This will be my first birkin (pre-loved) I am looking a three different ones right now. Originally I wanted Gold but I was lucky enough to score a Picotin in Gold with Paladium hardware in Paris. I looking at Etoupe, Beige Marfa or Gris Perle, all three in Togo leather and gold hardware. I mostly wear denim, blazers and tee shirts. My color palettes are black, navy, grey, creams, and white. Which color do you think is most versatile? TIA
Can't decide which color Birkin 30 (my first) to go with
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So far i love Etoupe, but maybe better for you to go with Gris Parle. Already you have brown tone bag from H.
Agree with @rumes! Your gold picotin, already serves as a warm toned neutral. Gris Perle would be a beautiful cool toned neutral.
Etoupe
I firmly believe that every five or ten years, either gold or etoupe gains in favor, and I find that both are quite practical and versatile. I think Gris perle is too light for your first B unless you live in a warm climate or like to wear winter pale color. GP may also require twillys to protect the handles from darkening, and I’m not a fan of that look. However, I will say that I prefer gold to etoupe, and I don’t think having multiple bag styles and sizes in Gold or Etoupe is a bad thing. I don’t have a current pic of etoupe: but my etoupe Victoria 35; B30; and so Kelly elan, all serve different functions too.
I firmly believe that every five or ten years, either gold or etoupe gains in favor, and I find that both are quite practical and versatile. I think Gris perle is too light for your first B unless you live in a warm climate or like to wear winter pale color. GP may also require twillys to protect the handles from darkening, and I’m not a fan of that look. However, I will say that I prefer gold to etoupe, and I don’t think having multiple bag styles and sizes in Gold or Etoupe is a bad thing. I don’t have a current pic of etoupe: but my etoupe Victoria 35; B30; and so Kelly elan, all serve different functions too.
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I applaud it because it is a more professional comment in terms of terminology.
We definitely agree.
I would vote for Etoupe even though I am a Fauve and Gold person. Given how you describe your style, I think that is the safest choice.
Years ago, I wanted a B30 in Gris Perle. I am actually glad that I did not get it because I would be worried about color transfer etc. My SA even knows that I am kind of messy. B30 in a lighter color won’t fly well (tiny bags only). If you like wear jeans, you have to deal with the color transfer too.
Between Beige Marfa and Etoupe, I would personally pick Etoupe as it is one of the classics.
Years ago, I wanted a B30 in Gris Perle. I am actually glad that I did not get it because I would be worried about color transfer etc. My SA even knows that I am kind of messy. B30 in a lighter color won’t fly well (tiny bags only). If you like wear jeans, you have to deal with the color transfer too.
Between Beige Marfa and Etoupe, I would personally pick Etoupe as it is one of the classics.
@rumes You said it perfectly! 
@880 and @meowlett bring up good points to consider! I have a B30 noir with canvas and am very careful with color transfer. It was my first (and only…so far lol). I love it and don’t regret it but because if the color transfer concern, I am a bit more precious with it. I would eventually love a darker B that I don’t have to worry as much about. If we’re being realistic, most of us who love H end up getting more than 1 haha so you may, in fact, eventually get both! Lol. Good luck deciding!
@880 and @meowlett bring up good points to consider! I have a B30 noir with canvas and am very careful with color transfer. It was my first (and only…so far lol). I love it and don’t regret it but because if the color transfer concern, I am a bit more precious with it. I would eventually love a darker B that I don’t have to worry as much about. If we’re being realistic, most of us who love H end up getting more than 1 haha so you may, in fact, eventually get both! Lol. Good luck deciding!
What undertones are present in your skin tone? I find gris perle horribly unflattering on me. Pretty much makes my skin appear blue. For that reason, I sold the one bag I owned in this color which I had purchased sight unseen. Wish I would have had the opportunity to try as I would have known straight away it wasn't for me.
If you like a slightly greenish undertone, beige marfa might be a great choice. Of course, cannot go wrong with the classic etoupe. Gold hardware on etoupe is really something special, in my opinion. You would have gold for spring/summer and etoupe for fall/winter.
As long as it makes you happy, then you made the right choice. Good luck with your decision.
If you like a slightly greenish undertone, beige marfa might be a great choice. Of course, cannot go wrong with the classic etoupe. Gold hardware on etoupe is really something special, in my opinion. You would have gold for spring/summer and etoupe for fall/winter.
As long as it makes you happy, then you made the right choice. Good luck with your decision.
All three would work with your color palettes. If you already own gold, I’d go with etoupe. Beige Marfa to me looks greenish in certain lighting, which restricts some color pairings. I love Gris Perle, as a light color cool tone neutral, if light color bags are your thing.
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Of these three, based on your wardrobe colour palette, I would probably go with étoupe (although I’d prefer PHW, JMO). It’s a timeless classic for a reason. I’d defer marfa for a later purchase. Gris perle is pretty but try to see it in person before you go with that option. Denim colour transfer is a risk for all colours but would be very obvious on a bag as light as gris perle. And perhaps don’t necessarily eliminate gold yet. I think it’s gorgeous in a workhorse bag like a B30 and would pop against all the classic tones of your wardrobe colour palette.
Thank you all for your thoughtful answers, it really helped. I chose the Etoupe Birkin with gold hardware. The Beige Marfa sold while I was deciding. I was very hesitant about the Gris Perle because of the light color. I don't usually buy light color bags. Although I would love a Chanel white classic flap but that's another story
I will post a pic in this thread when I receive the bag. Thanks again
I will post a pic in this thread when I receive the bag. Thanks again
thanks for sharing your wardrobe palette
I agree that there is no reason why another gold would not be a good choice. In fact, a stronger dark (jewel) coloured bag could be equally useful with your wardrobe and possibly more enjoyable to coordinate.
It is understandable that you are considering three very neutral toned possibilities, but they seem so washed out with your wardrobe. If you tended towards cheerful colours, prints and designs, then you don't want accessories to compete or fight.
But your strong plain palette needs strong accessories - not loud, bright or shouty - but not tones that have had the body sucked out of them. That is crude, rather unfair description; they have a place where their more subtle colours or tones will enhance the outfit.
I agree that there is no reason why another gold would not be a good choice. In fact, a stronger dark (jewel) coloured bag could be equally useful with your wardrobe and possibly more enjoyable to coordinate.
It is understandable that you are considering three very neutral toned possibilities, but they seem so washed out with your wardrobe. If you tended towards cheerful colours, prints and designs, then you don't want accessories to compete or fight.
But your strong plain palette needs strong accessories - not loud, bright or shouty - but not tones that have had the body sucked out of them. That is crude, rather unfair description; they have a place where their more subtle colours or tones will enhance the outfit.
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Agree with you in my head @WhiteBus
Also agree re a gold bag, but I didn’t buy mine without long interludes in between. As a neutrals lover at heart (which OP seems to be also), IMO etoupe is an obvious first birkin choice lol. I believe she ended up picking etoupe GHW, see post 11. Against her palette, I think etoupe and gold, being lighter, will provide a tonal pop of contrast. It took many years and many bags before I ventured into actual color, which for me turned out to be prunier lol. And, though I agree with @Veritybelle re phw, she is about my age 
, and I think those who are younger than us prefer GHW these days. Anyway, it is a slippery slope, and there may be a second birkin on the horizon someday
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Thank you both for your insights. I am not so young (Gen X)
I originally wanted a gold Birkin but I figured since I have a gold Picotin I should get a different color Birkin for diversity. Maybe if I do like and use the Birkin I can get a B25 in gold later on. I love both gold and palladium hardware. IMO, Etoupe looks best in gold hardware because it warms up the color.
I originally wanted a gold Birkin but I figured since I have a gold Picotin I should get a different color Birkin for diversity. Maybe if I do like and use the Birkin I can get a B25 in gold later on. I love both gold and palladium hardware. IMO, Etoupe looks best in gold hardware because it warms up the color.
