We popped by Coach’s charming West Village “legacy” boutique to preview the Spring 2011 collection. There were enough handbags, shoes and other accessories to fill the entire store and we were pleased to find a lot of things we actually liked. The collection subtly indicated a return to simplicity. There was nary a monogram print to be found.

While there was plenty to satisfy lovers of the ultra-girly and overly embellished, the more stripped down options showcased what we consider to be Coach’s best qualities–good craftsmanship, quality materials and timeless shapes. (The new Poppy collection, inspired by Coach’s new scent, occupies the former category.) My favorites were a large navy leather tote and a slouchy beige drawstring bag.

The simplified aesthetic carried over into a newly expanded range of lust-worthy shoes. Seriously, almost every pair was perfect–the perfect espadrille, the perfect sandal, the perfect stacked heel, the perfect wedge, etc. Everything, from the height to the color, was just right. Still, there were a few pairs of jewel-encrusted ballet flats I could have done without and my heart sank when I noticed the subtle monogram detailing on the leather upper of the perfect pair of black peep-toe wooden wedges. Maybe it’s just me, but I don’t think monograms belong on shoes .

There was also a rack of fantastic lightweight outerwear, including khaki and navy trenches with skinny brown leather belts and a swing jacket in mustard yellow. They had a very J.Crew/A.P.C. clean-cut simplicity to them, but with shinier gold buttons. Click through for pics from the preview.