For those TPFers with both: BIRKIN or KELLY?

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I have both bags and it really depends on the day ahead. Sometimes, its a 35 or 40 birkin day (mostly work) and other days, if I feel like dressing edgier or running quick errands but have an appointment to go to, I go for the Kelly (I have two sizes) and always opt for the box Kelly (32). There are months that I am exclusively using birkins (mostly out of laziness in switching out the bags).
Kelly is edgy, elegant, classic— all in one.
 
I own both in different sizes. I love the sellier k 25 and 28 and the classic B30

my 25B sellier is a nice compromise as I no longer carry as much

ETA: I do like crossbody for hands free convenience, but handheld is best for delicate RTW
when I carry a kelly, I keep my phone and amex in a cargo pants pocket, and straps buckled under the flap
 
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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?
I’m curious about the leathers of your existing B’s. Are they softer and less structured and why you lean toward the Retourne’?
If so I think you’ll love the change and may even come to join those of us who favor Kelly.
 
I’m curious about the leathers of your existing B’s. Are they softer and less structured and why you lean toward the Retourne’?
If so I think you’ll love the change and may even come to join those of us who favor Kelly.
My B35 is Clemence and the 25 is Togo...but your observation that I like the 'softer and less structured' look is accurate. I don't have any interest in a B in the sellier style for that reason. I have shared my wishes with my SA and she knows that I'd take a B30 or a K28/K32 retourne...whichever becomes available first. I have yet to accept an offer from her and hope to get one soon :)
 
This is a tough question. I have both. Size and leather would be the deciding factor for me.

I prefer the look of the Kelly and the ability to hand carry or use a strap. With a casual life and an east coast climate, my epsom Kelly doesn’t get much wear. A retourne in Togo or sellier in a more precipitation friendly leather would get more use in my life. I caution the strap is thin and it doesn’t work for everyone. The bag also looks different to me depending on the size.

The birkin is great depending on leather and size. The downside is that it doesn’t have a strap and it can be finicky to close up. For climate reasons I would not get an epsom birkin.

You can’t go wrong. If you get try a bunch at a consignment store you may get a better feel for what is best. I do not use either daily.
 
Through the years the Birkin (25 & 30) was and still is my favorite bag (of all time, all brands).
After having a few Retourne K28s, I realized that I do not like that style at all.
Loooove the aesthetic of the Sellier Kelly so I took a K25 but realized it was a tad too small & tad to fussy to access contents.
Also took the K32 then decided it looked to briefcase-y on my frame and caused me to run into things due to the width.
Decided K28 Sellier would be best.
This was the right choice. All previous Sellier issues were resolved with this size. I love my K28 and will keep her forever.
Buuuuut the shoulder bag that does it for me :heart: and can compete with my Birkins is actually.....

The Chanel Small CF.
Curveball.... I know :giggle:

Birkin is still my favorite bag of all time (and particularly vs Kelly)... but 2nd place is.... Classic Flap... it is beautiful, structured, timeless, easy access, and the strap stays on my shoulder (& I can cross body her without buying another strap ha!)

Now that Hermes has re-released a less-bulky C24, my 2nd place may change in the very near future :biggrin:
But B vs K = B!
 
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Through the years the Birkin (25 & 30) was and still is my favorite bag (of all time, all brands).
After having a few Retourne K28s, I realized that I do not like that style at all.
Loooove the aesthetic of the Sellier Kelly so I took a K25 but realized it was a tad too small & tad to fussy to access contents.
Also took the K32 then decided it looked to briefcase-y on my frame and caused me to run into things due to the width.
Decided K28 Sellier would be best.
This was the right choice. All previous Sellier issues were resolved with this size. I love my K28 and will keep her forever.
Buuuuut the shoulder bag that does it for me :heart: and can compete with my Birkins is actually.....

The Chanel Small CF.
Curveball.... I know :giggle:

Birkin is still my favorite bag of all time (and particularly vs Kelly)... but 2nd place is.... Classic Flap... it is beautiful, structured, timeless, easy access, and the strap stays on my shoulder (& I can cross body her without buying another strap ha!)

Now that Hermes has re-released a less-bulky C24, my 2nd place may change in the very near future :biggrin:
But B vs K = B!
Did I miss something? When did H release a new version of c24
 
I use my K28 Sellier more often than my B30. I can't carry my B30 by arm all day long 'cuz I have a tiny arm (small/thin bone person) and feels tired carry by arm while shopping. I have not used my K25 Sellier Ostrich yet.
 
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