Need help: K25 retourne versus B25

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WKN

WKN

Member
Jan 23, 2019
649
5,309
#1
Dear all,

I've looked through the threads/posts in this forum, but I could not find any that truly help me with my dilemma.

(First-world) problem: I've been dreaming for a B25 in bleu lin PHW for some years now. Was told that one will be coming but I just found out that the chance is very slim now. However, I was informed and offered a K25 in bleu lin PHW instead - this bag will be coming soon to the store.

I love birkins because of easy access to bag content - and I really look forward to having a light blue B in my collection. I only have two Kellys - K28 and K35 - sellier. I hardly use them - I hate how it is hard to access things in those bags. I was told that it is easier for a K retourne. Is this true? All the posts that I've read so far focused on their look/aesthetics rather than function.

For those of you who have both Birkin 25 and Kelly 25 retourne - how do you feel about your bags? How about their functions? All things equal, would you consider a K25 retourne instead of holding on to a B25 (which may never arrive)? Same specs: 25, retourne, bleu lin, PHW, swift but different model.

Thank you so much for reading this and I really hope someone can help.
 
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#2
Birkins and Kellys are different bags
They are not alternatives
There common features are that they are made by Hermes and difficult to source
You don’t really like the Kelly Sellier
Retourne is not that much different
BUT you will have a chance to compare in real life
Just be on your guard that you are not seduced by the 'opportunity'
It is best not to compromise
 
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#4
I’ve always been a B girl and for K’s I always thought I’d only like the Sellier style. I have a K25 Sellier and in my opinion it’s not easy to get in and out of. It feels very stiff to me and therefore I don’t use it much.

I got a k25 in retourne and I love it so much more than the Sellier. It’s easier to get in and out the bag which makes me want to use the bag and I also like it because in my opinion it gives off a more casual vibe where I can use it as a daily bag. My bag is in Togo leather but I would imagine swift would be similar.

I love my B25’s too for the same reason but I have come to appreciate the shoulder strap of the Kelly. I’m so glad my SA showed me the K25 retourne since it was never on my wishlist. I think it’s worthwhile at least looking at the bag and trying it at the store.

There’s a YouTube channel called Dayle’s Addiction. She got the bag in the exact same specs you mentioned above and shares her opinion about the bag. She is fun to watch so maybe watch her videos. Blue Lin is such a beautiful color!! Wish you the best in whatever you decide!!
 
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#5
I am at the point where I will no longer accept any kelly over size 20, regardless of how beautiful they are, because they are just too darn fidgety to use! I know it’s tempting but I would highly advise to turn this down and wait for a Birkin instead. I think you’d regret the kelly purchase. (And especially as it’s swift in a lighter color, it probably won’t age well, the pockets may show through exterior, ripples from the weight of the top handle, etc. Check out pics of swift Kelly’s a few years on.)
 
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#6
Maj976201 said:
I’ve always been a B girl and for K’s I always thought I’d only like the Sellier style. I have a K25 Sellier and in my opinion it’s not easy to get in and out of. It feels very stiff to me and therefore I don’t use it much.

I got a k25 in retourne and I love it so much more than the Sellier. It’s easier to get in and out the bag which makes me want to use the bag and I also like it because in my opinion it gives off a more casual vibe where I can use it as a daily bag. My bag is in Togo leather but I would imagine swift would be similar.

I love my B25’s too for the same reason but I have come to appreciate the shoulder strap of the Kelly. I’m so glad my SA showed me the K25 retourne since it was never on my wishlist. I think it’s worthwhile at least looking at the bag and trying it at the store.

There’s a YouTube channel called Dayle’s Addiction. She got the bag in the exact same specs you mentioned above and shares her opinion about the bag. She is fun to watch so maybe watch her videos. Blue Lin is such a beautiful color!! Wish you the best in whatever you decide!!
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This! I share the same opinion.

The only difference is I’ve always been a K person. I always loved the sellier aesthetics.

I never thought I would love B, until I got my first B25. I love B’s easy access. However one time I went out an entire day with it and really wished it had a shoulder strap. Hand carrying B25 all day is tiring. The handle is too small to wear on the arm.

When I got a k25 retourne, I found it the best of both worlds: easy access + shoulder strap.
 
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#12
iseebearbears said:
I hate my K25 Retourne Gold on Gold:mad:. I wore it once and never again. I had so much trouble getting things in and out and I am not a fan of open Kellys. (Keeping it for my daughter when she gets older) I love my B25 so much that I want many more in that size!
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lol. Although I’m more a Kelly person but I get it.

@WKN

I think two points to consider:
1. Deep inside are you a K or B person. Im a k person to begin with, so I’ll put up with the closure. A retourne makes it easier than sellier but ultimately if someone hates fussing with the closure, k wouldn’t do.

2. How strong is your love for bleu Lin.. if you must own that color…. It could take a while for a b in the right size to show up. It’s by luck.
 
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#13
miss mitzi said:
lol. Although I’m more a Kelly person but I get it.

@WKN

I think two points to consider:
1. Deep inside are you a K or B person. Im a k person to begin with, so I’ll put up with the closure. A retourne makes it easier than sellier but ultimately if someone hates fussing with the closure, k wouldn’t do.

2. How strong is your love for bleu Lin.. if you must own that color…. It could take a while for a b in the right size to show up. It’s by luck.
Click to expand...
It's odd that I adore my MKII (Epsom Etoupe GHW), but that's more for cuteness than practicality anyway.
 
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#14
WKN said:
Dear all,

I've looked through the threads/posts in this forum, but I could not find any that truly help me with my dilemma.

(First-world) problem: I've been dreaming for a B25 in bleu lin PHW for some years now. Was told that one will be coming but I just found out that the chance is very slim now. However, I was informed and offered a K25 in bleu lin PHW instead - this bag will be coming soon to the store.

I love birkins because of easy access to bag content - and I really look forward to having a light blue B in my collection. I only have two Kellys - K28 and K35 - sellier. I hardly use them - I hate how it is hard to access things in those bags. I was told that it is easier for a K retourne. Is this true? All the posts that I've read so far focused on their look/aesthetics rather than function.

For those of you who have both Birkin 25 and Kelly 25 retourne - how do you feel about your bags? How about their functions? All things equal, would you consider a K25 retourne instead of holding on to a B25 (which may never arrive)? Same specs: 25, retourne, bleu lin, PHW, swift but different model.

Thank you so much for reading this and I really hope someone can help.
Click to expand...

I believe the answer is hidden in how much you desire it. I would never turn back from what I want, even if it were no longer attainable. (Because there is always a solution.)

On the other hand... b and k are completely different styles. In my opinion, they have separate areas of use. I don't yet own a k bag, but the b25 is a bag I can easily use and style both casually and chicly.
 
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#15
WKN said:
Dear all,

I've looked through the threads/posts in this forum, but I could not find any that truly help me with my dilemma.

(First-world) problem: I've been dreaming for a B25 in bleu lin PHW for some years now. Was told that one will be coming but I just found out that the chance is very slim now. However, I was informed and offered a K25 in bleu lin PHW instead - this bag will be coming soon to the store.

I love birkins because of easy access to bag content - and I really look forward to having a light blue B in my collection. I only have two Kellys - K28 and K35 - sellier. I hardly use them - I hate how it is hard to access things in those bags. I was told that it is easier for a K retourne. Is this true? All the posts that I've read so far focused on their look/aesthetics rather than function.

For those of you who have both Birkin 25 and Kelly 25 retourne - how do you feel about your bags? How about their functions? All things equal, would you consider a K25 retourne instead of holding on to a B25 (which may never arrive)? Same specs: 25, retourne, bleu lin, PHW, swift but different model.

Thank you so much for reading this and I really hope someone can help.
Click to expand...
I would hold on for the B25, perhaps being open to additional colours that are very similar to Bleu Lin. It sounds as if by offering the Kelly, your SA is offering you the best she can do in your dream colour.

Which is more important to you, the specific colour or the style of the bag? If it truly is the colour then consider the Kelly. But if you are a Birkin person in your heart, I think you might find a K25 even in retourné to be limiting. B25 also holds more (although you didn’t mention if this is relevant).

Good luck with the decision!
 
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