Good morning folks, and welcome to another handbag review! 

Of all the things I love, I am obsessed with handbags and small leather goods the most.  There’s something about a bag that gets me so excited and I am not ashamed to admit that they are my favorite item to splurge on.  So, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that when I first saw pictures of the Willow Camera Bag in Rainbow Signature Canvas from Coach, it immediately caught my eye.  I was attracted to its look which is quite unexpected for me because I typically prefer bags that are discreet and understated.  But I was captivated by the playful colors and fun vibe that I found myself wanting the bag more and more.  I finally added her to my collection late May and let’s just say, she’s everything I hoped it would be and more.  

While I have mentioned my bag a few times on Instagram, it hasn’t got any attention on the blog.  Now that I have been using it for almost six months, I thought it was about time I jumped right in and do a review.  If you are on the fence about buying this handbag, hopefully this post helps your decision as to whether the Coach Willow Camera Bag is right for you.  

So, let’s dive in…

Why I bought this bag

Many of my bags have some sort of story or special meaning connected to them. The Coach Willow Camera Bag is no exception.  

After a year of pandemic homeschooling, I wanted to reward myself.  I knew I didn’t want a traditional bag and I felt like something colorful.  So, I looked for a bag that simply made me smile.  I was perusing the Nordstrom website one morning when I found her.  I fell immediately in love with the beautiful color combination and I knew she was the bag I’ve been searching for. 

Size

With regards to size, there’s no denying that this bag is small.  This might be a con for some, but I have found it practical so far.  Despite, the measurements only being 7 3/4” W x 5” H x 2 3/4” D inches, it can hold quite a lot.  I can fit my wallet, lip balm, sunglasses, phone and still have room to spare.  The bag is also divided into two zippered compartments which is perfect for keeping your essentials organized. 

Inside, the bag is lined in Coach’s signature fabric lining and on the second zippered compartment, there is an interior wall pocket.  It is a great spot to store small miscellaneous items like your ID or debit card! Additionally, there is an exterior front flap pocket that is secured with a turn-lock closure and a back-slip pocket.

Functionality

In terms of functionality, this is the perfect everyday companion.  It has a classic shape and style that is designed to help keep all your day to day items easily accessible.  On top of that, the bag is also quite streamlined so it doesn’t bulge nor stick out too much when worn.  I love that it sits nicely on my hips.  

Another great feature of this bag is it comes with a removable, adjustable wide leather strap. It has a drop of 21 1/2” and makes this bag versatile and practical.  Also, because the strap is wide, it never digs in or gets uncomfortable to wear even if you have a lot in it.  That said, while I usually wear this bag as a cross-body, you can also wear it on your shoulder.  Or you can remove the strap and even use it as a toiletry bag when traveling.  

What’s more, despite it being a casual bag, it compliments so many outfits including dressier ones.   

Color

I already mentioned that the bag’s look and rainbow colors is what attracted me to it.  I like that it’s different than your standard black or brown bag, but still goes with everything.  To me, it adds to the bag’s overall appeal and I have no regrets about my color choice.  In fact, every time I use the Coach Willow Camera Bag, it makes me instantly happy! Suffice it to say, I get compliments on it all the time.  

However, if logo bags aren’t your style then it is worth mentioning it does come in different colors like black, chalk, candy pink and tan/rust combination that you can check out.  

Durability

As far as durability goes, when I got this handbag, I admit I was worried about the smooth leather trims and how it would maintain over time.  But since it is made of refined calfskin, my concern was short lived.  In fact, both the refined calfskin and coated canvas materials that make up the Willow Camera Bag are very resistant to stains, dirt and scratches.  When I get anything on my bag, it is so easy to wipe clean.  With that in mind, even after constant use, it still looks brand new.  I haven’t had any popped stitches, any scratches on the leather or discoloration from the hardware.  

Drawbacks

I’ll be honest, there’s not a lot that I don’t love about this handbag, but if there’s one negative about the design, it is the fact that the 2^nd strap keeper (or loop) that help keep the length of the strap secure is loose.  This means that without being sewn or glued in near the buckle, the loop can completely slide off the strap when you take it off or exchange for a different one.  Obviously, this is not a huge issue but still worth noting.  

Secondly, from an aesthetic point of view, I find this style beautiful and hands down my favorite part of this handbag is how it looks.  However, I can’t deny that it’s not a bag for everyone.  The design can be polarizing since this particular aspect of the bag make the bag seem a little flashy and trendy.  That said, this is not a flaw of the product, rather a matter of personal preference.  

Lastly, the Coach Willow Camera Bag is a seasonal design. It simply means it was created for Pride 2021 and has been retired or sold out after Summer 2021.  The good news is, Coach produces different products for their Pride Collection every year if you missed snagging this one.  Or you can check out Ebay, Poshmark or Tradesy to look for a gently used bag.  

Final Thoughts

All in all, I am totally smitten with the Willow Camera Bag from Coach.  It’s easy, fun, and unique.  I adore that it doesn’t require extra special care and is very low maintenance.  I can throw it over majority of my outfits and be set.  If this bag has been on your radar, I say go for it! There is no doubt, you’ll get a lot of use from this handbag.  

What are your thoughts on the Coach Willow Camera Bag? Would you consider adding it to your collection? Or if you already own it, how has been your experience with the bag?

If you enjoyed this post, be sure to check out my full review on the Alexander Wang Mini Rockie Bag.

*Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.  If you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a commission (at no additional cost to you).  

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