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!
. 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.
, but it finally hit me that this was it!
