An Honest Review of the Coach Empire Carryall Bag 34

Although the Empire 34 launched post-fashion week this winter after making an appearance in Coach’s sporty ‘90s-inspired RTW collection, the first iteration of the Empire line—specifically, the Empire 48—made its debut on Coach’s Fall RTW runways at the start of 2024. The Empire 48 is the largest (and priciest) of the Empire family, and my reason for keeping this stunning lineup on my radar. Initially, the large leather tote was not available to purchase straight away. But after some pushback from devote followers of the brand, the bag became available to snag only during limited drops on the Coach site, with every shade offered, including an on-trend merlot, quickly selling out right after. Since then, the brand has added several variations of sizes to the Empire line, including the Empire 28, 35 and 40. The Empire 34 is the second smallest out of the five size offerings, with the same loveable elongated profile but shorter in height. I tested out the handbag for nearly two weeks to see if it’s truly worth its $450 price tag. Here’s my review.

Now, let’s get into my only issue with the bag, which may be a deal breaker for some—the straps. The bag is heightened by two sturdy nine-inch shoulder straps, which look more comfortable than they actually are. While strolling out and about with this bag, I noticed I had to adjust the bag on my shoulder more than usual. At first, I chalked it up to the bulkiness of the sleeves on my jacket or the size of my arms, but I’ve tried other shoulder bags from Coach in the past—with much shorter shoulder straps—and I didn’t have this issue. After some time with this handbag, I’ve come to the conclusion that the straps may be a little too structured. Some of the stiffness faded after time, but the straps were still a surprising learning curve for me. However, any doubts I had about the straps quickly dissipated after every compliment I earned simply by wearing the bag out for the day. From quick errands to a quiet table lunch, the bag is an amazing conversation starter.

Overall, I think the Coach Empire Carryall 34 is a stunning handbag to flounce around with this spring. Not only is it a great pick for errand runs or a chatty brunch with friends, it’s also a top contender for a convenient going-out bag. It’s sleek, spacious and dreamy to boot. And if you were wondering, is it worth the splurge? Simply put, yes. If you’re not a fan of the slightly stiff shoulder straps but still love the look of the bag, not to worry. The Empire line has an assortment of bags to choose from, including bags with the option to turn them into a crossbody or carry them by the top handle. Although truthfully, the straps will most likely be the least of your worries, since you’ll be too busy fighting off inquiring strangers constantly asking, “Where did you get that bag?!”

Fast Facts

• Colors: 3
• Materials: glazed leather, fabric lining