With Labor Day weekend behind us and all things pumpkin spice filling the air, it’s safe to say — whether you like it or not — fall has arrived.
At the start of autumn, I expect my social media feeds to be filled with Gilmore Girls watch parties, someone trying the latest Starbucks drinks, and where to find the best lightweight sweaters. But I wouldn’t expect one single handbag to take over my entire TikTok For You Page.
If you haven’t heard of the Coach Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 28, you must have been living under a rock the past few weeks, because at least for Gen Z fashion enthusiasts, it’s everywhere.
Remember in “Schitt’s Creek,” when Moira (played by Catherine O’Hara) is devastated because David stole her beloved brown crocodile bag? She is screaming in agony, not because her son took off, but because she no longer has her brown bag in possession — that is how the internet is clinging to this Coach purse.
Especially in black, maple brown, and suede, its rich color and minimalist silhouette make it the it-bag of fall. A simple search of the purse on TikTok reveals countless videos, including unboxing videos revealing the coveted item, vlogs of how the bag handles the day-to-day, and how much it can actually fit in its tiny height of 11 inches and width of 3.25 inches.
Still don’t believe me? Well, take a look at Coach’s website. The Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 28, maple and suede colors, are sold out. Sure, there are other gorgeous colors, like a deep merlot, but most seem to prefer maple, suede, and black.
The reviews on the site are unanimous. One user says, “My new everyday bag!! Been wearing non-stop. I can take it everywhere with me, fits everything & looks amazing.” Another calls it the “it girl bag” and that it “is the perfect size for everyday needs.”
What surprised me the most about the obsession with this bag was the cost. It retails online for $295. Most fashion trends highlighted online, despite circulating in and out of style at a rapid pace, typically come with a hefty price tag. For example, this summer, stylists and influencers were flaunting the red GANNI buckle ballerina shoes, priced at $425. Also, everyone and their mother appears to have the funds to wear a Van Cleef necklace or bracelet, which, on average, starts at $3,800. Sure, Amazon has become the source for dupes of luxury pieces, but time and time again, social media elevates trends that are unimaginably expensive. But refreshingly, this Coach bag is breaking that mold.
I have to admit, I also hopped on this Brooklyn Bag bandwagon. I couldn’t help myself, one day I saw over ten videos on this specific purse. I noticed my wardrobe was lacking a chocolate-brown-colored bag, so I decided to head to my local Coach boutique. Unfortunately, I was not the only one with googly eyes for this accessory, and my store was sold out of the maple color. The retail associate told me there was only one left in the entire company and wasn’t sure when they were going to restock. I realized that all of the girlies wanted this, and I was going to have to put up a serious fight to get my hands on one.
So, if you are also like me and were unsuccessful in acquiring the Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 28, there are other options out there. For one thing, Coach sells the same style, just in a larger size, namely the Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 39 (which is conveniently available in the maple color at $495, and has been seen on Bella Hadid in the black leather).
Madewell also offers a similar silhouette in their Essential Curve Shoulder Bag, priced at $198. Revolve features several hobo bag alternatives, including the Jenny Shoulder Bag ($169) from 8 Other Reasons. But if you are still adamant about the Brooklyn bag, many Coach boutiques are taking down names for a waitlist.
It seems that the rise of a clean and classic purse like this is a full-circle moment for Gen Z. It sort of symbolizes our generation finally getting older and transitioning into the work-world/our grown-up era. Our first brown bag might have been a school lunch sack. Then, when we were a little older, we went to Bloomingdale’s with our moms and asked to carry the iconic “Little Brown Bag” home. Swapping paper for fine leather, this bag is reminiscent of old times and packed with nostalgia. Who knew a purse could fit so much?
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