Second Kelly or second Birkin?

[frenchcitygirl]

Hi everyone, I'm thinking about my next wishlist bag and wondering whether I should ask for my second Birkin or my second Kelly?

I already own a K25 and a B30, so either a K28 or a B35 would seem like good complements to my existing collection.

Any thoughts on which to go for?

If you're lucky to own several Kelly or Birkin bags, which do you seem to gravitate more towards? And do you prefer to stick for the size that works best for you, or see benefits in owning a range of sizes?

Look forward to everyone's thoughts xx

 

[Handbag1234]

I would see the different size bags in real life before you decide. From your options I’d go for a 28 kelly. But if you prefer Birkin, I’d consider a second Birkin 30 rather than a 35.

 

[saban]

This would depend on what I would want to use the bag for. If it is going to be in my regular rotation then I would get something similar to what I have size-wise. What I find (and this is just me) is that if I get a size that is either too big or too small compared to what I normally wear, then I usually don't wear it.

If you need the bag to be a specific size for a specific purpose (like a work bag), then get the size you think will best be able to fit all of your stuff.

Also take into consideration how heavy a bag will be depending on the leather. A bag isn't worth it if you can't carry it comfortably.

 

[cap4life]

Hi everyone, I'm thinking about my next wishlist bag and wondering whether I should ask for my second Birkin or my second Kelly?

I already own a K25 and a B30, so either a K28 or a B35 would seem like good complements to my existing collection.

Any thoughts on which to go for?

If you're lucky to own several Kelly or Birkin bags, which do you seem to gravitate more towards? And do you prefer to stick for the size that works best for you, or see benefits in owning a range of sizes?

Look forward to everyone's thoughts xx

If you’re posting this, you likely already have an idea of which one you’d like to go for next but you’re wondering how to validate that decision.

I agree with the other posters that you have to ask yourself some questions:

1.For what occasions will I use the bag? Casual day time events? Casual evening events? Work? Errands? A Birkin 35 and Kelly 28 are larger sizes so I lean toward reserving these for informal use. As a very general rule, the Birkin is more of a tote and works well when you need to carry larger (but not necessarily heavier) things. I’d use it for occassions where you’d typically carry a tote. You could also carry a Kelly retourne for these more casual purposes.

A Sellier Kelly, because of its top handle and trapezoidal silhouette, has a classic connotation and is better suited for scheduled events / outings. I’d carry a Birkin when shopping, running errands, to work, play date, meeting a friend for brunch, etc. I’d carry a Sellier Kelly when meeting a client for lunch, shopping, meeting friends for happy hour drinks, group brunch, and daytime events where I received an invite. This is all completely my opinion, YMMV.

2. What’s my personal style and what message am I trying to send when wearing this bag? This question is arguably more crucial than the first. For classic vintage silhouettes, structured outfits made from woven fabric and understated looks, I favor the Sellier. If you want to flex, go for another Birkin! Birkins and Retournes also go really well with more casual outfits made from knit-based fabric (most contemporary clothing).

3. What are my proportions? People talk a lot about height here but width also matters. Would a Birkin 35 / Kelly 28 sellier / Kelly 28 retourne make you look bulky or streamlined? Do you want it to blend in with your proportions or make a statement by contrasting with your proportions?

I wrote a lot, but I hope it helps. I left out considerations on leather and hardware, but these also matter.

 

[880]

If you’re posting this, you likely already have an idea of which one you’d like to go for next but you’re wondering how to validate that decision.

I agree with the other posters that you have to ask yourself some questions:

1.For what occasions will I use the bag? Casual day time events? Casual evening events? Work? Errands? A Birkin 35 and Kelly 28 are larger sizes so I lean toward reserving these for informal use. As a very general rule, the Birkin is more of a tote and works well when you need to carry larger (but not necessarily heavier) things. I’d use it for occassions where you’d typically carry a tote. You could also carry a Kelly retourne for these more casual purposes.

A Sellier Kelly, because of its top handle and trapezoidal silhouette, has a classic connotation and is better suited for scheduled events / outings. I’d carry a Birkin when shopping, running errands, to work, play date, meeting a friend for brunch, etc. I’d carry a Sellier Kelly when meeting a client for lunch, shopping, meeting friends for happy hour drinks, group brunch, and daytime events where I received an invite. This is all completely my opinion, YMMV.

2. What’s my personal style and what message am I trying to send when wearing this bag? This question is arguably more crucial than the first. For classic vintage silhouettes, structured outfits made from woven fabric and understated looks, I favor the Sellier. If you want to flex, go for another Birkin! Birkins and Retournes also go really well with more casual outfits made from knit-based fabric (most contemporary clothing).

3. What are my proportions? People talk a lot about height here but width also matters. Would a Birkin 35 / Kelly 28 sellier / Kelly 28 retourne make you look bulky or streamlined? Do you want it to blend in with your proportions or make a statement by contrasting with your proportions?

I wrote a lot, but I hope it helps. I left out considerations on leather and hardware, but these also matter.

+1. I personally gravitate towards B30 and K28 sellier based on what I carry; silhouette; and weight of the bag. I use the B30 more bc it’s a handcarry or arm slung open tote and a crossbody strap isn’t the best for RTW.

@frenchcitygirl, just saw your post below. My advice is go for what makes your heart sing, so B 35. But, prices for a B35 are falling (and IMO Hermes prices bottom out in the summer), so perhaps preloved authenticated might be an option to explore. To be honest, last year, I bought quite a bit preloved for between 5-7K USD each: two kelly 28, brushed phw; three B30s, plus some other bags, all structurally sound (box, barenia and Vache liegee) with great patina. While I have bought quota bags, RTW, house ware and other categories from the boutique, I really like preloved deals on heritage leather, patinated bags
Note : I am 5’2” and not petite like many on TPF. I’m a size 40F, size 6-8 US, and medium boned. A few pics with K28, B30 and B35. . . (B35 is quite large and heavy).
K28 sellier and retourne

B30

B35

 

[frenchcitygirl]

If you’re posting this, you likely already have an idea of which one you’d like to go for next but you’re wondering how to validate that decision.

I agree with the other posters that you have to ask yourself some questions:

1.For what occasions will I use the bag? Casual day time events? Casual evening events? Work? Errands? A Birkin 35 and Kelly 28 are larger sizes so I lean toward reserving these for informal use. As a very general rule, the Birkin is more of a tote and works well when you need to carry larger (but not necessarily heavier) things. I’d use it for occassions where you’d typically carry a tote. You could also carry a Kelly retourne for these more casual purposes.

A Sellier Kelly, because of its top handle and trapezoidal silhouette, has a classic connotation and is better suited for scheduled events / outings. I’d carry a Birkin when shopping, running errands, to work, play date, meeting a friend for brunch, etc. I’d carry a Sellier Kelly when meeting a client for lunch, shopping, meeting friends for happy hour drinks, group brunch, and daytime events where I received an invite. This is all completely my opinion, YMMV.

2. What’s my personal style and what message am I trying to send when wearing this bag? This question is arguably more crucial than the first. For classic vintage silhouettes, structured outfits made from woven fabric and understated looks, I favor the Sellier. If you want to flex, go for another Birkin! Birkins and Retournes also go really well with more casual outfits made from knit-based fabric (most contemporary clothing).

3. What are my proportions? People talk a lot about height here but width also matters. Would a Birkin 35 / Kelly 28 sellier / Kelly 28 retourne make you look bulky or streamlined? Do you want it to blend in with your proportions or make a statement by contrasting with your proportions?

I wrote a lot, but I hope it helps. I left out considerations on leather and hardware, but these also matter.

Ha! I love how you put it, you've seen right through me!

My head tells me to get a K28: it's the one I'll use the most as it's lighter, a size that works for everyday or for more formal occasions, and it's less recognisable versus a Birkin (which I see as a plus).

But my heart tells me to ask for a B35: I know it's on the larger and heavier side (I'm a slim 5'3"), but there's just something about its proportions that fill my heart with joy. It's honestly the bag I enjoy seeing the most on others...

As you say, leather and hardware also matter and in that respect: as smaller bags are more popular, perhaps it would be easier to get the exact specs I'm after for a B35 vs. for a K28 Sellier?

 

[cap4life]

Ha! I love how you put it, you've seen right through me!

My head tells me to get a K28: it's the one I'll use the most as it's lighter, a size that works for everyday or for more formal occasions, and it's less recognisable versus a Birkin (which I see as a plus).

But my heart tells me to ask for a B35: I know it's on the larger and heavier side (I'm a slim 5'3"), but there's just something about its proportions that fill my heart with joy. It's honestly the bag I enjoy seeing the most on others...

As you say, leather and hardware also matter and in that respect: as smaller bags are more popular, perhaps it would be easier to get the exact specs I'm after for a B35 vs. for a K28 Sellier?

Haha it’s hard to make these decisions when you’re in your own head, I know all too well! It really seems like you want the B35. I think you would likely regret it if it was offered to you but you passed it up in favor of the more “practical” option. After the year we’ve all been through, I say go with your heart!

 

[MaryAndDogs]

Is there a handbag that you reach for more often than another?

If you do not have a strong preference, from what you wrote, Kelly 28 would fit you perfectly I am 168 cm and I think Kelly 28 makes a fantastic day to night handbag. B35 (which I also love!) would be definitely just a day bag and much heavier than all other options you mentioned.

 

[MaryAndDogs]

Ha! I love how you put it, you've seen right through me!

My head tells me to get a K28: it's the one I'll use the most as it's lighter, a size that works for everyday or for more formal occasions, and it's less recognisable versus a Birkin (which I see as a plus).

But my heart tells me to ask for a B35: I know it's on the larger and heavier side (I'm a slim 5'3"), but there's just something about its proportions that fill my heart with joy. It's honestly the bag I enjoy seeing the most on others...

As you say, leather and hardware also matter and in that respect: as smaller bags are more popular, perhaps it would be easier to get the exact specs I'm after for a B35 vs. for a K28 Sellier?

Good luck making your decision. But I think your head is right

 

[Handbag1234]

Ha! I love how you put it, you've seen right through me!

My head tells me to get a K28: it's the one I'll use the most as it's lighter, a size that works for everyday or for more formal occasions, and it's less recognisable versus a Birkin (which I see as a plus).

But my heart tells me to ask for a B35: I know it's on the larger and heavier side (I'm a slim 5'3"), but there's just something about its proportions that fill my heart with joy. It's honestly the bag I enjoy seeing the most on others...

As you say, leather and hardware also matter and in that respect: as smaller bags are more popular, perhaps it would be easier to get the exact specs I'm after for a B35 vs. for a K28 Sellier?

I always bought a 35 B’s as they were the classic Birkin and larger bags were in. However, since buying a 30 B I have realised the 35 is too big and sold all mine. I’m taller than you at 5’7” too. I find the 30 B much better, lighter but still fits a lot.

 

[WhiteBus]

Is there a reason a Constance, equally desirable and prestigious, is not up for consideration?
That would complete your Hermes Trinity collection before you start to duplicate.
It would give other options to complement what you already have.

 

[tonkamama]

@cap4life

I just wanted to add my personal experience with b35....I am slightly taller 5’7” on the slim side and honestly I felt I was lifting weight during my shopping trips, constantly switched hands, arms to carry my B35 which the bag was pretty much empty (I don’t carry much) it was super heavy ... I love the size but not the weight of it, on the other hand I am very happy with my B30.

Ha! I love how you put it, you've seen right through me!

My head tells me to get a K28: it's the one I'll use the most as it's lighter, a size that works for everyday or for more formal occasions, and it's less recognisable versus a Birkin (which I see as a plus).

But my heart tells me to ask for a B35: I know it's on the larger and heavier side (I'm a slim 5'3"), but there's just something about its proportions that fill my heart with joy. It's honestly the bag I enjoy seeing the most on others...

As you say, leather and hardware also matter and in that respect: as smaller bags are more popular, perhaps it would be easier to get the exact specs I'm after for a B35 vs. for a K28 Sellier?

 

[loh]

I would go with a K28. I echo the sentiments above that it's more versatile and easier to carry than the B35. I have a B35 but only really use it when we travel, which sadly hasn't been much lately. I'm 5'2" thereabouts (on a good day) and find that my B35 is a bit much for everyday as it can get quite heavy even being chevre. But if you're looking for a bag to fill the travel role then go with the B35. I would go with @880 and look at pre-loved as prices for that size are pretty reasonable.

 

[frenchcitygirl]

Is there a handbag that you reach for more often than another?

If you do not have a strong preference, from what you wrote, Kelly 28 would fit you perfectly I am 168 cm and I think Kelly 28 makes a fantastic day to night handbag. B35 (which I also love!) would be definitely just a day bag and much heavier than all other options you mentioned.

I definitely reach for the K25 more!

Is there a reason a Constance, equally desirable and prestigious, is not up for consideration?
That would complete your Hermes Trinity collection before you start to duplicate.
It would give other options to complement what you already have.

That was my initial thinking actually, but for no particular reason, I'm happy to wait a bit longer for my first Constance. Guess I'm enjoying the B and K a little too much!

 

[frenchcitygirl]

+1. I personally gravitate towards B30 and K28 sellier based on what I carry; silhouette; and weight of the bag. I use the B30 more bc it’s a handcarry or arm slung open tote and a crossbody strap isn’t the best for RTW.

@frenchcitygirl, just saw your post below. My advice is go for what makes your heart sing, so B 35. But, prices for a B35 are falling (and IMO Hermes prices bottom out in the summer), so perhaps preloved authenticated might be an option to explore. To be honest, last year, I bought quite a bit preloved for between 5-7K USD each: two kelly 28, brushed phw; three B30s, plus some other bags, all structurally sound (box, barenia and Vache liegee) with great patina. While I have bought quota bags, RTW, house ware and other categories from the boutique, I really like preloved deals on heritage leather, patinated bags
Note : I am 5’2” and not petite like many on TPF. I’m a size 40F, size 6-8 US, and medium boned. A few pics with K28, B30 and B35. . . (B35 is quite large and heavy).
K28 sellier and retourne
View attachment 5089245View attachment 5089262View attachment 5089260
B30
View attachment 5089267 View attachment 5089269
B35
View attachment 5089228View attachment 5089263

Awesome photos and very helpful, thank you for sharing! The B35 in canvas is particularly fabulous!