I have realized something important about my H personality...
- Thread starter candace117
- Start date
I think the birkin is a stunning bag and love the way it looks on many women (my daughter, in particular). But it's not the bag for me. I first fell in love with the kelly back in the early 1960's and now own one - for me, a live-long dream fulfilled. It's just a fabulous bag and I adore the fact that it can be a shoulder bag and also carried in the hand. It feels SO good in my hand! I find it very easy to get into and I'm using it for my everyday bag.
The other bag I fell in love with all those years ago, is the constance. It's such a lady-like handbag. I have an "inspired by" one and I'm crazy about it. My "dream" constance would be in black croc but unless I win the lottery (and I don't buy tickets so my odds are not good!), that's not going to happen.
I love the plume, too. It's such a classic. One in black box would be heaven, but I will most likely be a one-Hermes girl.
This fall, I bought a stunning small black alligator Lederer bag on ebay, It's SO lady-like - it's my church bag and I adore it. It is beautifully made and leather-lined and was in perfect condition, even though it is from the early 1960's. It has a very Hermes-feeling to it - it's a classic.
Hermes jewelry doesn't interest me at all. I can't fit in their clothes, nor do I spend that kind of money on my clothes. The shoes are lovely but wouldn't work for me - I'm a Belgian girl during the day. I have no interest in the china and silver - I've got 11 sets of china and 3 of sterling and my taste is much more traditional - really prefer antique porcelain.
But then there are those scarfs!!! I broke down and bought my first one in Paris just 4 years ago at this time of year. My husband and I went for 10 days - he was dying of prostate cancer - and we had such a fabulous time. He got a tie and I got a scarf and we got a tie and a scarf for our two grown children (son and daughter). We must have spent 2-3 hours in Hermes and just had the best time. I will hold that memory for ever, and when I buy a new scarf, I know my husband would approve (don't know what he'd think about that kelly!).
The other bag I fell in love with all those years ago, is the constance. It's such a lady-like handbag. I have an "inspired by" one and I'm crazy about it. My "dream" constance would be in black croc but unless I win the lottery (and I don't buy tickets so my odds are not good!), that's not going to happen.
I love the plume, too. It's such a classic. One in black box would be heaven, but I will most likely be a one-Hermes girl.
This fall, I bought a stunning small black alligator Lederer bag on ebay, It's SO lady-like - it's my church bag and I adore it. It is beautifully made and leather-lined and was in perfect condition, even though it is from the early 1960's. It has a very Hermes-feeling to it - it's a classic.
Hermes jewelry doesn't interest me at all. I can't fit in their clothes, nor do I spend that kind of money on my clothes. The shoes are lovely but wouldn't work for me - I'm a Belgian girl during the day. I have no interest in the china and silver - I've got 11 sets of china and 3 of sterling and my taste is much more traditional - really prefer antique porcelain.
But then there are those scarfs!!! I broke down and bought my first one in Paris just 4 years ago at this time of year. My husband and I went for 10 days - he was dying of prostate cancer - and we had such a fabulous time. He got a tie and I got a scarf and we got a tie and a scarf for our two grown children (son and daughter). We must have spent 2-3 hours in Hermes and just had the best time. I will hold that memory for ever, and when I buy a new scarf, I know my husband would approve (don't know what he'd think about that kelly!).
It's so great that you are able to find your H personality before taking the plunge. I like a girl who knows what she wants and I sure hope you will be able to get your first bag real soon Candace.
Despite the current trends, I actually like smaller bags. I always knew I am a Constance girl. As to Kelly vs. Birkin, I didn't realise I love the Kelly more until recent correspondence with Grands Fonds and HermesGroupie. I am so grateful that the ladies here have helped me put things in perspective.
Despite the current trends, I actually like smaller bags. I always knew I am a Constance girl. As to Kelly vs. Birkin, I didn't realise I love the Kelly more until recent correspondence with Grands Fonds and HermesGroupie. I am so grateful that the ladies here have helped me put things in perspective.
India - your post is so sweet. I'm sorry about your DH, but glad that when you bring out your Hermes scarf you can remember him during a happy time!
I too have always admired the Kelly bag, and I hope within the next year that I will be able to buy my first H bag. Still torn between the Bolide and the Kelly (Bolide more useable and less expensive, Kelly - the ne plus ultra of elegant handbags...)
I too have always admired the Kelly bag, and I hope within the next year that I will be able to buy my first H bag. Still torn between the Bolide and the Kelly (Bolide more useable and less expensive, Kelly - the ne plus ultra of elegant handbags...)
^^ India, so so sorry about your loss. Your new kelly is really beautiful. I am sure your husband would love her. (((HUGS)))
Thank you all for your kind thoughts. We were married for 27 years (my 2nd marriage, his first), and he was the love of my life. Prostate cancer is a horrible disease. Be sure your DH's get their PSA test done yearly!!! I assumed my husband was getting one when he had his yearly check-up but found out that family medicine specialists consider it a "controversial" test and don't regularly do it. By the time he was diagnosed, it was too late to do anything but try to buy him some time.
I'm well aware that in buying this bag, I'm trying to fill that empty place that he has left. As much as I love my new kelly, I'm afraid it's a poor substitute for that dear, dear man.
I'm well aware that in buying this bag, I'm trying to fill that empty place that he has left. As much as I love my new kelly, I'm afraid it's a poor substitute for that dear, dear man.
^ India....(((hugs)))
I am glad you are posting this. It's good to share your feelings. We are here for you if you need us.
I am glad you are posting this. It's good to share your feelings. We are here for you if you need us.
India--I'm actually sitting here crying.
While thank G-d I have my husband with me (we're only in our 30s), I did lose my Mom to cancer and her relationship with my Dad was very much like what you are describing. I truly feel for you, and think you are such an amazing lady. I'm so happy to hear that you do have such wonderful, beautiful memories with your husband. And honestly--if a Kelly bag can help you mourn your loss, then so be it. There are worse things one could do, take it from me!
While thank G-d I have my husband with me (we're only in our 30s), I did lose my Mom to cancer and her relationship with my Dad was very much like what you are describing. I truly feel for you, and think you are such an amazing lady. I'm so happy to hear that you do have such wonderful, beautiful memories with your husband. And honestly--if a Kelly bag can help you mourn your loss, then so be it. There are worse things one could do, take it from me!
Hermes is never going to be a substitute for the love of your life!!!! And it is okay that you bought a Kelly because you have wanted one for so long, though she has a HUGE void in your heart to fill. I am sorry that you lost your DH but I feel happy knowing you shared almost 30 years with your true love - how many people get that chance? When DH was in Iraq back in 2004/2005 at the beginning of our relationship, we were a young love but I absolutely knew he was my 'one', which is why I waited for him. That time period made me realize that each day is a gift, and even though things are 'normal' - though how normal is a soldier's life? - I think often back to those days and how focused I was. Sometimes I get comfortable and lose focus, it's easy to do. But I remember how lucky I felt back then, that even though we were separated and something could happen to him, we were cherishing each moment and making sure each minute counted. We quite literally saved each other. You, although in a different way by technicality, have lived through my worst fear - and I feel you are a strong woman who cherishes DH's memory, and have a special way to remember him (with scarves)...in that way, he will live with you forever, and we'll get to know a bit of what it was like for you two to love each other from knowing you. And I feel blessed to have that chance.
Thank you! I won't be able to get my Lindy until 2010, when we return from Iraq (with the $$$, lol), but it will be here before we know it, I hope all of you are still around for my reveal!
Hi Candace911. Kelly is so timeless... I was just buying kelly before but it all changed after a few years ... I now love birkins!
kelly is still close to my
kelly is still close to my
Okay, now my eyes are watering...
India - I know that your DH will always be with you. I'd love to add more but just the thought of your posts is already making my vision blurry.
Candace - Be safe hon. Do what you have to do and return quickly.
India - I know that your DH will always be with you. I'd love to add more but just the thought of your posts is already making my vision blurry.
Candace - Be safe hon. Do what you have to do and return quickly.
Wow...
My dad died last year from cancer (it was detected late so when he was diagnosed it had spread - colon, prostate, & liver).
My mom and I are still reeling and OMG there has definitely been this crazy temptation to dull the pain with buying things.
Yes, we always enjoyed shopping but esp for my mom, when my dad passed it seemed to go into overdrive & even I started to worry.
We've had several discussions about this and she finally realized that she(we?) can't patch the space with stuff & keeping super busy. Sometimes I still have to check in w/myself, question my motivation for a purchase, my emotional state etc. My mom seems lost and even though I'm married to a wonderful man, I still feel knocked out of orbit myself. I haven't a ton of time to stew/grieve/fret with 3 children but that awful lump in my chest is still there. Well, the Zoloft helps a bit but still. I'm laughing - I have an weird sense of humor/inappropriate ticklepoints, sorry.
Another funny thing is that I miss my dad laughing and teasing about (in a humouous way) our purchases etc. He'd always ask what we bought 'this time' or bring the bags in from the car that we'd leave sometimes, accidentally on purpose.
OTOH, his death showed us that anyone can die. It sounds silly but this juvenile part of me is still astounded that my dad just withered and died like that. Not that this put me in a crazy "live for today" irresponsible place but it was a wake up to enjoy life while I'm able. He always wanted to go back to Japan and Vietnam but kept putting it off. So now i think about him when I'm maybe needlessly deferring something.
I'll close for now. Sorry for going on and on but the conversation really hit my heart.
