For those TPFers with both: BIRKIN or KELLY?

[periogirl28]

I wouldn't say here how many Birkins and Kellys I have in total, I buy them myself and husband might read this. I have to say they serve different functions for me. The Birkins were perfect for a full day running between clinics seeing patients, storing my toddler son's things on weekends and now that he has grown up and I have retired early, the Kellys are used a little more, handheld or on the straps, shopping or for travels. I can crossbody a 25 although it's a bit high on me. It's a lovely dilemma to have and I hope you love both for your collection.

 

[cravin]

As you will get from most everyone, you’re going to end up with both, so add it to your list and take whichever comes in first

 

[Otis31]

No preference. Depends on the setting in which the bag will be use. I like both!

 

[may3545]

I've been collecting for over 10 years, and I have both Birkins and Kellys, in various sizes. They all serve a purpose. Right now I prefer using a strap, so I grab a kelly more often than a Birkin.

 

[ladysarah]

It’s entirely lifestyle dependent. When I walk, cycle or take the bus- it’s a Kelly. During this whole pandemic I finally bought a car (which is a pain in London but let’s not digress) I also bought a large vintage birkin, which is kept in the car full of ‘essentials’ . I never walk anywhere with the birkin, as it would be too heavy for me - and would probably break my arm after 20 min or so. (I imagine if you are after a small birkin25 - it would be a different story. ) So I think size as well as style - retourner or sellier makes for quite a different bag.
k25/28 R (with strap) for casual, walking around
k25/28 s for evening drinks/dinner ( I prefer to hand hold without a strap)
k32 as above but with more capacity
Mini Kelly is perfect for evenings or for day time shopping expeditions-add a cotton tote.
Birkin 35/40 for schlepping things around (just don’t walk too much! )

 

[tinkerbell68]

It’s entirely lifestyle dependent. When I walk, cycle or take the bus- it’s a Kelly. During this whole pandemic I finally bought a car (which is a pain in London but let’s not digress) I also bought a large vintage birkin, which is kept in the car full of ‘essentials’ . I never walk anywhere with the birkin, as it would be too heavy for me - and would probably break my arm after 20 min or so. (I imagine if you are after a small birkin25 - it would be a different story. ) So I think size as well as style - retourner or sellier makes for quite a different bag.
k25/28 R (with strap) for casual, walking around
k25/28 s for evening drinks/dinner ( I prefer to hand hold without a strap)
k32 as above but with more capacity
Mini Kelly is perfect for evenings or for day time shopping expeditions-add a cotton tote.
Birkin 35/40 for schlepping things around (just don’t walk too much! )

thanks for your thoughtful reply @ladysarah. I am thinking of adding a K28 or K32 to my wishlist...I have a B35 which has huge capacity, but, as you noted, is heavy and a B25 which is fine for days when I need not carry too much. I have heard that the capacity of comparable sized Kellys is a little less due to their design so think a K25 might be too small.
I had intended to update my wishlist with my SA yesterday but arrived at the boutique to learn that she was out sick. I had a lovely shopping experience with the store manager but didn't feel that I should update my list with him!!!

 

[Cool Gal]

I have both in my collection and I love them equally. I actually bring my Kelly more than my Birkin only because Kelly is more under the radar bag. I can bring to work and shopping without too much attention from the employees. I think it’s because my Kelly is an SO (2 colors on the outside), not many ppl noticed that it IS a Kelly

 

[Madam Bijoux]

I love Birkins and Kellys equally - so, for me it depends on the clothes I’m wearing. Some outfits look better with Birkins, others look better with Kellys. Matching colors is also a consideration.

 

[paula24jen]

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.

Agree completely!

 

[paula24jen]

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

I prefer a bottle at each end, just to balance it out

 

[880]

Just wanted to add, I love the 28K. DH calls it the sexiest bag in the world (next to my custom bag from Duret.com)
but, I wear it casually with cargo pants (phone, cc case in the cargos) keys on a lanyard around my neck, so sometimes the kellynis empty except for a collapsible Whole Foods shopping bag and a bottle of hand sanitizer (if I’m sitting down to eat) I can rest it on my lap, open it, and use the sanitizer. I’ve also done the balance it on the knee thing like @Chrismin and others, but I prefer not to. IMO the sellier 28 is a bit easier to get into than my retourne 28, but I think I’m in the minority on TPF Re that. I’ve never had a herbag so don’t know if that is more fiddly. . . I sometimes wear it straps buckled under the flap and I can still get my stuff in and out. The 32 is too heavy for me. Having said all that, I still love the kelly. just don’t be on line somewhere and expect customers to wait happily behind you while you fish your wallet out.

 

[louise_elouise]

It’s entirely lifestyle dependent. When I walk, cycle or take the bus- it’s a Kelly. During this whole pandemic I finally bought a car (which is a pain in London but let’s not digress) I also bought a large vintage birkin, which is kept in the car full of ‘essentials’ . I never walk anywhere with the birkin, as it would be too heavy for me - and would probably break my arm after 20 min or so. (I imagine if you are after a small birkin25 - it would be a different story. ) So I think size as well as style - retourner or sellier makes for quite a different bag.
k25/28 R (with strap) for casual, walking around
k25/28 s for evening drinks/dinner ( I prefer to hand hold without a strap)
k32 as above but with more capacity
Mini Kelly is perfect for evenings or for day time shopping expeditions-add a cotton tote.
Birkin 35/40 for schlepping things around (just don’t walk too much! )

This is accurate. When I’m walking around london, the idea of carrying a birkin around is not appealing. The Kelly is key. The birkin is also a bit bulky for busy cities and their public transport
But over the holidays when I was back home and driving places, I found the Kelly so annoying to get in and out of. I really missed my birkin.

 

[fashiongodess*]

iloooooooveeee the look of a kelly but since birkin is a tote, i find it so much easier to get in and out of. But then it depends, if im travelling i usually take my kelly 32 due to the secure closure so i guess both bags are amazing depending on usage you need both in your collection

 

[ladyhermes]

I have both and use my B’s a lot more than my K. However going forward I see myself adding a few K in different sizes to get some added flavor to my collection

 

[fansynancy]

I own more Birkins, but I prefer a Kelly because I can crossbody it and use different straps according to the season.