Hi gals, just got done reading my friend's copy of Handbag of the Fabulous. The author says that the Haute a Courroies as the original bag before the Birkin. I was curious to know from those who have tried on either or have both which you prefer. I'm doing research before I buy my bag . BTW, do any of you know what the author, Roslynn N. Gaiter Matthews, ebay name is? TIA for your opinions.