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)@textilegirl what a wonderful purchase! I'm looking for a Jypsiere 31 myself but can't find a preloved one in a colour I want
It was a purchase late in the year so the fact that it’s ‘new to me’ may be influencing my assessment, but my Jypsiere 31 is a game changer. This style has long been on my list but the more readily available 28 doesn’t fit my needs. I was lucky to strike up a conversation with a woman sporting a 31 while waiting at the aftercare desk at the Madison boutique and as we talked the heavens opened and the choir of angels began to sing. The bag is perfect for me; hits at the right spot on my hip (I’m picky); secure but not too fussy to open because I can use both hands if needed since the bag is supported by my shoulders; can carry more than a pack of tissues; can be dressier than an Evelyne (a style I still love); great for travel where there’s lots of walking; and a lovely neutral cw. (Etain, PHW, and I didn’t think I even liked etain.
The Lindy 26 was a pleasant surprise to me as well mktlim, we must be on the same wavelength! I was delighted with how much it held while still being a smaller bag; it made me realize how much the depth of a bag plays an important role in how useful it is for me. I can fit quite a bit into that little 26 cm bag
. Enjoy your Caban Lindy, and what a great color!Thank you @textilegirl! I hope you are still enjoying your Jypsiere as much as your Lindy! Yes, I'm so surprised in what fits in a 26 Lindy as well, Hermes should make more bags like it!The Lindy 26 was a pleasant surprise to me as well mktlim, we must be on the same wavelength! I was delighted with how much it held while still being a smaller bag; it made me realize how much the depth of a bag plays an important role in how useful it is for me. I can fit quite a bit into that little 26 cm bag
Woooo! Love to know what 3rd party strap you got
This is a beautiful ode to your new bag. Thank you for sharing your joy and discovery.It was a purchase late in the year so the fact that it’s ‘new to me’ may be influencing my assessment, but my Jypsiere 31 is a game changer. This style has long been on my list but the more readily available 28 doesn’t fit my needs. I was lucky to strike up a conversation with a woman sporting a 31 while waiting at the aftercare desk at the Madison boutique and as we talked the heavens opened and the choir of angels began to sing. The bag is perfect for me; hits at the right spot on my hip (I’m picky); secure but not too fussy to open because I can use both hands if needed since the bag is supported by my shoulders; can carry more than a pack of tissues; can be dressier than an Evelyne (a style I still love); great for travel where there’s lots of walking; and a lovely neutral cw. (Etain, PHW, and I didn’t think I even liked etain.
. I am somehow not surprised you're loving it. 
)
Such a great analysis with so fulfilling a conclusion for 2023! I love hearing how people consider their collections and work through finding the right H items that suit and bring joy; not all do, nor should they be expected to. Curation is the fun part, including reconsiderations. I'll bet you're rocking that big bolide (a pic in the bolide thread would be welcomed if you're inclined); @papertiger has extolled the virtues of that bag in that size often enough that it's something I consider adding to my collection. Cheers to the 180's!This is the first year I've been able to collect what would have been a mind-blowing selection to me as a beginner Hermes collector back in college (around 15 years ago). And a lot of that is thanks to really good exchange rates and a commitment to spending a lot of time tracking down the perfect bags & accessories for my wardrobe and budget. Everything below is more of a journey to where I am now with my purchases!
The Bolides I purchased two years ago helped me learn that open-top handbags with a shoulder strap option are my strongest preference. But they also taught me that leathers like Clemence aren't my style (too casual) and are too heavy for me. This moved me to my first Kelly last year (vintage, 32cm, in Gulliver). And this year, that taught me that I love the Kelly, and I like it in a bigger size (32cm+), but that getting in and out of them is a concession for having that nice, neat, elegant appearance. So I scootched over to try a Birkin, which had the downside of no shoulder strap but the upside of being able to keep it open. I quickly learned that a B35 is just not the right shape for my build, and the B30 is too hard to find in my price range for the leathers I like, which led me to the HAC 32cm. And both the size and shape of the bag (being longer rather than wider) plus the price range, made it perfect for me! Landing my vache natural HAC 32cm was the purchase highlight of my year. Hermes collecting is a journey, after all!
I do favor a larger bag, so obtaining a Kelly 35cm was also a nice addition this year, and, still adoring the Bolide, my last hurrah of the year was a massive Bolide 45 in Chamonix. It has great structure and I love a smooth leather with character. It's just a massive bag but looks fun with a huge coat!
I've finally narrowed down my Hermes bag collecting criteria, though much like my taste, I am sure it will shrink, expand, or grow, but right now, the bag has to be: soft, smooth, and able to age exceptionally well. It needs character, with vintage as a preference, and preferably a lighter leather as I like my bags larger sized. It must be a handbag first and foremost, I don't care for shoulder-only styles. My bags get used and rotated a lot, they don't sit in the closet, so cost per wear is always solid.
My husband also upgraded my smaller zipped Hermes wallet to what was always my dream leather/color combo - Rose Shocking Chevre, a long Bearn wallet. I've learned I adore Chevre for accessories but I don't care for it as a bag leather. I also managed a few other accessories - a few belts, gloves, cashmere scarves and shoes. I learned I like very few Hermes shoes - by and large, they aren't very special or particularly well-made. But a few work well for me (the Day sneaker and Kennedy loafer).
I also swore up and down I would never wear or buy a brown bag. I have *never* in my 40 years of life worn earth-toned neutrals like brown, ivory, camel, etc. But as always, the second I say "never," I end up doing a 180, and here I am with three brown bags and a wardrobe of neutrals, and I wear them heavily! I think I just needed a change - I've spent the last 10 years with vibrant hair colors and equally vibrant clothing, and this year, I decided gray-silver hair and neutrals were the way to go (for now).
Happy New Year and enjoy where the journey takes y'all!
