For those TPFers with both: BIRKIN or KELLY?

[duna]

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.

LOL, when I fell in love with the Kelly the Birkin didn't exist....

 

[tinkerbell68]

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.

I too am very casual and even if I'm dressed up, no one would describe me as ladylike! I should have added that I do have a vibrato Herbag that I purchased almost two decades ago. It is stunning but it is kind of a pain to get in and out of so I don't use it as much as I'd like.

 

[tinkerbell68]

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.

Yes I definitely went down the rabbit hole of links that @880 shared! And, yes, found some inspiration

 

[elliesaurus]

I too am very casual and even if I'm dressed up, no one would describe me as ladylike! I should have added that I do have a vibrato Herbag that I purchased almost two decades ago. It is stunning but it is kind of a pain to get in and out of so I don't use it as much as I'd like.

I am a t-shirt, jeans, and sneaker girl and my Kelly doesn't look out of place! Although my SA did recommend that I stick with retourne Kellys because sellier would be too stiff and formal.

 

[tinkerbell68]

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.

I look forwarded to hearing how a longer strap might change your opinion...or not. I still like to be able to carry my laptop (at least for a little longer) but also have a 24/24 35 for that. The 24/24 seems like my the country cousin to the Kelly...much less sophisticate and super slouchy though the 35 does not have a strap.

 

[Tonimichelle]

I’ve owned two Kellys and three Birkins. Whilst I loved the style of a retourne K, in a 32 at least I found the space surprisingly limiting (compared to a B30 anyway). The sangles weren’t a major issue but having to stand on one leg to close it one handed (using a knee to hold the bottom up, I’m hoping this makes sense!) was a major PITA on occasion (I think I probably looked pretty odd too.. does anyone else do this?! ). The standard strap hung too low on me on the shoulder and too short to wear cross body. In short (which i clearly am!) once I bought a birkin I never reached for a Kelly. I still think they look cute though, especially worn casually with a strap long enough to go cross body. I probably wouldn’t buy one again myself though. The birkin is just so casual and easy and I think works far better for my look / lifestyle. It also fits groceries.. ok, a bottle of wine

 

[tinkerbell68]

I’ve owned two Kellys and three Birkins. Whilst I loved the style of a retourne K, in a 32 at least I found the space surprisingly limiting (compared to a B30 anyway). The sangles weren’t a major issue but having to stand on one leg to close it one handed (using a knee to hold the bottom up, I’m hoping this makes sense!) was a major PITA on occasion (I think I probably looked pretty odd too.. does anyone else do this?! ). The standard strap hung too low on me on the shoulder and too short to wear cross body. In short (which i clearly am!) once I bought a birkin I never reached for a Kelly. I still think they look cute though, especially worn casually with a strap long enough to go cross body. I probably wouldn’t buy one again myself though. The birkin is just so casual and easy and I think works far better for my look / lifestyle. It also fits groceries.. ok, a bottle of wine

Yes, the capacity for a bottle of wine is essential...and it looks cute sticking out of the B

 

[Chrismin]

I’ve owned two Kellys and three Birkins. Whilst I loved the style of a retourne K, in a 32 at least I found the space surprisingly limiting (compared to a B30 anyway). The sangles weren’t a major issue but having to stand on one leg to close it one handed (using a knee to hold the bottom up, I’m hoping this makes sense!) was a major PITA on occasion (I think I probably looked pretty odd too.. does anyone else do this?! ). The standard strap hung too low on me on the shoulder and too short to wear cross body. In short (which i clearly am!) once I bought a birkin I never reached for a Kelly. I still think they look cute though, especially worn casually with a strap long enough to go cross body. I probably wouldn’t buy one again myself though. The birkin is just so casual and easy and I think works far better for my look / lifestyle. It also fits groceries.. ok, a bottle of wine

i have absolutely done the knee trick... !!

 

[jenngu]

I have both Birkin (25 & 30) and Kelly (28R & 28S & mini). I am a very casual dresser and feel both are versatile. It’s easy to access items in and out of the Birkin but can be a pain for shopping and running errands as it is arm carry. Kelly works great on the go with the strap option especially if you can get a strap extender or long strap for crossbody…but the capacity is limited in comparison. If you don’t need to be in and out of your bag all the time, Kelly could be a good addition!

 

[Goobydoobydoo]

I have both bags…started off with a Kelly then added a Birkin and got another Kelly but I would say I’ve always been a Kelly person more so than a Birkin. A Kelly can be delicate and sophisticated but also casual, all dependent upon the occasion and of course color and style. Don’t get me wrong, I love my Birkin but when you have a slightly bigger bag, you end up putting more and more into it and my hand just starts hurting from all the weight. Whereas when I use the Kelly, I’m more selective about what I put in there and the strap is nice to have. You can even play around by getting different straps for a more fun and casual feel. Retourne is a great option if you’re right along the fence and it’s easier to get in and out of because of the leather and construction. I’d definitely recommend having one of each (B and K) of you can!

 

[img]

I have a B30 and a Kelly 32 in Retourne. I much prefer the Kelly. The shoulder strap is wonderful. I just bought a canvas strap to make mine even more casual and to wear crossbody. I also love that it’s more under the radar than the Birkin.
I’m probably one of the few people who doesn’t love the Birkin. I find it heavy, cumbersome, and too “flashy”. I don’t carry mine very much.

 

[demicouture]

Used My Birkin bags for 20+ years then switched to Kelly. I need a strap on my bags... but I do occasionally carry my Birkin bags, specially when I travel

 

[jiljenner]

Kelly! Kelly! Kelly!

 

[cravin]

Wife has 3 Birkins, 2 Kellys (not counting the Kelly To Go) and 2 Constance. She uses the Birkins like a brief case for work and will occasionally take them out on a weekend but uses her Kelly or Constance bags when out casually almost all the time. The crossbody and ability to keep her hands free in NYC is essential for her (how else can you rifle through sale racks at Bergdorf when I’m not there to hold her bag?)

 

[tinkerbell68]

So appreciative of all your responses. I’m swinging by H tomorrow and will discuss with my SA. I‘m not sure that my store gets much inventory even in ’normal’ times but I might as well add a Kelly to the list…maybe one will come in before my B30 in Craie GHW. Now I just have to consider size and color…definitely privileged problems!