Etain honestly varies so much depending on the shipment. The recent Etain has been pretty true gray. Vert amande is also not a bad alternative. I personally am anti black bag. I pick H for the color. Black to me is timeless but also boring. H has so many great neutrals to pick from.
First (and likely only) Birkin...which color?
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Étain just varies so much depending on dye lot. It can be brown or a true grey.
My only birkin is etain and I LOVE it! It goes with everything in every season.
I think the etain belt is in togo, my birkin is epsom and the color is a little bit different. Etain is the only color I love in epsom the best - it is so different depending on lightning. Sometimes there seem to be even purple undertones.
I think the etain belt is in togo, my birkin is epsom and the color is a little bit different. Etain is the only color I love in epsom the best - it is so different depending on lightning. Sometimes there seem to be even purple undertones.
I'm looking for a true grey or one with cool undertones (not brown/taupe)
black.
if you are ordering unseen they you run the risk with the grays as ones such as etain can vary by lot. I have black and etoupe in my collection and love both.
a true gray that doesn't read brown/taupe - you should consider gris mouette (seagull gray) but it may be out of production right now. Not certain if you are buying from boutique or reseller.
Good luck deciding!
if you are ordering unseen they you run the risk with the grays as ones such as etain can vary by lot. I have black and etoupe in my collection and love both.
a true gray that doesn't read brown/taupe - you should consider gris mouette (seagull gray) but it may be out of production right now. Not certain if you are buying from boutique or reseller.
Good luck deciding!
Looking at the Hermes Reference Library - Hermes Colors is always a fun way to see how the color can vary by leather type.
It is hard to stick to only one H bag once you start. Black Box phw would be my first choice bc box is a classic H leather ; next etoupe or etain togo or clemence phw. I think they are both a bit more modern than Gold Togo with ghw, and I assume you have some chanel black leather with gold hardware. I have a personal fondness for Blu de prusse and blu obscure which I like to wear as a neutral even with black clothing. Epsom is not my favorite leather but it is light Weight which is important in a work bag. If you want a strictly work bag, a Hermes makes other models that are much more reasonably priced ranging from the casual garden party; the jypserie and the whitebus. Then you could have a ’fun’ color as a birkin as Hermes is known for its vivid colors
Definitely gold with GHW. IMHO it’s the most „classic“ Hermès color. Moreover Chanel doesn’t have this color as far as I know.
Gris Asphalte for neutral, or
Rouge H for neutral red
Please do NOT buy black if 1 B serves you.
It can accent as "cool" or "warm" depending on outfit and hardware choice.
Rouge H for neutral red
Please do NOT buy black if 1 B serves you.
It can accent as "cool" or "warm" depending on outfit and hardware choice.
If it is your one and only I will say black as it will last you through the ages and will forever be timeless. Etain is another beautiful choice. Both black and etain are appropriate for work but depends on your work environment. Good luck! 
My first one was a B35 in Gold.
If it's going to be your one and only then I'd definitely stick to neutrals: Black, Grey, Gold.
I wouldn't underestimate orange, red or green. Out of all my B's, the ones that get more usage are the colourful ones. I got in January a B30 Black GHW and have probably used her 5 times max.
PS: I don't carry my B's at work, I tend to grab my LV Neverfull.
If it's going to be your one and only then I'd definitely stick to neutrals: Black, Grey, Gold.
I wouldn't underestimate orange, red or green. Out of all my B's, the ones that get more usage are the colourful ones. I got in January a B30 Black GHW and have probably used her 5 times max.
PS: I don't carry my B's at work, I tend to grab my LV Neverfull.
My first B is a 35 gold togo phw. Classic and goes with everything in every season. My second B is a 30 Epsom in Cactus phw. It really is personal preference, as all birkins are lovely! HAVE FUN deciding. It is such an exciting experience. I wear both of them so much and enjoy every minute of it.
I love that you started this topic, as i'm in the same boat.
I'm thinking that I'll go for a B25 in togo, GHW or PHW, but the color... My first idea was black, but then started to wonder about a grey option. Grey would be nice too, but I don't want a grey with a brown undertone. So difficult, decisions decisions Anyone has some pictures of their grey B's?
I'm thinking that I'll go for a B25 in togo, GHW or PHW, but the color... My first idea was black, but then started to wonder about a grey option. Grey would be nice too, but I don't want a grey with a brown undertone. So difficult, decisions decisions
Anyone has some pictures of their grey B's?