Epsom shows color beautifully and it is definitely lighter weight compared to the other leathers BUT the plastic-y feeling puts this leather at the bottom of the list for me.
Birkin offer, but it's Epsom
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I have a couple of bags in Epsom. BUT they have resin edges at the corners, e.g. Constance and Kelly Sellier.
I like Epsom for structure and weight. But if it does not have resin on all sides, I will not buy it. I once had a Retourne Kelly in Epsom. It showed corner wear right out the door.
So, I would pass on this bag.
I like Epsom for structure and weight. But if it does not have resin on all sides, I will not buy it. I once had a Retourne Kelly in Epsom. It showed corner wear right out the door.
So, I would pass on this bag.
I would approach this question from the point of view of your back, if you were to be offered a bag in a heavier leather, would you be able to wear it and enjoy it? Epsom isn't my first choice but if it was a point of every other leather is too heavy and it is highly unlikely that I would be able to carry the bag in another leather, I would choose Epsom.
This is a tough one.
Ultimately, if you’re not 100% sure, then I would pass.
However, I am in the minority on TPF in that I like Epsom bags. I love how Epsom takes color and how lightweight it is. It is not my favorite leather (I love Swift), but I would not hesitate to buy an Epsom bag if all the other specs are 100% in line. I have a B30 Rouge Casaque in Epsom which I adore. I’ve had it for three years now and it still looks pristine. I do not baby my bags nor do I beat them up either. I am an average bag carrier I guess you’d say.
Wishing you the best of luck in your decision. It is a tough pickle at these prices.
Ultimately, if you’re not 100% sure, then I would pass.
However, I am in the minority on TPF in that I like Epsom bags. I love how Epsom takes color and how lightweight it is. It is not my favorite leather (I love Swift), but I would not hesitate to buy an Epsom bag if all the other specs are 100% in line. I have a B30 Rouge Casaque in Epsom which I adore. I’ve had it for three years now and it still looks pristine. I do not baby my bags nor do I beat them up either. I am an average bag carrier I guess you’d say.
Wishing you the best of luck in your decision. It is a tough pickle at these prices.
Thanks for sharing your view SpicyTuna, it's difficult not being able to actually see it/touch it/carry it around the shop. The colour would fit nicely in my wardrobe and as others have commented, Epsom takes colour well and is lightweight. Like you I take care of, rather than baby my bags, however I have an unfortunate experience with my Epsom Bearn which also colours my view of the leather - unknowingly I placed it down on a bar which was wet and now there are "bumps" on the underside which of course can't be removed.
I agree that at these prices, if I vacillate this much perhaps the answer is actually clear, but then again.... as PaperTiger says, it might actually be the sensible choice.
Consistently the no:yes ratio in the poll has been 2:1 against taking it, I may resort to tossing a coin to make my decision!
Its a tough call but reading between the lines the only thing in favour of you getting this bag is the weight factor.
I dont own a Birkin but I did try a pre-loved 40 in the old Couchevel leather in a resale store and a 35 in Clemence I was shocked at how lightweight the 40 was!
But that aside I just dont like the look or feel of Epsom it seems plasticy to me so I would rather have a bag I load up less and even maybe carry less but brings me joy when I touch it and look at it.
I sense even without you seeing it you are not 'in love' with the idea of this bag.
So I would say 'Pass'
I dont own a Birkin but I did try a pre-loved 40 in the old Couchevel leather in a resale store and a 35 in Clemence I was shocked at how lightweight the 40 was!
But that aside I just dont like the look or feel of Epsom it seems plasticy to me so I would rather have a bag I load up less and even maybe carry less but brings me joy when I touch it and look at it.
I sense even without you seeing it you are not 'in love' with the idea of this bag.
So I would say 'Pass'
Honestly, if I could go back to 2013, I would pass on epsom birkin. I have no issue with K sellier or C in epsom but I have an older epsom B30 and do not enjoy the feel of the leather on the birkin nor the shape as it ages. It is light as a feather and takes color (mine is bright yellow) marvelously but the cons are much more prevalent in my eyes over the years. I would never do it again. I much prefer togo hands down (well, chevre is my fav but mostly only available through a SO).
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I think your title already gave you the reply you are looking for with that "BUT its epsom" lol
I would go see it and hold it and see what your heart says. If you cant see it in person, try this trick: your decision is NO. After 24h, can you accept that decision or do you keep thinking about it? If you keep thinking about it then that is your "YES, ill try it and see".
I personally dont like epsom because i dont like the texture but it does hold the structure perfectly and it is lighter and easier to take care.
My fave hw is RG and i love greys so if i were in your position, i would keep an open mind and get it.
I would go see it and hold it and see what your heart says. If you cant see it in person, try this trick: your decision is NO. After 24h, can you accept that decision or do you keep thinking about it? If you keep thinking about it then that is your "YES, ill try it and see".
I personally dont like epsom because i dont like the texture but it does hold the structure perfectly and it is lighter and easier to take care.
My fave hw is RG and i love greys so if i were in your position, i would keep an open mind and get it.
I agree with the others, it's clear that it's not your cup of tea so I'd suggest to wait for something you really love.
Thank ladies for your advice and input, I took a deep breath and declined, I will wait for an offer in a leather I like, hopefully won’t have to wait too long.
I think you made the right choice!
I was in exactly the same situation and I almost compromised. I requested a B30 in togo and was offered my dream color/hw but in EPSOM leather. I debated and told may SA i would like to take a look (persuading myself to just take it as it was my first offer). well...after a week or two, my SA texted me and asked me to find her in the shop.... I was already expecting her to reveal the epsom ....but.... as she opened the dust bag - I saw TOGO handles! I literally screamed!
So yes - never compromise! And I think Birkin with a stiff leather is so un-birkin-like, just imo.
So yes - never compromise! And I think Birkin with a stiff leather is so un-birkin-like, just imo.
It is a difficult decision for sure but you made the right choice! Hoping you get the perfect offer in the right leather for you soon!!
Would you say that Epsom has a plastic like feel in person? I know a lot of people like it’s scratch resistance but I have heard people say it doesn’t feel like leather.
On the bag choice, Id politely decline and wait to see if you get offered a different leather. If you are concerned about the weight you can always alternate between a heavier birkin and a lightweight tote.
On the bag choice, Id politely decline and wait to see if you get offered a different leather. If you are concerned about the weight you can always alternate between a heavier birkin and a lightweight tote.