Let's Get Real: Reflection on Purchases for the year '23?

[papertiger]

What a great thread @papertiger!!

Three bag investments in 2023 - all LOVE!

Two mini Evelyne, both phw, one noir, one mauve sylvestre. The two exact colors I wanted. The perfect little huggy crossbody for dog walks and running around. They also fit my large IPhone, a must for everyday bags. Forever bags I love - they are just too cute and fun.

My noir Togo phw 30 Birkin!!! I haven’t introduced her to tpf yet, but will soon. I’m a total pop color girl most of the time, but the one neutral B I have wanted for many years was always Noir with phw. My first in the wild sighting before any H bag I ever got was a 30 noir phw, and I wanted to follow it around and ask questions, as I was blown away (I refrained, I’m polite )
I LOVE this beauty, and black in H is truly a color. No other house makes the same wonderful inky black as H (in my opinion). bought this as it was one of my longtime grails, and use it for everyday and “going to work” in my downstairs office as well as out.

All three bags way exceed expectations, and are forever. I had to cipher on CpW (forgive my slowness, my wild doggie girl decided 4:30 am on New Year’s Day was a great time to awaken me). Cost per wear for me isn’t as important with some bags. My collection has bags I use (like most here, I imagine some more than others) but I judge them more on “does it make me happy, does it suit me, do I love it, will I use it and what for, and is it ok to have some bags rarely used but enjoyed more as and evening piece or an art piece.“ If the answer is yes, it’s worth it!

One other purchase that I’m thrilled and absolutely adore and enjoy every day over my fireplace, is H adjacent - my magnetic lighted scarf display from luxury bags display. I bought as I WFH and I don’t wear my 90s as much as I would like. Now I can rotate my collection and enjoy it for the art our scarves are. I’ll sneak in one pic here, I wanted something colorful and bright and happy hopefully to usher in a better 2024 for all for the New Year (happiness to all this year!) so I rotated yesterday.

Thanks again @papertiger! May you have a marvelous 2024🌺

Such great and wide-ranging reviews. Firstly, Evies of all sizes are a) fantastic b) fulfil totally different purposes. I'm so pleased your minis are so helpful. I have a gap in my wardrobe for a small/mini crossbody so food for thought.

H 'accessories' that help us appreciate our beautiful purchases are always welcome. I'm so glad your magnetic, lighted scarf display is turning your scarves (back) into art.

Thank you for your kind wishes for '24, right back at yer!

 

[DoggieBags]

Patience finally paid off for me in 2023. I’d been asking my SA for 4 years to keep an eye out for a Kelly lakis 28. At one point I actually thought they had discontinued the Lakis because my SA said she hadn’t seen one in several years. I prefer bags that allow easy access to my phone so even though I like the look of the Kelly I rarely use my Kellys because I find access a bit of a nuisance and I hate the look of the Kelly with the flap left gaping open. The bags I like best are those with exterior back pockets which is why I thought the lakis might work. I finally got my lakis 28 in the fall of 2023 and the 3 exterior pockets, particularly the larger back pocket that fits my phone makes all the difference. It’s quickly become one of my favorite go to bags and is the standout H purchase for me last year. Wishing everyone a healthy, happy, prosperous New Year filled with lovely H pieces.

 

[papertiger]

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!

Happy New Year to you!

So lovely to hear you are embracing and loving changes, fantastic, Hermes do excellent browns.

Interesting to hear your thoughts on Hermes' shoes. I have a tip. Hermes get their shoes made in different places depending on type. Don't give-up on H-shoes, just be sure to try and judge each by its own merits.

I am so with you on leather prefs! Swift (like Gulliver) and Box rule my world, plus some other interesting 'smoothies' of note. However, I make an exception for Clemence for a Evelyne 29, a casual bag in a casual, hardy leather for everyday rough and tumble is such a no-brainer for British Winters (and Summers).

Travel Bolide was one of my first H loves (mine in Swift). On days/nights I need to carry a change of clothes, use as an overnighter/weekender, or just need a bigger bag, it's such a good bag. Everything stays organised and 'walks well'.

 

[papertiger]

Patience finally paid off for me in 2023. I’d been asking my SA for 4 years to keep an eye out for a Kelly lakis 28. At one point I actually thought they had discontinued the Lakis because my SA said she hadn’t seen one in several years. I prefer bags that allow easy access to my phone so even though I like the look of the Kelly I rarely use my Kellys because I find access a bit of a nuisance and I hate the look of the Kelly with the flap left gaping open. The bags I like best are those with exterior back pockets which is why I thought the lakis might work. I finally got my lakis 28 in the fall of 2023 and the 3 exterior pockets, particularly the larger back pocket that fits my phone makes all the difference. It’s quickly become one of my favorite go to bags and is the standout H purchase for me last year. Wishing everyone a healthy, happy, prosperous New Year filled with lovely H pieces.

They are very rare, so congratulations to you. Even better is that you are loving using it so much!

 

[cravin]

Love the Shadows, very special and very quiet luxury . I am somehow not surprised you're loving it.

Congratulations - and so pleased you're recovering.

Without sharing too much, my wife needed an urgent medical procedure. She had her procedure on a Monday a few weeks ago. The Saturday before, I received a text from our SA saying that one of her wishlist bags came in. Her follow-up with her doctor and the appointment to pick up the bag were on the same day. Out came the Shadow and even though we put it under the Christmas tree, she keeps telling me “the shadow is my recovery present” even though I keep saying back “there is no such thing”. Certain things are meant to be.

 

[DoggieBags]

Without sharing too much, my wife needed an urgent medical procedure. She had her procedure on a Monday a few weeks ago. The Saturday before, I received a text from our SA saying that one of her wishlist bags came in. Her follow-up with her doctor and the appointment to pick up the bag were on the same day. Out came the Shadow and even though we put it under the Christmas tree, she keeps telling me “the shadow is my recovery present” even though I keep saying back “there is no such thing”. Certain things are meant to be.

Wishing your wife a speedy recovery and the Shadow B is such a lovely recovery / Christmas present.

 

[papertiger]

Someone bought DH a hideous 'made from recycled bottle-tops' blanket recently, and whilst it was soft and light, it was otherwise awful . I just couldn't look or touch it . I told DH the 'plastic' blanket had to go and I'd replace it with a proper one. I've bought a classic pure-wool Newmarket blankets for horses, but in '23 I bought a horse blanket for the home. Like the Newmarket, Hermes created a similar double-sided Rocabar, also made in British factories. It's a proper, heavy-weight blanket, and coordinates both with my living room office, and what's more it was a similar price to a Brora one I bought a couple of years ago so it didn't make me feel like I was being ridiculous. This one won't go anywhere near a horse, but DH (and the cat) loves it as much as I do. For less than a price of a shawl, I totally recommend. And BTW, even H's much more highly priced blankets are worth it since they are forever pieces.

 

[papertiger]

Without sharing too much, my wife needed an urgent medical procedure. She had her procedure on a Monday a few weeks ago. The Saturday before, I received a text from our SA saying that one of her wishlist bags came in. Her follow-up with her doctor and the appointment to pick up the bag were on the same day. Out came the Shadow and even though we put it under the Christmas tree, she keeps telling me “the shadow is my recovery present” even though I keep saying back “there is no such thing”. Certain things are meant to be.

Please pass on my best to your wife. And I agree, some things are meant to be!

 

[cravin]

Wishing your wife a speedy recovery and the Shadow B is such a lovely CHRISTMAS present.

had to make a slight correction as there is no such thing as a “recovery present” 😂

 

[DrTr]

Such great and wide-ranging reviews. Firstly, Evies of all sizes are a) fantastic b) fulfil totally different purposes. I'm so pleased your minis are so helpful. I have a gap in my wardrobe for a small/mini crossbody so food for thought.

H 'accessories' that help us appreciate our beautiful purchases are always welcome. I'm so glad your magnetic, lighted scarf display is turning your scarves (back) into art.

Thank you for your kind wishes for '24, right back at yer!

Thanks so much @papertiger! I agree - I love my evie 29 as well for “carry more“ days. And my lighted scarves brighten the winter days.

I know this is an H thread, but if you are inclined, you might checkout some LV men’s sling bags or carry wallet bags. I have 2 in aerogram leather (clemence it seems) and they are hardy, close with a strong magnet and lay close to my body. I wear them for dog walking mostly, so outside and very casual and the leather holds up well to rain. They are leather only with one small LV, so not covered in monograms. They aren’t for dressy occasions but they have a longer strap as they call them men’s bags, always good for a tall person For cross body carry.

Back to topic - thanks for the blanket share, and would love to hear about your handbag answer if you have one! Thanks for the well wishes. 🌺

 

[DrTr]

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. )

Fabulous! What a nice surprise to find such a great fit for yourself. Isn’t it fun when everything clicks right into place? Enjoy!

 

[DrTr]

@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

To stay on topic. Mine was an unexpected buy - Lindy 26. It's one of the first bags I thought of getting when I started shopping at Hermes but my old SA kept trying to discourage me. My new SA showed me with a beautiful one in Caban that I didn't hesitate to get. It's one of my most used bags and it fits most of what I usually bring day to day. I'm pretty sure I'm getting the most cost per wear with this bag especially with the 3rd party strap I got so I can use it crossbody...I've been using it at least once or twice a week since I got it in July. I love it so much I'm debating on finding another one and the same size or bigger.

Wow, getting discouraged when really interested in a Lindy. So glad you love the beautiful Caban, and it sounds like it’s in regular rotation. Glad you were able to get it!

 

[skyvue]

2023 marks the beginning of my H love affair. The year began with Evelyne TPM in Noir and concluded with Mini Bolide in Mauve Pale, with Etoup Picotin 18 midway through. Also came into my collection are a few RTW, fine jewelry and SLG pieces. Love everything I have and can't wait to see what 2024 will bring, hopefully my first quota bag. Happy New Year!

 

[papertiger]

Thanks so much @papertiger! I agree - I love my evie 29 as well for “carry more“ days. And my lighted scarves brighten the winter days.

I know this is an H thread, but if you are inclined, you might checkout some LV men’s sling bags or carry wallet bags. I have 2 in aerogram leather (clemence it seems) and they are hardy, close with a strong magnet and lay close to my body. I wear them for dog walking mostly, so outside and very casual and the leather holds up well to rain. They are leather only with one small LV, so not covered in monograms. They aren’t for dressy occasions but they have a longer strap as they call them men’s bags, always good for a tall person For cross body carry.

Back to topic - thanks for the blanket share, and would love to hear about your handbag answer if you have one! Thanks for the well wishes. 🌺

Sadly (but wallet is happy) I didn't but any H bags last year, in fact I didn't buy any bags at all.

At H, I only bought a blanket, 5 scarves (3 for me, 2 for gifts) a tie (coincidentally also with a Rocabar horse blanket illustration) fragrances and moisturisers. I honestly haven't had much time for H shopping. Cartier and my dentist got most of my money this year .

Most H worn bags in '23 in order of wears: Noir Clem Evelyne 29, Bambou VC GP 36, Noir/Etain Sikkim Maxi DS, Swift Bambou Plume 32, Choc Box Plume 28, Choc Travel Bolide, Noir Box 1938 clutch and Gold PP Bolide 35. I didn't wear Ks once, no croc, not much Box apart from Plume.

 

[papertiger]

2023 marks the beginning of my H love affair. The year began with Evelyne TPM in Noir and concluded with Mini Bolide in Mauve Pale, with Etoup Picotin 18 midway through. Also came into my collection are a few RTW, fine jewelry and SLG pieces. Love everything I have and can't wait to see what 2024 will bring, hopefully my first quota bag. Happy New Year!

I'm so pleased you love everything and the French love affair is still going strong, that's how it should be, and also loving your selection across the board.