How many is enough? What is your H number

[lifegetsbetterwithh]

Hmmmm.... "enough" is an interesting concept.
It really got me thinking what functions my handbags actually serve, while I usually rather think in terms of "want" if I am really honest.

So I have tried to come up with categories:
#1 - DREAM BAG: Birkin 30 Barenia Fauve, GHW (just because I love this leather and the most versatile size imho)
#2 - EVERYDAY RIDE OR DIE: Birkin 30 Noir, GHW in either Chevre or Epsom (sturdy, lightweight, practical, no problems with rain)
#3 - WORK: Birkin 35 Etoupe, GHW, Togo (big enough to carry everything, versatile color but not black)
#4 - CROSSBODY BAG: Kelly 28 Retourne, Noir, GHW, Togo (can be styled both casual and chic, ideal travel bag for me)
#5 - DATE NIGHT / GOING OUT: Kelly Cut, Swift, GHW
#6 - SPECIAL PIECE: Birkin 25, Craie, GHW, Togo - Craie is my favorite H-color and it is as versatile as black for me

 

[880]

I’ve posted in this thread before but didn’t mention my number. It varies (as some bags semi permanently live in my moms closet; but this number doesn’t include bags I’ve given her as gifts ). At the high end, my number is normally under 30 (years ago, when I collected Jiges, it was more). These days, i kind of feel like my H bags constitute a weird sort of lending library. (I used to consign some, but stopped doing that even before Covid). Which makes me think my number is good.

I have a younger friend who is trying to decide on her first H bag for work. So, I loaned her a B35, a K32, a 35 Victoria and a 35 Trim. (I told her she can have the trim which was a fauve barenia covid deal for 600USD) She will also borrow a B30 and perhaps my TGM pico. her issue is she wants to carry a laptop or large iPad, thus I strongly advised a B over a K. As I get older and carry less, B30s have become sort of heavy; maybe I’m a wimp Lol. I also gave away a beloved JPG shoulder B bc it was always too big (I prefer my JPG fringe Kelly but even that is large when you only carry a card case and sunglasses with your phone in cargo pants). Since Covid, I don’t even fill a calvi.

i gave away my last Evelyne III 29 and a rodeo Bc i decided they made me look like a suburban soccer mom. I would have given some to my younger cousins, but they keep irritating me, so I haven’t yet. Oddly, some of these bags been gone for months, others for weeks, and I don’t miss them. The remaining B35 I have is a toile. I love toile, but have been waiting to replace it with the right B30 for years. The B35 toile is technically still with me in case I go away for the weekend (which I don’t really do). I like pico 18s (I have a felt one and a smooth barenia) but don’t wear them too often.

Not entirely sure I want to go into exotics. For the money, I might prefer jewelry. Bc of my RTW prespend, and my propensity for smaller bags, my next bag should be a mini K. My SA also thinks a possibility for the next bag might be a HAC ado, (the sort of small shoulder/backpack like one, but mainly for DH. . .

My B25 and K25 are fun to use, but honestly I wear my mini Della cavalleria and tpm (for Whole Foods trips) more. I prefer my Loewe mini to a mini lindy, so never got the latter. I might have wanted a KTG, but I have a black box kelly longue wallet, brushed phw, that I carry as a clutch, so a KTG seems redundant.

Functionally, my number could be: mini Della cavalleria; TPM; B25; K25; and IDK ___, but I hesitate to Marie Kondo that low, bc it tends to cause me to ratchet up out of nervousness and buy a lot of stuff. I also like deals like preloved bargains and vintage or discontinued styles (the way to get me to buy something is to say a style is no longer produced Lol) and have to stop myself from buying stuff for my imaginary life.

So, I guess, if I fall in love with something, great. Otherwise I’m good

 

[Keren16]

I add as the inspiration or offer presents. No number involved. Most of my bags sit in the closet. Unfortunately. I consider my additions as part of a collection. Especially my Kellys which range from vintage to current. Though I love my B25, it doesn’t have as much wear time as it should. I just bought a Roulis because of the understated appearance. The ‘under the radar’ look is appealing to me.
Probably 3 Hermes bags of different styles would be perfect. And better appreciated

 

[luckylove]

I don't know about some magic number, but I haven't ever felt the need to collect a full rainbow assortment of bags, nor a bag in every neutral or pseudo neutral available. I love the look of a cherished well loved bag that has a story to tell. For me, If you have a light neutral, a dark neutral and a pop of color plus an evening clutch and crossbody, you might just have most of your bases covered. Of course, I am always open to the seduction of some new wonderful piece, but feel no compulsion to chase anything at this time. These bags are meant to be used, loved and worn... too big a collection would just collect dust and sit like a museum piece in the closet...

 

[lara0112]

Special Kelly
Special Roulis
Hermesway for convenient small cross-body

and I believe what will be a range of interesting GPs - I have one so far, and I see myself getting a lot more. I thought I might want a B, but not really

 

[Kitsune711]

I didn't think this would ever happen, that I'd be able to own any of these bags BUT it's amazing what can happen in a few years.
I think I'm done now essentially though. I got my Birkin 30, Constance 18 and Herbag Zip 31.

...that said, I would really like a Kelly Bag so I can achieve my goal; one of each princess bag.

Maybe I can get one by the end of the year I hope(?)

 

[saligator]

I had 6, I now have 1. I'm fine with it.
I posted elsewhere that I just got sick of worrying about them, being identified as a target, and leather does not stand the test of time in the same way as other things like say, gold. So I sold my collection except for the Cocoa Clemence Evelyn with RG HW and pivoted to adding to my jewelry collection.

 

[fonnas]

5 for me. I just got done this year putting my collection together. My bags are chosen based on functionality and not just for collection reasons:

- Evelyne TPM Beige De Weimar Taurillon Clémence PHW
- Birkin 35 Gris Étain Togo PHW
- Kelly Dépêches 25 Gris Étain Evercolor PHW
- Cityback 27 Backpack Noir Taurillon Cristobal PHW
- Sac à Dépêches 35 Veau Barenia PHW

 

[birkel]

after a major rather large collection I find that I enjoy bags in sets of 4. I have.... renovated over the years,but I now know that there are three bags i must always have, those are 1.Birkin 35cm,2.Mini Kelly,3.Lindy26cm. the 4th spot is usually Toile bag.
(G.P Birkin Bolide etc.) i rotate toile bags much more than others.

So that's me ............that said,sometimes Hermes makes something like the monochrome green picotin and i give myself a free pass and make it 5 bags.

 

[eckw]

At 8 bags, I’m quite content. After moving country and not having a regular SA anymore, I’ve stopped collecting and am no longer chasing quota bags. I wouldn’t mind adding a Bolide 27 (only in craie/nata) and maybe a neutral Evelyn TPM but not going on the hunt for them.

I find it incredibly freeing to just wander into random H stores while on holiday to see what is available with no pressing desires or expectations.

my current collection:
2 Birkins (30cm and 25cm)
2 Kelly’s (28cm and 25cm)
1 Kelly Ado backpack
1 Constance 18
1 Aline crossbody
1 in-the-loop belt (just bought!)

 

[doloresmia]

I might like one or two more bags, but mostly very happy with what I have

Old croc or alllogator B or K - if one dropped from heavens into my lap
Bright colored smooshy older 32 kelly in blue Jean, lime or something like that
Constance maybe? I did feel this was gap now think smooshy 32 kelly more my thing. 18 is right size, 24 fits my glasses so can never figure it out. I guess I could ask for contacts?

 

[Classy Collector]

I might like one or two more bags, but mostly very happy with what I have

Old croc or alllogator B or K - if one dropped from heavens into my lap
Bright colored smooshy older 32 kelly in blue Jean, lime or something like that
Constance maybe? I did feel this was gap now think smooshy 32 kelly more my thing. 18 is right size, 24 fits my glasses so can never figure it out. I guess I could ask for contacts?

Glasses are important not to be compromised imo
Husband started asking me to carry his glasses everywhere. Otherwise he cannot see restaurant menus, read product labels at stores, etc. 28 is the smallest size H bag I can carry now. I tell him I need to switch the small bags to bigger bags

 

[Classy Collector]

cont’ from above… So I figure I need at least 3 bags now. One black, one light color, one throw around everywhere that I don’t mind getting in dirtier places/inclement weather. And they all need to be size 28+.

 

[Love Of My Life]

A fine line between wanting & needing..
For many of us our daily bag needs have changed & will continue to change (just like clothing has)
I have several Kelly bags that I'm delighted to own & treasure & perhaps
if something spectacular comes my way my number of bags will change but until then
I prefer to have a functional bag in my wardrobe that I will enjoy & use as often as I can
The days of collecting "bags" in our closets seem to be passe for many..

 

[880]

18 is right size, 24 fits my glasses

Glasses are important not to be compromised imo

In order to use a smaller, lighter bag, DH and I use a universal glasses case from valextra
(but I am okay with exposed temples)

Light Gray Leather Soft Glasses Case | Valextra

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