Second Kelly or not?

[fashionfriends]

Hello and happy new year fashion friends!

I have a dilemma and I wanted to get your opinion on it. I like to think of myself of somewhat of a minimalist and I only really want to collect one of each bag. Got my Birkin offer last year and was patiently waiting for a K28. Then I recently came across a vintage K32 in box calf in an exceptionally good price so I snagged it. But I still have a longing for an in-store Kelly offer and a Kelly in size 28. Should I settle since I already have a K32 and it's sufficient? Or should I also try to get a K28 store offer?

Reasons why I want the K28:

• I want a smaller sized Kelly for more formal occasions (but how often do I actually attend them? rarely)
• I want a Kelly in a more robust leather like togo as an alternative to the box leather
• I love the in-store feeling of getting offered and feeling special (sorry just being frank ;P)
• The Kelly prices keep going up and I fear that if I don't buy it I will "regret" it one day and buy one later down the road at a higher price?

Reasons why I am hesitating:

• Already have a K32 and I know that the Kelly style isn't the one I tend to go for most. I like casual slouchy bags so I'm usually reaching for my Picotin or Evelyne. Even my Birkin only gets a few days of wear per year. And I prefer the Birkin to the Kelly.
• I'm not really a shoulder bag kind of girl and I find the closure on the Kelly too fussy
• There is really no color that I need in a bag. I have all my colors covered now too so I'll probably duplicate and ask for a Kelly in black or etoupe...
• The price - it's a lot to pay for a bag that I'll use only a handful of times per year (but some argue it's an "investment"...) hmm..

Would love to hear your thoughts! Thanks for reading!

 

[papertiger]

Often the ideals we have of ourselves (or our wardrobe) are just too strict for reality.

The reality is you know you're not really a K woman (Reasons why I am hesitating) but now you're thinking of have not only having one Kelly but two. Maybe you couldn't resist the Box Kelly 32 because of the price, but you're not using it - is that minimalism?. Minimalism isn't having someone else's dream collection.

I don't think you should be so hard and fast on yourself. If you can afford it, ask for K28 in an appropriate colour for what you want it for. I don't think you will really know if you'll like and use a bag unless it's in a usable form and you've tried it (and for you that's the size/leather difference).

Firstly, you can always turn K28 down, the next person i'n the queue' will be thrilled, and secondly, if it works for you, you can always sell the 32 if you decide one K is enough.

 

[Purseloco]

I would make the decision knowing that your taste in bags may change as time passes.

 

[880]

Sounds like you should get the precise kelly that you want and possibly sell the 32 box kelly.
I get my box leather conditioned and weatherproofed by third party professional, but that’s just me.
I buy both boutique and resale, and I use both H spa and third party spa.
I have a boutique togo B30 that I think looks a bit dry (but isn’t; that’s just how some new togo looks)
I don’t see an issue with having more than one bag of the same style in different leathers, colors, or sizes, but there is no point, IMO, unless you use the bags

 

[jellyv]

I don't understand not being thrilled to pieces with whatever expensive bag I buy--the bag, not the one day you get fussed over (or whatever) in store. Especially with something as wonderful as a Kelly in a classic size. Could this be a theoretical want of a bag? (The fact that you use your Birkin a few days in a year is equally befuddling.) Why spend the dough and not get the benefit of usage? Doesn't seem minimalist at all, if that should mean getting by with careful picking to suit your needs and sticking with that. But of course, you don't have to be chained by that self-description.

I guess I'm not understanding what you wish to accomplish in a bag wardrobe.

 

[CrackBerryCream]

If you get a longer canvas strap you can wear the Kelly(s) crossbody. I ordered my first H bag (K32 in box like you) in 2008 and got it in 2010. I wore it a few times per year only, but never thought about selling because I knew one day I would have a different lifestyle. Back then I needed to fit A4 documents and sometimes a laptop... not the case anymore. It still took until 2022, until I got a crossbody strap from Etsy to actually wear it regularly and I am very glad I bought and kept it. The prices aren't going down.

So I'd say if you find one that makes your heart sing (whatever colour that may be) and you won't miss the money for anything else, get it!

 

[880]

this be a theoretical want of a bag

This will be added into my list of questions to self when I am contemplating a purchase

Thank you!

 

[azukitea]

I think it is ok if your box kelly 32 is sellier and the togo K you are thinking to get will be retourne, they will look and feel different to carry them
Also just to note K28 and K32 capacity wise is relatively similar, and personally, for size, I dont think K28 is "formal" enough for events

 

[papertiger]

I think it is ok if your box kelly 32 is sellier and the togo K you are thinking to get will be retourne, they will look and feel different to carry them
Also just to note K28 and K32 capacity wise is relatively similar, and personally, for size, I dont think K28 is "formal" enough for events

ITA with this, both seem day bag size, the choice between a 32 or 28 is much more about how it looks on the person.

 

[Daydrmer]

What are your reasons to keep the Box K32?

 

[880]

I find the closure on the Kelly too fussy

The price - it's a lot to pay for a bag that I'll use only a handful of times per year (but some argue it's an "investment".

I would use the 32K you have currently if only to determine if the K closure is too fussy for you

I would never buy a bag as an investment or FOMO

JMO

ETA: better to figure this out before you purchase a boutique togo 25 or 28K

 

[antschulina]

I agree with most contributions from above: You should get your dream Kelly! Here are also my 2 cents on minimalism, versatility and rare occasions to use bags:
- Minimalism is great in theory, but not realistic in practice. In our lifes, we have different roles, situations, challenges, transitions, ... you name it. Life is a process, and doesn't fit in a rigid or static concept. Here is an example. Let's think that you need a proper work bag. You might buy a designer work bag. A few months later, you might change jobs and start using a non-designer bag to be under radar. Also, outside work life, you will enjoy smaller bags for holidays or weekends, clutches for special occasions, wallets on chains for trips... That being said, having a few options is always helpful and makes you ready for those life events! And you can create a small collection, where you combine high-street bags, bags from premier designers and from contemporary designers.
- Bag versatility is something that "fits everything and nothing". You might say, a black bag is resistant for all weathers, and fits with all outfits. But then, after using it over and over again, you realise that it partly fits, and a different colour or design would fit better. You also realise that you want something new, something fresh, and something that works specifically in winter (/summer, /holiday, /formal occasion, /big bag, /party bag...). And there you go! You realize that every bag has its advantages and disadvantages, and no bag is perfectly versatile. It is true that there are criteria that make a bag more versatile than others, such as bags that don't get scratched or dirty, medium bags. But it doesn't mean that you should never buy a non-versatile bag (i.e. white or light coloured bag, a bag that scratches easily, or a bag you have to baby). This is why it is great to buy a few versatile bags, and use them a lot. But also buy those non-versatile bags, because they make you happy and are used to create new fun memories.
- Using bags on rare occasions is actually not a reason to not buy them if you use a bag a few times per year, you also preserve it and it doesn't get damaged, as compared to bags you use every day and in every weather. Rare occasions are actually good for the bag!

I really hope that those ideas help you make the right choice. Life is short. We need to seek for happiness, because it won't fall from above.

 

[fashionfriends]

Hello, thank you all for the insight. It gave me a lot to think about. I guess it doesn't really hurt to ask for the bag and wait for the allocation and to see whether I actually like the bag once I see it in person.

 

[WhiteBus]

I don't see the point in arbitrary limitations.
If you want to play the minimalist card then it should be one smart handbag; one tote; on clutch.
I expect you are already over that if you include all the bags in your wardrobe.
Let's get the 'investment' argument out of the way.
In some circumstances it is possible to resell an item for a quick profit.
In fashion terms 'investment' means buying something now that you will use for a long time; as the years pass by it would become increasingly expensive to purchase - hence 'investment' in that you will be saving future money.
You have hit the nail, of your lack of enthusiasm for the Kelly, on the head for so many reasons, I don't know why you want one at all.
If you hanker after the in-store Kelly purchase experience, why not go for something else in the Kelly family, like a wallet.

 

[WhiteBus]

If you get a longer canvas strap you can wear the Kelly(s) crossbody. I ordered my first H bag (K32 in box like you) in 2008 and got it in 2010. I wore it a few times per year only, but never thought about selling because I knew one day I would have a different lifestyle. Back then I needed to fit A4 documents and sometimes a laptop... not the case anymore. It still took until 2022, until I got a crossbody strap from Etsy to actually wear it regularly and I am very glad I bought and kept it. The prices aren't going down.

So I'd say if you find one that makes your heart sing (whatever colour that may be) and you won't miss the money for anything else, get it!

This is fashion investment.