Kelly 40 vs. Birkin 40: Need workhorse. Too big? Also: Pre-loved or new?

[Suncatcher]

I have Ardennes and I love it. Very durable, great in all kinds of weather (I live in a four season climate) And it gets slightly smoothly over time. I love a birkin 35 and a Kelly 32 so I like “big bags”. But I think a birkin 40 and a Kelly 40 are huge bags. Plus they will get so heavy once loaded. Are you tall? I have a friend who is tall and rocks a birkin 40 like it is nobody’s business. It looks so great on her. I could not pull off the weight or the size.

 

[VertColSwift]

Dear all, for years I have considered getting an Hermés bag, but it was pure fantasy and desire for the ultimate bag. Now I just got a new job and it might be actually possible. For more than one year I have been going back and forth on model, size, and alternatives (the only one would be the peekaboo, but.... still not the same). Now a second hand designer store here has a Birkin 40 in black with GHW to sell, and I am wondering if I should (no receipts, no equipment; I have known the store for 20 years and trust them, but everything is possible). So my main questions are this:
- Size: Is the Birkin 40 a lot bigger than the Kelly 40? Are both too big? I need to fit my Macbook Air 13”, some documents, a bottle of water, purse, a novel, some makeup etc.
- Color: I am leaning toward black, just for eternity reasons, but would also be into Iris, some sort of electric blue or a stunning pink. Any favorites? Cold colors work best for me.
- Leather: I keep reading about the magic of Ardennes leather, and that the newer Togo is not as good anymore as older leathers. Which would point me toward a used bag, right? Any experiences?
- I travel a lot by train and bike, and I absolutely need this bag to be a workhorse, meaning I think (!) I do need a shoulder strap, which of course would mean a Kelly, not a Birkin; do any of you do similar things and own a Birkin regardless? It will be used daily.
- Do you think a Kelly of the size I need looks conservative? My style is pretty experimental, so I am wondering.
- To have a broken in bag (not as much worry) I am considering getting a pre-loved one. I am in Germany right now; does anyone have insights as to good websites or good stores where I might do so?

I would be happy to hear from ladies with the big bags as they seem to be mostly owned by men, and just to hear from people who use their H Bags as workhorses.

Thanks so much!!!!

Anna-Maria

First, I think black BK40 Gold hardware is a forever bag, but always when buying pre loved, authenticate. Bababebi is highly recommended. Receipts, boxes, dust bags, and the bag itself, it all can be copied. Authenticate. I have both 40 and 35 which are bigger sizes. I totally prefer Birkin 35. I have only 1 Birkin 40 and fits my MacBook also 13 and a lot of space still available, so I think 40 is right for you. Birkin 35 fits also but more tight. If you need to keep carrying your MacBook, 40 is better but 40 is heavier, and sometimes not pleasant to keep wearing bigger bags, it’s really big and sometimes when I use Mine, it hurts my forearm. Also, about color, if I could choose one color, it would be blue COLVERT, stunning. Iris, pink, electric blue, I don’t like any and don’t feel like good options if choosing only one bag. About Ardennes, I just don’t like it, IMO Togo feels extremely better, older ones feels even better, yes, newer ones are good also but finer. Also, I bought my BK40 preloved, I would never buy it brand new at store because price is the higher because of size and if you want to sell in future, you will loose much more money, because 40 are really big and sometimes easier to get at boutique, even more in the moment that people prefer mini bags, you can totally Find like new Birkin 40 for great prices. I don’t think you should use those bags when riding a bike. Birkin 40 will be impossible, even more with a lot of stuff inside, kelly 40 maybe with Sangle strap bought separately at the store. I once tried on a Kelly 40 and it just didn’t feel right, kelly feels better in 35, and smallest sizes, bigger sizes feel better in Birkin, my opinion. The Kelly also has a more formal look, when compared to birkin, even if you choose Retourné kelly style, Birkin feels better if you don’t want formal.

 

[girlhasbags]

I am having the same Delima. I found a K40 in Ardennes and it is a real beauty but it is a really big bag. I love big bags but this one may be a little too big. I also have a B35 and K35 they are much better in size for everyday. which did you go with? Are you happy with the choice? Why? Thanks

 

[annapurse]

So a Little pandemic update. I have been researching obsessively between a Fendi peekaboo, the Kelley or the Birkin. I am a bit worried about what an Hermès bag will tell the world when I carry it to work, at the same time I increasingly feel this will be the only one that will last me a lifetime, not just because of quality but in terms of timelessness. I really appreciate everyone’s insights, especially regarding leather types and sizes; I do think the 35 is the minimum in each version, but I will try to get an appointment this week or next and try them on in the store. (It makes me nervous even just typing this!)

 

[acrowcounted]

So a Little pandemic update. I have been researching obsessively between a Fendi peekaboo, the Kelley or the Birkin. I am a bit worried about what an Hermès bag will tell the world when I carry it to work, at the same time I increasingly feel this will be the only one that will last me a lifetime, not just because of quality but in terms of timelessness. I really appreciate everyone’s insights, especially regarding leather types and sizes; I do think the 35 is the minimum in each version, but I will try to get an appointment this week or next and try them on in the store. (It makes me nervous even just typing this!)

Just FYI, many (most?) stores don’t have model bags for try on. A reseller store front might be more successful for this task.

 

[annapurse]

Thanks for the heads up - the Munich store does (at least up to size 35), I tried the 30 and 35 last time, but not a 40, so will check if they do. Though it may depend on how much is going on whether they offer to try it. Wish me luck!

 

[annapurse]

Hi Anna-Maria,

All your thoughts are very familiar to me. I love H for the scarves and considered getting a big vintage Kelly 35 or 40 for conferences, workhorse...
I have very similar requirements as you list, but I wanted to stuff a notebook a bit bigger than A4 in it, plus beverage, have space for a cardi, be able to wear it when riding my bike to work as well as on the shoulder. It should not be damaged in rain so I can use it year round, should have a flap on top so that the things inside are protected against rain and thieves. No flashy logos, structured, rectangular.
In German I would call this the "eierlegende Wollmilchsau".

I found mine, but it is not Hermès. Check out the Givenchy Medium Mystic bag!
Fits a ton, does not weigh too much, can be worn cross body, on the shoulder or in the crook of the arm.

I dragged it around Berlin stuffed full for a week long conference in November (rainy and cold): never any problems, the perfect work bag.
Downsides: No feet, not Hermès, the bottom needs reinforcement or it sags when I load too many books inside.

I know, it is not H, but if you have a chance to try it somewhere: do it and think about it. perfect work bag. Mine is burgundy with GHW.

If I sparked your interest send me a PM, if you are patient you can get some action shots.

I have looked at it ans actually really like it! Will try and find one in real life to check out. Is it leather lined?

 

[HoneyLocks]

I have looked at it ans actually really like it! Will try and find one in real life to check out. Is it leather lined?

Partly. I will send you a PM.

 

[Sunlitshadows]

I think you will not find a Birkin to be your forever work bag because of the weight. I would recommend a garden party or a 24/24.

 

[annapurse]

Is the 24/24 substantially lighter? Does it stand up independently? I am now hooked on a White Bus (or Whitebus?) - discovered they have been discontinued for a long time, and saw one on TRR in Cyclamen and am somehow in love. Minus: hand carry only, and open top... does anyone have experience with buying one recently? And where? am in Germany, and the only ones I see seem to be in Japan and/or US. I have just read the thread where mezzopiano (how do you tag members?) talks a lot about the White Bus, and think it might be what I am looking for. Or, alternatively, the 40 Kelly in used and casual looking. But the no hardware look of the WB is really appealing.
Thoughts?

 

[maxroxxherhandbags]

Is the 24/24 substantially lighter? Does it stand up independently? I am now hooked on a White Bus (or Whitebus?) - discovered they have been discontinued for a long time, and saw one on TRR in Cyclamen and am somehow in love. Minus: hand carry only, and open top... does anyone have experience with buying one recently? And where? am in Germany, and the only ones I see seem to be in Japan and/or US. I have just read the thread where mezzopiano (how do you tag members?) talks a lot about the White Bus, and think it might be what I am looking for. Or, alternatively, the 40 Kelly in used and casual looking. But the no hardware look of the WB is really appealing.
Thoughts?

I am paging member @WhiteBus who has a couple of White Bus bags.
I agree with you that its a beautiful hardware free under the radar bag-I personally much prefer the look of Whitebus to 24/24.

 

[annapurse]

Yes I think I agree. Weirdly the 24/24 looks more age specific/dated to me. Also I really need a bag that stands up for itself (ha).

 

[WhiteBus]

So a Little pandemic update. I have been researching obsessively between a Fendi peekaboo, the Kelley or the Birkin. I am a bit worried about what an Hermès bag will tell the world when I carry it to work, at the same time I increasingly feel this will be the only one that will last me a lifetime, not just because of quality but in terms of timelessness. I really appreciate everyone’s insights, especially regarding leather types and sizes; I do think the 35 is the minimum in each version, but I will try to get an appointment this week or next and try them on in the store. (It makes me nervous even just typing this!)

You have got to address the issue of what an Hermes bag would tell the world.
It depends on the people with whom you come into contact; if they recognise the bag being Hermes and the associated amount of money you would have spent, then it might send a signal that could make you uncomfortable; HOWEVER most people would not be likely to recognise it, so there is nothing to consider; you will probably be very conscious of it fir the first few days, but it won't take long for it to be just the bag you are using for work.

Your choice of style does need more information. What kind if bag are you using now? how does it suit your needs? do you need constant easy access or the security of closure? if an open tote works for you the a Garden Party could be a good choice - lighter than a Birkin - a very popular and successful style. Remember that Hermes is the slippery slope, so perhaps start with one in canvas and progress.
The Birkin is the aspirational alternative - although it can be closed, how many times do you see it used properly closed? Do you want a bag that looks smart? For fear of upsetting people, just because a Birkin costs thousands it does not stop it being a tote (especially when kept open).
A Kelly demands to be closed properly and therefore retains its design and style; it will always look smart. Look at what you are using now and that will help you decide what is right for you.

With regards to size, as the bags get wider all the other dimensions increase proportionately.
The Birkin base is already proportionately larger than that if a Kelly, so by the time you get to 40 the base is quite large.

 

[girlhasbags]

You have got to address the issue of what an Hermes bag would tell the world.
It depends on the people with whom you come into contact; if they recognise the bag being Hermes and the associated amount of money you would have spent, then it might send a signal that could make you uncomfortable; HOWEVER most people would not be likely to recognise it, so there is nothing to consider; you will probably be very conscious of it fir the first few days, but it won't take long for it to be just the bag you are using for work.

Your choice of style does need more information. What kind if bag are you using now? how does it suit your needs? do you need constant easy access or the security of closure? if an open tote works for you the a Garden Party could be a good choice - lighter than a Birkin - a very popular and successful style. Remember that Hermes is the slippery slope, so perhaps start with one in canvas and progress.
The Birkin is the aspirational alternative - although it can be closed, how many times do you see it used properly closed? Do you want a bag that looks smart? For fear of upsetting people, just because a Birkin costs thousands it does not stop it being a tote (especially when kept open).
A Kelly demands to be closed properly and therefore retains its design and style; it will always look smart. Look at what you are using now and that will help you decide what is right for you.

With regards to size, as the bags get wider all the other dimensions increase proportionately.
The Birkin base is already proportionately larger than that if a Kelly, so by the time you get to 40 the base is quite large.

I am new to Hermes and have begun my learning journey. Any insight you can provide is so appreciated. What do you mean when you say "Hermes is a slippery slope"? Thanks so much!

 

[WhiteBus]

Once you have bought your first Hermes bag with the intention that it will be your your one and only special purchase, you will find that you want buy more and more.