Has anyone stopped buying smaller H bags ?

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chkpfbeliever

chkpfbeliever

O.G.
May 13, 2009
11,238
8,002
#1
I'm been eyeing to add another H bag this year and can't decide which size. I know Paris has been pushing bigger bags at fashion shows. Additionally, I'm seeing lots of inventory at Fashionphile and Realreal on smaller bags like Evelyne TPM 18 and Halzan 22. Even Constance 18s are not selling like hot cakes.

While I want a bag that fits my daily needs regardless of trends, nevertheless I don't want something that would be outdated with low resale value and market.

My questions for the groups are:

1) Are you still buying smaller bags ? or have you let go of them and moved to something bigger ?
2) Is the state of the economy stalling you from spending luxury like you used to ?

For me, I just retired and it's right to be cautious before splurging on the next bag. More importantly to me is how functional the bag would be. Currently, my daily bag is the Double sens and it fits the casual vibe and shopping needs.

Would love to hear everyone's POV.
 
#4
chanellover333 said:
I have noticed other posts on different forums complaining the price of larger bags on resale has gone up while smaller is dropping. I still like small bags because I am petite, but I can understand why others would opt for large bags. There is something chic about a floppy big bag!
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I know I used to resist small mini bags when they came out but grew into it when more people are carrying them. Even though I resist being too trendy, it’s hard to go against the tide sometimes. Plus people seemed to downsize during COVID and it has stayed that way even after that. Bigger bags require more materials and at least the higher price is more justified that those minis. I can’t wait for the Evelyne 23 to be released. This may be the size for me since I’m petite.
 
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#6
I have noticed too that c18 are sitting and noticing frequent markdowns. I think the size is impractical for me but every person is different. I used to go for the mini bags but I’m finding I need to carry more. I think c18 may also be sitting more because of the price point. Mini lindy are also sitting more. Some of this may be due to over saturation as well and the desire of younger generations to buy fakes. It’s really hard to tell the difference between authentic and fakes these days. I think the evie 23 is a great size for us petite ladies. I think the mini gp is also a great bag since the handles aren’t mini. Functionality is paramount. I also don’t use my current bags much so a bag really has to speak to me and add something to my collection if I am going to buy it. As for spending, I am concerned about latest events. I will def be cautious this year.
 
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#8
chkpfbeliever said:
I'm been eyeing to add another H bag this year and can't decide which size.

While I want a bag that fits my daily needs regardless of trends, nevertheless I don't want something that would be outdated with low resale value and market.

My questions for the groups are:

1) Are you still buying smaller bags ? or have you let go of them and moved to something bigger ?
2) Is the state of the economy stalling you from spending luxury like you used to ?

For me, I just retired and it's right to be cautious before splurging on the next bag. More importantly to me is how functional the bag would be. Currently, my daily bag is the Double sens and it fits the casual vibe and shopping needs.

Would love to hear everyone's POV.
Click to expand...

I’m also retired and prefer to buy forever bags that retain value :) I am tapering off from adding one or two bags a year, mainly from the boutique but also from well priced resale.* But, with the top brands, I find if you hold onto things and think in terms of decades, items retain value. For example, B35s and K32s in phw were popular when I started collecting in 2008. By 2012, sizes shifted to my comfort zone of B30 and K28. And for a number of years, bags have shrunken. Color also has its cycles. I believe every decade vacillates from gold to etoupe, ebene/ rouge H to black/charcoal/navy and back.

Re your questions

1. Because I’m retired, carry very little, and don’t like weight, a smaller bag is still appealing. However, one MKII, one K24, and one B25 is enough. I don’t find the need to collect more as I did with multiple K28/B30s. At this point, I tend to keep my bags. I find the bag that I grab the most is a short shoulder So Kelly Elan (technically a 28, but it reads as smaller). I do still prefer a top handle to preserve my RTW, but the so Kelly elan is light enough where it doesn’t much matter.

Re weight of bags. I had a double sens (the first edition large made of clemence. I let it go bc it was just too heavy. While the later ones were significantly lighter, it’s possible your tolerance for weight may be greater than my own).

2. The state of the economy is giving me some pause, but I’m still shopping/purchasing if I see something I absolutely love. But, these days, I buy more for cost per wear than secondary market value. I’m also very conscious of the fact that my closet is full and I want to wear what I already have. The items I tire of, I mainly gift/donate to friends and family.

So long as you follow your heart and only buy what you love; can afford; and will use, you should simply trust your instincts. :)

ETA: during Covid, when prices at resale dropped, I picked up a number of structurally sound box, barenia, and swift BK deals (size 28/30) for between 4-7K USD. After docride or Hermes spa, they are all stunning. So, when prices bottom out, it may not be a good time to sell, but it’s a great time to purchase. I would prefer not to spend the huge retail prices for today’s boutique box bags, and I’m considering switching most of my spend to Paris which is about a third less than my local prices.

ETA: I also consider most h bags to be day bags. Mainly bc the casual restaurants I go to don’t have room on my chair (or anywhere else) for even a K25. My travel bag that I can overstuff and mistreat is a feutre felt TPM. It doesn’t matter if it’s not in style; it’s what works for me. ;)
 
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#9
I have never bought the really petite bags, the smallest I own is a K25 which I feel is quite tiny for my needs. My sweet points are K28/32. Personally, I never liked the look of a Mini K and all the discussions I read / hear about what and how to fit things in and if it closes … etc. does not speak for long- term usability in my eyes in terms of practicality.

And I think the pendulum is swinging back to larger bags (k38/B30) or maybe the 40 sizes as a „shocker“ , too, very slowly though. Just my two cents, adding that I am in Europe and we’ve in general not bought as wholly into the mini- trend as other parts of the world, I think.
 
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#12
I have always collected both small and large bags. I like small bags that just hold a phone, car keys, lipstick and reading glasses for nights out. For daytime use, however, I like bigger bags. I have 2 mini Halzans, 1 Kelly to go, a Keller 28 sellier, a Birkin 30, 2 30 cm GPs, and a Herbag 31. I'd take both a Kelly mini and a Birkin 35 if the right specs were offered to me. Right now the 3 top items I'm asking my SA for are a Kelly 28 retourne, a Kelly Elan and another Kelly to go.
 
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#13
880 said:
I’m also retired and prefer to buy forever bags that retain value :) I am tapering off from adding one or two bags a year, mainly from the boutique but also from well priced resale.* But, with the top brands, I find if you hold onto things and think in terms of decades, items retain value. For example, B35s and K32s in phw were popular when I started collecting in 2008. By 2012, sizes shifted to my comfort zone of B30 and K28. And for a number of years, bags have shrunken. Color also has its cycles. I believe every decade vacillates from gold to etoupe, ebene/ rouge H to black/charcoal/navy and back.

Re your questions

1. Because I’m retired, carry very little, and don’t like weight, a smaller bag is still appealing. However, one MKII, one K24, and one B25 is enough. I don’t find the need to collect more as I did with multiple K28/B30s. At this point, I tend to keep my bags. I find the bag that I grab the most is a short shoulder So Kelly Elan (technically a 28, but it reads as smaller). I do still prefer a top handle to preserve my RTW, but the so Kelly elan is light enough where it doesn’t much matter.

Re weight of bags. I had a double sens (the first edition large made of clemence. I let it go bc it was just too heavy. While the later ones were significantly lighter, it’s possible your tolerance for weight may be greater than my own).

2. The state of the economy is giving me some pause, but I’m still shopping/purchasing if I see something I absolutely love. But, these days, I buy more for cost per wear than secondary market value. I’m also very conscious of the fact that my closet is full and I want to wear what I already have. The items I tire of, I mainly gift/donate to friends and family.

So long as you follow your heart and only buy what you love; can afford; and will use, you should simply trust your instincts. :)

ETA: during Covid, when prices at resale dropped, I picked up a number of structurally sound box, barenia, and swift BK deals (size 28/30) for between 4-7K USD. After docride or Hermes spa, they are all stunning. So, when prices bottom out, it may not be a good time to sell, but it’s a great time to purchase. I would prefer not to spend the huge retail prices for today’s boutique box bags, and I’m considering switching most of my spend to Paris which is about a third less than my local prices.

ETA: I also consider most h bags to be day bags. Mainly bc the casual restaurants I go to don’t have room on my chair (or anywhere else) for even a K25. My travel bag that I can overstuff and mistreat is a feutre felt TPM. It doesn’t matter if it’s not in style; it’s what works for me. ;)
Click to expand...
ITA
 
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#14
My bags are all forever bags, acquired over many years. From the largest (Victoria and original Drag) to the smallest (15 cm Balle de Golf) I select the right bag for the situation at hand. My small collection of a dozen H bags will meet any eventuality, without too much overlap.
IMO, H bags are not fashion items, but meant to give you daily pleasure, while adding a measure of elegance to your appearance. That is perhaps why I particularly treasure vintage beauties.
 
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#15
Veritybelle said:
I’ve only ever bought bags that met my needs and suited my lifestyle and that’s what I’ll continue to do. :smile:
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This! I've never been into the small bag trend, my smallest bag is the HAC 32! With age I find I carry more stuff than before, reading glasses and sunglasses are always in my bag, plus all kinds of other stuff. So no small bags for me!
 
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