When I was in New York last September for fashion week, my friend Nadia took me to Hell’s Kitchen Flea Market. It was so old-schooly brilliant. I’m talking trestle tables, tonnes of tat, and bargains a-go-go – it was great to finally be able to rummage somewhere unmarred by hyper commercialisation.
My favourite find was definitely this 1970s Coach satchel. I love that it’s worn, but still in a perfectly functional condition. It’s so well made – there isn’t a broken stitch and the zipper inside glides like it was made yesterday. Yes, the leather is a little scratched and the strap is grubby in places, but that just makes me love it more. Not bad for $15, right?
And, wouldn’t you believe it? Coach has just launched its Coach Classics line, which includes an updated version of this bag plus four other styles originally introduced in the 1970s (click here to see the collection on Net-a-porter). The updated bag is popular with the likes of Susie Lau (AKA Susie bubble), but I think I prefer my beat-up version, and I’m pretty sure my bank balance sides with me on this one.
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All images © Kate McAuley
Lovely bag, Kate. Wish you’d put a photo of you wearing it. Chicken?
Um, yes.
Oh how funny: I have a really similar bag (also Coach, bought new in the I guess mid 90s: the shape is squarer). I also had the identical bag, which was stolen on my first day in London in ’97 (long story).
I’ve always been a Coach girl, so it’s nice to hear the classic brands are back in fashion. Because for me, it’s never left. I even came here with my forest green Coach leather backpack: it’s the best bag for long haul flight travel, has a place for passports, and is the essential camera bag.
Funny: sometimes I’m not online at all, and on the stolen moments that I am, I allow myself one post per day. Today is your day, Katie Bean! Thanks for stopping by, thinking of you and how lovely it was to see you before we left. Back on the 17th, hope to see you soon after. Big hug, off to swim, thinking of you. xoxo
That backpack sounds amazing. I still haven’t found the best bag for travel. I’ll have to check it out.
Glad you’re having a lovely time. The pool photos are making me so jealous. I’m having a very busy August. Still, it’ll all be worth it.
Looking forward to seeing you when you get back.
xx
Fab photos. What did you think of To the Lighthouse? It’s one of my favourite books.
I’ve only just started it. I’ll let you know!
Your eye for whats next in fashion will make you millions!!!
Hahahaha! How do you get paid for that? xx
You appear to have seven pictures showing a bag. Seven!
Ah yes, overkill to some, interesting details to others. Can’t please everyone, right?
love a great handbag & a great bargain
the photos are fab Kate xxx
Stand by. Picked up a green Burberry one for a tenner on Thursday… I may have to go mad with my camera again.
fantastic…can’t wait to see it. I’m loving all the vintage/retro shops and market stalls popping up. I got a fantastic top for $5 the other week and great pair of heels for $9!!
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You my good friend are a genius
Oh how great! I found a real Gucci bag from 80′s in a KC thrift store for just 9.99! I am coming to NY in October and can’t wait to go to the Hell’s Kitchen Flea Market. I live in LA and go to them all the time. Check out my site for all of my flea market treasures, based on your blog I think you will really like it.
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