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

[papertiger]

What? Chanel: Black DF Caviar; WOC, and a preloved business affinity (love them all and use them enough)
Hermes: Constance I-24 in vert fizz with PHW, Geta in black with GHW; Oran in beige mastic; and my first(s) RTWs: New Libris poncho, double cashmere coat wrap; H sweater and a jacket for DH
Bought for? Bought too much in 2023 - likely rebound from non spending during the pandemic (am in health care and was way too busy and depressed with the health care system from 2020-2022).
Live up to expectations? YES!
Use and CpW? I may have over done my purse purchases but I find I can use them for different situations/occasions so minimal overlap,. Poor CpW, especially the RTW - but I love them when I do use them, so overall, no regrets.
Love, like, or ride or die status? LOVE all of them.

Focusing on the positive is the way to go!

On the plus side, even with the RTW CPW, you will most likely have those pieces forever. I have a cashmere Hermes Martin Margiela era sweater (bought pre-loved) and it still looks current. H RTW is still excellent quality (unlike some other pricey brands).

 

[papertiger]

I love this thread. Here are mine:

What? K28 box sellier
Bought for? First QB offer in Paris, and love anything box
Live up to expectations? Beyond
Use and CpW? Well, it's been sitting in my closet ever since I bought it (in my defense, it's winter/rainy season), and I stare at it every day so that counts as wearing? With that logic, very low CpW
Love, like, or ride or die status? Obsessed

and a more realistic one:

What? Bolide 25 Etoupe ghw
Bought for: to use as an everyday bag
Live up to expectations? Yes, getting a lot more use out of it than I thought I would
Use and CpW? Used it since the day I bought it, so low CpW which I hope continues to decrease
Love, like, or ride or die status? Love

Congratulations on both!

K Box Sellier is a forever investment. I didn't use mine at all last year but it doesn't deter my love for it one second.

And I am so, so pleased your Bolide gives you joy daily! Fellow Bolide lover here (as most know). Casual when casual's wanted, smart when only smart will do

 

[Prada Prince]

I'm finally back in the office (Boo!) and the new year is finally truly on the way, after having three weeks off in December. Time to reflect, thank you @papertiger for the great thread!

What did you actually invest in this/last year (2023) any dept?

What?

1) Mini Lindy in Lime Clemence PHW (I got it on 28 December 2022 from FSH, so I think it should count for 2023...)
2) Genius Sandals in Natural Calf
3) Olympe Ear cuff in Bleu Saphir Lizard RGHW
4) Evelyne TPM in Gold Clemence PHW
5) Olympe Ear cuff in Ombre Lizard GHW

Bought for?

To treat myself, cos ain't nobody else is going to do that for me... My kitty doesn't pull his weight!

In respect of the bags, apart from hoping for my wishlist to be fulfilled, I try to be sensible, and aim for 1 Hermes bag purchase a year to slowly build and round off my collection. I find it helps me to truly appreciate each bag, and it's a good way for me to scratch the retail itch. After the pandemic, I decided that I needed to get a grip on my shopping habits, and really consider each purchase. I've always wanted the two Minis to add to my collection, and I'm glad these have been fulfilled now. I've also decided that until I get to purchase the remaining missing pieces to complete my Hermes stable (Kelly 25/28; Mini Constance; B25/B30), I am avoiding any other designer bag purchases for the time being (on the basis that those funds are to be allocated to the Hermes pot).

The sandals were an absolute impulse purchase, but I found it to be an improvement on the Chypre model, that I just couldn't resist.

Live up to expectations?

Absolutely!

The Mini Lindy was truly the highlight of all my Hermes purchases in the 2022-2023 period. This little dumpling really is a drop of sunshine in my life, and has exceeded all expectations. It is deceptively capacious, is generally low-maintenance (apart from the ever-present worry of colour transfer hanging around like an unwanted ghoul...) and works great to get me to curate the things I take with me when I leave the house. It's also meant that I throw all the rules regarding colour and seasonality out the window. I use it as a pop of colour be it in summer or winter, and I've grown to love yellow even more than I thought. I've added a yellow diamond ring, a yellow Moonswatch, yellow shorts, yellow Nike AF1 trainers, and yellow tops as well. My Bird Bird era has cometh!

The Olympe ear cuffs have definitely lived up to expectations. Given that I don't have pierced ears (lest I get flayed by the familial units), they are the perfect little H accessory to add a pop to my outfits. Every time I've worn them, I get a compliment from a stranger! I now have them in Nata, Bleu Saphir and Ombre Lizard, which I think is a good spread across colour families. Though I might find it hard to say no to add perhaps green and yellow ones to the collection haha!

Time will tell in respect of the Genius sandals, since I bought them towards the tail end of summer, so I've only worn them once, but so far they've been great, and I am looking forward to really break them in this coming summer!

The Mini Evelyne has only been worn a couple of times, but it's fast becoming one of my favourites. I'm using it for work this week, and I got myself a Longchamp Le Pliage to schlep all the rest of the work commute essentials in.

Use and CpW?

The Mini Lindy CpW is really unsurpassed. It is probably my most used bag of 2023. I find myself reaching for it on most weekends, to the point where I feel that I'm neglecting the rest of my collection.
The Olympe ear cuffs are pretty much a mainstay for all my weekend outfits, so they've basically paid for themselves at this point.
The sandals will really come into their own in due course...

Love, like, or ride or die status?

Love: The Olympe Ear cuffs, the Mini Evelyne.
Like: The Genius sandals
Ride or Die: The LITTLE DROP OF SUNSHINE THAT COULD!!! Mini Lindy for the win!!!

 

[DrTr]

I'm finally back in the office (Boo!) and the new year is finally truly on the way, after having three weeks off in December. Time to reflect, thank you @papertiger for the great thread!

What did you actually invest in this/last year (2023) any dept?

What?

1) Mini Lindy in Lime Clemence PHW (I got it on 28 December 2022 from FSH, so I think it should count for 2023...)
2) Genius Sandals in Natural Calf
3) Olympe Ear cuff in Bleu Saphir Lizard RGHW
4) Evelyne TPM in Gold Clemence PHW
5) Olympe Ear cuff in Ombre Lizard GHW

Bought for?

To treat myself, cos ain't nobody else is going to do that for me... My kitty doesn't pull his weight!

In respect of the bags, apart from hoping for my wishlist to be fulfilled, I try to be sensible, and aim for 1 Hermes bag purchase a year to slowly build and round off my collection. I find it helps me to truly appreciate each bag, and it's a good way for me to scratch the retail itch. After the pandemic, I decided that I needed to get a grip on my shopping habits, and really consider each purchase. I've always wanted the two Minis to add to my collection, and I'm glad these have been fulfilled now. I've also decided that until I get to purchase the remaining missing pieces to complete my Hermes stable (Kelly 25/28; Mini Constance; B25/B30), I am avoiding any other designer bag purchases for the time being (on the basis that those funds are to be allocated to the Hermes pot).

The sandals were an absolute impulse purchase, but I found it to be an improvement on the Chypre model, that I just couldn't resist.

Live up to expectations?

Absolutely!

The Mini Lindy was truly the highlight of all my Hermes purchases in the 2022-2023 period. This little dumpling really is a drop of sunshine in my life, and has exceeded all expectations. It is deceptively capacious, is generally low-maintenance (apart from the ever-present worry of colour transfer hanging around like an unwanted ghoul...) and works great to get me to curate the things I take with me when I leave the house. It's also meant that I throw all the rules regarding colour and seasonality out the window. I use it as a pop of colour be it in summer or winter, and I've grown to love yellow even more than I thought. I've added a yellow diamond ring, a yellow Moonswatch, yellow shorts, yellow Nike AF1 trainers, and yellow tops as well. My Bird Bird era has cometh!

The Olympe ear cuffs have definitely lived up to expectations. Given that I don't have pierced ears (lest I get flayed by the familial units), they are the perfect little H accessory to add a pop to my outfits. Every time I've worn them, I get a compliment from a stranger! I now have them in Nata, Bleu Saphir and Ombre Lizard, which I think is a good spread across colour families. Though I might find it hard to say no to add perhaps green and yellow ones to the collection haha!

Time will tell in respect of the Genius sandals, since I bought them towards the tail end of summer, so I've only worn them once, but so far they've been great, and I am looking forward to really break them in this coming summer!

The Mini Evelyne has only been worn a couple of times, but it's fast becoming one of my favourites. I'm using it for work this week, and I got myself a Longchamp Le Pliage to schlep all the rest of the work commute essentials in.

Use and CpW?

The Mini Lindy CpW is really unsurpassed. It is probably my most used bag of 2023. I find myself reaching for it on most weekends, to the point where I feel that I'm neglecting the rest of my collection.
The Olympe ear cuffs are pretty much a mainstay for all my weekend outfits, so they've basically paid for themselves at this point.
The sandals will really come into their own in due course...

Love, like, or ride or die status?

Love: The Olympe Ear cuffs, the Mini Evelyne.
Like: The Genius sandals
Ride or Die: The LITTLE DROP OF SUNSHINE THAT COULD!!! Mini Lindy for the win!!!

Great pieces as always - and how very detailed your thoughts are. Always love your posts, and I also know as purposive as you are with your lovely collection, every now and then a surprise purchase pops in. Fingers crossed for this year’s bag in exactly the specs you wish. Happy New Year!

 

[ladysarah]

I'm finally back in the office (Boo!) and the new year is finally truly on the way, after having three weeks off in December. Time to reflect, thank you @papertiger for the great thread!

What did you actually invest in this/last year (2023) any dept?

What?

1) Mini Lindy in Lime Clemence PHW (I got it on 28 December 2022 from FSH, so I think it should count for 2023...)
2) Genius Sandals in Natural Calf
3) Olympe Ear cuff in Bleu Saphir Lizard RGHW
4) Evelyne TPM in Gold Clemence PHW
5) Olympe Ear cuff in Ombre Lizard GHW

Bought for?

To treat myself, cos ain't nobody else is going to do that for me... My kitty doesn't pull his weight!

In respect of the bags, apart from hoping for my wishlist to be fulfilled, I try to be sensible, and aim for 1 Hermes bag purchase a year to slowly build and round off my collection. I find it helps me to truly appreciate each bag, and it's a good way for me to scratch the retail itch. After the pandemic, I decided that I needed to get a grip on my shopping habits, and really consider each purchase. I've always wanted the two Minis to add to my collection, and I'm glad these have been fulfilled now. I've also decided that until I get to purchase the remaining missing pieces to complete my Hermes stable (Kelly 25/28; Mini Constance; B25/B30), I am avoiding any other designer bag purchases for the time being (on the basis that those funds are to be allocated to the Hermes pot).

The sandals were an absolute impulse purchase, but I found it to be an improvement on the Chypre model, that I just couldn't resist.

Live up to expectations?

Absolutely!

The Mini Lindy was truly the highlight of all my Hermes purchases in the 2022-2023 period. This little dumpling really is a drop of sunshine in my life, and has exceeded all expectations. It is deceptively capacious, is generally low-maintenance (apart from the ever-present worry of colour transfer hanging around like an unwanted ghoul...) and works great to get me to curate the things I take with me when I leave the house. It's also meant that I throw all the rules regarding colour and seasonality out the window. I use it as a pop of colour be it in summer or winter, and I've grown to love yellow even more than I thought. I've added a yellow diamond ring, a yellow Moonswatch, yellow shorts, yellow Nike AF1 trainers, and yellow tops as well. My Bird Bird era has cometh!

The Olympe ear cuffs have definitely lived up to expectations. Given that I don't have pierced ears (lest I get flayed by the familial units), they are the perfect little H accessory to add a pop to my outfits. Every time I've worn them, I get a compliment from a stranger! I now have them in Nata, Bleu Saphir and Ombre Lizard, which I think is a good spread across colour families. Though I might find it hard to say no to add perhaps green and yellow ones to the collection haha!

Time will tell in respect of the Genius sandals, since I bought them towards the tail end of summer, so I've only worn them once, but so far they've been great, and I am looking forward to really break them in this coming summer!

The Mini Evelyne has only been worn a couple of times, but it's fast becoming one of my favourites. I'm using it for work this week, and I got myself a Longchamp Le Pliage to schlep all the rest of the work commute essentials in.

Use and CpW?

The Mini Lindy CpW is really unsurpassed. It is probably my most used bag of 2023. I find myself reaching for it on most weekends, to the point where I feel that I'm neglecting the rest of my collection.
The Olympe ear cuffs are pretty much a mainstay for all my weekend outfits, so they've basically paid for themselves at this point.
The sandals will really come into their own in due course...

Love, like, or ride or die status?

Love: The Olympe Ear cuffs, the Mini Evelyne.
Like: The Genius sandals
Ride or Die: The LITTLE DROP OF SUNSHINE THAT COULD!!! Mini Lindy for the win!!!

It all sounds marvellous and congratulations ! Please do share some of you your own photos of the ear cuffs.
For myself I addded a Kelly25 (can I ever have enough?) and although it wasn’t really a need it makes for a ‘special’ bag. Some more passsifolia china, several scarves (I blame TPF and @papertiger in particular for this obsession) and small items like lipsticks and perfume. Love it all!

 

[papertiger]

I'm finally back in the office (Boo!) and the new year is finally truly on the way, after having three weeks off in December. Time to reflect, thank you @papertiger for the great thread!

What did you actually invest in this/last year (2023) any dept?

What?

1) Mini Lindy in Lime Clemence PHW (I got it on 28 December 2022 from FSH, so I think it should count for 2023...)
2) Genius Sandals in Natural Calf
3) Olympe Ear cuff in Bleu Saphir Lizard RGHW
4) Evelyne TPM in Gold Clemence PHW
5) Olympe Ear cuff in Ombre Lizard GHW

Bought for?

To treat myself, cos ain't nobody else is going to do that for me... My kitty doesn't pull his weight!

In respect of the bags, apart from hoping for my wishlist to be fulfilled, I try to be sensible, and aim for 1 Hermes bag purchase a year to slowly build and round off my collection. I find it helps me to truly appreciate each bag, and it's a good way for me to scratch the retail itch. After the pandemic, I decided that I needed to get a grip on my shopping habits, and really consider each purchase. I've always wanted the two Minis to add to my collection, and I'm glad these have been fulfilled now. I've also decided that until I get to purchase the remaining missing pieces to complete my Hermes stable (Kelly 25/28; Mini Constance; B25/B30), I am avoiding any other designer bag purchases for the time being (on the basis that those funds are to be allocated to the Hermes pot).

The sandals were an absolute impulse purchase, but I found it to be an improvement on the Chypre model, that I just couldn't resist.

Live up to expectations?

Absolutely!

The Mini Lindy was truly the highlight of all my Hermes purchases in the 2022-2023 period. This little dumpling really is a drop of sunshine in my life, and has exceeded all expectations. It is deceptively capacious, is generally low-maintenance (apart from the ever-present worry of colour transfer hanging around like an unwanted ghoul...) and works great to get me to curate the things I take with me when I leave the house. It's also meant that I throw all the rules regarding colour and seasonality out the window. I use it as a pop of colour be it in summer or winter, and I've grown to love yellow even more than I thought. I've added a yellow diamond ring, a yellow Moonswatch, yellow shorts, yellow Nike AF1 trainers, and yellow tops as well. My Bird Bird era has cometh!

The Olympe ear cuffs have definitely lived up to expectations. Given that I don't have pierced ears (lest I get flayed by the familial units), they are the perfect little H accessory to add a pop to my outfits. Every time I've worn them, I get a compliment from a stranger! I now have them in Nata, Bleu Saphir and Ombre Lizard, which I think is a good spread across colour families. Though I might find it hard to say no to add perhaps green and yellow ones to the collection haha!

Time will tell in respect of the Genius sandals, since I bought them towards the tail end of summer, so I've only worn them once, but so far they've been great, and I am looking forward to really break them in this coming summer!

The Mini Evelyne has only been worn a couple of times, but it's fast becoming one of my favourites. I'm using it for work this week, and I got myself a Longchamp Le Pliage to schlep all the rest of the work commute essentials in.

Use and CpW?

The Mini Lindy CpW is really unsurpassed. It is probably my most used bag of 2023. I find myself reaching for it on most weekends, to the point where I feel that I'm neglecting the rest of my collection.
The Olympe ear cuffs are pretty much a mainstay for all my weekend outfits, so they've basically paid for themselves at this point.
The sandals will really come into their own in due course...

Love, like, or ride or die status?

Love: The Olympe Ear cuffs, the Mini Evelyne.
Like: The Genius sandals
Ride or Die: The LITTLE DROP OF SUNSHINE THAT COULD!!! Mini Lindy for the win!!!

Fabulous review, and boy did you do well!!

That Mini Lindy is your signature look at the moment, totally you and not surprised is Ride or Die. And I'm really glad that you're also liking your mini Evelyne too for when Ms Lindy need a mini-break

Now I need those ear-muffs. Although my ears are pierced, I usually wear studs so the ear 'look' shouldn't be too extra, or painful.

Sandal weather soon...

 

[papertiger]

It all sounds marvellous and congratulations ! Please do share some of you your own photos of the ear cuffs.
For myself I addded a Kelly25 (can I ever have enough?) and although it wasn’t really a need it makes for a ‘special’ bag. Some more passsifolia china, several scarves (I blame TPF and @papertiger in particular for this obsession) and small items like lipsticks and perfume. Love it all!

Glad the scarves are working out. I am never without one as you know.

Are you still as much into your K Pochette now you have a collection of K 25s? I always thought you looked so perfect with your pochette.

 

[Prada Prince]

It all sounds marvellous and congratulations ! Please do share some of you your own photos of the ear cuffs.
For myself I addded a Kelly25 (can I ever have enough?) and although it wasn’t really a need it makes for a ‘special’ bag. Some more passsifolia china, several scarves (I blame TPF and @papertiger in particular for this obsession) and small items like lipsticks and perfume. Love it all!

Fabulous review, and boy did you do well!!

That Mini Lindy is your signature look at the moment, totally you and not surprised is Ride or Die. And I'm really glad that you're also liking your mini Evelyne too for when Ms Lindy need a mini-break

Now I need those ear-muffs. Although my ears are pierced, I usually wear studs so the ear 'look' shouldn't be too extra, or painful.

Sandal weather soon...

Thank you both!

@ladysarah Here are a few pics of me wearing the ear cuffs... 1) Ombre Lizard GHW; 2) Bleu Saphir Lizard RGHW and 3) Nata Epsom GHW.

 

[ladysarah]

Glad the scarves are working out. I am never without one as you know.

Are you still as much into your K Pochette now you have a collection of K 25s? I always thought you looked so perfect with your pochette.

Thank you for your very nice comment. The pochettes come to life this time of year for soirée ‘events’ Going to the cinema is an ‘event’ for me LOL
The Kelly are for daytime use or events like weddings where I need to carry more. The mini k is now almost exclusively carried with long dresses as per your instructions!

 

[ny.lon]

Great thread.

Let me preface by saying I am very lucky/grateful for all of my Hermes collection, even if the H experience is a little bit confusing at times.

What:
Bag: Birkin 30 Togo GHW - Etoupe; passed on a few other non-BKC minis
Shoes: many (!) including Veo boots; including 2 brand new pairs of shoes that were sent to Paris and consequently considered un-repairable
Accessories: 5 x CSGMs - 3 returned due to snags; 2 x 90cms; 3x Twillies; other various SLGs
Homeware: various plates and mugs to build out by Balcon du Guadalquivir collection

Bought for:
Hermes collector / pieces to wear and love

Live up to expectations:
A mixed bag… I still love H, but ugh, this year has been a bit messy…
Bag:
I love my newest Birkin for its craftsmanship and construction but it's clear I accepted it as a “compromise” and I am really longing for a boutique-fresh 35cm (even if my SA insists the boutique no longer orders large sizes). Lesson learned…

Shoes and accessories:
I hope I am an outlier, but 3 CSGMs needed to be returned due to noticeable snags straight out of the boutique, and 2 pairs of brand new shoes were also considered unrepairable by the H spa after I noticed some flaws immediately after their purchase. I am astonished by this, as I remarked to the SA - H sneakers do not cost the same as Nikes!
On the flip side, my Veo boots are perfection - just enough practicality, balanced with just enough H, to suit everyday wear in the city.

Use and CpW?:
Bag: not much use, but I don’t mind, it’s still a work of art and I am very grateful to be able to look at it every day.
Balcon homeware: CpW now in the pennies!

Love, like, or ride or die status?:
Work in progress… ask me again at the end of 2024!

 

[lurketylurk]

I have to divide mine into purchases from H directly and purchases from secondhand/resellers.
From H itself:
What? Danseuse ballet flat in noir
Bought for? work
Live up to expectations? yes, they are comfortable and stylish
Use and CpW? I wear them about once a week so I think I'm getting good mileage out of them
Love, like, or ride or die status? Love!

What? Clair de Lune shawl in marine/rose
Bought for? I had a silk CdL scarf but I found silks just weren't "me" so I sold it and bought a shawl instead; it's more casual and works well in my wardrobe
Live up to expectations? Yes, it's thin but warm
Use and CpW? Still pretty new to me so have only used it a few times but it's a classic I know I'll have forever
Love, like, or ride or die status? Love!

What? Santorini sandals in rose porcelaine and noir
Bought for? I got these in the fall/winter because they are so stinkin' hard to find in the summer months
Live up to expectations? I haven't worn them yet but I know I will get a lot of use out of them come spring
Use and CpW? N/A
Love, like, or ride or die status? Too soon to tell

What? Gaby 60 sandal in blanc
Bought for? I wanted a heeled summer sandal
Live up to expectations? These gave me awful blisters on the top of my feet
Use and CpW? I wore them once and sold them because they were so painful
Love, like, or ride or die status? Just simply DIE

OK and on to secondhand H purchases:

What? Halzan 31 in Gris Perle
Bought for? I already have a Halzan 31 in a diff color and have always wanted something in gris perle
Live up to expectations? It's a beautiful bag but I was having issues with color transfer so decided to sell it
Use and CpW? Only used a few times, sadly
Love, like, or ride or die status? Like, but not for me


What? Marwari PM in Bleu Electrique
Bought for? Under the radar H bag in a color I've always wanted
Live up to expectations? Yes! It's so functional and easy to carry
Use and CpW? I got this for a steal and use it all the time
Love, like, or ride or die status? Ride or die!

What? Garden Party PM in Vert Amande
Bought for? I love this color and thought a GP would be a great work tote
Live up to expectations? The leather, color, all wonderful - but the GP handles are not long enough to fit over my shoulder so this wound up being too annoying to carry regularly
Use and CpW? Sadly, only used a little bit before I decided to rehome

 

[piperdog]

I finally reached purse peace (across all brands) early in the summer. I took a sigh of relief (as did my wallet) and started browsing some new-to-me tpf threads. Landed on the H scarf of the day thread and started devouring it. Which led to a whole new rabbit hole of wanting and some buying.

What? Scarves! handkerchief size to CSGM
Bought for? Beauty, Style, Warmth
Live up to expectations? Yep. I had a few Loro Piana CS scarves which are lovely, but H designs are more complex and the scarves are much sturdier.
Use and CpW? Dipping a toe in with preloved in various formats to see what I'll actually use. Struggling to wear silks. I started working in the 90s and silk scarves feel very 90s to me. But I'll keep at it. Cashmere silk blends have been workhorses since the temperatures first started to dip. Trying to be judicious in buying so CPW stays low (which is a mistake I made in buying too many bags).
Love, like, or ride or die status? A little of each, but no matter what it's fun to play and try new things.

 

[papertiger]

Great thread.

Let me preface by saying I am very lucky/grateful for all of my Hermes collection, even if the H experience is a little bit confusing at times.

What:
Bag: Birkin 30 Togo GHW - Etoupe; passed on a few other non-BKC minis
Shoes: many (!) including Veo boots; including 2 brand new pairs of shoes that were sent to Paris and consequently considered un-repairable
Accessories: 5 x CSGMs - 3 returned due to snags; 2 x 90cms; 3x Twillies; other various SLGs
Homeware: various plates and mugs to build out by Balcon du Guadalquivir collection

Bought for:
Hermes collector / pieces to wear and love

Live up to expectations:
A mixed bag… I still love H, but ugh, this year has been a bit messy…
Bag:
I love my newest Birkin for its craftsmanship and construction but it's clear I accepted it as a “compromise” and I am really longing for a boutique-fresh 35cm (even if my SA insists the boutique no longer orders large sizes). Lesson learned…

Shoes and accessories:
I hope I am an outlier, but 3 CSGMs needed to be returned due to noticeable snags straight out of the boutique, and 2 pairs of brand new shoes were also considered unrepairable by the H spa after I noticed some flaws immediately after their purchase. I am astonished by this, as I remarked to the SA - H sneakers do not cost the same as Nikes!
On the flip side, my Veo boots are perfection - just enough practicality, balanced with just enough H, to suit everyday wear in the city.

Use and CpW?:
Bag: not much use, but I don’t mind, it’s still a work of art and I am very grateful to be able to look at it every day.
Balcon homeware: CpW now in the pennies!

Love, like, or ride or die status?:
Work in progress… ask me again at the end of 2024!

Your experience with B 30 is going to be interesting - we will need an update. I'm rather underwhelmed by the response of your SA towards a perfectly reasonable request of a 35. One thing, you won't miss the weight (of a 35) but honestly, a request could be made.

Thank you for your honest and insightful reviews. As for the CSGMs retuned, that's terrible. I can't remember which year but a friend had the same issue with mousselines. I get too excited when I go shopping, and if I can I take an eagle-eyed friend to look over scarves before they're wrapped. Hermes doesn't make it's sheos/boots in the same factories so that doesn't surprise me. Sneakers/trainers may not cost the same as reg Nikes (although there are Nikes that cost thousands) but they are basically moulded plastic, other shoes are made completely differently. Doesn't mean you shouldn't expect perfection from H - I hope it was sorted out to your satisfaction.

Let's hear it for the Balcon!!!

 

[papertiger]

I have to divide mine into purchases from H directly and purchases from secondhand/resellers.
From H itself:
What? Danseuse ballet flat in noir
Bought for? work
Live up to expectations? yes, they are comfortable and stylish
Use and CpW? I wear them about once a week so I think I'm getting good mileage out of them
Love, like, or ride or die status? Love!

What? Clair de Lune shawl in marine/rose
Bought for? I had a silk CdL scarf but I found silks just weren't "me" so I sold it and bought a shawl instead; it's more casual and works well in my wardrobe
Live up to expectations? Yes, it's thin but warm
Use and CpW? Still pretty new to me so have only used it a few times but it's a classic I know I'll have forever
Love, like, or ride or die status? Love!

What? Santorini sandals in rose porcelaine and noir
Bought for? I got these in the fall/winter because they are so stinkin' hard to find in the summer months
Live up to expectations? I haven't worn them yet but I know I will get a lot of use out of them come spring
Use and CpW? N/A
Love, like, or ride or die status? Too soon to tell

What? Gaby 60 sandal in blanc
Bought for? I wanted a heeled summer sandal
Live up to expectations? These gave me awful blisters on the top of my feet
Use and CpW? I wore them once and sold them because they were so painful
Love, like, or ride or die status? Just simply DIE

OK and on to secondhand H purchases:

What? Halzan 31 in Gris Perle
Bought for? I already have a Halzan 31 in a diff color and have always wanted something in gris perle
Live up to expectations? It's a beautiful bag but I was having issues with color transfer so decided to sell it
Use and CpW? Only used a few times, sadly
Love, like, or ride or die status? Like, but not for me


What? Marwari PM in Bleu Electrique
Bought for? Under the radar H bag in a color I've always wanted
Live up to expectations? Yes! It's so functional and easy to carry
Use and CpW? I got this for a steal and use it all the time
Love, like, or ride or die status? Ride or die!

What? Garden Party PM in Vert Amande
Bought for? I love this color and thought a GP would be a great work tote
Live up to expectations? The leather, color, all wonderful - but the GP handles are not long enough to fit over my shoulder so this wound up being too annoying to carry regularly
Use and CpW? Sadly, only used a little bit before I decided to rehome

All very practical assessments, and I love that you found some useful treasures new and older, especially that BE Marwari PM - amazing colour and I know it suits that bag/size well.

I like that you tried with some items and moved them along quickly if they didn't work for you. Experience with those Gaby sandals sound horrendous! I hope the new owner finds more comfort.

 

[papertiger]

I finally reached purse peace (across all brands) early in the summer. I took a sigh of relief (as did my wallet) and started browsing some new-to-me tpf threads. Landed on the H scarf of the day thread and started devouring it. Which led to a whole new rabbit hole of wanting and some buying.

What? Scarves! handkerchief size to CSGM
Bought for? Beauty, Style, Warmth
Live up to expectations? Yep. I had a few Loro Piana CS scarves which are lovely, but H designs are more complex and the scarves are much sturdier.
Use and CpW? Dipping a toe in with preloved in various formats to see what I'll actually use. Struggling to wear silks. I started working in the 90s and silk scarves feel very 90s to me. But I'll keep at it. Cashmere silk blends have been workhorses since the temperatures first started to dip. Trying to be judicious in buying so CPW stays low (which is a mistake I made in buying too many bags).
Love, like, or ride or die status? A little of each, but no matter what it's fun to play and try new things.

I've also reached a kind of purse-peace, it's a good feeling.

Interesting you moved from LP to H scarves, often it's the other way. With Hermes there's always so much choice, new and pre-loved. One thing's for sure, you will have fun.

Scarves are very versatile, esp the 90s. My mother gave me one of my first H scarves in the '90s, I think was in a draw for years . To keep it casual don't be too careful or neat, chuck on, keep warm (or cool) and go. Best thing about H 90s is they can bring a whole outfit together or even make one. If you have time, have a look at all the scarf wearing/styling/tying ideas on the forum and in the no chat Reference section too, everyone and anyone can make 90s work for (just) them.