Actually, I love the feel and luxurious look of Clemence, Fjord and Togo. One of my Bs and one of my Ks, have slouched considerably. these are the two oldest ones that I have. I am now more careful about keeping them stuffed while they are stored so hopefully my newer ones won’t slouch as much. I haven’t worn my new B yet and I bought it 2 weeks ago, but Hermes doesn’t offer refunds, only credit notes. I don’t want a credit note for that amount, not knowing when I’ll be offered another bag that I like. In any event, when I suggested to my husband that I was having second thoughts about it, he was disappointed. He really likes the bag and wants me to have it.
Epsom
- Thread starter Vln
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Yes, I’ve seen some Epsom bags that had a shiny plasticky look to them. You are right to wait for something that you like better. for some reason, mine has more of a matte look to it.
The bottom line is — you’re dissatisfied. This is a problem. Most importantly, this is a problem that can be fixed sooner (less than 30 days) than later given the bag is unused.
I understand your sentiment regarding store credit.
I, too, had a regret (or two) and have done returns with store credit(s). I was not thrilled either. However, my SA always had it in mind, and I had some amazing subsequent bag offers as she would always remind me of my store credit. In fact, I used one of my store credits for an SO. In hindsight, it was the right thing to do for me. I am so much happier that the store credit was used towards some thing I truly wanted (and use!).
If you are unhappy now with the bag, I fear you will be even more unhappy as time goes on.....and then you’re out money if you decide to resell.
Obviously, you have to decide what’s best for you. I mean no disrespect. Just want to help you avoid a potential expensive mistake. I’ve certainly been there and done that, too.
Good luck!
It did not soften for me. The only good thing I can say about Epson is that it maintains its shape extremally well. Other than that, it feels to me dry, artificial, "plasticky", and stiff. I'd rather get serious biceps by carrying Clemence than light Epsom...Just a matter of personal preference.
Really feel for you-Its very difficult because when you first saw the bag you 'liked it' but you didn't LOVE it is the feeling I'm getting.
This is made doubly hard by the fact that your husband loved it and excitedly purchased it as a gift for you.
I think you said in an earlier post that he actually said he preferred it to your other Birkins.
If I was in your shoes I think I'd look at the plus points.
Its a great neutral colour that goes with everything.
The epsom leather although not your favourite is very lightweight (I personally was shocked when I tried a 35 in togo and a 40 in Epsom how much lighter the epsom was..it was astonishing)
If I were you I would keep the bag and use it as a workhorse bag-just a throw on with denims everyday bag-it'll keep its shape and its lightweight.
Take it to the gym, take it to work, use it as a travel bag-
Your husband will be happy seeing it used.
Its an easy bag to use
You have other Birkins in other leathers, you WILL get another Birkin in a dream leather.
I remember my (now ex) brought me a very expensive item from Louis Vuitton for Christmas-he was so proud and happy and when I opened it on Christmas day my heart sank it was covered in logos and I hate Logos it just wasn't me at all (at least a Birkin is to your taste!) I agonised over telling him for weeks and meanwhile he kept asking me why I wasn't wearing his gift-eventually I admitted I didn't like it and wanted to exchange it-which I did for something more to my taste.
But I still felt a bit bad because I knew that he really loved the item he'd chosen and was sad that I didn't share his enthusiasm for it.
I hasten to say that wasn't why we eventually split up!
but bottom line, stop agonising.
its a beautiful timeless lightweight BIRKIN!
Enjoy!
What thoughtful words! Thank you. It makes me feel better. Actually, my husband said to me today that it’s ok to have one in a leather that I don’t love. I have others that I love. And I will get others. Your post made me feel better.
I'm so happy I helped!
Use this bag and you may actually really grow to love it for the qualities that Epsom has.
And the fact it was brought with love
I love my epsom, I find it lighter compared to togo. Ive had my kelly since 2016. Its easier to open now but it still keeps its shape which is wonderful. And still looking very new even with me frequently using it.
I was also recently offered a birkin 30 epsom phw. It was my first birkin offer from an U.S. store. I’ve bought a birkin 25 Togo in Paris FSH a few years back. I turned down the epsom because not only was the bag super stiff, it also had sort of a plasticky kind of smell to it, definitely different from the intoxicating smell of Togo leather. I would wait.
I have a birkin 30 in epsom or 15 years , it soften a little and I loved how it hold its shape.
This is such a good question - and pardon the late response, but I can understand what the OP is feeling. I like a structured bag (and also don't like slouch at all) but I don't want the leather to feel plasticky. I found the very best leather is unfortunately, discontinued - courchevel, the epsom predecessor. It's stiff and structured, but not overly so - and even maintains a gorgeous sheen! I can't tell if it's like that because it has aged (mine is ~20 years old), and if epsom will age to that or not.
I feel like many has mentioned if you have doubts then you are not loving the bag! To me epsom can also have that plasticky feel to it, which was one reason why I didn’t get a caviar Chanel boy bag cause it gave me the same vibes and I opt for the calf, although more prone to scratches. There may not be the 100% perfect leather as there are always something. Again I apologize I keep referencing Chanel as I just came from Chanel to start my Hermes journey but have seen some of the different leathers Hermes have. It’s up to what you’re willing to trade off of how you’re wearing the bag? I love the luxurious feel of lamb but knew it was also prone to scratches but still chose that over caviar, I must be a minority haha sorry I got off topic, I personally not a fan or epsom and loving Togo although on the heavier end and May slouch but if stored properly shouldn’t be too bad?
I found my tastes have changed over time. Maybe Epsom isn't the right leather for you now, but maybe it will grow on you in the future? Please let us know what you decide to do.
I think that you are right. I couldn’t take it back to the store because they only offer credits and I didn’t want a credit note for that amount, not knowing when I could get another bag that I liked.
Personally I select Epsom for large bags. When I getting older in my 60s+, the weight of a bag will demotivate me from using it.