Yep, this! And if you are ever in a rush, but behind someone in line, who is taking her time struggling with her H bag while it’s on her arm, it’s a drag for you too. (Am not always as patient as I should be Lol)
Does anyone regret not having a shoulder strap on their Birkin
- Thread starter Happycantwait
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The worst bag for me to have is a bag that only has a top handle or is only hand held. With that being said I own a b25, which is exactly the least practical for me. But like you said, I love the way the bag looked! I bought this bag knowing it would NOT be my go-to handbag. I bought it knowing it would be my special occasion bag and that I would use when I’m not walking much or carrying much. I have a bunch of other handbags for that anyways. This has worked out well for me, because I bought it with this kind of mindset. If I expected more from it, I would have surely been disappointed.
If you are a shoulder carry person and expect the Birkin to replace your shoulder bags, I think you would be disappointed. Like the other replies you received, try a bag similar in style/size and see if it works! If it doesn’t work and you still want a Birkin, change your expectation and mindset for the bag. Good luck.
I have a little collection of Birkins starting from almost 20 years ago when Kate Moss was spotted with her beat up white one and it was all the rage.. I of course had to have them too.. without really thinking how heavy and (to me) impractical they will turn out to be.
So sadly they have all retired for now as I am a Kelly girl through and through .
I do love the Kelly being so practical so it totally fills the void for me
I am not sure how a strap on the bigger Birkins would work? Maybe on a 25?
So sadly they have all retired for now as I am a Kelly girl through and through .
I do love the Kelly being so practical so it totally fills the void for me
I am not sure how a strap on the bigger Birkins would work? Maybe on a 25?
I don’t think I have ever adjusted from feeling free with a purse with strap to arm-carrying my Birkins. It has always bothered me while carrying them. After a lot of consideration, I think I may be happier with the Kelly and a casual sangle. Regret is a big word though. I don’t regret owning and wearing such a beautiful and timeless item.
For donkeys years I was strictly a shoulder bag or cross body person. Carrying a bag on my arm felt way too ladylike for the way I dress and my personality and I thought it would be far too irritating. My first H bag convinced me to give it a go at least. Fast forward a few years and in that time I’ve realised several things. Arm carry is actually easier when you have small shoulders that bags used to previously slip off of. A Birkin is a casual tote and can easily not look too dressy in the crook of your arm. Cross body these days gives me backache! I can function perfectly well doing everyday tasks with a bag on my arm however handheld only would drive me insane. Now even the bags I have that come with shoulder straps are generally carried without the strap. I’d be a bit reticent to try a B25 as I’m not sure about the handle drop, but the switch to a B30 or B35 was definitely easy!
I rarely use my Birken because I am a shoulder bag girl. You might find that a slouchy Kelly 35, 32, or 28 retourne fills your need, because it can look casual like a Birkin with the sides winged out, yet has a shoulder strap. I find that I use my Kelly 35 most. I ordered a 32 but when it arrived, it was the wrong size. However, it has been great. I will try to find my photo of them side-by-side for comparison.
Here are K35, B35, and B30 comparisons. 
Slightly off topic I'm afraid, but I not got the inspiration for the Hermes 24/24 until your photos.
Might it be shoulder strap alternative to a Birkin.
I am most comfortable with H crossbody ans shoulder bags. For the past 15 years they have been my go to bag. I’ve never been interested in a B for myself because my lifestyle could not justify the cost per wear. That has recently changed due to the pandemic and my feelongs about my bag collection. I suggest trying the following bags before leaping to a birkin. Bolide, Plume, Picotin and Halzan all offer a tote carrying option at lower price point and still classically H. I have one of each and all are lighter than a B. I agree with others that if ever I was offered a B it would be 30 since the majoriity of my bags are mini to smaller in size. Ialso have 2 Kellys with canvas straps for cross body wear. I love a smooshy birkin look and barenia is my favorite leather. HTH
I will be the enabler. Having choices is nice. Get a Birkin and then 1-2 years is a lot of time to cultivate your love for a Kelly. Get both eventually so you have options!
I prefer shoulder bags so B is not my favorite purse. And no, I don't regret that it doesn't have a shoulder strap on. Bs are meant to be hand-held or carried on the crook of one's arm, I believe..and it was designed to be that way. If I wanted a shoulder bag, then I would just carry a different purse. Truth be told, my arm gets tired when I carry around my B for a long time. So that is also something you may would want to consider before buying it.
I love the 24/24. It does seem to be a great alternative to the Kelly or Birkin, and easier to obtain. I think you’ll have to go in store to get the size 29 though because I don’t see any of them on the website.
OP I am like you. I decided to get GP to see whether I can be a hand held bag girl. I took her out for half a day shopping and I kept inside a box afterwards for longest period of time. I just took her out again this year. Tried again and I give up. I love the looks of B. That's it. I know for sure I am not getting B although I love, love the appearance especially B25 in GHW.
When I first got into H, I thought I’d be a Birkin girl too but having collected both B’s and K’s (in my preferred sizes of 25 and 28/30), I find I mostly reach for my K’s. But i like having both in my collection as these are forever styles and with H, who knows when I’ll find myself switching over to using B’s more. (I find it very hard to have fixed opinions about H. I used to say Constance was not for me but now I’m loving the C18 I recently got.)
I also do this - a Le pliage works particularly well, and doubles as a rain coat too if the weather turns damp...