Kelly in Epsom vs Kelly in box: pros and cons
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@catsinthebag, my only concern setting her on the floor is theft-- so when she does get plunked down, I nestle her between my feet so that I'll feel if anyone makes a grab! But otherwise, she's got only her little brass feet to protect her, and they seem to do a good job of hoisting her just enough off the floor to ward off anything pernicious.
I wipe those feet when I get home if I have had her sitting somewhere dubious, just with a microfiber cloth, but otherwise all she gets is a coat of either Saphir Renovateur or Skidmore's (depending on my mood) about twice a year. And more often than not she's either sitting upright and naked atop my dresser, or only loosely clad in a dustbag. I reach for her so often that putting her to "sleep" in a box seems like a hassle. I do want to be better about that this year, however! That bag has earned its rest between outings.
How old are your box Kellys? (Love that that's plural for you-- my other box bags are not Kellys.) I bet if I hadn't bought this one preloved, I'd have been much more tentative, but I had a built-in preview of how she handles scratches, which made it much easier to be cavalier!
Thank you for this! almost no-one dares admit they like epsom more than box - its like box aficionados took over the galaxy!I rather like worn box look and dont mind a few marks, BUT as you say epsom is amazingly resilient. In sellier it has a very elegant clean look, which is very appealing. Anyone here has an epsom kelly that looks stunning? lets see some photos...
You have Kellys in both Epsom and Box , and as you must have chosen them thoughtfully
I'm assuming you love both so just enjoy the diversity of opinion !
@catsinthebag, my only concern setting her on the floor is theft-- so when she does get plunked down, I nestle her between my feet so that I'll feel if anyone makes a grab! But otherwise, she's got only her little brass feet to protect her, and they seem to do a good job of hoisting her just enough off the floor to ward off anything pernicious.
I wipe those feet when I get home if I have had her sitting somewhere dubious, just with a microfiber cloth, but otherwise all she gets is a coat of either Saphir Renovateur or Skidmore's (depending on my mood) about twice a year. And more often than not she's either sitting upright and naked atop my dresser, or only loosely clad in a dustbag. I reach for her so often that putting her to "sleep" in a box seems like a hassle. I do want to be better about that this year, however! That bag has earned its rest between outings.
How old are your box Kellys? (Love that that's plural for you-- my other box bags are not Kellys.) I bet if I hadn't bought this one preloved, I'd have been much more tentative, but I had a built-in preview of how she handles scratches, which made it much easier to be cavalier!
My box Kellys are a Rouge Vif 32 with GHW from 1993 and an Indigo 35 with PHW from 1998. The Rouge Vif 32 is really a special occasion bag for me, simply because I don’t tend to wear bright red bags in my everyday life. The Indigo Kelly is a special order from before H did SO stamps (according to Bababebi, who authenticated it). It has contrast stitching and a Rouge Vif interior. It’s an amazing bag, which is unfortunately why I am cautious about using it. I’m much more cavalier about using my Barenia 35 — it came to me fully patina’d and feels very carefree. I’m not afraid of water, scratches or bashing the corners the way I am with the Indigo Box bag. So I keep looking here for examples of people who are carefree with their Box bags. I do like looking at Box that’s been a bit used and weathered — I just don’t know how I’ll feel if that happens to this particular bag.
Diversity of opinion is the Basis of our civilisation don't you think? Initially I was only interested in box Kelly's, (mostly because of what I read in this forum and by looking at vintage pieces) I even bought 'trainwrecks' and restored. It is true they can restore beautifully and I love the ecological aspect in the sense that pre- owned items are the green choice. However when I had the chance to buy a new Epsom Kelly from the store I was pleasantly surprised. They have a more updated look and seem to work better for modern life. (Rain, buses, crowds, busy meetings etc). I never liked saturated hermes colours, because they don't suit my London wardrobe, but again looking at some Epsom bags I may come to change my mind...You have Kellys in both Epsom and Box , and as you must have chosen them thoughtfully
Diversity of opinion is the Basis of our civilisation don't you think? Initially I was only interested in box Kelly's, (mostly because of what I read in this forum and by looking at vintage pieces) I even bought 'trainwrecks' and restored. It is true they can restore beautifully and I love the ecological aspect in the sense that pre- owned items are the green choice. However when I had the chance to buy a new Epsom Kelly from the store I was pleasantly surprised. They have a more updated look and seem to work better for modern life. (Rain, buses, crowds, busy meetings etc). I never liked saturated hermes colours, because they don't suit my London wardrobe, but again looking at some Epsom bags I may come to change my mind...
Yes, I enjoy seeing aesthetics that may not be mine at the time.
Let's keep an open mind where Hermès is concerned
, it's so refreshing!I've switched my opinion on the head of a pin , reading thoughtful threads with enabling photos can have me considering a colour or format that previously I hadn't considered. Recently I've been converted to something by a SA in Knightsbridge , she showed me a piece i'd never have dreamt I'd want!
I think I've always had preference for vintage , in everything from houses to furnishings to clothes.
I don't wear shabby or distressed , so prefer to buy some styles new from store.
For the Kelly , an older bag in great condition instils a sense of high romance, so I can never think of it as a dowdy choice .Then again I don't worry about that , if I feel happy I don't much care !
It's always a case of how a piece makes me feel , so I never know until I try .
It's a cause for celebration that you fell for your Epsom Kelly , and the fact that it copes with an unpredictable climate is fantastic.
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Sometimes this forum is far too one sided, to balance the equation : Here is my Epsom Kelly, in action so to speak. It's been with me on trains, planes and bicycles. She looks pretty casual and I dont need to go through elaborate weather checks before I go out with her.I am Ok placing on the floor- only if necessary, (that s what little feet are for) but I would never squish her in an overhead compartment. It's a sellier and keeps shape beautifully, very rigid but no squishing....one shudders at the Thought.
..another shot a little bit more dressed up- featuring black Epsom. I am usually sans twilly, but how else are you going to match your bag to the upholstery?
Thank you for posting, and posting a picture. In the back of my mind, I've thought for a while that I would love an Epsom Kelly sellier, particularly in Noir or a darker blue. I haven't seen pictures of many, and seeing yours, particularly as you use the bag as a part of your daily life, impressed me ...
So glad you found it useful. If you want a Kelly to use and enjoy and you get a chance to buy Epsom, it's an excellent choice. Especially if you like the structure of a sellier. Don't worry what is going to look like in 20 years time...Thank you for posting, and posting a picture. In the back of my mind, I've thought for a while that I would love an Epsom Kelly sellier, particularly in Noir or a darker blue. I haven't seen pictures of many, and seeing yours, particularly as you use the bag as a part of your daily life, impressed me ...
.... If you want a Kelly to use and enjoy and you get a chance to buy Epsom... Don't worry what is going to look like in 20 years time...
yes indeed, buy to use and enjoy
we all know the things we would worry about and spoil our enjoyment
and also the things that wouldn't upset us
but you should be comfortable with whatever you choose
K28, Etain Sellier Epsom and K28, Gold Retourne Courchevel (predecessor of Epsom)Thank you for this! almost no-one dares admit they like epsom more than box - its like box aficionados took over the galaxy!
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That etain is really awesome, and I don't usually like etain. The epsom gives it an interesting texture and sharpness.