For those TPFers with both: BIRKIN or KELLY?

[tinkerbell68]

I have always loved the look of a Birkin and have spent many years admiring them online. I finally acquired my first (and my second) in 2021: a pre-loved B35 in Turquoise and a B25 in Bleu Nuit. And, of course, I have a B30 on my wishlist. However, I’ve always thought that a Kelly was too sweet for me or too twee or too…but, recently, I’ve seen some posts of the retourne and, I have to admit, I kind of like it. I’m curious to know from those TPFers who own both Birkins and Kellys if they have a preference. Should I venture to the ‘dark’ side and add a Kelly to my wishlist?

 

[showgratitude]

Both are beautiful bags..but I prefer the Birkin now.

 

[880]

Both are beautiful bags..but I prefer the Birkin now.

+1, but I don’t think I would have known this had I not experimented with a few kelly bags. It’s nice to have choices

@tinkerbell68 , I don’t think a 28K is sweeter lol than a 25B, but you can wear the kelly crossbody


looking forward to hearing about your venture into Kelly bags

eta: you might enjoy threads entitled wear a kelly casually that demonstrate how to wear one with a bit more attitude

The Kelly that gives that ultimate casual cool vibe

Welcome! What a gorgeous bag :heart: :heart:

forum.purseblog.com

How to wear a Kelly casually?

Jenny M Walton IG

forum.purseblog.com

and my favorite pic post #42 here

Post Pics of Floppy, Batwinged, and Well Loved Kellys in Action

More eye candies from Birkinwatcher

forum.purseblog.com

 

[tinkerbell68]

+1, but I don’t think I would have known this had I not experimented with a few kelly bags. It’s nice to have choices

@tinkerbell68 , I don’t think a 28K is sweeter lol than a 25B, but you can wear the kelly crossbody


looking forward to hearing about your venture into Kelly bags

Yes the hand free option is appealing particularly given that I can’t get the B25 much past my wrist

 

[hermesgeek]

I always say that one must have at least a birkin and a kelly in their collection. I always try to say I love both equally, however, I must admit I favor the Kelly a tad bit more than the Birkin. For what reason, I’m not very sure but maybe because of its longer history and silhouette that influenced womens handbags for many many many decades. Also, the shoulder strap is a plus. The Kelly is a really good piece to have. It transitions well between different occasions. Whenever I’m choosing between using a kelly or a birkin for the purpose of looks and not it’s carrying capability, I always choose the kelly because you can just never go wrong with it. Hope you decide with your heart!

 

[TravelBug]

I find it a lot easier to use my K32, it is very versatile with both options of carrying it, and being able to carry it crossbody. Mine is a retourne made of Epsom leather which makes the bag a bit more structured. I also like the option of switching the original strap out with another one.

I love my B30 and B25 but I just don't get to use them as much as I thought I'd.

 

[duna]

I prefer the Kelly easthetically: I fell in love with it when I was 18, a VERY long time ago! Nevertheless only the Retourne, I've never liked the Sellier, too stiff and boxy. I'm very casual, in jeans most of the time, so I've always preferred more casual styles. Having said all this, I almost only use my Birkins as I find them much more practical. Getting in and out of the Kelly is a pain... If I want a shoulder option I use my Bolides.

 

[Grande Latte]

Kelly is very feminine and pretty. Meanwhile, the birkin is easy to use and functional with the open top.

I find that I'm always struggling to find my keys or iphone, or whatever, and going through the trouble of opening up the Kelly bag "like a lady", can be frustrating at times.

But having said that, I think you need to own both styles.

 

[GreenBagsOnly]

Birkin

 

[Classy Collector]

Personally, it was really hard to say until I used them both myself. I use Kelly more during the summer, and Birkin more during the winter with coats. It takes a bit longer to open/close the Kelly, but the shoulder strap is so convenient. On the other hand, sometimes I wish there’s a shoulder strap for Birkin. They’re also different aesthetics. Sorry I’m not really helping to choose one as I use both. Consider having both and come to the dark side

 

[loh]

I love both, but I have to admit that I find myself reaching for my K's more often than my B's. I do agree that the open top makes the B more functional and the easy access is helpful when you're busy running errands and the like, but for me the hands free option of the K has a bit of an edge despite the added challenge of opening it (I'm not one to carry my K's wide open).

I think you should add a K. I'm not one for the sweet look either and I think the K can be carried casually, especially the retourne. Definitely take a look at the pics in the links posted by @880 for some inspiration. If, at the end of day, you decide a K is just not your style, you can always rehome it.

 

[1LV]

Birkin. I like the openness and casualness of the Birkin, and how easy it is to use. The narrow strap of the Kelly hurts my shoulder after awhile, but I really don’t think I’d use it more if I bought a wider strap. Gorgeous bag tho’.

 

[elliesaurus]

I was in my 20s when I ventured into the world of H and I thought the Kelly was too ladylike and mature for me. I had my sights set on a Birkin... But when I was offered the Kelly, it was actual love at first sight. It didn't age me like I thought it would and I like the option of using the strap (I also bought a wider strap so I could wear it crossbody). I prefer my Kelly to my Birkin even though my Kelly is a less versatile color.

 

[CrackBerryCream]

I have 1 K32 (black box) and 4 Bs (3x 35, 1x 40). I use(d) the Birkins A LOT more as it's easier to access the contents (no need to hold up a flap), they fit more (I was mostly wearing them to work when I needed space for a 13" laptop) and feel more comfortable with 2 handles carried in hand instead of 1. The shoulder strap of the K for me personally is mostly useless as it would slide down my shoulders and it's just too short for crossbody (plus the K is too stiff to feel comfortable worn that way).

However, IMO the decision largely depends on how much you want/need to carry most of the time. My times of carrying a laptop between office and home are (hopefully) over, so I don't need so much capacity in my bag anymore. Was thinking of buying a longer strap for my Kelly and trying to carry it more now.

 

[Love Of My Life]

Why not have the best of both bag worlds if they appeal to you?
The Birkin & the Kelly offer different looks depending on size, leather & color & now more options
for straps. They can be be worn in a sporty style & the smaller size Kelly has a elegant look to it
My first bag was the Kelly & that for me works. Unfortuntately the Birkin is just not my style but
I do like the look of it in the smaller size, JMO