Ode to Barenia - please show your bags and accessories :o)

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#947
catsinthebag said:
Sounds like you and I are in a similar dilemna here -- I'm thinking, pre-loved barenia could be very cool and worry-free since it's already patina'd so some dings wouldn't bother me. I think. But I'm not sure. And not sure how to know without trying it out. I do know I couldn't do new barenia -- it scratches and marks every time you practically breathe on it!

This doesn't help with your question of whether to go with barenia or not, but if the back seat of the car with a sudden stop causes things to go flying, how about a Victoria? Easy access but you can zip it shut when you need to. Just thinking' ...
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THANK YOU for your time and thoughts. This is such a silly thing to be so consumed with, but my bag is a tool I need to function effectively. I am with you, would prefer not to buy new, Kelly does not seem easy enough to get in and out of, and I would be guilty of leaving it open. I think Bolide may be too difficult for me to access. I have to admit though, I think I have my heart set on a Birkin. So, gotta find a leather - light weight, color (that will be the last consideration) that is a work horse. Thanks again, I value your input. Best
 
#948
bjostone said:
Perhaps some additional thoughts. I need a "new" (pre-loved is fine) everyday bag. Birkin 35 is great for me. I was thinking Barenia, love the color, the casual vibe, and thought that if I bought preloved than I would not get upset when she received an injury. But now, am not so sure.........I do not change my bags on a weekly basis, and my entire family is always going in and out of my stuff......not limited to handbags............ GRRRRRRRR....any thoughts? I need easy access 'cause I never find my phone, or my keys, etc.........but yet I usually keep "her" in the back seat of the car so that if I come to a sudden stop everything still manages to be contained............. help! Noted, this is not one of life's major events here..............but Valentine's Day is approaching, and I believe a holiday should not go to waste........
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catsinthebag said:
Well, if I get one, it will be pre-loved, and I prefer retourne, especially in this very casual leather. I'm not even going to try to get a new one -- somehow with box and barenia, I think I'll be more comfortable with some patina already in place!

Ladies you are presenting some difficulties here. You really have to love the leather. It is something else. So thick and firm, so strong feeling. Waxy and velvety at the same time. I can't imagine a cooler Kelly catsinthebag. In my opinion, she would be cool and a statement--but I don't see "casual," I see stinkin' cool/chic--confident. bjostone, I am thinking about others in and out of your Birkin and worry about their nails, keys, whatever. I am careful with mine but the tucked in flap has taken a bit more than other parts. But again, maybe the preloved is the key?

I wonder how long a Barenia has to be carried to be "preloved?" Mine is almost a year old and I have carried her cumulatively maybe 6 months and she still looks brand new to me.
Any insight from others?

My point is, if the bag is 5 years, preloved, is she then "weathered" against scratches in a way that will make her a perfect choice for you girls? Such decisions....:hugs:
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#950
sparklelisab said:
catsinthebag said:
Well, if I get one, it will be pre-loved, and I prefer retourne, especially in this very casual leather. I'm not even going to try to get a new one -- somehow with box and barenia, I think I'll be more comfortable with some patina already in place!

Ladies you are presenting some difficulties here. You really have to love the leather. It is something else. So thick and firm, so strong feeling. Waxy and velvety at the same time. I can't imagine a cooler Kelly catsinthebag. In my opinion, she would be cool and a statement--but I don't see "casual," I see stinkin' cool/chic--confident. bjostone, I am thinking about others in and out of your Birkin and worry about their nails, keys, whatever. I am careful with mine but the tucked in flap has taken a bit more than other parts. But again, maybe the preloved is the key?

I wonder how long a Barenia has to be carried to be "preloved?" Mine is almost a year old and I have carried her cumulatively maybe 6 months and she still looks brand new to me.
Any insight from others?

My point is, if the bag is 5 years, preloved, is she then "weathered" against scratches in a way that will make her a perfect choice for you girls? Such decisions....:hugs:
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"Stinkin' cool/chic -- confident" -- now, that is a look I'd love to have! Sparklelisab, it's interesting to me that barenia doesn't read "casual" to you -- just shows how different leathers translate differently to each of us. Or maybe I wasn't being completely accurate -- I meant casual compared to, say a Kelly in box leather, which I think of as more dressy/formal, although so many ladies can rock box casually.

I'd also love to hear how long it takes for Barenia to really develop a patina. The one I'm looking at is over 10 years old and looks to have a good patina. I don't need a perfect bag, but want it to either look new or well-patina'd -- I don't think I'd handle the transition, where the leather looks new but every ding and scratch shows, very well. Do you use your bag every day, or withhold it from the elements or places where it could get knocked around?
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#952
catsinthebag said:
sparklelisab said:
"Stinkin' cool/chic -- confident" -- now, that is a look I'd love to have! Sparklelisab, it's interesting to me that barenia doesn't read "casual" to you -- just shows how different leathers translate differently to each of us. Or maybe I wasn't being completely accurate -- I meant casual compared to, say a Kelly in box leather, which I think of as more dressy/formal, although so many ladies can rock box casually.

I'd also love to hear how long it takes for Barenia to really develop a patina. The one I'm looking at is over 10 years old and looks to have a good patina. I don't need a perfect bag, but want it to either look new or well-patina'd -- I don't think I'd handle the transition, where the leather looks new but every ding and scratch shows, very well. Do you use your bag every day, or withhold it from the elements or places where it could get knocked around?
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If you dont speed up the patina by adding oil(s) it will take a long time for barenia to get the well loved look, 10 years maybe?
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#953
catsinthebag said:
sparklelisab said:
"Stinkin' cool/chic -- confident" -- now, that is a look I'd love to have! Sparklelisab, it's interesting to me that barenia doesn't read "casual" to you -- just shows how different leathers translate differently to each of us. Or maybe I wasn't being completely accurate -- I meant casual compared to, say a Kelly in box leather, which I think of as more dressy/formal, although so many ladies can rock box casually.

I'd also love to hear how long it takes for Barenia to really develop a patina. The one I'm looking at is over 10 years old and looks to have a good patina. I don't need a perfect bag, but want it to either look new or well-patina'd -- I don't think I'd handle the transition, where the leather looks new but every ding and scratch shows, very well. Do you use your bag every day, or withhold it from the elements or places where it could get knocked around?
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cats, this is an interesting conversation to me and yes, we all translate differently. You are right in that barenia is more casual than box leather--I do see the skins that way. But I am making things extra difficult in that I just cannot ever see a Kelly worn casually that is not simply outstanding chic and cool. It can never be casual in my book. This more accurately portrays what I was stammering with last night. An Evelyne is casual. Period. A Kelly? Okay---but over the top fabulous chic. You were asking about leather and I jumped to style. Sorry. Big Dork here.

But while box is dressier, it too is delicate and you would have to be just as careful with a preloved girl.

I have used my barenia for only about 6 months and am very careful with her. She took a tumble in the car and I pulled over and checked her out. I couldn't have her where people place their feet! I guess I am freakish slightly. She got caught in the rain with me twice. The first time, I brushed her off but missed a BIG raindrop. I snapped a pic and sent to an H friend who cried with me. Ha. It dried completely. The second rain was just a few days ago and I simply wiped her off with a tissue. No biggie.

The feel of barenia is to TDF. Smell? Honestly, my Togos smell just as delicious. Look? Cannot compare. Good luck my friend. Sorry to be so dang long winded. xo
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#954
sparklelisab said:
catsinthebag said:
cats, this is an interesting conversation to me and yes, we all translate differently. You are right in that barenia is more casual than box leather--I do see the skins that way. But I am making things extra difficult in that I just cannot ever see a Kelly worn casually that is not simply outstanding chic and cool. It can never be casual in my book. This more accurately portrays what I was stammering with last night. An Evelyne is casual. Period. A Kelly? Okay---but over the top fabulous chic. You were asking about leather and I jumped to style. Sorry. Big Dork here.

But while box is dressier, it too is delicate and you would have to be just as careful with a preloved girl.

I have used my barenia for only about 6 months and am very careful with her. She took a tumble in the car and I pulled over and checked her out. I couldn't have her where people place their feet! I guess I am freakish slightly. She got caught in the rain with me twice. The first time, I brushed her off but missed a BIG raindrop. I snapped a pic and sent to an H friend who cried with me. Ha. It dried completely. The second rain was just a few days ago and I simply wiped her off with a tissue. No biggie.

The feel of barenia is to TDF. Smell? Honestly, my Togos smell just as delicious. Look? Cannot compare. Good luck my friend. Sorry to be so dang long winded. xo
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thank you Sparklelisab and Cats. My H bags never go out in rain or snow. If the weather appears non-H friendly, I just take something else that may look odd, but that is just me. I think that I would suffer with a new Barenia, and the best route for me is the pre-loved. I usually have a human (or a dog(s)) in the front seat of my car, and unfortunately my bag is chauffeured (sp?) in the back. Although I hate having kids go into my things, looking for their things, I will not have this "pleasure" for many more years, so I keep reminding myself how quickly the years go, and these inconveniences will be gone. As a result of your very helpful input I am gonna keep my eye-balls out for a pre-loved Barenia. A gal who has paid her dues, but these are her badges of courage, she is a bit worn but yet willing, ready and able to go................matter of fact, she wants to keep on dancin' !

Last question, and this may be stupid. I have looked at the thread re: leathers, and it is my understanding (or misunderstanding) that barenia comes in different colors. Is the FAUVE the color that patinizes (sp) into that wonderful golden color? Is Fauve the same as natural? Also, I cannot recall, but I think Barenia comes in colors other than the gold/browns. Yes? or am I confusing this with Box. Maybe a different color of Barenia would be more useful for my purpose. Since I know these bags are in great demand, I will just have to be patient and start my search, who knows what could be around the next corner? Again, thank you for your time, efforts and thoughts helping me with this decision. It is greatly appreciated, BEST. BTW, if it seems I am going to do something foolish, or stupid, please tell me. I am always thankful for constructive criticism or input.
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#955
sparklelisab said:
catsinthebag said:
cats, this is an interesting conversation to me and yes, we all translate differently. You are right in that barenia is more casual than box leather--I do see the skins that way. But I am making things extra difficult in that I just cannot ever see a Kelly worn casually that is not simply outstanding chic and cool. It can never be casual in my book. This more accurately portrays what I was stammering with last night. An Evelyne is casual. Period. A Kelly? Okay---but over the top fabulous chic. You were asking about leather and I jumped to style. Sorry. Big Dork here.

But while box is dressier, it too is delicate and you would have to be just as careful with a preloved girl.

I have used my barenia for only about 6 months and am very careful with her. She took a tumble in the car and I pulled over and checked her out. I couldn't have her where people place their feet! I guess I am freakish slightly. She got caught in the rain with me twice. The first time, I brushed her off but missed a BIG raindrop. I snapped a pic and sent to an H friend who cried with me. Ha. It dried completely. The second rain was just a few days ago and I simply wiped her off with a tissue. No biggie.

The feel of barenia is to TDF. Smell? Honestly, my Togos smell just as delicious. Look? Cannot compare. Good luck my friend. Sorry to be so dang long winded. xo
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Lisa, I love conversations like this, so I guess you can add me to the Big Dork Club! I totally get what you're saying about the Kelly -- there is no better-looking bag on the planet, IMO. It just elevates everything, regardless of the leather. One of my favorite photos is of Renee Zellweger wearing a black croc Kelly with faded jeans -- I don't even really like exotics, but she looks perfect.

Anyway, a few months ago I got my first Kelly, in Box. I love her, but I have put myself in the bind of getting a bag that I'm afraid to use in the rain or snow. In New England. In winter. I know Togo would be fine, and lovely, but I just can't get excited about it. I thought your "cannot compare" comment interesting on that front. So glad to hear your barenia bag has gotten wet without incident. I don't mind patina, but in my mind, Box is supposed to look perfect, where Barenia looks best broken in. Does that make sense? Just didn't want to go for a bag where the leather and bag don't match, if you know what I mean. Like an Evelyne in box or croc wouldn't look right to me (I doubt they even make these!) But I love the Kelly, and I am NOT fancy, so I'm trying to find what works. Thanks so much for your comments!
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#956
bjostone said:
sparklelisab said:
thank you Sparklelisab and Cats. My H bags never go out in rain or snow. If the weather appears non-H friendly, I just take something else that may look odd, but that is just me. I think that I would suffer with a new Barenia, and the best route for me is the pre-loved. I usually have a human (or a dog(s)) in the front seat of my car, and unfortunately my bag is chauffeured (sp?) in the back. Although I hate having kids go into my things, looking for their things, I will not have this "pleasure" for many more years, so I keep reminding myself how quickly the years go, and these inconveniences will be gone. As a result of your very helpful input I am gonna keep my eye-balls out for a pre-loved Barenia. A gal who has paid her dues, but these are her badges of courage, she is a bit worn but yet willing, ready and able to go................matter of fact, she wants to keep on dancin' !

Last question, and this may be stupid. I have looked at the thread re: leathers, and it is my understanding (or misunderstanding) that barenia comes in different colors. Is the FAUVE the color that patinizes (sp) into that wonderful golden color? Is Fauve the same as natural? Also, I cannot recall, but I think Barenia comes in colors other than the gold/browns. Yes? or am I confusing this with Box. Maybe a different color of Barenia would be more useful for my purpose. Since I know these bags are in great demand, I will just have to be patient and start my search, who knows what could be around the next corner? Again, thank you for your time, efforts and thoughts helping me with this decision. It is greatly appreciated, BEST. BTW, if it seems I am going to do something foolish, or stupid, please tell me. I am always thankful for constructive criticism or input.
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Yes to the bolder part -- I think you summed that up perfectly!

And, in answer to your question, I am no Barenia expert, but from what I've seen, Barenia comes in Fauve (which is the same as natural but NOT the same as Vache Natural), as well as black, ebene, navy (not the H color name but there has been a dark blue), and vert olive. There may be others as well. There are some pics way back in the first several pages of this thread. No idea if the colors aside from Fauve and Black are still made, but they must pop up on the resale market.

And gosh, I wish there was a way the bag-slap emoticon would automatically appear whenever I was about to do something foolish or stupid! It's so hard to know what to do sometimes, when you're basing decisions on photos and a good dose of H-craziness! I usually want my stuff to look pristine, but I love the look of barenia, so it's not always easy to know what to do. And it is so hard to be carefree when the prices -- even the pre-loved ones -- are so high!
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#957
catsinthebag said:
bjostone said:
Yes to the bolder part -- I think you summed that up perfectly!

And, in answer to your question, I am no Barenia expert, but from what I've seen, Barenia comes in Fauve (which is the same as natural but NOT the same as Vache Natural), as well as black, ebene, navy (not the H color name but there has been a dark blue), and vert olive. There may be others as well. There are some pics way back in the first several pages of this thread. No idea if the colors aside from Fauve and Black are still made, but they must pop up on the resale market.

And gosh, I wish there was a way the bag-slap emoticon would automatically appear whenever I was about to do something foolish or stupid! It's so hard to know what to do sometimes, when you're basing decisions on photos and a good dose of H-craziness! I usually want my stuff to look pristine, but I love the look of barenia, so it's not always easy to know what to do. And it is so hard to be carefree when the prices -- even the pre-loved ones -- are so high!
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Thank you!
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#958
bjostone said:
sparklelisab said:
thank you Sparklelisab and Cats. My H bags never go out in rain or snow. If the weather appears non-H friendly, I just take something else that may look odd, but that is just me. I think that I would suffer with a new Barenia, and the best route for me is the pre-loved. I usually have a human (or a dog(s)) in the front seat of my car, and unfortunately my bag is chauffeured (sp?) in the back. Although I hate having kids go into my things, looking for their things, I will not have this "pleasure" for many more years, so I keep reminding myself how quickly the years go, and these inconveniences will be gone. As a result of your very helpful input I am gonna keep my eye-balls out for a pre-loved Barenia. A gal who has paid her dues, but these are her badges of courage, she is a bit worn but yet willing, ready and able to go................matter of fact, she wants to keep on dancin' !

Last question, and this may be stupid. I have looked at the thread re: leathers, and it is my understanding (or misunderstanding) that barenia comes in different colors. Is the FAUVE the color that patinizes (sp) into that wonderful golden color? Is Fauve the same as natural? Also, I cannot recall, but I think Barenia comes in colors other than the gold/browns. Yes? or am I confusing this with Box. Maybe a different color of Barenia would be more useful for my purpose. Since I know these bags are in great demand, I will just have to be patient and start my search, who knows what could be around the next corner? Again, thank you for your time, efforts and thoughts helping me with this decision. It is greatly appreciated, BEST. BTW, if it seems I am going to do something foolish, or stupid, please tell me. I am always thankful for constructive criticism or input.
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catsinthebag said:
bjostone said:
Yes to the bolder part -- I think you summed that up perfectly!

And, in answer to your question, I am no Barenia expert, but from what I've seen, Barenia comes in Fauve (which is the same as natural but NOT the same as Vache Natural), as well as black, ebene, navy (not the H color name but there has been a dark blue), and vert olive. There may be others as well. There are some pics way back in the first several pages of this thread. No idea if the colors aside from Fauve and Black are still made, but they must pop up on the resale market.

And gosh, I wish there was a way the bag-slap emoticon would automatically appear whenever I was about to do something foolish or stupid! It's so hard to know what to do sometimes, when you're basing decisions on photos and a good dose of H-craziness! I usually want my stuff to look pristine, but I love the look of barenia, so it's not always easy to know what to do. And it is so hard to be carefree when the prices -- even the pre-loved ones -- are so high!
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Hello my "big dork" sisters. bjostone, I felt you would take no offense to being in the club...
I too am not a barenia expert as DocRide just listed a beauty on ebay this morning and it looks like barenia to me, but she calls it "saddle leather." Check it out if you need a 40.

Hahha--"bag slap emotion." I need a "silk slap emotion" more as they feel affordable in comparison to a bag but dang they add up fast!!

Cats--we have moved into a kelly discussion and I am no expert on kellys as I do not even own one yet---I am a birkin girl right now but my kelly will be here shortly. So excited. You are right about box. She is not a knock around girl, BUT, it's all how you see it. I have a friend who does carry a beat up box kelly around for everyday use. I guess it is just the transitional part that is hard so preloved is the way to go. And, imo, Togo leather is the best! Love it. Anyway, I don't want to be off topic anymore--maybe you should take this to the kelly thread? I will watch and learn too. :hugs:
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#959
sparklelisab said:
bjostone said:
catsinthebag said:
Hello my "big dork" sisters. bjostone, I felt you would take no offense to being in the club...
I too am not a barenia expert as DocRide just listed a beauty on ebay this morning and it looks like barenia to me, but she calls it "saddle leather." Check it out if you need a 40.

Hahha--"bag slap emotion." I need a "silk slap emotion" more as they feel affordable in comparison to a bag but dang they add up fast!!

Cats--we have moved into a kelly discussion and I am no expert on kellys as I do not even own one yet---I am a birkin girl right now but my kelly will be here shortly. So excited. You are right about box. She is not a knock around girl, BUT, it's all how you see it. I have a friend who does carry a beat up box kelly around for everyday use. I guess it is just the transitional part that is hard so preloved is the way to go. And, imo, Togo leather is the best! Love it. Anyway, I don't want to be off topic anymore--maybe you should take this to the kelly thread? I will watch and learn too. :hugs:
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I take it as an honor of the highest order to be invited to join the "BIG DORK" sisters, THANK YOU! I will check out the listing from DocRide, thanks for the "heads up". I have been reading about Barenia on the internet, and get confused between all the different leathers, Veau, Vachette.....? But hopefully, like a Barenia patina, my knowledge will develop...................somewhere I saw a beautiful box kelly.........maybe DocRide? Ebay? If i can find it again would anyone like me to PM them? I am attempting (notice I said "attempting" - really trying here) to be discrete.

HAPPY DANCE, HAPPY DANCE, HAPPPY DANCE to be invited into the "Big Dork" sisters club!
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