Is the bag wearing me?

[golconda]

Have stated before that I love larger bags. Jane Birkin's first Birkin was 40 cm if I am not mistaken.

CDL said I could quote her here ....she once told me a woman should never carry a bag that is smaller than her a$$. We still laugh about that.

 

[sparks1007]

i prefer the bigger kellys as shoulder bags. cross body will also add bulk to one's frame in the bigger sizes. given H is now offering shoulder straps in the shorter lengths too, please do consider carrying it with a short shoulder strap if you are after a k35. here is my k35 with 60cm canvas strap, it is a lot easier to open and close with a short strap.

View attachment 4041101 View attachment 4041102

This is a great look and exactly what I am envisaging with the K35 I'm looking at.

I just posted pictures in the size reference thread of me carrying a Kelly 20cm, Kelly 28 sellier, K32 sellier, K32 retourne, K35 retourne, and K40 retourne. I think we are similar in height and build, but if it helps, feel free to take a look.

[emoji106]

Oh, and my feelings will not at all be hurt if you think I’m wearing bags too big for me (or too small).

https://forum.purseblog.com/index.php?posts/32223243/

They are super super helpful. Thanks so much. They all look fabulous on you.

 

[sparks1007]

I love my Chapman strap. I ordered a different striped strap from Mautto which I am also happy with, but the Chapman strap you see on my bag is really really wonderful for what I wanted to achieve with my K35 Barenia....I wanted a strap that completed the "out-in-the-field"/safari vibe and the Chapman straps do that well. The canvas is also the same width as the canvas H straps, whereas the widest Mautto is still a bit narrower (or at least they used to be). I think the width may strike some as being masculine looking, but I like how it reads and feels. Vert Olive is so lovely in Barenia....I've had natural barenia, black barenia and ebene barenia birkins but never VO. If it makes your heart sing, you should go for it! And if it doesn't work for you in the end, at least you know that it would be an easy bag to re-sell/re-home.

Are they the standard 2" straps available online? Or did you special order it from Chapman's? I'm back in London this summer so I can certainly pick one up then. I do love the VO. I was all set on a black but I feel that the VO might be more versatile? I wear a lot of black, blues, greens and reds. None of them primary colours and all very casual.

I would absolutely let a Vert Olive Barenia Kelly “wear” me! That’s one bag I wouldn’t be able to walk away from no matter how poorly it goes with my style or body size. For what you carry, you’ll need a bigger bag. The 32cm will be a tight squeeze with a water bottle and book. I don’t normally like Kellys larger than 28cm on a shoulder strap, but because the bag will definitely get super heavy, I’d wear it exactly the way Psaseattle wears hers. For what it’s worth, I think the 35cm Kelly looks just fine on you, and it’ll look even more casual in Barenia.

I agree Ouija Board! I would let a Vert Olive Barenia Kelly "wear" me too! Anytime

Yeah - that's my thinking. Large oversized VO worn with a wide shorter strap (adjustable for cross body when needed)....sigh....stuff of dreams. Here she is in case you were wondering.

 

[sparks1007]

Is the bag wearing me?
Yes, it’s to big, to me a bag should flow with your wardrobe, and your style and compliment you.

Thanks. To be fair what I'm wearing here is only about 50% my "real" style. This is very much a work outfit for me and not one I would wear this bag with. But you make a good point about flow.

I think it overpowers your frame, especially worn this way. My vote would be for the 28 or 32 as I think they’re are elegant and versatile, and would give you ore options that’d all look fabulous.

Thanks very much. Sadly I am not a particularly elegant person nor do I have an elegant wardrobe

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Love both attitudes

Thanks for these. Super useful. That top photo is very much my winter style. Jeans, boots, small 1940s/1950s jacket or 1930s trench coat and large scarves in winter. Summer is 1940s/1950s sun dresses or 1930s/1940s overalls. There's some examples on my Insta (@anthipatrikios) if anyone wants a peak and if you can trawl through all the dog photos

 

[southernbelle43]

Have stated before that I love larger bags. Jane Birkin's first Birkin was 40 cm if I am not mistaken.

CDL said I could quote her here ....she once told me a woman should never carry a bag that is smaller than her a$$. We still laugh about that.

Hilarious. I love that.

 

[cap4life]

Way too big for you. I think maybe if it was a sellier it would be ok, but I'd only use a 35 retourne as a travel bag for hand carry only. Get a 32 or 28.

 

[pjhm]

Hilarious. I love that.

I think it is just the opposite, a big bag hides your nice, trim frame. Show off your frame, not the giant purse. It adds 15 pounds to every woman I’ve ever seen carry it.

 

[sparks1007]

Sparks107 - I went back and looked at your original post and the photos you included of you trying on the red K35 as a proxy for the actual Barenia bag you're considering. I wanted to just add that IMO, I dont think those specific photos give you the best indication of how a VO Barenia K35 with a wide canvas strap will actually look or feel on you. I went back and looked at them and for what it's worth, I think

1) the thinner standard K strap reads completely differently than a wide canvas strap and on a K35 I feel it is relatively dainty and actually not comfortable enough for dealing with the bag's weight
2) as worn in those photos, the K35 with the standard strap hits you at the wrong place on your body. Adjusting that hang length will dramatically affect how that bag appears on you (it will still be big/wide but it will look very different)
3) all bags have a purpose. so if this is a daily "workhorse" consideration....if you want to carry the things you say, a K32 or a K28 will be a tight squeeze. I know lots of women here are very happy with the K32 or K28 capacity...but as someone who tends to carry A LOT for work and play, for ME the K32 capacity and dimensions are tight for a workhorse bag. On a daily basis, I typically carry large-ish ziparound wallet, sunglasses, reading glasses, make up bag, water bottle, moleskin notebook, occasionally an ipad pro, pens, scarf, earbuds, iphone 8, extra charger/brick. I'm typically on the go throughout the week, moving around alot (I don't work at a desk all day every day).

So for me, the other daily workhorse bag choices I'll use if not my K35 are a 32 Plume VN, a Picotin TGM, a Paris Bombay 37, or actually a Fjallraven Kanken laptop backpack That's how much utility I need! I'm relatively casual in my day to day life including work meetings.

Maybe you're the same?

Thank you so much for your thoughtful feedback. I agree that this bag is not the best representation of the VO K35. Sadly I don't have access to another bag. I could go back and try this one on again - or a Vert Anis they have - but I feel bad since I know I won't be buying it. I did consider this one at first but the colour isn't right for me. I would want this as a sightseeing/walking around town/hanging out/shopping bag.

I would tend to carry a purse (considering a Flemming long wallet right now), coin/receipt purse, small pouch with painkillers etc, water bottle, compact umbrella, reusable shopping bag, book or Kindle and sunglasses in case. A medium Givenchy Pandora works for me size wise.

Sounds like I am the same as you - pretty casual. I love the dressed down photos on here but honestly most of those are me dressed up. For work I use a Helianthus (Korean brand) backpack. I don't really go out in the evenings to warrant an evening Kelly bag. The cost per wear would be too high for me. I don't live in a country with theatres and evening events etc. Our local restaurants are shorts and tshirts places and our local bar is a total dive - one step up from a sports bar/strip joint. I prefer clutches and very small bags for any evenings out as I only take money and my phone and house keys. And I have my Chanel jumbo flap for if I need something slightly larger. On that note, I find that bag to be too small and dressy for day wear and that chain strap kills my shoulder.

I agree here - 28s and 32s are not great for this kind of daily carry. 28 is pretty much impossible. If I carry a K28 I also have a backpack or at least a laptop bag with me.

Unfortunately we have seven pages of subjective opinion, from a forum that overwhelmingly prefers smaller bags, that only the OP can weed through to make a decision.

Thanks very much. I hadn't really noticed the trend here before for small bags but I see it now. You make a good point.

 

[sparks1007]

I think it is just the opposite, a big bag hides your nice, trim frame. Show off your frame, not the giant purse. It adds 15 pounds to every woman I’ve ever seen carry it.

I'm not sure I have a trim frame. I'm actually a lot bigger than I think a lot of you think I am. I mean I'm flattered that you describe me as small etc but honestly I'm not. I'm a proper US size 6-8. I'm not saying I'm big, but I'm not small. I am a busty broad weighing in at a little over 140lbs. Here's me with my B35 VN for comparison. I think this is a better idea of my size. I do think the Kelly photos are not a true reflection of my size.

 

[mdcx]

Thanks. To be fair what I'm wearing here is only about 50% my "real" style. This is very much a work outfit for me and not one I would wear this bag with. But you make a good point about flow.



Thanks very much. Sadly I am not a particularly elegant person nor do I have an elegant wardrobe



Thanks for these. Super useful. That top photo is very much my winter style. Jeans, boots, small 1940s/1950s jacket or 1930s trench coat and large scarves in winter. Summer is 1940s/1950s sun dresses or 1930s/1940s overalls. There's some examples on my Insta (@anthipatrikios) if anyone wants a peak and if you can trawl through all the dog photos

I looked at your Insta and the above pic and your personal style is just adorable. I stand by my earlier comment that you are quite petite, and I do think a smaller bag would fit better.

 

[catsinthebag]

Thank you so much for your thoughtful feedback. I agree that this bag is not the best representation of the VO K35. Sadly I don't have access to another bag. I could go back and try this one on again - or a Vert Anis they have - but I feel bad since I know I won't be buying it. I did consider this one at first but the colour isn't right for me. I would want this as a sightseeing/walking around town/hanging out/shopping bag.

I would tend to carry a purse (considering a Flemming long wallet right now), coin/receipt purse, small pouch with painkillers etc, water bottle, compact umbrella, reusable shopping bag, book or Kindle and sunglasses in case. A medium Givenchy Pandora works for me size wise.

Sounds like I am the same as you - pretty casual. I love the dressed down photos on here but honestly most of those are me dressed up. For work I use a Helianthus (Korean brand) backpack. I don't really go out in the evenings to warrant an evening Kelly bag. The cost per wear would be too high for me. I don't live in a country with theatres and evening events etc. Our local restaurants are shorts and tshirts places and our local bar is a total dive - one step up from a sports bar/strip joint. I prefer clutches and very small bags for any evenings out as I only take money and my phone and house keys. And I have my Chanel jumbo flap for if I need something slightly larger. On that note, I find that bag to be too small and dressy for day wear and that chain strap kills my shoulder.



Thanks very much. I hadn't really noticed the trend here before for small bags but I see it now. You make a good point.

TBH, I think you may have the same issue with a Vert Anis K35 as with the red — it’s a very bright, noticeable color and will read larger than Vert Olive barenia or black. I do agree with @psaseattle that a wide strap will make a huge difference, as will where the bag falls on you.

As far as capacity, go with the size that works best for your needs. IMO this is the most important thing to consider when choosing a casual, everyday H bag — it’s way too much money to be frustrated because it won’t carry all you need. From what you said you carry, I don’t think you can comfortably fit that in a 32 (although I’ve seen some amazing feats of Bag Tetris on tPF!). I took a photo of what was in my 35 when I went shopping the other day. There’s a LOT of extra room on top — I could have also fit a Moleskine-style notebook in there, or a Kindle or iPad, as well as a small umbrella. It will get HEAVY with all that so I try not to overdo it where the weight is concerned. Also, I like having a little extra room in my bags, especially if it’s the only bag I’m carrying that day (instead of the smaller bag with shopping bag or backpack combo). HTH!

 

[ManilaMama]

...There's some examples on my Insta (@anthipatrikios) if anyone wants a peak and if you can trawl through all the dog photos

I looked at your IG to get a feel of your style to see if I can offer recommendations and my first thought was, “Gee, she looks like she’s where I’m from” and then I saw a shot of SLEX and I was like OMG MANILA! Haha. High five and cheers all around for being in this hectic, tropical and sweltering hot city!!

About bag advice... well, I don’t know much about style or no style but all I know is that if you LOVE the bag, get it!! I have tiny pink bags and I have teddy bear shaped bags and man, they bring me more joy than some of my more “popular” bags. Know what I mean?

 

[minuit]

The top consideration should be what purpose this Kelly will serve in your wardrobe. Perhaps the reason why many members are saying it’s too large is because many people prefer to use a Birkin when carrying more, and use a Kelly when they carry less. This has some logic to it, since the Birkin distributes weight more evenly due to its two handles.

I’ll admit that my first reaction was that the Kelly was too big. However, I think whether you end up using the Kelly matters more than what other people think you look like when you use it. How it makes you feel is also important, and a Kelly at this size can be pretty “loud” in my opinion, so you’ve got to be comfortable with that and rock it. However, the colors you’re looking at are neutral, so it will probably read more like a briefcase, especially if you carry it by the top handle and leave the sangles open. This can look very cool, and I had briefly considered using a large sellier black Kelly as a briefcase, but I felt that the weight when fully loaded would be a problem for me.

I would really encourage you to try a K32 retourne before making your purchase. I know you love the leather options you have for the K35, but who knows whether you wouldn’t love a barenia K32 even more? For example, after I tried on Kellys at a consignment store I discovered that even though lots of members prefer K28 as the perfect small Kelly, I prefer K25 because it seems to weigh only half as much as a K28 when empty! It’s better to see what it’s like for yourself to be certain in your choice so you won’t have any regrets.

 

[calexandre]

The top consideration should be what purpose this Kelly will serve in your wardrobe. Perhaps the reason why many members are saying it’s too large is because many people prefer to use a Birkin when carrying more, and use a Kelly when they carry less. This has some logic to it, since the Birkin distributes weight more evenly due to its two handles.

I’ll admit that my first reaction was that the Kelly was too big. However, I think whether you end up using the Kelly matters more than what other people think you look like when you use it. How it makes you feel is also important, and a Kelly at this size can be pretty “loud” in my opinion, so you’ve got to be comfortable with that and rock it. However, the colors you’re looking at are neutral, so it will probably read more like a briefcase, especially if you carry it by the top handle and leave the sangles open. This can look very cool, and I had briefly considered using a large sellier black Kelly as a briefcase, but I felt that the weight when fully loaded would be a problem for me.

I would really encourage you to try a K32 retourne before making your purchase. I know you love the leather options you have for the K35, but who knows whether you wouldn’t love a barenia K32 even more? For example, after I tried on Kellys at a consignment store I discovered that even though lots of members prefer K28 as the perfect small Kelly, I prefer K25 because it seems to weigh only half as much as a K28 when empty! It’s better to see what it’s like for yourself to be certain in your choice so you won’t have any regrets.

All of this is such great advice! I especially agree that even though it's often difficult to get your hands on Hermes bags to try-- much less bags in a specific size, style, or color-- the results of a size trial can be very surprising. I'm on the tall end of the spectrum, and own and love Kellys ranging from 28-35 Sellier. The Plume, on the other hand, only works on me in 28 (I would have expected 32 would suit better), and the Picotin only in 18 (I'd have thought 22). I have small friends that look phenomenal in bags I could probably curl up and ride in, and friends taller than I am who need even smaller bags. So much depends on the shape of your body as well as your height, and a 32 might end up being the size that makes you feel the most confident-- and as @minuit says, what matters is rocking it! I'm sure from seeing your pics that whatever you decide on, you will rock it indeed. Looking forward to seeing what you choose in the end!

 

[frou frou]

s

I'm not sure I have a trim frame. I'm actually a lot bigger than I think a lot of you think I am. I mean I'm flattered that you describe me as small etc but honestly I'm not. I'm a proper US size 6-8. I'm not saying I'm big, but I'm not small. I am a busty broad weighing in at a little over 140lbs. Here's me with my B35 VN for comparison. I think this is a better idea of my size. I do think the Kelly photos are not a true reflection of my size.

Love, love your modern retro style , I think you're the sort of woman who has confidence and flair and so will be incapable of choosing or looking wrong!
I can see the small colourful Kelly/ heels /dressy is very popular on the forum, and we're talking about a very different approach with your lifestyle . Just go with your love for the 35 VO , I guarantee you'll love it and look amazing.