I have been looking at both the Kelly 25 in the more structured Sellier style and the reverse stitch Retourne. I don't know which would be better for my life style. What are people's experience?
Retourne vs. Sellier Kellys
- Thread starter birkincurious
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I have a K25 retourne and K28 sellier both in alligator. The sellier is harder to take things out and is more for formal occasions. I find the K25 retourne perfect for carrying daily because I like to use the top handle, which is bigger than the top handle on a B25. I don’t carry a lot. It fits my keys, card holder, winter gloves, sunglasses and phone.
Gorgeous bag! I have been carrying less in my bags too. Keys, credit cards, sunglasses, phone, lipstick and pen. I thought the rigid Sellier would keep its shape better, but honestly, I have been going to less formal events and when I do go, I carry a small metallic clutch with my evening gown.
Thank you. First, I was leaning to the classic Sellier, but then I had second thoughts because it is my first Kelly and my lifestyle is more casual now. I have had a Birkin 35 for years and I find I do not use it because now it is too big. I do own a Herbag 31 with black handle and black and off-white speckled body.
Any Kelly, be it Sellier or Retourne, is going to be a relatively formal conventional style handbag.
Sellier can be less easy to access, more noticeable in the smaller sizes.
I have a K28 seller crocodile and a K25 retourne Togo. I feel like my K25 fits more (even though it is smaller)and assumed it was because of the softness of the leather, but it may very well be just because it is retourne vs seller. I love the look of the exotic but my retourne is much more user- friendly for accessibility.
I can fit much more in my B25 than either Kelly, but I also feel like each of the 3 carries all of the essentials.
I used to just like the k25 sellier due to aesthetics, but the k25 retourne is just so easy to use everyday, and it has a strap! It's one of my most used bags. I do have a k25 sellier on the way, but don't count out the k25 retourne! It's also a great day to night bag.
I wear sellier Kelly bags and sellier birkins dressed up and casually. Depends on your aesthetic and style.
To me, esp. in sizes 25-32, they are bulky, so generally day bags. At night, I generally go to small
places where there is no room to stash a bag, even a size 25, so i keep a light, slim crossbody on or next to me.
32K sellier, box leather, prunier, brushed phw*
MKII, noir
25B sellier, gold
28K sellier, box leather, navy, brushed phw *
25K sellier, bleu orage
28 Kelly sellier, quadrille
So Kelly elan (28)
*brushed phw by @docride
ETA: Thanks for your kind comment below @Lady_P
All of mine have a strap. I tend to carry very little when I twist the turn lock. Occasionally for the 32K, I belt the straps under the flap. I can still get my hand inside the inner pocket for a card case or phone.
To me, esp. in sizes 25-32, they are bulky, so generally day bags. At night, I generally go to small
places where there is no room to stash a bag, even a size 25, so i keep a light, slim crossbody on or next to me.
32K sellier, box leather, prunier, brushed phw*
MKII, noir
25B sellier, gold
28K sellier, box leather, navy, brushed phw *
25K sellier, bleu orage
28 Kelly sellier, quadrille
So Kelly elan (28)
*brushed phw by @docride
ETA: Thanks for your kind comment below @Lady_P
All of mine have a strap. I tend to carry very little when I twist the turn lock. Occasionally for the 32K, I belt the straps under the flap. I can still get my hand inside the inner pocket for a card case or phone.
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Have you considered a B25 sellier?
It gives you the structured sellier aesthetic, looks nice paired with both formal outfits and casual outfits, and gives you ease of access to take your things in and out without hassle (since most people wear it open like @880, who models it beautifully above).
Of course you would lose out on having a strap but if that doesn’t bother you, it’s a nifty bag that’s great to have!
I think both can be worn casual or dressy…but I favor sellier when I carry top handle and retourne when I want to use the strap for shoulder or crossbody. Best of lucky!