Chanel Reissue (2.55) 226 or Hermes Kelly 28cm?

[pikake28]

Happy Wednesday.....

I hope I am not out of line for posting this question here...as I wasn't sure how and where I can ask a question regarding 2 different designers. So I thought I would try to post here as well as on the Hermes forum. Please let me know if I should post this question elsewhere...

So my dilemma is that I am thinking of adding another special bag to my collection of coveted pieces. I currently don't own an Hermes or Chanel, I have been a Bottega Venetta gal for as long as I can remember and I do have some special pieces by Dior, Fendi & Prada. Therefore, with regards to trying to choose between 2 designers that I don't have any of their pieces in my collection makes it quiet difficult for me to choose....yes, unfortunately I do need to choose and can not afford to have both. In fact, if it wasn't for my birthday at the end of the month...I would not be splurging, so I've decided to treat myself

After much research and thoughts, I have narrowed down my selection to either the Chanel 2.55 in the 226 size OR the Hermes Kelly bag 28cm. Sigh...such a hard decision. As that is just the beginning of options....after that I will need to decide what kind of leather and hardware color....but I first need to put the cart before the horse lol.

I would welcome your thoughts, especially for those who do own both iconic pieces! Many thanks in advance for your help.....

With Gratitude.....

 

[880]

happy birthday! Presents to yourself are always the best!

are you in a place where you can try both on? Either a boutique or reseller? In the US, fashionphile takes returns, so you can try on in your own home. I say this bc both types of bag are somewhat different from bottega, and when you try it on, you will instantly know. It may also be that you will decide that one will be your first gift and the other will follow.

I left chanel for Hermes in 2008, but I’ve recently dipped back in. I started with H as a 28K sellier person and wore it casually. It took years to determine that my sweet spot was a B30. when prices fell last summer, I did get incredible deals so I also picked up some 28Ks, but by then I was reasonably sure of my likes and dislikes.

Last summer was also the time that I returned to TPF after a long hiatus, and I immediately fell in love with an so black chevron mini reissue. I don’t wear it as much bc of the size, but I adore it.

sellier is classic kelly with clean beautiful lines. In phw, its modern, and with a wide canvas crossbody strap, it’s casual.

chanel is most iconic in ghw, but to me, gold is not right. I’m a phw girl. BUT, I originally made a mistake and thought I should get a BBK ghw bc it was iconic and keep Chanel phw. It is a very expensive mistake to change your mind on hw in mid stream.
But in the end so black hw provided the perfect amount of edge. I am a reissue person and dislike the cc logo, but I did suddenly and inexplicably become drawn to the boy bag after years of intense distaste. Go figure.

I am 5’2”, medium build, not petite, between a size 38-40. By the way, not that it matters, but my DH calls the 28 sellier kelly (left pic) the sexiest bag in the world. For some reason, I think men like architectural lines.

cannot wait to hear more about your thought process and decisions! Remember to have fun!

edit: there are many threads bemoaning the current quality of chanel lamb skin. I don’t look at a bag under a microscope and I haven’t seen much discernible difference in quality from my 2020 bag and vintage bags. I also don’t much care for caviar leather (which is not always the workhorse it’s portrayed to be). However, this is your birthday gift, so I advise buying from the boutique in person (so you can examine) or buying from a reseller that accepts returns easily.

re practical considerations: H saddle leather will generally be more durable; H bags are a lot heavier. Both can be spa-ed by third parties if not by the boutique. Not all Chanel’s have long enough chains to be worn crossbody. If you buy an H kelly, check out shoulder bag strap, an Etsy seller for cute fabric straps, the length of which is at your discretion. https://www.etsy.com/listing/744641760/toile-swift-50mm-sangle-cavale-shoulder
(no affiliation except as a satisfied customer)

edit: I forgot to add, you mentioned you have some special fendi and Dior bags. may I ask what lines? Bc if you have the Dior caro, bobby or diorama, then perhaps the chanel is the best first present this year. if you have a Dior book tote or Fendi peekaboo, then perhaps the birkin 30 or kelly 28. And, if you are a lover of the bottega hobo or cabat. Then perhaps the trim. The Masai, the double sens. Or, perhaps none of the hermes will appeal. . . .

I saved large amounts of money buying vintage heritage saddle leather B30s and K28s last year and getting them rehabilitated by @docride, but it appears prices are rising again. I believe prices are cyclical and will eventually turn, but there are still bargains to ba had in trims, bolides, and others.

sellier K28; so black mini chevron reissue; and those two plus a metallic reissue 226 (I think) and a retourne BB K28

 

[amna72]

Such a difficult choice, I would say you need both since they are so different

In my earlier Chanel years, I was in l love with Reissue bags. The picture I attached is from Reissue 226 with SHW which makes the bag very casual, every day bag. It is a bag which can handle a lot and you can get a lot of wear out of it.

In case you opt for GHW, you will have a fancier bag which is very suitable for day and night especially in the size 225 which I had. It is also very suitable for trips when you need one bag which can be used both during the day and night. It is the bag on the second picture.

When it comes to Kelly, I opted for Selier light colour (Craie) and gold hardware. I do not consider it an every day bag partially due to the combination I opted for and partially due to the closure on Kelly Selier which is not the easiest one.

Might you opt for Kelly Retourne with SHW you will have a more casual bag, which is easier to use and can be used as a daily bag.

I hope this helps, if not, feel free to ask further questions

 

[pikake28]

WOW....OMG, thank you SO much for not only your quick reply...but how detailed and informative your post is....I am so grateful!!!! Your pics are great....both bags looks great on you!

I don't know where to begin my reply.....I will start by saying that I live close to both The Real Real & Fashionphile : ). I did go to RR and was able to try the Chanel 226 as a crossbody as well as see the size of it. The crossbody works great and size is good too...another dilemma as I don't want it to big (I feel the 227 is to large and the 225 is to small) but need to fit a few more things in it other then what goes into the mini. I also saw the Hermes 25 (they did not have the 28 there), almost feel the H 25 would be able to fit more if not just as much as the 226. Although I did not get a chance to see the H 28, ny seeing the 25 I know it would be the 28 I would be interested in.

With regards to Fashionphile, I have not called the one that is near me, however when I went through their site of all the H K 28, and saved the ones I thought was nice and worth the value. Unfortunately, I don't think they are located here in the Bay area in California.

Yes, I agree with you...I am not so much a gold hardware gall, I like the pewter and black hardware too....and I like things that are understated. I am not into so much logo on my bags / clothes, I think that is why I've always loved Bottega Venetta and the Reissue..classic look and understated! I do love the "so black" reissue and did see a chevron (not to many)....that was another contemplation for me, go for the caviar (as that is what is more popular) or the chevron....like you, I do like the chevron. I am not one that usually follows trend....yes I will read what the trend is all about but in the end I usually go to the beat of my own drum.

Yes, I have heard many comments regarding the quality of Chanel...how it's not like what is use to be. A little sad to hear, especially when the cost is continuously rising. I do like the vintage look (not worn out) as I feel it adds character to the bag...especially for the Reissue as it has such a history to it. Funny you mentioned the boy bag as I originally had thought about it but then decided on the 2.55.

With regards to the HK, I love the fact you have the option to use it as a crossbody and the history of the bag. I also love all the colors that they offer. But then again, since I don't have the luxury of purchasing a different color for all my clothes lol, I need to choose a color that is most universal to wear with almost any color. The one thing I did not do is try to open / close the bag. Some had stated it takes a little to get use to. I do like the fact Hermes has a spa for their bags...I wonder if you have to go to their boutique to have your bags refreshed. I wish Chanel had something similar....

If I choose the HK, I will most likely purchase for a reseller as I am sure there is a huge price difference between the boutique and someone like RR or Fashionphile. Plus, even if I do decide to purchase from Hermes directly, since I don't have a history with them I will probably be on their forever waiting list.

Thanks for the Etsy link, I will check it out....do you have picks of ones that you purchase for your bag?

 

[pikake28]

Such a difficult choice, I would say you need both since they are so different

In my earlier Chanel years, I was in l love with Reissue bags. The picture I attached is from Reissue 226 with SHW which makes the bag very casual, every day bag. It is a bag which can handle a lot and you can get a lot of wear out of it.

In case you opt for GHW, you will have a fancier bag which is very suitable for day and night especially in the size 225 which I had. It is also very suitable for trips when you need one bag which can be used both during the day and night. It is the bag on the second picture.

When it comes to Kelly, I opted for Selier light colour (Craie) and gold hardware. I do not consider it an every day bag partially due to the combination I opted for and partially due to the closure on Kelly Selier which is not the easiest one.

Might you opt for Kelly Retourne with SHW you will have a more casual bag, which is easier to use and can be used as a daily bag.

I hope this helps, if not, feel free to ask further questions

Such a difficult choice, I would say you need both since they are so different

In my earlier Chanel years, I was in l love with Reissue bags. The picture I attached is from Reissue 226 with SHW which makes the bag very casual, every day bag. It is a bag which can handle a lot and you can get a lot of wear out of it.

In case you opt for GHW, you will have a fancier bag which is very suitable for day and night especially in the size 225 which I had. It is also very suitable for trips when you need one bag which can be used both during the day and night. It is the bag on the second picture.

When it comes to Kelly, I opted for Selier light colour (Craie) and gold hardware. I do not consider it an every day bag partially due to the combination I opted for and partially due to the closure on Kelly Selier which is not the easiest one.

Might you opt for Kelly Retourne with SHW you will have a more casual bag, which is easier to use and can be used as a daily bag.

I hope this helps, if not, feel free to ask further questions

Thank you for your thoughts...very helpful!!!! Yes, I am beginning to feel I need to justify to myself that I need to have both bags....maybe I can gift myself a Christmas gift and next year's Bday lol!

I love the color of your Kelly bag....that will be a hard one to find in the secondary market...but perhaps with patience I will find it . I do like SHW verses the gold but I am also thinking of the "So Black", not sure if it would be to dressy for use during the day....
Decisions.....Decisions....

 

[880]

Thanks for the Etsy link, I will check it out....do you have picks of ones that you purchase for your bag?

The far right picture shows a blue strap at the end which is the one I got at shoulder bag strap

This item is unavailable - Etsy

Find the perfect handmade gift, vintage & on-trend clothes, unique jewelry, and more… lots more.

www.etsy.com

last year, no one was shopping during covid summer. I got a black barenia 30B, phw; a gold swift 30B, phw, and a retourne BBK, phw, all for about 7K usd each. I believe my 32K sellier Bordeaux, phw was 5K (suntanned) and my bleu box sellier was above 7K. @docride evened out the color; refurbished the bags; and, brushed the hardware. It sounds like a lot, but I had taken a very long hiatus from buying stuff.

I like Japanese resellers though You have to add customs (about 10% above 800 usd, last year, but pls double check if you g9 this route). Plus state sales tax. Brandoff Tokyo and Brand JFA are two popular ones.

 

[hermesgeek]

@880 and @amna72 gave wonderful and detailed opinions! If I were in your shoes and read their responses, there’s no way I’d allow myself to choose just one between the two bags. As an advice though, considering I have and always will love Chanel and hermes equally— Also considering I’ve used both bags for many many years, I’d give a straight answer and say go for the kelly.

1) Both bags are true icons of handbag history and if that’s what you’re after, a kelly is more consistent. If you compare a kelly made today vs a 1940s well maintained kelly, you wouldn’t even notice much difference. It’s craftsmanship has been the same, except for the addition of a zipper in one of the pockets inside, the different hermes stamp, and the D rings. Other than that, construction wise and feel, they are exactly the same. I couldn’t say the same for Chanel though as Chanel keeps on updating, changing, and reviving different manners of construction even with the classics.

2) Your Kelly May age better than your reissue. Hermes, no matter how old your bag is as long as it is authentic, will accept your bag for spa and its spa does wonders! You can always rely on their spa (except for interior of the bag) to make your bag look brand new again, even replacing parts of the bag that need replacements. Chanel as fabulous as it is, doesn’t repair bags more than 5 years old. They also wouldn’t accept my bags in the boutique if it wasn’t bought there at least in my home boutique (ahem.. Beverly Hills Chanel)

3) I notice your taste is very understated and as much as I want to believe that the reissue is understated, I still don’t think so. It still screams CHANEL! With that much hardware and quilts, it is still very Chanel. Compared to the classic flap, yes I understand when people say it is understated. But not the reissue per se.

4) the kelly is more versatile not just because of its looks but allows for more ways to carry. Whenever I use any flap bag I either use it double chain on my shoulder, single chain on my shoulder, and cross body— that’s it (I think it looks best those ways only I can’t hand hold or crook of the arm the chain or clutch the flap with the chain dangling it just looks weird to me). With the kelly, it can be hand held, on the crook of the arm, on my shoulder, and cross body. This is a small detail I love about the kelly because whenever I wear a coat/jacket over the shoulder, I can only wear a mini flap crossbody in front of my body whereas with the kelly, any size would do because I can hand hold or crook of the arm my bag.

5) resale value. The kelly will command a better resale value no matter what. The reissue, as classic as it is holds less value than a classic flap in the resell market. So if I were in your shoes, I’d invest in a kelly and save up for a preowned reissue later on.

6) quality — I tried convincing myself that the Chanel quality issue only applies to those that have very microscopic eyes with their purchases but I noticed I don’t need microscopic eyes lol though common, many of my flaps dimple stitch at the top always come off. It’s just the way the flap is but for the price they retail, I’d hope for better construction. It doesn’t stop me from loving them though, I just wish they could improve on it. For hermes though, I’ve only experienced one pop stitched and it was after 10 years of man handling a lindy. Other than one tiny pop stitched, the bag looks divine. It’s been shoved under a plane seat, thrown over a cabin, dragged on airport security checks many many many times and it still looks new except for that tiny popped stitch at the back of the bag which is barely noticeable.

Just a side note, I’ve been obsessing over my reissue 227 the past two weeks. It’s been the bag I’ve been using. But yes, I’d still go for the kelly if I were to pick one. Good luck shopping, hope I was able to help!

 

[880]

The one thing I did not do is try to open / close the bag

@hermesgeek has convinced me to encourage you to go to H first. But, this statement above did give me pause and I strongly suggest you at least try an open tote to simulate a B30. the sellier K is a bit more effort to open and close and I confess to keeping my Amex in my cargo pants pocket so as not to suffer the opprobrium (is that the right word; my spelling and vocabulary has declined during covid) of those waiting behind me in lines. if you need to get at your phone, keep it in the cargo pocket too. The kelly may be theoretically hands free, but you’ll need them to unlatch. In comparison, the B30 is a breeze. It can fit loads of things like an iPad and a warm scarf. and while it does have presence, turn it around and it’s just a tote.

If you want another, cheaper cheat, you could possibly try a kelly longue wallet st fashionphile, TRR or rebag. I don’t really recommend it, but in these days of mini bags, it could almost be a clutch. I leave the straps akimbo on my BBK longue wallet. some TPFers stopped using theirs for fear that the hardware of the wallet would scratch the interior of their bags, but I was actually afraid that something heavy in my bag would dent or bend the hardware. if you get one (they are plentiful on the resale market), I don’t recommend BBK which is 17 ounces empty, rather bulky, and with slots that are really hard to utilize. I think I could cram my iPhone 10 (without a case) inside an old chèvre longue thst I rehomed, but then it wouldn’t close, so no. A softer chèvre will also age and flatten quickly in a wallet, but the cc slots will loosen enough to render them usable.

apologies for the digression!

 

[hermesgeek]

@hermesgeek has convinced me to encourage you to go to H first. But, this statement above did give me pause and I strongly suggest you at least try an open tote to simulate a B30. the sellier K is a bit more effort to open and close and I confess to keeping my Amex in my cargo pants pocket so as not to suffer the opprobrium (is that the right word; my spelling and vocabulary has declined during covid) of those waiting behind me in lines. if you need to get at your phone, keep it in the cargo pocket too. The kelly may be theoretically hands free, but you’ll need them to unlatch. In comparison, the B30 is a breeze. It can fit loads of things like an iPad and a warm scarf. and while it does have presence, turn it around and it’s just a tote.

If you want another, cheaper cheat, you could possibly try a kelly longue wallet st fashionphile, TRR or rebag. I don’t really recommend it, but in these days of mini bags, it could almost be a clutch. I leave the straps akimbo on my BBK longue wallet. some TPFers stopped using theirs for fear that the hardware of the wallet would scratch the interior of their bags, but I was actually afraid that something heavy in my bag would dent or bend the hardware. if you get one (they are plentiful on the resale market), I don’t recommend BBK which is 17 ounces empty, rather bulky, and with slots that are really hard to utilize. I think I could cram my iPhone 10 (without a case) inside an old chèvre longue thst I rehomed, but then it wouldn’t close, so no. A softer chèvre will also age and flatten quickly in a wallet, but the cc slots will loosen enough to render them usable.

apologies for the digression!

Yeessss the addition of a birkin for more options!! Lol and @pikake28 I apologize I left my manners earlier, happy birthday! I hope you decide with your heart! Don’t forget to update us

*edit: also, regarding the kelly closure: I’m sure it is an unpopular opinion but I wear my kelly sellier with the flap on its turn lock and the sangles free (usual way to wear but not advisable if your bag is heavy) It is just as difficult for me to open and close a kelly as it is with a Chanel flap when I wear a kelly sellier this way. I use one hand, tuck few fingers under the turnlock, extend my thumb to the flap and bring the two closer while using that arm to slightly push the bag towards my body and voila it’s closed. But, if you choose to close the sangles all the time, that’s when you’ll need more time and patience. Also, my closing process doesn’t work with a retourne kelly since it’s much softer so aligning the flap to turnlock requires more effort. It’s not so bad, or maybe because I have really strong fingers lol but you should give it a try and get a feel of it first!

 

[pikake28]

The far right picture shows a blue strap at the end which is the one I got at shoulder bag strap

This item is unavailable - Etsy

Find the perfect handmade gift, vintage & on-trend clothes, unique jewelry, and more… lots more.

www.etsy.com

last year, no one was shopping during covid. I got a black barenia 30B, phw; a gold swift 30B, phw, and a retourne BBK, phw, all for about 7K usd each. last summer, I walked into chanel and asked for an so black mini chervon reissue and had my choice of mini bags. No one was shopping. I believe my 32K sellier Bordeaux, phw was 5K (suntanned), and my bleu box sellier was above 7K. @docride evened out the color; refurbished the bags; and, brushed the hardware. It sounds like a lot, but I had taken a very long hiatus (a number of years) from buying stuff.

I love hunting for bargains. I mainly got mine from brandjfa and brandoff Tokyo Resellers. You have to account for customs (about 10% above 800 usd, but pls doublecheck) plus sales tax. HTH

Thanks for the pic...that is nice. Wow, you did spend a pretty penny....actually you spent a "beautiful" penny . Those are beautiful find....I think if you can refurbish something to make it new...that's the best find! I will check into the sites you stated..

Yeessss the addition of a birkin for more options!! Lol and @pikake28 I apologize I left my manners earlier, happy birthday! I hope you decide with your heart! Don’t forget to update us

*edit: also, regarding the kelly closure: I’m sure it is an unpopular opinion but I wear my kelly sellier with the flap on its turn lock and the sangles free (usual way to wear but not advisable if your bag is heavy) It is just as difficult for me to open and close a kelly as it is with a Chanel flap when I wear a kelly sellier this way. I use one hand, tuck few fingers under the turnlock, extend my thumb to the flap and bring the two closer while using that arm to slightly push the bag towards my body and voila it’s closed. But, if you choose to close the sangles all the time, that’s when you’ll need more time and patience. Also, my closing process doesn’t work with a retourne kelly since it’s much softer so aligning the flap to turnlock requires more effort. It’s not so bad, or maybe because I have really strong fingers lol but you should give it a try and get a feel of it first!

I went to Real Real yesterday and tried the enclosure of the K Sellier & B bags. It definitely was challenging...I think partly i was new to it. I was shown how to have the B30 unclosed for easy inside access.

 

[pikake28]

Apology for my delayed reply post to all of you, I was so glued to the net trying to do Hermes / Chanel research last night that I lost track of time lol. Many thanks everyone for ALL your detailed and helpful thoughts....SO appreciated!

Soooo after reading all your post and my endless research, I have come to the same conclusion as all of you! While as much as I wish I can afford both at this time....I must regretfully choose just 1. With that said, I feel the Kelly presently will suit me best as after looking at the 226, I am not sure if that would be a bag I can functionally use as a "go to" bag...not necessarily would it be my everyday bag...but I do at times get in a mode of being a little lazy to transfer things from one bag to another daily...unless I am going to an event then of course I will change my bag. I know both of these beautiful options would be great to use for almost any occasion...but I also do need to consider how much it can hold.... I am going to move towards the Kelly!!!

I had time to visit the Real Real boutique near me yesterday. This time I did spend my time look and feel of the Kelly where as the other day I was more focus on the 2.55. With the Kelly, it would be the 28cm...but now the next decision step would be Sellier or Retourne. Once again, since I can only have one (at the moment), I like the classic of the Sellier but I also do like the softer less structured of the Retourne as well as the give / flexibility of putting a few more things in the bag if needed. At the moment, I am leaning towards the Sellier...but then again all that can change after welcoming everyone's thoughts again . What are your thoughts on the togo leather or clemence (not sure how I feel about it coming from a baby bull)...I don't care so much for the box leather as it seems so stiff. I am open to hearing feedback to other leather options. I do like the PHW verses the GH, I know that the GH perhaps is a little more formal.

Since some of you had mention the Birkin, to throw another monkey wrench into the mix.....what are your thoughts on the Birkin 30 vs the Kelly 28? I do love the elegance of the top handle and look of the Kelly....although I am not to keen of the locking mechanism of the Kelly or Birkin....definitely not a one hand operation on the fly. I was shown by the person at RR how most people enjoy their Birkin unlatched...however, I know that does not work with the Kelly. My thoughts on the B30 is that I like the tote feel where it has the multi compartments inside the bag BUT I don't know how easy it is to have it on your shoulder as a carry option. As I am not sure how comfortable / convenient it will be for me to hand hold it through out the day. That is why I also like the Kelly as it has a strap for a crossbody option..although it is a little shorter then a standard crossbody length as I know it's meant to be used as a shoulder strap. I again would appreciate and welcome your thoughts on this next step.....

 

[pikake28]

Sorry....I forgot to mention some of the bags I now own...perhaps knowing what I have will help you guide me through this crazy but exciting maze!!! Thanks 880 for the reminder....just realized I forgot to do so until I read your edit post...

So....as per my original post I am a BV aficionado...I love their bags, but I have to say I do like their classic older style as compared to the new. I understand all good things need to come to an end and change....so with BV's new designer the era of yesteryear has come to just that.

One of the reasons I wasn't thinking of the Birkin (other than the fact I can only choose 1 bag) is that I have 2 BV Cabat, Convertible tote (large size), medium leather intrecciato chain knot clutch, square double chain small bag almost the size of the Chanel square classic, a large travel tote...this one I don't consider a bag I would use daily, I use it to travel or as a large work / book tote, small intrecciato multi pocket shoulder bag and another 3 or 4 other BV bags that I feel is not really comparable to same usage as the 2.55, Kelly or B30. I also have a Prada double handle multi compartment tote, Gucci GG imprime canvas tote (I use this for my everyday bag alot), Tom Ford (TF perforated) soft leather tote with attached mini pouch, mini patent Lady Dior, 2 large Dior book tote, one being the limited addition perforated leather book tote from the Spring 2021 runway collection by Maria Grazia Chiuri, vintage Valentino leather tote with flowers, The Row crossbody bag, Michael Kors Santorini Raffia bag, small Runway (mesh) Fendi shopper tote. I have a few more bags but I feel it's irrelevant to the decision for the bags I need to make a decision for. Although I do have a Cole Haan bag that has multi pockets and such inside the bag with a detachable shoulder strap that I had used ALOT as my schlepper bag many years ago...I know it's a totally different category that what we are speaking of but thought I would mention it. I loved the bag, it's made of leather very similar to the togo leather, it's white (got dirty fast) and it did get heavy as I find myself loading it up with stuff.

 

[880]

+1000 for the B30 with a nylon collapsible bag or some such for when you get tired Of carrying it by hand. However. By the arm is a nice modern alternative that sometimes looks too precious with a kelly.

if you live in a city where restaurants don’t often give you an entire extra chair for your bag, the nylon tote also works to hold the bag while sling across a corner of your chair. And, it’s more discreet than a bag hook.

Of course TPFers will know that’s you are carrying, but the B30 is pretty quiet when its back faces out. Taken on NYC public transportation last summer, no one batted an eyelash. The Rebecca minkoffs and YSLs with chain got a lot more notice


by the way, if you are broadening the search outside of the kelly, you may want to consider other bags like the toolbox or the 24/24 in a smaller size. They have a shoulder strap; you can do a canvas cross body strap; they’re easier to fasten; they’re quintessential Hermes; and especially on the resale market, they are comparative bargains. Whenever I see pics of @duggi84, I want a toolbox In a cute color, and I’m strictly a neutrals person

 

[hermesgeek]

Apology for my delayed reply post to all of you, I was so glued to the net trying to do Hermes / Chanel research last night that I lost track of time lol. Many thanks everyone for ALL your detailed and helpful thoughts....SO appreciated!

Soooo after reading all your post and my endless research, I have come to the same conclusion as all of you! While as much as I wish I can afford both at this time....I must regretfully choose just 1. With that said, I feel the Kelly presently will suit me best as after looking at the 226, I am not sure if that would be a bag I can functionally use as a "go to" bag...not necessarily would it be my everyday bag...but I do at times get in a mode of being a little lazy to transfer things from one bag to another daily...unless I am going to an event then of course I will change my bag. I know both of these beautiful options would be great to use for almost any occasion...but I also do need to consider how much it can hold.... I am going to move towards the Kelly!!!

I had time to visit the Real Real boutique near me yesterday. This time I did spend my time look and feel of the Kelly where as the other day I was more focus on the 2.55. With the Kelly, it would be the 28cm...but now the next decision step would be Sellier or Retourne. Once again, since I can only have one (at the moment), I like the classic of the Sellier but I also do like the softer less structured of the Retourne as well as the give / flexibility of putting a few more things in the bag if needed. At the moment, I am leaning towards the Sellier...but then again all that can change after welcoming everyone's thoughts again . What are your thoughts on the togo leather or clemence (not sure how I feel about it coming from a baby bull)...I don't care so much for the box leather as it seems so stiff. I am open to hearing feedback to other leather options. I do like the PHW verses the GH, I know that the GH perhaps is a little more formal.

Since some of you had mention the Birkin, to throw another monkey wrench into the mix.....what are your thoughts on the Birkin 30 vs the Kelly 28? I do love the elegance of the top handle and look of the Kelly....although I am not to keen of the locking mechanism of the Kelly or Birkin....definitely not a one hand operation on the fly. I was shown by the person at RR how most people enjoy their Birkin unlatched...however, I know that does not work with the Kelly. My thoughts on the B30 is that I like the tote feel where it has the multi compartments inside the bag BUT I don't know how easy it is to have it on your shoulder as a carry option. As I am not sure how comfortable / convenient it will be for me to hand hold it through out the day. That is why I also like the Kelly as it has a strap for a crossbody option..although it is a little shorter then a standard crossbody length as I know it's meant to be used as a shoulder strap. I again would appreciate and welcome your thoughts on this next step.....

Congratulations on your kelly decision! That’s some progress! Now, sellier or retourne? I started a thread before asking tpfers whether they’d choose sellier or retourne if they only had one kelly and sellier won unanimously(at least in my eyes or what my eyes wanted to see but here’s the link: https://forum.purseblog.com/threads/if-you-were-to-have-only-one-kelly-sellier-or-retourne.1040944/ ) But, it all goes down to your preference. Just my opinion, sellier I feel is more versatile than retourne. I feel sellier can do casual and dressy MORE than retourne. Not that retourne can’t, sellier can just transition better. Downside of sellier though is the opening is stiff which makes getting things more difficult, the corners wear harder than retourne as they are pointy, and it aesthetically makes your bag look bigger with less capacity than retourne. Upside is that it exemplifies the Hermes craftsmanship with outside stitching, it’s bold and imposing, and it will never lose its shape unless it’s a sellier mou.

Now, birkin 30 vs kelly 28 is easy for me to answer because I’ve pondered on this many times but my answer only applies to me. I love using birkins as much as I love using Kelly’s but if I were only to have one, I’d choose a kelly. Aesthetically, historically, and everything in between I feel like the Kelly is a bag that pioneered and epitomized a certain style of silhouette for handbags. Before the Chanel coco handle or the fendi peekaboo, there was the Chanel kelly flap bag or the fendi kelly style bag, Dior kelly handle etc..here are photos as proof, and I would know because my mom still has some of those fendi kelly style bags but she loves her hermes Kelly’s more than the others lol

Also, I loved the kelly more than ever when I was able to speak with a guest Hermès craftsman in my home store. I asked him which of the bags is the most difficult to make and he said the kelly because of its handle. He said that they are all trained to make the kelly before anything else because if they can make the kelly, they can make all the other hermes goods. Here’s the fabulous craftsman I spoke with



Now for the leather, clemence vs togo I think they both look best in retourne and sellier in togo or clemence is very rare, not impossible though. Clemence is much much softer so when it ages it will really slouch. I love togo because even if it slouches, it still kind of holds it shape. At least better than clemence. I noticed most of your bags are soft sided, so a sellier is a nice addition for a change but it you’re not into structured bags, then a retourne would best suit you. No matter sellier or retourne, you’ll look fabulous! Hope I was able to help in some way! Good luck!

 

[pikake28]

Congratulations on your kelly decision! That’s some progress! Now, sellier or retourne? I started a thread before asking tpfers whether they’d choose sellier or retourne if they only had one kelly and sellier won unanimously(at least in my eyes or what my eyes wanted to see but here’s the link: https://forum.purseblog.com/threads/if-you-were-to-have-only-one-kelly-sellier-or-retourne.1040944/ ) But, it all goes down to your preference. Just my opinion, sellier I feel is more versatile than retourne. I feel sellier can do casual and dressy MORE than retourne. Not that retourne can’t, sellier can just transition better. Downside of sellier though is the opening is stiff which makes getting things more difficult, the corners wear harder than retourne as they are pointy, and it aesthetically makes your bag look bigger with less capacity than retourne. Upside is that it exemplifies the Hermes craftsmanship with outside stitching, it’s bold and imposing, and it will never lose its shape unless it’s a sellier mou.

Now, birkin 30 vs kelly 28 is easy for me to answer because I’ve pondered on this many times but my answer only applies to me. I love using birkins as much as I love using Kelly’s but if I were only to have one, I’d choose a kelly. Aesthetically, historically, and everything in between I feel like the Kelly is a bag that pioneered and epitomized a certain style of silhouette for handbags. Before the Chanel coco handle or the fendi peekaboo, there was the Chanel kelly flap bag or the fendi kelly style bag, Dior kelly handle etc..here are photos as proof, and I would know because my mom still has some of those fendi kelly style bags but she loves her hermes Kelly’s more than the others lolView attachment 5156949View attachment 5156948View attachment 5156950View attachment 5156951

Also, I loved the kelly more than ever when I was able to speak with a guest Hermès craftsman in my home store. I asked him which of the bags is the most difficult to make and he said the kelly because of its handle. He said that they are all trained to make the kelly before anything else because if they can make the kelly, they can make all the other hermes goods. Here’s the fabulous craftsman I spoke with

View attachment 5156957

Now for the leather, clemence vs togo I think they both look best in retourne and sellier in togo or clemence is very rare, not impossible though. Clemence is much much softer so when it ages it will really slouch. I love togo because even if it slouches, it still kind of holds it shape. At least better than clemence. I noticed most of your bags are soft sided, so a sellier is a nice addition for a change but it you’re not into structured bags, then a retourne would best suit you. No matter sellier or retourne, you’ll look fabulous! Hope I was able to help in some way! Good luck!

Wow...what a priceless picture you have, the bag is already special..but to have one of the Hermes craftsman in your home store where you were able to do a Q & A and meet him....that is truly priceless!

Many thanks for sharing the link on the past post as well as your detailed thoughts! So helpful and much appreciated!