick and mortar stores, with varying inventory. I ended up purchasing my mini at a Bloomingdale's store (not available online... yet?) because my aunt used her employee discount to help me get the bag. I ended up paying $260, so about 30% in savings.

Lastly, I'll leave you with better (non-iPod, non-dirty mirror) modeling photos of the bag.
dark red jacket, graphic tee, faux leather pants, colorblock bag
dark red jacket, graphic tee, faux leather pants, colorblock bag
sunglasses: Walmart aviator (similar)
lips: NYX round case lipstick in NYX (sold here)
jacket: Burberry lightweight belted parka (similar; similar)
top: Old Navy "live laugh love" graphic tee (sold here)
pants: Blank NYC faux leather skinny (sold at Nordstrom / Zappos / Revolve Clothing)
bag: Coach mini Borough bag in retro colorblock (sold here)
shoes: Mossimo ballet flats (similar; similar)

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14 comments

  1. You changed your header (sorry just noticed). Thanks for the review of this bag. I am loving recent Coach designs and this compartment/borough bag is definitely a classic design I love. Too bad about the color transfer though :(. Oh, and thanks for pointing out the different leather options.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. PS I like the new header :) (my previous comment was vague).

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    2. Ha yes, my fickle nature can't seem to stick with a header for long :)

      I hope you get a chance to see/touch/try on bags from this Borough line in person, Lisa!

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  2. Oh! Love the side by side review. And lol! about the mirror!

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  3. Ooh, I am loving the colorblock - great bag!

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  4. Great review Cee! The size of that bag is so cute but the care of the leather freaks me out. I do love the colour combo though - so versatile!

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  5. I love the look of the skinny crossbody strap on that bag! I also love how the bag looks dainty, yet seems like it holds a lot with what you got there!

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    Replies
    1. Yup, the bag fits everything -- that is essential, anyway :) I'd actually say the middle compartment is roomy and has give and can "expand" into the side compartments a bit for larger items, say a continental wallet.

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  6. Replies
    1. I was willing to wait longer for a "better" discount, but you won't hear any complaints from me! Been taking her out the last few days in a row and I've been loving it.

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  7. I just purchased this bag (online) in a mini (black pebble leather). I am excited to get it! I am petite (5' 2") so I think the bag will just the right size for me. I just hope the non-adjustable strap isn't too long.

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    Replies
    1. Hey! I'm ~2" taller than you so I think the long strap *should* be ok on you. You could always try knotting the ends like Crystalin did to her bag to see if you like the look. Crossing my fingers that you'll love your Borough as much as I do mine!

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  8. Hey! I was wondering if the bag would be able to fit a sunglasses case (bigger than a normal eyeglass case) without causing a weird bump on the outside. Thanks!

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    Replies
    1. I would say no :( The inside is divided into 3 compartments so there really isn't much room for a bulky item like a larger sunglasses case.

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