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Selena Gomez fans put your hands up! Celebrity collaborations with brands are a dime a dozen, but this one is different… it’s actually good.
I bought Selena Gomez’s Coach collaboration, Coach x Selena Gomez ‘Selena Grace Bag’ in Selena Red. I’ve been packing it, carrying it, and caring for it for over a month now. Here is a run-down of all my thoughts. The good, the bad, and the surprisingly ugly.
The question remains: Do I recommend you run out and buy this bag?
You’re about to find out! Let’s get started!
What Coach Says
“Introducing a limited edition collection designed in collaboration with Selena Gomez- starring the Selena Grace Bag.”
Selena’s collection includes three wristlets, three cardholders, and two keychains.
Plus, of course, the Selena Grace Bag in three colors, Selena Red, Selena White, and Selena Black Cherry.
You can purchase the bag here if you are so inclined
Coach x Selena Gomez ‘Selena Grace Bag’
Based on Coach ‘Drifter’ bag
I was out of the Coach game for quite a while before discovering this bag. I felt that none of the bags were unique and eye-catching enough to warrant the price tags. We’re going to talk about why I’m a reborn Coach fan, and why I think this bag is such an amazing buy!
The Coach ‘Drifter’ line is one of Coach’s mid-range lines. They’re not the highest priced couture bags, but they’re not your run-of-the-mill leather satchels either. The Selena Grace bag has the same double dowel closure with magnetic sides and double top handles as the ‘Drifter Carryall’ priced at $595. At $395, I think that makes this bag a steal even without Selena Gomez’s name on it.
Beautiful contrasting calf leather & suede
The main body of the bag is made out of calf leather. This stiff leather holds its shape well, and therefore the bag retains its structured look even when not stuffed. The sides on the Selena Red and Selena Black Cherry variations are formed in red and black suede respectively.
The Selena White bag doesn’t feature suede, and instead uses the same calf leather throughout. I much prefer the blend of calf leather with suede. I think the contrast adds an extra something special to the bag. Plus, the more malleable suede works well when I want to adjust the sides for different looks. More on that later.
Some fun features
The bag is filled with little details that make it very unique, special, and practical, even for non-Selena lovers. But since this is a Selena Gomez collab, we have to talk about what she brings to the bag. In addition to the usual Coach charm, the Selena Grace bag comes with a second tag featuring Selena’s signature. You also receive a golden heart charm, which is quite heavy and feels well-made.
The bottom of the bag reads, “Love yourself first.” While this doesn’t add to the usefulness of the bag, nor is it something likely to be seen, there’s just something special about knowing your bag gives you a secret pep talk every time you pick it ip. Is that weird?
I love it for everyday wear
Pockets-wise, the Selena Grace bag has several. The front features a large flap pocket. It doesn’t have a closure, though, so I tend to use it as a receipt receptacle and not for anything I really wouldn’t want to lose.
As you can see in the photo above, there are three side pockets adorning the cavernous interior. The back side has a good sized zipper pocket, which I keep my phone in because I am paranoid. If you aren’t as crazy paranoid about losing your phone as I am, then you may enjoy using one of the two opposite pockets. They are wide and deep enough to fit today’s smartphones, which is nice.
A full-length zipper awaits should you want to secure the bag, but I don’t often use it. I find that thanks to the magnetic sides and double dowels, the bag stays closed pretty well. The little tab houses a snap that keeps the zipper from falling off the end of its track if you are one to often zip your bag shut. If not, then the zipper easily comes apart like the bottom of a jacket so you have unobstructed access to the contents.
The adjustable strap is *everything*
This strap is what everybody wants in a handbag strap, and yet so few brands offer. The length adjusts by folding onto itself like a bra-strap. No more annoying tail sticking out if you like the strap shorter! I have mine set to the shortest length, and it hangs as a waist-height shoulder bag. You can also make the strap longer and wear it cross body, or on your hip.
The strap connects to two loops located at opposite ends of each dowel. Even though asymmetrical things tend to irritate me, this setup doesn’t make the bag hang really off balance, so I am okay with it.
While we are discussing handles, I love the double handles, as they help the bag remain balanced and not hang all lopsided. The gold hardware rotates to allow the handles to stand up, as well as lie flat against the bag.
What I gather about the durability so far
The hardware feels sturdy, so I don’t foresee them breaking any time soon. However, I may look into lubricating the moving parts at some point. I haven’t owned the bag long enough to notice any tarnish on the hardware, so I suppose I’ll have to get back to you on that.
The overall weight feels substantial, and so it definitely does not feel cheap. The exterior leather feels thick, and so does the interior fabric lining. The zippers run smoothly and have never snagged or gotten stuck.
What I carry on a daily basis
Now, let’s talk about what fits in this bag. I carry all the usuals: my wallet, my keys on a Genki Sushi lanyard, (which is filthy so I hid it under the bag,) a bag with Bandaids, hand sanitizer, pantyliners and other essentials in it, my portable phone charger, and of course, a pair of emergency chopsticks. You just never know when you’ll need emergency chopsticks, amiright?
Oh, and the sunglasses are from Balmain, if you are interested. I got them at Saks Off 5th.
What I carry on a not daily basis
I am all about that versatility life! The magnetic sides allow you to completely open up the bag, which is awesome when you need to carry a bit more than your usual “purse things.” Pictured above is the Selena Grace bag with my 13″ Macbook Pro in it. Clearly, it fits splendidly, with room to spare. It won’t zip up, but most totes don’t do that anyway.
I should also mention that the bag is seated upright all on its own; it is perfectly balanced and isn’t toppling over with the weight of the laptop. If that doesn’t speak to its heftiness then I don’t know what does!
How I care for the Selena Grace Bag
I use Cadillac Boot and Shoe Leather Conditioner and Cleanser on all of my leather goods. After much research, this seems to be the most highly recommended leather product for keeping your handbags looking spiffy. It has a thinner consistency than many other leather conditioners, and so it dries quickly and doesn’t leave your bags feeling slimy. I use this sporadically when I see a scratch I want to buff out, or after going somewhere particularly dirty.
Cadillac Boot and Shoe Leather Conditioner and Cleanser >> [AMAZON]
For the suede, I use a soft bristled toothbrush to brush the nap after every couple of wears. This helps the suede stay velvety and prevents dirt from caking up, causing it to become flat and grimy. Prevention is key, folks.
That’s all for today!
Like this post? Check out how I wear my Selena Grace Bag here >> Two Cute & Casual Fall Outfits Using One Sweater (Fall Outfits Look Book)
If you find this post interesting, informative, or just plain entertaining, tell me about it in the comments below! And don’t forget, sharing is caring. Share this post!
Till next time. ♥︎
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FTC- Not sponsored by any brands mentioned. I purchase all products myself. All opinions are my own. Some links may be affiliated.
Christina says
I love this bag so much!! That is why I have just bought it, the black & cherry one, as a Christmas present for myself. I can’t wait to wear it. The red is beautiful too