Not long ago, Coach was the name to have on your handbag. Plenty of celebrities were walking around with them. Gwyneth Paltrow, Eva Longoria, and Jennifer Garner all had one, as did many other American women, whether the real thing or at least a knockoff.

Things changed fast. Now Coach is feeling pressure from competitors like Michael Kors, Ralph Lauren, and Tory Burch. It announced that sales dropped in the 2012’s final quarter despite the busy holiday shopping season and an overall 10 percent growth in the handbag market, marking the first time since it went public in 2000 that “North American sales grew more slowly than the broader market for women's handbags and accessories,” according to The Wall Street Journal. And North America accounts for two-thirds of the company’s sales.

So Coach says it's branching out, attempting to turn itself into a lifestyle brand — and turn itself around in the process. It will grow its footwear line this year before focusing on women's apparel, jewelry and watches, British Vogue reports. And its stores will also get a new look, Women's Wear Daily reports.Continue reading...

These are phat times for a rising accessories brand — the memorably named Fatheadz. It isn't an insult, but it is a fashion statement.

The line of wide sunglasses for big-faced men is enjoying growing sales at Walmart stores and elsewhere, and founder Rico Elmore now is planning to expand his upstart brand into an eyewear line for women as well.Continue reading...